It's a Wonderful Life

This past Friday, December 5, was mine and Corey's 10th wedding anniversary. Whew! 10 long amazing years. I'd marry that sweet man all over again!

We left Audrey with the babysitter and headed out on a date! It was so nice to just have some quality time with each other. We ate at the Cypress Inn on the river then watched a movie- "Four Christmases". If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it! My jaws and sides hurt from laughing so much. It was a nice, desperately needed night out.

Thank you, sweet hubby, for 10 wonderful years! I look forward to many more with you.
---------------------------------------------

Every year the first of December, my mother heads up a Christmas party at a local nursing home. The members of her church purchase a gift for each of the residents there. They are also entertained by singing Christmas carols, usually by a group of children. This year was no different.

My cousin Vicky, who directs the little children's choir at their church, brought her group to perform. She so kindly invited Audrey to perform with them. I didn't think that Audrey would go for it since it was in front of a large crowd, but boy was I wrong. I could've kicked myself for not having my video camera. She put on a show with her dancing. She even tried to imitate the movements to the songs. When she'd get tired she would go sit in Vicky's lap then jump right back up for more action. (Thanks Vicky for helping make those memories!)

Audrey had to make sure they were doing the correct thing. (actually I think she was just pestering)

Of course at the party there had to be food! My delightful Uncle Jim made sure that Audrey got her share of chocolate cookies! Thank you! :)

Vicky's beautiful daughter "M" helped Audrey deliver gifts to the residents.

-------------------------------------------------

Saturday night we took Audrey to the Bass Pro Shop. They had a "Christmas" section that was supposed to have lots of activities for kids. They had several things but most of it was too advanced for Audrey. However, she found lots of things to entertain her. Needlesss to say she had lots of fun.

I think she is putting one of these on her wish list to Santa.

"Sweet" moments with my daughter

Audrey and I spent the evening baking cookies. Now, I'm no Betty Crocker by any stretch of the imagination...but thanks to

I can make some decent cookies. And see---it says homemade on the box...doesn't that count?

After donning her hat and apron, Audrey set to work giving each cookie her special touch.

Then we waited...and waited.

And of course enjoyed some of these delicious cookies,mmmmm...., as well as some special moments with my daughter.

Isn't she the cutest "cook" you've ever seen?

(for the record, yes we made chocolate chip cookies too!)

Thanksgiving 2008

I have been terrible about blogging lately. Sooo much going on this time of year, plus I have been enjoying my family coming to visit and getting ready for Christmas. But, I would like to share a few moments from our Thanksgiving with you.

My family came to our house for Thanksgiving this year. We had a marvelous time. For several of them, it was the first time they had ever been to our house so it was exciting to get to show them around. A bonus was that Audrey was on "her turf" so she provided quite a bit of entertainment all day. The food and fellowship was delightful!

Getting to know you ...Christmas Edition

I've been tagged...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? either--depends on the gift
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? day or 2 after Christmas.
5. Do you like egg nog? ewww- yuck--no way!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? a bike and a Cabbage Patch Kid
7. Hardest person to buy for? Corey!
8. Easiest person to buy for? Audrey
9. Do you have a nativity scene? yes
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Some really stinky cheap perfume (and I don't even wear perfume)
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I like sooo many of them
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I try to start in October, but usually do the bulk of it in November. I hate croweded stores!
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? yes
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? oh, any kind of sweets!
16. Lights on the tree? yes, lots of colored
17. Favorite Christmas song? I don't have just one favorite, I love to sing many of them.
18.Travel at Christmas or stay Home? Well, it depends on Corey's work schedule, but we usually travel to my parents for Christmas
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen & Rudolph- (and for Jenny's question on this---I'm going with the "ph" since I've always taught that to my students :) But I don't know that it is "correct")
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? sometimes a bow, sometimes a star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Once again, depends on Corey's work schedule, but Corey and I usually open one on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas...again this year Corey has to work on Christmas so we are going to have our "Christmas" on Christmas Eve--Don't worry I've contacted Santa and he is delivering Audrey's toys a day early :)
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? the busy-ness/lines at the stores
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? a variety of sentimental ornaments
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? We don't do a large dinner for Christmas--because everyone is so busy we only do finger foods. Less stress!! Yay!
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? to be able to stay home with my little one...but if i can't have that then I'd like some photography stuff
26. Who is most likely to respond to this? not sure, I don't think i have that many blog lurkers
27. Who is least likely to respond to this? ??
28, Favorite thing about Christmas? being with my family...and I don't care what you say---ripping into the wrapping paper is sooo much fun!

Now...I tag YOU... anyone who will play along!

Bloggy Love

There isn't many things that are better than some bloggy love! Thanks Cassandra for this sweet award!





Here's my pretty butterfly award...

The rules for this award are...1. Pick six people and pass this award to them. 2. Then contact them and let them know you have chosen them and their blog for the award.3. Also link back to the person who gave you this award.

Now I pass this honor on too...
Nancy
Jenny
Diana
Stacie
Tara

You must go visit these super-duper blogs. I'm quite addicted to them.

Yes, God understands!

Lovely View~

This is the view from my back door. Isn't it lovely? Beautiful Fall colors, cool crisp air. Ahhh! Audrey loves watching the deer come out and eat every evening.