Here we are at Grandmommy's house. Lauren, Alex and Bryson are all playing Kirby on Lauren's new DS lite. It was very cute to see the serious faces as Lauren explained how to play. Grandmommy did not seem to care that she had no idea what they were talking about, but she seemed to enjoy herself.

Catch-Up

It has been a while since I have been able to blog, so let's play catch-up:

Christmas was great. Nobody was sick and Heather even made it to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner with the family. The kids received what they wanted from family and Santa and even Mom and Dad each surprised each other with a special gift. Some tension at G'ma's and G'pa's but we moved on. New Year's was spent quietly with just us. Right after, we went to Grandmommy's and had a good visit with her. Clark's brother and his family were also there and after a few minutes of typical working things out, the cousins were great friends. I hope to post pictures at some point.

My birthday was fantastic. Santa had brought a fondue set for me and Clark and Aaron went out and got a whole lot of stuff for dinner. Lauren and I went to a Girl Scout meeting that night and the girls made cards for Mom and I and the troop got us both gift cards. It was very sweet. When we got home, we all had cheese fondue and then seafood, beef, and chicken with stuffed mushrooms. Clark made several different sauces and dips and it was FANTASTIC!! He is amazing. As if that was not enough, the following Saturday, he sent my mother, sister, sis-in-law and I to a spa for a haircut, manicure and pedicure. It was sooo nice.

Also in January, we started selling Girl Scout Cookies...... want to buy some?? I am also planning a Star Wars Clone Wars birthday party for Alex, a Webkinz party for Lauren and coming up is First Confession and First Communion for Lauren. So as you can see, I may not be one much during the next several weeks. I promise pictures at some point. Until then, XXOO

Love

These are my little guys. This is the sweetest little picture. Clark had the kids snuggling in our bed while I finished up the laundry, dishes, lights, etc. He called me in and I had to snap this shot. She has had a rough day being off of her schedule and Alex has tried to love her several times. I guess this time took. It is times like this that help me realize that they will always be there for each other even when they are mad at each other.

My Dad

This is my dad. He looks a little grumpy and like he might be hard to live with. I know sometimes my mom thinks so. Growing up he was VERY different with us than he is now with our kids. He has invented the "Grandpa Clause" which basically means that when we parents say no to our kids, Grandpa can come in and override us. He has been through a lot in his life and I am sure my brother and sister and I have put him through a lot more since then. ( More them than me, of course)

Underneath the gruff exterior, he does have a huge heart. Most recently, Lauren and Alex's school has started a WATCH D.O.G.S. group. This is for dads, grandpas, uncles and other father figures to be at the school during the day to be a positive role model for the kids. He signed up for two days, not just one. This way he could be there for both of the little guys and they could have their own special day with Grandpa.

He also will never play Santa even though he has the beard (and the belly). He said that he just can't take the heartbreak when a child comes up and asks for something that is serious like making a sick person well or bring a parent back.

He also sends things thru e-mail that ALWAYS get to me. He very rarely forwards on stuff and I mean, rarely. Here is a copy of one he just send. It is a two hankie. My Dad was in the service and whenever we see a person in uniform, we always make sure we say "Thank You".

http://www.kluv.com/pages/3506599.php

Please enjoy and remember why we have the freedoms that we do.

May the Season bring you joy and peace.

Monster Cats

These are our cats. I seem to grow everything big in my family; dogs, cats, kids, messes.

This is Midnight. He is VERY mellow, o.k. he doesn't really move much.

This is Simba. He is called the "no, no cat" He is slightly psycho and tends to attack, maim and/or destroy for no reason at all. He will let you pet him and then thank you with a chomp.

I have put the remote next to them for sizing purposes. I really don't feed them alot. They don't get treats or people food and they are on dry food for old, overweight cats with hairballs. Though you wonder how they get hairballs when they have such a hard time rolling over. When Elvis was alive, they did get more exercise. Maybe I can convince Clark that we need another dog for health reasons. What do you think??

Love

Time Travel Tuesday

I know my sister had another picture on her blog, but I happen to like this one better. It fits the theme because I traveled back in time to get it from last time we tried this!!

I remember when we used to all go out on the coldest day of the year (my mom always seemed to pick THE coldest day) and cut down a Christmas tree. When we lived in Florida, I remember climbing a fence and getting a tree from someone's field (yes, we had permission and no, we did not just leave a big tip). Now we would have to go to a tree farm and a big field to do this. Of course, we have had to resort to a fake tree due to allergy issues, but back then we would finish the day with a visit to Santa or a parade. I am just hoping that we get our lights up this year. With Clark's casino parties, there is not enough time for him to do it. I wonder if he would get upset if I ask my brother and brother-in-law to help. Probably, but the last two years we have not had lights and I know my children miss them! Lauren has already said something about decorations.

I hereby promise to try and do better about blogging even though I was the only one for a while!!