January Wrap-Up

This month started out COLD here in FLA! I'm not complaining - I actually enjoyed it and I love getting to bundle up the kids in their winter wear. Hunter does not like hats, but tolerated them when I made him wear them on some of those mornings when we were in the 20's and 30's.



A big milestone this month, was Whitney and John's 1st birthdays! We were able to visit with them some on their actual big day and also enjoy the big family/friend party that weekend. Can't believe how fast this year went by! Aren't they so stinkin' cute???

After putting away all of the Christmas decorations, Gus got the toddler bed frame down from the attic for Hunter. Gus thought he was ready. I was fine leaving him in his crib, but I agreed that I thought he'd do well in a toddler bed, too. Hunter had a good time getting out his tools and helping Daddy build his bed!

First night in his bed went fabulous! He was very excited about his bed and has been sleeping great since!

Sabrina, Ryan, Avery and I spent the other morning volunteering by making cards for hospital patients. It's part of the Disney campaign of "Give a day, Get a day". As in, get a FREE day at a Disney park! It was a great experience and I'm looking forward to spending another day at Disney with Avery later this year.

Hannah (well, Addie) got two kittens and I had to post a picture of Hunter loving on one of them the other day when we were at her house. He loved them and they were sweet enough to tolerate a two-year-old's affection.

On the calendar for February : I'm working a little extra, I'm in the middle of re-doing Avery's bedroom, looking forward to a mid-month visit from my parents and of course, Valentine's Day. Homeschool is going great - Avery started a PE and Art class in Ocala on Wednesdays and she loves it. I'll blog again with pics of Avery's new room as soon as I get it done!

Cultural GNO

As a (great) Christmas present, Sabrina bought tickets for her, myself and Hannah to see Phantom of The Opera in Orlando last night. We started off the evening with a wonderful dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. I don't get to go there very often, but when I do I enjoy it so much! We thought ahead and brought a cooler so we could get our dessert (cheesecake, of course!) to go and bring it home. Okay, so Hannah and I broke into ours on the way home, but it was hard to resist!


Here's a picture of the three of us at before the show. I had actually seen the show several years ago with my mom, but Hannah and Sabrina had never seen it. It was AMAZING!!! Loved the costumes, the singing, - oh, I loved it ALL! I have been singing the songs all day in my head. We also got "team" bags and keychains to remember the event. Don't think any of us are likely to forget it anytime soon! Thanks again, Sabrina! I had a wonderful time!

Happy New Year!

Not too much excitement here last night, but just wanted to post a few cute pics anyway. Doesn't take much to impress Meagan - just a few horn blowers and some sparkling white grape juice in fancy cups. She said it was the "best party!" Gotta love the simplicity of kids sometimes, huh?

Hunter loved the "party" too...

Cheers!!!

Note: these pictures were taken around 9:30 and we were in bed by 10!
(Avery was at my in-law's house where they apparently did stay up til midnight- I'm sure she was glad she was there instead of here)

Hope you all have a blessed 2010!

Christmas Morning

Just wanted to share a few of my favorite pics from our Christmas morning. Thanks so much to Lisa for taking these pics for me!

The kids all lined up and ready to go out to see what Santa brought them...

Avery's big gifts were an Ipod shuffle and a new scooter...

Hunter got a big sand table from Santa...

The only thing Meagan asked for was a toy Hamster which she was so excited about!!

Hunte LOVED his new Caterpillar tractor...

Because Avery didn't have enough Pet Shops, now there's 15 more to add to her collection...

Some new American Girl goodies...

Stockings are full of great goodies, too.....

Gus did great with my gifts too. He got me several Gator serving platters, bowls, etc. , several Yankee candles, two charms for my Chamila bracelet, and a new TV for our bedroom!

Hope you all had a great Christmas, too. Wishing you all a Blessed 2010!!

Merry Christmas

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday, dear Jesus.....





Happy Birthday to YOU!!



"I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:10-11


Merry Christmas!!!

Cookies!!!

On Monday, we were invited to my friend, Dawn's house for a cookie baking/decorating get together. We had a great time and it was fun to visit with everyone in a non-school environment!

I just simply LOVE this picture of Hunter - he was playing peek-a-boo with me while enjoying a cookie and I snapped the pic at just the right time....

It was great to have Jeanne, Josie, and Jake join us since she was off work!

Avery and Trever getting things started at the cookie table....

On Tuesday we were invited over to Gus's Aunt Marylu's house for more cookie decorating fun with the kids' cousins. She had dozens of cookies baked and everything set up are ready to roll when we got there. The kids had fun - Avery and Katie did the most, but they all enjoyed playing together and taking rides on the four-wheeler with Mimi (Katrina).

Hunter carefully placing the sprinkles on his cookies...

Meagan had fun but got bored pretty quickly...

Cousins Katie and Trinity with Aunt Marylu. Marylu is quite the artist on her cookies - I told her that hers were too pretty to eat!

Can't wait to leave these yummy treats out for Santa tonight! I'm sure he'll love them!

Friends are the Family you choose for yourself.....

Last night we celebrated Christmas with my two closest friends, Hannah and Sabrina, and our families. We had a fabulous time as you'll see from all of the pictures. I know there's alot, but I had a hard time narrowing them down!

Meagan and Dylan playing so great together....

I got Hannah and Sabrina a beautiful ornament that said "A friend loves at all times" (Proverbs) and their names. They LOVED them!!!

John and Whitney had a great time with all of the paper, bags, and bows...

My little Elf! I know she's mine, but dang, she's cute!!

The kids enjoying each other's company. Avery wasn't there because she was at a friend's house who is moving later this week and that was the only time they could get together.

Enjoying some yummy dinner together...

Miss Brina and Meagan...

"I saw Mommy kissing Santa Clause......"

Hunter really enjoyed the train running around the tree. Guess we should get one of those for our house.

After dinner and presents, we headed outside by the fire to hang out and enjoy an outdoor movie. Oh, and of course, we roasted some marshmellows!

The kids loved the outdoor theater and watched Mickey's Very Merry Christmas movie...

Of course, the girls loved dressing up and surprised us with a reindeer and Santa performance!

Some sweet,silly little girls......

We had a delightful time with our dear friends. We're already planning next year's get together which will probably include a ride on the Polar Express train over in Eustis. Should be fun! Hannah and Sabrina - Love you and your families so much! Thanks for a great evening!