It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas......

Oh how I love this time of year...... I know it is extra busy and it doesn't always bring out the best in people (which I've never understood); but I just love the spirit of the season!!!

We have the lights up on the house, the house decorated, tree up and decorated, most of the presents bought and wrapped and my Christmas cards out..... awwww..... just 2 or 3 gifts and I am D-O-N-E....well, done shopping!! I do have to do my baking.... but I will do that next week... and honestly that is one of my favorite holiday traditions-- reminds me of my mom!!! ;-)

My grandmother comes next week and we are having our big Christmas Eve dinner (which is a tradition in Joe's family) here this year.... so we have lots of planning left to do.... but you know what... I don't care.... It's beginning to look alot like Christmas------ BRING IT ON!!!

Merry Christmas.....

errrr... I mean Merry SITSmas....

I have "lurked" on this super popular blog, SITS (Secret is in the Sauce), for a while now.... but in the spirit of Christmas, I have finally decided to actually join in.......

Make a Smilebox greeting

Dear Santa....

I haven't joined MamaKat and her writing projects in a LONG.... VERY LONG.... time. You know, I just haven't felt very creative; so, as to not bore everyone, I just stepped back for a little while....

But, in the spirit of Christmas, I have decided to jump back in.... hope you still like me Mrs. MamaKat!!

Dear Santa-
I think I have been pretty good this year…. I may have been a little mischievous during and after a night out with friends… but besides that, I am a good.girl. The kids have been (dare I say it) good; I mean they have their moments…boy do they ever….but they are kids and well, Kids.are.kids. In the grand scheme of things, the kids have been good….they are even getting into the hang of getting their chores done without me telling them over and over!!
Let me first get past the whole “I want good health, peace, love and happiness for all”, because who doesn’t want that….. but there are a few things that I want:

A new laptop--- mine hit the crapper a few months ago and I have been (gasp) sharing with CJ and Joe… and Santa, I don’t like to share (shhhhh!!!)

A new camera--- I do like the one I have now, but you know I hate the fact the screen is messed up and has that black circle on it…. Which causes EVERYONE to mention it anytime they are taking a picture….even I have already told them not to worry about it.
And since you are getting me a new camera, I’d actually like one a bit bigger and fancier…. Pleeeassseee!!!

A good, long massage--- do I need to explain.....

But, Santa... what I really, really, really want is.....

for these 4 kids to have the best Christmas ever.... You know I love these little hellions (err, I mean angels) with all my heart-- and I love making memories and traditions to carry on for all of theie lives....

It Gets Me Every Time

Veteran's Day.....

We went to Angie's school program today in honor of Veteran's Day.... They sang all the patriotic songs, sang all of the anthems from each branch, recognized each and every former and current member of the military and listened as a WWII P.O.W. told his story.

I don't know why, but all of that stuff gets me so emotional.... every time!! I love to watch and listen as the kids sing those songs to honor our country and learn about the military who serve our country!!

At the end of the service, the played TAPS and then had a moment of silence.... first of all TAPS will make me cry anytime I hear it; but then to watch as each and every member of the military, raised their hands in salute as it was played--- it just gave me chills.

Gosh, we have no idea what is was (is) like to be in another country, against their people-- fighting for your life (because they really are doing that)!!

Thank you all for your service to our Country!!

Under the Sea..... under the sea....

I woke up this morning to find the most beautiful princess Ariel had come to visit us....

Of course I let her stay and visit..... and she even met 3 of the greatest big brothers around...

Happy Halloween-- EARLY.... more pictures to come after the weekend's festivities!!

Tinkerbell Lives With Us Now

Thanks to the Easter Bunny, we now have Tinkerbell in our home!!!

And isn't she just the cutest Tinkerbell you've ever seen...?!!?!

We had a really nice Easter day yesterday.... well, except for the fact that the boys were with their dad and thus the holiday didn't feel "complete"...... Aside from that, we had a really nice day!!

After Angie looked through all her goodies from the Easter Bunny, we went to Joe's sister's house for some Easter Egg hunting and mimosas. Then later in the afternoon, I dressed Angie in her cute Easter outfit and we went to my dad & stepmom's house for our Easter dinner!!!

(yes, she still has Tinkerbell's hair bow in....)

Oh and this is the new thing now..... she always wants to take a "booty picture" (oh geez, what have I done....)

We had a great time visiting at my dad's house..... Angie tried to get in the pool and swim, but it was still a bit cold.... and while normally, if her brothers were there, she would brave the cold-- blue lips and all-- she was not having it yesterday!!

Anyway, I always enjoy spending time with my dad.... he and I are very close and I wish we spent.more.time.together!!!!

After dinner we got into a game of Apples to Apples. If you haven't ever played it, you must try it....it is alot of fun.... especially with a big group of people!!!