Not corydon, but a good Christmas after all.

The stockings were hung ( where else? ..) on the red wall.

the girls were dressed up for the Christmas Eve service at church

Not sure what this get- up is all about, but big sissy dressed her up. an elf? a reindeer? a snow princess? a cookie?

Both of the girls love the Christmas tree. M loves to decorate it every year and C loves to remove the deocrations...notice how sparce they are on the bottom of the tree.

We opened our Crackers with the Corydon crew and wore the crowns...


Christmas morning--we loved the cooking pans, (thanks la-la).

M was crazy for her camel webkinz...
thanks for the Penguins, gramma Irene.

Well, we weren't with the rest of the clan in either Corydon or Cheyenne, but we had a nice little Christmas. We enjoyed the service at church and dinner at Zio's. We opened presents over hot cocoa -- Christmas morning came early and we were happy to see that Santa found us here at our house this year. Grandma mary joined us for lunch and d made his famous turkey dinner. We loved getting to see K and A--Merry Christmas everyone.

Big two year old girl

We had a big party for Cookie's birthday. This is her big girl chair from Grandma Mary

There were snacks...

a cookie cake made by big sister...

friends to sit at her new big girl table and chairs

Cookie at the table
(football in the background)

a happy dirty -faced two year old girl.

Chuck E Cheese

We had a Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday chuck, Goodbye Neighbors party at chuck E cheese. A good time was had by all.

The wedding

cookie's first haircut

My hair has been hainging in my face... mommy had a hard time fixing it. It is so thin and fine- like my dad's... this is my before picture. I got to sit in this fantastic red fire truck. I was not sure what was happening...

I cried a little when that lady brought out those pointy sharp things. I just tried to watch those Care Bears on the movie in front of me.. I did wonder what in the world she was doing.

Apparently, she cut off some of my hair. Mommy says I look like a big girl now. Mommy saved my hair to put in some book where she saves my baby stuff. I was mad that I had to leave before the movie was over AND I had to wear this dorky bow in my hair. Don't worry I got that bow out before we even made it home.

This sucker was the best part. I was so engrossed in it that I was uncooperative when mommy took my " After" picture. All in all I was not impressed with my first haircut... my mommy is relieved that it is over. ...mmm good sucker.

food network

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our first try at thanksgiving...My sweet mister man has been "researching" cooking techniques for turkeys. He has made a brine... a butter dry rub and julienned several vegetables for the broth. So far it smells great. He loves this stuff. Little cookie climbed up on the cabinet and plunged into the homeade whipped cream I had just finished. My first attempt at pecan pie was a disaster...so I made another. My parents will arrive any minute.
Menu:
food network turkey
some fantastic "mean bean" casserole ( I had to make a rue...roo...rhue?)
grandmother's dressing
store-bought rolls
mashed potatos
gravy ( I hope)
Dane's gramma's yams ( I prefer them to sweet pots)
Freckle's first pumpkin pie
second attempt pecan pie with whipped cream
apple cider

M made napkin rings in the shape of pilgrim hats and indian headresses. and she made name placcards.

I am thankful to have such a great family. I am also thankful for all you blessed friends. thanks

oh yes we need a little Christmas right this very minute

I have been caring for my mother in law with D for the last few weeks... is it months? We have had more than our share of ups and downs with her. Most recently, she had hip replacement surgery and is unable to bear weight on it for 6 weeks. She forgets that she can't bear weight and just wants to do everything for herself. It think it would be so hard to be at other people's mercy like she is. She has moved to a skilled nursing facility near our house. She gets very combattive and forgetful sometimes...( blood sugar.... residual effects of anesthesia... old age?) It is taking its toll on my hubby and me.

THE FLU has arrived at our house. We are in various stages of vomitting, diarrhea, fever and colds. This is a good excuse to veg in front of television and watch Christmas movies. We are trying to get into the spirit regardless. I know it is a little early for Christmas cheer, but we need some. Please remember us in your prayers as we try to remember that God is big enough to hold this Mary situation in his hand and that he is small enough to catch every one of our tears.