Favorite Foto Friday

This is my sister, April, and her husband, Bryan. It was taken at Universal Studios in Orlando. They took their two wild boys down there for an impromptu vacation last month. They said it was exactly what they needed. They had so much fun riding rides, eating in cool restaurants, going to the beach and hanging out as a family. Ape and Bryan are the most giving people you will ever meet. Luke simply calls them Auntie and Uncle. I love them so much!

Christmas Banquet

Last night was our Christmas banquet at church. I brought my sister, mom and Grandma. My grandma has Alzheimer's, but it still living at home. She loves dressing up, getting out and listening to music. We had the best time. Billy, Kylan and Dave sang several gospel songs then some Christmas carols. We had food catered by Bene Vita. Christy's mom, Debra, gave her testimony and encouraged us all to be more grounded in the Scriptures. The fellowship hall was so beautiful-all decorated for Christmas. All my blog friends were there!!! And tons more! I am so blessed with Christian friends. I wish we had thought to bring our camera...

Cooking for Thanksgiving

Today I'm off work and I'm preparing for all of my family and Eric's parents to come for Thanksgiving. We are in charge of making the turkey this year. This last couple of years we've gotten a Cajun one from Popeye's, but decided to make our own. I did research on allrecipes.com and found a good one. After rubbing butter, salt, pepper and garlic on it, put it in a baking bag and pour in 2/3 bottle of sparkling apple cider (or champagne if you aren't Baptist-ha!). It is supposed to be super moist. I'm also making broccoli cheese casserole, sweet potato casserole, brownies and pumpkin cheesecake squares (also a recipe I found on allrecipes.com). Today Luke and I have Ty and Harlan over. So they have been playing Playstation 2, action figures and we've been playing board games in between cooking and laundry. Looking forward to tomorrow! I love having everyone over.

Where's Waldo?

Can you find my sweetie? I told you he would be working the sidelines, didn't I? He looks like he has LOTS of responsibilities, doesn't he? This picture was in Sunday's Arkansas Democrat Gazette. I'm so proud...

Favorite Foto Friday

Here's Luke last year getting for his first (and probably last) soccer season. Did he like it? Not so much! He did like the snacks...

This was a picture of him going to his first soccer practice. Notice he doesn't even have on soccer socks! Oh well, he still looks cute! Ha!

This is for you, Kelly!

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This has been such an exciting and busy past two days! My sister, April, is the president of PTO at Ty and Harlan's school. After working at my full-time job, I volunteered for 5 hours at their school last night. I was able to help by taking money from parents, moving tables, unloading trucks, cleaning the school and helping corral my sweet nephews. After I left there, I was able attend a baby shower for my friend Holly (You sure did get lots of cute things for the new baby, Holly!).

I am so enjoying my career as a speech-language pathologist. I've been out of school for eight years now (I know...I don't look that old, do I?) and I love working with all the children at my center. After helping with our fall festival at the center where I work, I headed over to Luke's school. I was in charge of organizing his Thanksgiving party. We had a wonderful time. The games I picked out were absolutely perfect! The children in his class are so wonderful. I'm getting to know all of them so well, because I volunteer my time every Wednesday to read to them. Such sweeties! Did I forget to write that Luke is now writing cursive (in 1st grade-isn't that incredible?!?) and has made straight As all year long. I don't know if his school has Gifted & Talented, but we are about to find out.

When I arrived home this afternoon, my amazing husband had cooked us dinner. He grilled barbequed ribs. I love it when he surprises me like this. Like when he sent me "just because" bouquet of roses to work a few months ago. Isn't it crazy that we have been together since 1990 and I love him more each and every day. You may be able to see Eric tomorrow. He'll be on the sidelines at the Hogs game wearing a press pass. He gets the special passes (along with free parking right up front) and dinner due to his friends that he made when he worked at U of A's Sports Information Department. He sure misses interviewing the players and coaches. But now he spends all his time writing and directing commercials and radio spots for his ad agency. But he still loves rooting the Razorbacks any chance he gets. Go Hogs!

I cannot believe in just a few days we will be hosting Thanksgiving at our house. So wonderful to get all the family together at one time. Then next week, decorating the Christmas tree and all the neat things that go along with that. Can't wait!

Well, I'm off to study my Sunday School lesson now...

To all my crazy friends that read this boring blog...just wanted to give you something interesting to read. Some people actually write like this all the time. Please know this was all tongue in cheek! I hope you had fun reading it...

Favorite Foto Friday

This was taken in December 2004. Luke was 3 years old. I love this picture because he grabbed us and was squeezing both of our necks. He looks pretty mischievous in this picture.

Halloween 2007

We went to the Harvest Fest at our church. Luke dressed up as Boba Fett. He's a bounty hunter from Star Wars. Luke loves Star Wars and knows lots more about the characters than Eric and I do. He loved playing all the games, taking a hayride and, of course, getting lots of candy. It's hard to believe that this is his 7th Halloween!

Love the sound of a baby laughing!

Favorite Foto Friday

This is my favorite picture of Randie and Michael (aka "Nena" and "Papa"). It was taken last year at one of Luke's soccer games. God knew what He was doing when He gave me these in-laws. I don't tell them enough how much I appreciate all they do for me. I love you, guys!

Time to Christmas Shop!

I updated my Avatar today and thought I would add it to my blog. I decided that I better get in the mood to go Christmas shopping, since it is literally around the corner. I have already started shopping. Only a few gifts down, but at least it's a start. We are blessed to have tons of family to buy for. Secretly, I love the whole craziness of it. I need to plan ahead, keep my lists updated and figure out what to get Luke!