Party like it's 2008

New Year's Eve

We've never really made a point to have plans on New Year's Eve-mostly hangin' at a house with some friends and a bottle of champagne. If not, we count in the new year at home with the kiddos...plus, there's a lot of pressure on this holiday for superfun too-poor Dec. 31.

But this year we are invited to an official party-cocktail dress and everything. It's been like prom finding a dress and the perfect earrings. Now I'm just waiting to ditch the kids so I can get ready. I'm sure pictures will follow...

Hopefully the night will measure up to my expectations! The pressure is on Dec. 31!

Edit: Pictures as promised...totally fun evening!

Happy New Year!

Gingerbread Mania

Today the kids and I went on a field trip to Denton for a little shopping. I know you think I'm crazy for thinking this would be pleasant, but I just have to take the moment to brag that it actually was! Our first stop was DSW, which admittedly was a little frantic, but our second stop to Target was almost lovely. We had a gift certificate, so free money always adds a little spunk to the day, and we cruised around the store picking up a few things for everyone. We ended the spree with ring pops all around, and a nap on the way home for Grady.

To reward the kids for the lovely day, I thought I would finally make good on my promise to finish up the gingerbread house. I don't know who invented the Gingerbread House tradition, but I'm not so good at it. Even the pre-made-all-you-have-to-do-is-mix-the-icing-kind. That icing is part glue if you ask me. In any case, all THREE kids shared in making ONE gingerbread house-not the best decision on my part. I may invest in more than one next year. It worked out in the end though, and the kids had a blast making their "own design different than the box"...
The Gingerbread Train in the background is a project we did last week; you'd think with 2 Ginger Crafts under my belt in less than a week I'd be a little better at all this! I'll blame it on my lack of pastry tools. :)

my main squeeze...

He's too sexy for Tanner's shirt...Apparently, I misfiled some of the boys' clothing, and Todd had to prove a point. :)

all in the name of charity...and such

We collect can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House Charities; we recycle, and we teach graphing skills whenever possible.

That's just how we roll around here.

Band of Brothers

I was again reminded of the greatness of the mini series "Band of Brothers" this afternoon into tonight. Definitely a top 3 movies of all time for me. It was on the History Channel, and like always, I was sucked in and spent the rest of my evening watching every remaining episode that came on. It is a 10 hour mini series mind you. I even got Danielle to stop down tonight. I remember when I forced her to watch the DVDs after I got them for Christmas in 2002. I had seen it when it came on HBO in November 2001. I could never give the movie justice with a review, but know that you will be moved beyond words about how the men from Easy Company (101st Airborne Division) bonded in their experiences together during World War II as they marched from Normady to the Crows Nest. It is a "Must See" for all Americans! And just in case you don't know, it is a depiction of true events as told by these great men; albeit they would never say so, who served this great country with valour, honor and distinction.

I'm spoiled.

Per group effort, I received my very own digital SLR camera this Christmas. I'm so freakin' excited about it. We have an old Cannon FILM (so 20th century) SLR camera, and I was super pumped when I realized my 300mm lens was compatible with the new fangled fancy digital SLR cameras. So, after shopping around, I went with the Cannon Rebel-again. I'm a Cannon girl.

Just look at my awesome pictures from the Christmas Festivities. It's ok-you can be awed. :)

thank you. thank you. :) Merry Christmas to ME! :)