And Christmas...

This was our first Christmas where we woke up to our own tree at OUR house...which was so much fun!!! We had a wonderful holiday and felt so fortunate to be so blessed. We had fun being with the family and the kids had a blast!

And the stocking were laid on the couch with care..

Reading a special story to keep the true spirit of the holiday before all of the gluttony of the presents...

Our tree...once the presents were all loaded in. (take note...there were 11 of us...just so you don't think we are that spoiled!)

When Santa Comes to Town...

Addie definitely wasn't too sure about wanting to sit on his lap...

Happy Grandparents with all of their grandkids and Santa!

One more attempt at a family picture....but not good!

My Greatest Blessings...

Taking the matter into her own hands...

So, ever since Bree had her baby, Addie has been even more obsessed with her dolls. She recently asked me to feed her baby "Pumpkin"...and when I gave it the pretend bottle...she pulled down the neck of my shirt and said "no...he's hungry!" I am guessing that she meant she wanted me to NURSE him... yeah, no!

She has also been wanting me to bathe her dolls, but they aren't all plastic, so I hadn't let her. I caught the girls in their bathroom bathing them anyway...princess style. Needless to say...the dolls dried out and we are all fine.

Thanksgiving rewind...

We have had some computer issues...so we never posted any Thanksgiving pictures.  We had a great meal at my parents house with friends and family.  And despite our desire to impress Martha Stewart....we got smart and decided to use paper plates this year.   I am used to having to cook everything myself, because in Cleveland we weren't near family and we got used to having friends over....so it was great having Mom's cooking!

Girls Night out...American Idol Style!

Aana has always been a huge American Idol fan... so when I saw that they were coming to the are, I had to buy tickets.    We had a lot of fun, but Aana was dissapointed that David Archuletta wasn't there.  Her favorite idol that was there was Chekezie (sp?).   We stayed behind and talked to he and Diana Degarmo...and Aana was so funny.  She was too tired to even pose for a picture with him....and she almost fell asleep waiting.  It was a school night...and she was exhausted.  We had a fun night!!

~NEED ADDRESSES for CHRISTMAS Cards!~

Please email to shandalee@gmail.com or post so that we can make sure we have everyone's addresses. So many of you have moved this year!

Ours (in case you need it):
2672 Stonecreek Dr.
Richland, WA 99354

Has is really been that long?

So... I realized that it has been two weeks and I haven't posted. We have been SO busy with Christmas parties and obligations that we have had no time to sit and catch up. We got a new camera and I got Photoshop, which would make you think I would have great pictures or creations to share....but I don't. The computer has been repetitively crashing and I can't seem to get our pictures off my new camera...other than these...so stay tuned!

We are about to purchse a new computer, so if you have any suggestions or know of a good deal, please post!

Blessed...

I am grateful for MANY things....but here are a few (in no particular order!)

• Health
• The opportunity to learn from our mistakes in life
• Modern day appliances: microwave, dishwasher, oven, washer and dryer, hot water heater
• The Sweet, heartfelt, and humble prayers of children
• The beauty and majesty of nature
• Music (as it has been a comfort and inspiration to me throughout my life)
• The amazing ability children have share love and joy all around them
• The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Happiness (my rock and my compass)
• The freedoms and protections of America (we are so blessed to live here...even despite trying times!)
• The internet (as it is such an amazing tool...and keeps me connected to my friends and loved ones!)
• The powerful examples I am surrounded by in my life...those that teach me daily and likely don't even know it!
• Sundays...as they are such a respite for me from the regular chaos in my week!
• Laughter...
• Service (as I have noticed that in doing this is where I find the most joy and learn much about myself)
• Family... the most brilliant arrangement of our Creator. It is where I am given the most love, support, strength, opportunity for growth, and even trails.
• Love (which has the capacity to warm, sweeten, heal, bond, comfort, forgive, and overcome...)
• Digital cameras; because now I feel limitless with the pictures I can take of precious moments in my life.
• Chocolate!! (need I say more!)
• My husband...who seems to love me despite my quirks, flaws, and shortcomings...
• My girls...who are the source of all joys in my life and have added meaning to everything!
• My parents....who have helped me along the journey and have inspired my steps

There are so many others things that are flooding my mind...maybe I will try to write them down more often. I feel truly blessed...