We're Off!

Tonight the house is a mess, stacks of clothes are everywhere, the suitcase is flapped open, grocery bags are spilling their contents all over the counters, trash cans are full, the carpet is covered in pine needles, and the girls' Christmas dresses are wrinkly. But in just a few hours we'll all be sleeping soundly. The dresses will have been ironed, the carpet vacuumed, the trash cans emptied, the suitcase and cooler packed, and everything will more-or-less be in its rightful place. And then we'll wake up tomorrow and watch our kids sing in the children's program at church before heading up to the snowy mountains to spend 5 glorious days with some of our favorite people on earth!

Merry Christmas

to all and to all a

good night!

Susie-Q is Thirty-Two!

(Ally just informed me that she doesn't like this

picture of me. Thanks, Ally!)

Happy Birthday, Sis!

28

Happy Birthday

to the best sister-in-law ever!

(I call this one "Stand By Your Man.")

Have you ever ...

... felt like this one day?

... and then like this the next day?!

It must be December!

My Apologies

I have deleted yesterday's post with a YouTube video called "Dad Life." The video was hilarious, but a very inappropriate picture was popping up in the "Up Next" video cue box at the end. Sorry!

Holiday Shopping

Looking for a fun gift idea?! I have got just the thing. My good friend Julie has just opened up a new Etsy store called Two Kidlets. She makes adorable crayon wallets for kids and small totes to stick in your purse, among other things. I have purchased several items from her (and have received others as gifts!) and everything is VERY WELL MADE!!! Check out her site and cross a couple more things off of your shopping list.

Zippy Pouch

Crayon Wallet

Inside there is a tablet of paper and 8 crayons. Perfect for keeping the kids entertained in the car or quiet during church.

White Friday

I have missed the "Black Friday" shopping madness for two years in a row. Sure, I may have let some great deals slip by. Do I regret it?! Nope. Here's why:

Valerie peers out of the window as inches upon inches of snow accumulate at the cabin.

Quite possibly my favorite snow picture ever! I love the expressions on Marc and Sierra's faces.

God's snow cones!

Grandpa hauls in a load of soggy, snotty-nosed and happy kids back to a warm fire!