Christmas Crazy

So the week before Christmas flew by and I had visitors and parties and lots of hugs and kisses.  I loved my time with everyone.  I thought I would take more photos but, I got so busy talking and experiencing the season that I let that get away from me.  I have a few shots to share with my internets.  I hope you have fun looking at them. 

  One of my BFFs layin' down the law:D

 My husbear bein' cute.

 Some shots of the kidlets at the park on Christmas week.

 BJ having a grand time on my livin' room floor. Cutie isn't he?

 Christmas Eve at My Mother's House (HOME)

 The "Santa" Piece

 Some of the Spread

mmmm...gourmet cupcakes

 Stuffed Turkey Breast (for those of us who don't dine on swine).

 ehem...mmmm...gourmet tamales :D

 

Tweener Nephew

 Tuckered out.

 Look at my tongue.

 mmm....gourmet cookies-it is NOT out of focus the black and red dye bled.

 Sorry, resorted to flash pns for these.

 Christmas Morning

I didn't get really any photos this morning.  The kids got up at 6 am to see if Santa came by.  I was dead tired hearing them squeal downstairs.  The two elder kids were down there for the longest time and they waited so patiently. We came down at 7 and woke up the third born for it all.  There was so much excitement and commotion. That I didn't even take photos. Not really a bad thing.  I enjoy being in the moment.

Can I tell you how hard it was for me to switch to flash auto point n shoot for these pictures? Really really hard.  But, it was still so dim outside and the lighting is TERRIBLE in my house.  Notice the clock on the wall? It is still an hour ahead of time (pathetic- I still haven't fixed it).

Guess what I got for CHRISTMAS? I got a BRAND NEW NIKON D90!!!! wHOOP whoop!  Yes sir!

It's Christmas Time

Beef Jerky wanted to sleep downstairs under the Christmas tree.  So, after he finally fell asleep I snapped this photo of him.  Notice his feet are still "up".  Love this picture.  At least he is stress free and is thinking only of the joy that comes with the Christmas Season.

Stick It

Here is my Pink after earning her latest medal for gymnastics.  Isn't she the sweetest thing?  Pink--Mommy is so proud of you.  Great job this fall session!!  Keep up the good work!

 Here she is just being herself, waiting patiently for the awards ceremony to begin. Notice all the motion around her?  It doesn't often happen this way.  She is usually the hummingbird in photos.

I really wish I had gotten better shots of her.  But, these two were the best I could do given the circumstances.  I hope we will get better ones to share with you all later. 

Colts Win AGAIN!

We spent this morning watching the Colts blow out the Jaguars.  Today Beef Jerky the starter QB.  Lots of hand off plays but, no dead ball calls which is great.  Here is my baby playing like a big boy.  He had a great time and played very well.  Colts are 2-0 come out to see them next weekend when they take on the Saints.

At the coin toss (I think; I can't really remember).

 The consult

 The Snap

 The hand off.

 Another hand off.  And check out the kid after Beef Jerky.

 Snap.

 Hand off.

The run and guard.

 Snap.

 Saved Snap.

 Mommy's Boy

 Beef Jerky Super Star

Next week if coach runs pass plays I will catch some of Beef Jerky's rockets.  I am so impressed by this child.  Beef Jerky said he would like his whole family to come see him play.  I realize this is flag football but, it is still stimulating and athletic in nature.  I am so thankful they don't smack into each other just yet. It makes me nervous to see grown men do it; I don't think I could handle it very quietly if someone sacked my son. :OD  No--I am not kidding.  I am LOUD at football games.

Colts Win

Come out and see my Beef Jerky play ball.  I had no idea that he had such a good arm.  He completely Wow-ed me.  He is so fun too!  Game time is 11 am at LH-YMCA.  Don't you love his game face?

MMMM...lunch.

Here is a yummy meatless lunch for Friday!  It puts that 80's carrot raisin salad to shame. You know you want to try it.  It is crunchy, chewy, savory and sweet.  Plus there is only healthy fat from the nuts that I add. 

 

The "Recipe"

shredded carrots

shredded purple cabbage

raisins

pecans or walnuts

raspberry vinaigrette

honey

There is no science to this. Dump all the dry ingredients in.  Then equal squirts of dressing and honey (or to taste).

Tastes good, looks good, and VERY light.

Variation: If you are a carnivore/omnivore try adding some cooked chicken breast.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Music for Me

No. You can not have him.  He is all mine (well maybe 1/4 because of the kids). This is Big Daddy making music for me and bringing beauty into our home--all on an ordinary day. Hi Honey!

Wordless Wednesday

I LOVE Christmas

Okay it is true.  I love Christmas.  Yes, I am biased because I am Christian.  But, I have a feeling anyone who enjoys giving a gift would love it too.  Anyhow, I was just thinking about how great it is that we have weeks of parties and get togethers.  I love all the hugging and kissing and birthdays and eating and drinking and talking about absolutely nothing in particular.  I love love love it!  And mostly, I love it because it reminds me of the greater task in our lives--to love one another.  So Happy Happy Christmas time to you!

BTW today is the Feast of St. Nicholas.  So get those chocolate candy coins into your kids shoes before they get home from school.  They will not expect something so cool.

Have a great Christmas season!


Interesting St. Nicholas Info

Not a New Moon

I took this shot today.  I liked it and thought I would share with my internets.  So here you go--for your enjoyment.

Wordless Wednesday

My Weekend Away

I spent the weekend away in the suburbs of another city.  It was a very relaxing time with my husband. I learned something new at a photography workshop and relaxed in the jacuzzi in our room. Actually, it was in the bathroom :o)

I owe a HUGE amount of thanks to my two sisters and my mother for being so generous.  They watched my kids and cleaned my house while I was gone.  There is no greater gift for a mom that just needs a little break from that role.

So, I have created some virtual flowers for these perfectly beautiful women, who have always been a sense of support and power in my life.  Thank you Mom, Melissa, and Sonja.  These flowers will never wither or die. The color will never fade, and the sentiment in which they have been sent will live forever.

From My 'Mater Garden

 Look what my garden gave me today!  Isn't this Big Boy Tomato just beautiful?  I have been waiting all week for this baby to ripen on the vine.  Today was the day and it was perfect.  Sweet and woodsy and not mushy and bland.  Do you see the clear juice running down the side and ready to drip off? Yummers--big time.

Now if I can keep my 'maters from freezin' this winter, I will have a TON of them next year!  I have a crop out on the north side of my house just waiting to be enjoyed.  I know, it is really weird for someone to be so excited over home grown tomatoes.  Honestly, I am not even sure why it excites me so. :o)