He's Back!

Dan the Elf is back!  Last night the kids asked us if Dan the Elf could come back and guess what....he did ;)


Here is where we left Dan when we went to bed.  On top of the mantle:

When we got up this morning we found Dan the Elf had been taking the princesses for a motorcycle ride.  Silly Elf:

Have a great day!

For This I am Thankful & Happy Birthday!

On this Thanksgiving morning I am thankful for so much....
I am thankful for my husband, for he is my everything.  For my children, because before them I had no idea how much love I could have for another person.  For my family always being loving and supportive.  For my friends who have been with me in good times, but especially for my friends who walked with (and held) me during the storms.  I am thankful that my husband is home this year because he has missed way too many holidays with us.  I am thankful to all the men and women in uniform and their families who sacrifice so much for our freedom. There is so much more I am thankful for, but the words in picture below say it all:

Also today I want to wish my sweet, spunky Madeline a Happy 6th Birthday!  Six years ago today I thought I was going to enjoy a big 'ol Thanksgiving dinner, but my Madeline had much different plans for me by arriving a few weeks early.  (Nothing like going to the dentist and your water breaking right there in the office...)    She is such a joy and blessing in our lives!  I love her personality, her determination, her spunk, and her wit.  I love her watching her learn new things and can not wait to see what the Lord has in store for this little miracle.

 One day old:

With Mommy and Daddy at her 6th birthday party:

Mommy and Madeline:

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Cherish this time with your friends and family and say a prayer for our troops who are not able to be with their family this year.

Thankful...

Madeline made the drawing in the picture below at school.  Talk about precious!!!  I am so thankful to be a mom and even more thankful to receive little happy's like this:

A Day Hiking

This past long weekend we took advantage of the lovely weather and the benefit of having some great hiking trails right in our own backyard.  So, we set off on a hike.  Below are some of my favorite pictures from the hike:

 

 

Honoring our Vet

We had a great weekend honoring our Veteran.  We started Sunday off giving J a framed picture that "America calls you a soldier, We call you dad" and I put a picture of J with the kids in it.  Then we headed off to church for a great service.  After church we took advantage of a free meal for J.  I hope that each of you remembered to thank a Veteran this past Veteran's Day.

Here is a picture of J with the kids after they gave him the gift.

close up of the picture:

A Day At The Range

This past weekend my hubby took me out to the range - the shooting range that is.  He thought it would be a good idea to teach me how to shoot.  I decided to entertain his idea and go along with it.  It really was a lot of fun and I am glad I went.  My shoulder was not to happy about it though.  I told him the "big guns" probably are not suited for me...maybe I will try something smaller. 

Here is a picture of me at the range:

And the video of the 1st time I shot...go ahead and laugh with J:

Happy Veterans Day

Happy Veterans Day!

Today, please take the time to thank those men and women who so selflessly give of themselves to protect this country. 

I know my family will be honoring our vets.  We will be attending church then a parade in our town.  If your in our area, please join us.  We would love it! 

I am honored to be the wife, sister, daughter, and granddaughter of Veterans.  These men in my life are outstanding examples of honor, dignity, and pride.  I am so thankful of the examples they are to me, to my children, and to our country.

Here are some pictures of my favorite veterans:

My hubby:

 

 

 My brother:

My granddaddy:

Remember this day is set aside to honor all those who served...

Please take them time today to honor our vets.  May God bless them and keep them,

My thoughts...

This one picture sums up my thoughts on so many aspects of my life....

Thank you Lord for holding me on hard days....

Halloween

We had a great time trick or treating last night!

The kids were so excited!  Madeline got to trick or treat around school so by the time she got home, she was in full force (sugar high) and ready to go. 

We visited a couple neighbors then headed over to some friends were a group of about 15 children loaded up on a trailer and went around the neighborhood getting treats.  The kids loaded up!  I hope the candy fairy makes an appearance soon because I do not know how much will power J and I have.

Below are a few pictures I took before we headed over to our friends: