Oh Christmas Tree Part II

More pictures from the decorating of the house for Christmas. Not quite done outside, but you get the idea.

Oh Christmas Tree!

Monday night we decorated our Christmas tree. The kids were dying to bring it up so I had my mom come over in the afternoon to help me bring it up from the storage room. We didn't end up with any bruises like Angie :), but I'm sure we were quite the site- two women trying to luge this huge 9 ft. tree up the stairs. I love putting up all of the ornaments that we have collected over the years. I know some of those "theme" trees are so pretty and elegant, but there is just something special about having a tree full of ornaments that mean so much. Hope you all are enjoying getting your homes ready for the holidays. (Notice Ryan is decorating the tree in his Halloween costume-Gotta love it!)

My New Niece!

Welcome to the world Aubrey Kenton! My sister Shannon and her husband had their first child early this morning. She was almost 7 lbs (I don't know the exact info yet). Shannon was so brave and strong, but in the end, Aubrey was stubborn (don't know where she gets it) and wouldn't turn around, so after over 2 hours of pushing, they did a C-section. Everyone is doing well. My mom is flying down today to Kansas City to see them. I am hoping to see her at Christmas. I will post a picture as soon as I get on. We love you Aubrey (and Shannon and Craig) and can't wait to met you!

G.O.L.D. 2006

This year Jim and I attended a fund raiser in Kearney called GOLD. We attended last year and had a great time. This year was no exception. We had a blast! Sunday morning was not as fun, but that's a different story. The event is a dinner and auction to support the local Catholic High School. We had a nice dinner, and open bar, and a great silent and live action. Last year during the life action we bought tickets to a Notre Dame football game. This year we bid on a few items, but didn't get either one. We did get a beautiful painting done by a local artist and a good friend, and went in on a "Survivor" themed party with several other couples. After the auction was over, several couples went to a bar that was having a live band. They were really good and we danced until our feet hurt terribly. We ended up getting home at 2:15 am. A little late when you have 2 kids getting up at 7 am. Needless to say, Jim and I took a nap that afternoon. But we had so much fun, so it was worth it!

It's Here!

My new camera is here! Jim bought me the new Nikon D80 Digital SLR for Christmas, our 10 year anniversary, my birthday, etc, etc. It is wonderful! It is a 10 mega-pixel camera, so it takes fantastic pictures. Now I just have to learn how to use it.

Family Pictures

We had our family pictures taken last week and I got them back today. I think she did a really good job. She charges a flat fee and then gives you some proofs and the CD. She signs a release so you can make your own copies. My friend told me of a site called mpix.com that makes some really good prints of pictures, so I think I will try them. I am just so glad that I have a decent family picture for Christmas pictures.

A Girl After My Own Heart

I caught these pictures of Alex today as we were playing outside in the beautiful weather. She loves books. And how could she not, with 2 grandmothers as librarians and a mom who loves to read. I hope she will always find as much joy in reading as I do.

A Glorious Day!

I'm not sure if you can tell from the pictures or not, but today was an absolutely glorious day. The temps in the beginning of November are usually in the lower 50's, but today was 75 degress and no wind. It was beautiful! Tomorrow we actually might break records for this time of year with temps around 80 degrees. I made the kids stay outside most of the day. We made a picnic lunch and then met Jim at a park near his office for lunch. Of course, I forgot my camera, but it was such a nice time. Now since Alex woke from her nap, they have been out on the swing set and in the sand box. I just can't get over how fabulous it is today! Wish you were here to enjoy the day with us!