Weekend Getaway

 This year for Christmas my grandparents decided to take our family on a weekend getaway to Missouri.  It is a blessing to be so close to my cousins; we are closer than some siblings.  We enjoyed watching the production of Joseph and Dixie Stampede, while dining out at breakfast and dinner.  I also did a little shopping and got a few steals!

Cousins

The Women

We made it!

The crew out to eat.

Sweet Girls

White Christmas

 We celebrated Christmas with a bit of snow this year.  Matt is also getting to enjoy snow this year in Germany and Kosovo.  Christmas morning was a blessing because we got to Skype throughout all the celebrations.  I also got to share a HUGE surprise with Matt for Christmas.  I surprised him by starting the upstairs portion of our home during the deployment.  I cannot keep a secret!

 Today MiMi came over and she and Caroline had fun in the snow!

Christmas with the Guinn and Ritchie Families

My Little Lamb

 Our children held a special performance today with a short poem and Christmas song.  The toddlers were little lambs, which were adorable!  Matt got to skype, we had a video recorder, and pictures.  We had it all covered and my little lamb did great!  Praise Jesus!  I love Christmas Sunday!

Listening Lamb

My singing little lamb

Happy Holidays

 Let the Christmas gatherings begin!  We had four Christmas/Birthday parties yesterday and we both slept sound last night.  Matt is in Germany right now and he is in Christmas Wonderland.  I cannot wait till Caroline is older and we can enjoy Germany as a family. 

Mamaw the Elf

Merry Christmas from the Girls

 Caroline celebrated her Christmas party at school yesterday.  Caroline's class had a book exchange and enjoyed snacks and Christmas games.  I know I say this a lot, but Caroline attends an amazing school...if only it extended to grade school.

Caroline and Libby

Book from Kaden

Caroline and Miss Amber

The girls and MiMi making cookies

Jared Graduates

 Jared graduated from Harding University today with BA in Biology, Education and Coaching Licensure, Kinesiology Minor, Bible and Religion Minor, and Certified Strength and Coaching Specialist.  Way to go brother! 

 I was also given a sweet gift today from my friend.  Jill made intitial labels for our lamp shades.  If you are interested let me know and I can send you her information.   She is moving to Seattle and will be missed!

Early December

 We have all of our Christmas decor up and added a few fun traditions this year at our home.   I want to take a minute to share Caroline's favorite part of Christmas this year; the Christmas lights.  The Christmas lights and Christmas trees bring a joy and smile every moment to Caroline.  She goes to sleep with her Christmas lights on and then I tip toe in every night to try to turn them off after she is asleep. 

 I was asked to make 12 little toddlers into lambs this year for the Christmas production at church.  I found a simple pattern that consisted of gluing cotton balls onto shirts and then making hats.  I thought...how simple can this be??  Ha!  I NEVER want to see another cotton ball again!  Thank goodness for a few of my friends from church helping me!  I will never forget the aroma of hot glue again.  They sure did turn out adorable!  I cannot wait to see the fuzzy little lambs.

12 little lambs

 Today we went to Aunt Karen's house and only one of us made it back home...that is correct...Caroline wanted to spend the night with Aunt Karen.  So it is just me here tonight.  I am holding down the fort.  I really miss my husband.  Tonight would be a great night to watch a episode of Six Feet Under.  Only 6 more months, then my husband will be home! 

After baking enough cookies today for an army, Caroline and Aunt Karen finally finished.  They did not waste one bit of dough.  Caroline does not know what she is missing yet by skipping out on the cookie dough, but she did have her fair share of icing. 

 And look at these two cuties that wanted their pictures taken. Caroline's two biggest fans...

Zoey

Charlie

Kosovo

The past few weeks I have been receiving beautiful pictures from Kosovo; this is my favorite.  Doesn't it look peaceful, calm, quiet, and a bit cold.  I am not a cold weather gal, but I sure would enjoy the cold with my husband...

Santa #4

 We picked up Braden and Collin and went to see Santa.  This is Caroline's 4th visit to see Santa.  One of my patient has a snow town that he adds to every year; this year he added the Old Mill, Home Depot, and Wal-Mart.  It is a must see if you are from the town of North Little Rock. 

Jack Mason

Welcome Jack Mason! Oh, how I forgot what a little one felt like....warm, soft, cozy.  He is precious in so many ways.  Congrats Brittany and Joey on becoming parents; a gift from God.

Jensen Turns 2

My sweet little niece celebrated turning 2 this past weekend. We are glad to announce that they have moved closer to us, and the girls will be getting to see and play together more often.  Megan made homemade smores and homemade hot chocolate (I have got to start cooking more).

Cousins

Birthday Table

Smores stuffing and toppings

Smores options

Me and Megan