Breakfast in bed

Someone in our household received breakfast in bed for his birthday this week. I think it was a hit because he told me "thanks" at least 3 times for my efforts.

(It should be noted that the tray was a gift that I had purchased for our family's Christmas gift exchange. I tend to buy something that I hope I go home with. This year it worked!)

Anyways, back to the birthday boy--Gary has always contended with having a birthday right after Christmas. So I told him that every year that it is possible, we will use the 26th as a clean up day and then spend his b-day without the haze of the holiday.

Later that evening......just about to blow out the candles and make a wish.

Mom and dad watched the girls for us on the following day. We traveled to Springfield and enjoyed a nice meal alone, some light shopping, and a movie. Gary wanted to see "I am Legend" with Will Smith, so we did. Holy Cow! What a trip. I am a major pansy when it comes to movies and I'll just let you know I had my eyes covered and ears plugged for about a 1/3 of the movie. It should also be noted that Gary and I ended up having to sit apart during the movie (we even got there 15 min early but the place was packed). That didn't work too well considering we had ordered a jumbo popcorn and soda, but it really didn't go over too well considering all of the suspense. I needed Gary to protect me during all of those scary parts. Just go and see it, you will find out what I mean--Holy Cow! Holy Cow!

Despite the movie that kept me up that night, Gary and I had a fantastic time. Just the simple indulgence of a peaceful day was greatly appreciated. We have been enjoying our time off from school. I kidded him. He has it pretty rough. Every year he gets his birthday off... what a beautiful profession we both have.

I'll try to take a pic our our new additions--their names are Cocoa and Shadow. We are also beginning to talk about those new year resolutions. Wow 2008, it's going to be great!

Old Time Photo

I think this picture was taken about 17 years ago while vacationing in Branson. My oh my...just look at how young we look!!!
And here we are in our most recent Old Time pic. I blogged about it and promised to post the photo once I got my hands on it. It's a little fuzzy, but it's the best that I could do.

Anyways, It's hard to believe that my immediate family has blossomed into a tribe of 13.

We have so much fun together!!!

And doesn't my brother John look like a bad @** in this picture? John, I added that in for you :). He was trying extra hard to look tough that day.

Christmas morning in our pjs. Below this post, you will find lots of goodies that explain our most recent holiday activities. I can honestly say that this was THE BEST Christmas that I can remember. I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that Gary and I now have our own children to celebrate it with.
At at the end of it all, we were a bit exhausted.

But we LOVED
every minute of it.

Kids playing

The fun kicked off with three days and two nights of spending uninterrupted time together. Olivia and Maura enjoyed dressing up in princess clothes. Look closely at their feet-- they both have 1 inch heels on. This was a first for Maura, but I'm not kidding you, Olivia could do the catwalk in her shoes. She walks in heels better than I do. Then a shot of the kids playing the piano..just imagine the sound! Maura, Sophia, and Olivia holding hands. And last but not least, Logan building blocks in the front room.

Away in a manger

Along with all of the fun, we also spent time enjoying the reason for the season. Aunt Liz reviewed the nativity with the kids and did a simple Bible lesson each night.

And we ate and ate and ate yummy food, made crafts, played board games, listened to Christmas music, danced to Aunt Anna's music, and watched our favorite "The Christmas Story".
My niece Olivia really took to Sophia. She would have held her all day long if we would have let her.

Gingerbread house

We did get away to Grandma Bettie and Pa Pa Cecil's house on Christmas Eve. It was so nice to have Gpa there..he had just gotten out of the hospital about a week prior.

Christmas Eve includes all of my mom's family which is ever expanding. In the last year alone, there were three new great grandkids born. Aunt Liz was pretty brave and decided to put together a gingerbread kit with all of the little ones.
Here is a shot during the assembly.
And Gma Bettie did a skit with the kids which included a Chicken Dance demonstration. Fun! Fun!
Next up?? Gifts! It's definitely a room full of people--- organized chaos!!

Merry Christmas

Gary and I hosted his family's Christmas this year on the 22nd. We had 31 people over for lunch. We would like to especially thank his mom and Heather for arriving early to help prepare the meal. We've decided that we could do it again next year.

Christmas day was spent at my parents. I hate to say it, but I don't have any shots of our annual gun extravaganza (our camera batteries were dead). Dad hitched up the team of horses to the hay wagon and we were off to the west haybarn. Once there, everyone helped gather wood while the boys got a fire started. Before we knew it we were enjoying hot dogs on a stick and smores for our Christmas meal. Then the guns start smoking. I know this is a bizarre tradition, but it is our fourth year for the annual clay pigeon and target shoot contest. I'd say Gary and my sister are the best shots....sorry Dad, Chas, Steve, and John....just stating the facts. I myself don't get into it that much, but I did shoot the 22 a couple of times. I missed just like every other year. Everyone makes fun of me--It's fun!!! We really enjoy getting away from everything and enjoying each other and nature. We sang Christmas carols on the wagon and recalled favorite Christmas memories.

That night Gary and I returned home with the girls and had our Christmas. Even though we were about celebrated out, our evening at home was just as intimate and special. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, but now with the girls it is even more special than I could have imagined.

And the Crushas hope yours was just as Merry. Goodnight everyone.

I'm in the talking mood tonight, so I thought I would blog.

The snow cone machine has stopped. Some of you won't have a clue what that means, but to those of you who do.........It's time to celebrate and please be very very happy for me!

Tonight I took Maura to get her pictures made. She continues to amaze me. She is no longer a nightmare picture taker. I really like the photographer we've found and I can't wait to get our proofs back!!! I'll share them with everyone once their posted online.

Sophia is a little doll. Her core strength is really good now. I love it when I'm holding her (facing towards me up on my shoulder) and her little face is in the crook of my neck. I'm savoring every moment. She's at the perfect age where it's less work and more enjoyment. I can't complain though, she has been a great baby, but now she's really interacting with us and it's so much fun. Like tonight, we were in the bath tub and I was putting the orange cup on her right foot. We were eventually playing a game where she kicked the cup off and then I would replace it. She was smiling and cooing the whole time. She absolutely loves bathtime. Both of our girls do.

So who here is excited about Christmas? I know I am!! Tomorrow night my brother and I are going to go the annual ministerial alliance Christmas program. It is a historic pageant that has been going on in our community for years. I love Christmas carols and hearing the message of the birth of Christ. Gary is going to babysit the girls so I can go.

And it's time to start making candy. Hopefully, I'll be able to stir up some fudge tomorrow. I'd like to take some to my co-workers. Saturday will be last minute wrapping. And then Sunday, Gary's family will be at our house for Christmas. So many things to do, but right now, I'm still having fun! Goodnight everyone.

Who made the twinkling stars?

Who made the twinkling stars....the twinkling stars....the twinkling stars....Who made the twinkling stars?......Our Father God

We've been practicing this song for our Christmas program at church.-- Yesterday, was the big performance and Maura played the part of a beautiful gold star.

This is what she did the entire performance.... She gazed at the kings standing next to her in amazement. The show only lasted maybe 10 minutes total. It was very simple, but still sweet.
But I couldn't believe she stood still. We had had practice earlier that day and she was all over the place, but that night she didn't move an inch. WOW!!!
Afterwards we had cookies and warm monkey bread. YUM!

Maura had fun...she always does.

Other things that we've been up to.

1. Visiting Grandpa Cecil at the hospital. He got to come home today! :)
2. Christmas cards are in the mail.
3. Cleaning house.
4. Cleaning house again.
5. and loving our girls.

O Christmas Tree

The tree is finally complete!!! It had been up since Thanksgiving, but without the lights, garland, ornaments, etc. I must have gotten inspired again this weekend because it is now finished. I think it is our prettiest tree yet (I say that every year). Maura says, "nice Christmas tree Mom" and Sophia has been gazing at all of the lights in awe.

Today was a perfect day for trimming the evergreen because we sure weren't going outside. We had a pretty bad ice storm last night. Fortunately, we have had electricity all day, but several neighbors and family members have been without power.

School has been called off for Gary and I tomorrow-- which means an extended weekend. Yipee!! I'm sure we'll try to get out at some point though. I'm not one who likes to be cooped up for very long. We'll see what morning brings.

We went to Walmart yesterday and had our Christmas cards made. Maura was with me at the kiosk and I was trying to keep her pacified with M&Ms (whatever works right?). Anyways, I was trying to hurry and I forgot to add who the cards were from. A pretty important step-- I guess I'll be writing that in by hand this year. :)

Below--Sophia Grace is holding her keys and Maura is saying "CHEESE" with her beloved Mickey Mouse. Have a great week everyone!

Oh What Fun!

My immediate family went to Silver Dollar City this weekend to kick off the holiday season. We were a little worried, but the weather ended up being absolutely perfect!

You can see just a hint of Christmas lights around my dad and Sophia. I just love this photo! Check out her warm boots.

Please scroll down to enjoy all 3 posts.




SDC is one of my favorite places to visit during the holiday season and it was extra special to have all of my brothers and sisters there to share it with.



Here are our awnry girls--Fun! Fun!

Aunt Liz with the girls on the pink butterfly.
This was my nephew Logan's first ever rollercoaster ride.

All of us stood on the side lines cheering him on. At first we weren't for sure if he was going to like it, but by the end of the ride, he was smiling and waving to us each time he passed by. He ended up loving it! Way to go Logan!

And if you couldn't tell, Maura LOVES the carousel--the simplicity of it is timeless.

And if you can imagine, all 13 of us had an Old Time photo made. Years ago, we had one made, and mom wanted to do it again. Anyways, I will try to share the photo with everyone once I take a pic of the tin type. We dressed up like Little House on the Prairie with the exception of the guys--dad was a confederate soldier and the boys were gun slingers. The kids were running around like mad. It was at the end of the day, no naps, needing supper, etc. You can imagine. But this is usual for us--patience is a virtue. We did it and I'm so glad that we did. The photo turned out really cute. Merry Christmas Mom.

Maura and I enjoyed decorating a sugar cookie together.
A "Steal your Dollar" necessity--kettle corn!
After an eventful day, we stayed at our favorite hotel.

This is what goes on in our room behind closed doors.
I assure you, never a dull moment. :) After Maura emptied the entire kleenex box, she then proceeded to jump on the beds. Watch out Sophia!!






Dear Family,
We had so much fun this weekend!
Many memories were made. Here's just a few of my favorites....
1. Logan on the rollercoaster. 2. The chaos of getting the photo made. 3. Seeing Maura's face on her favorite rides. 4. Singing with everyone on the train. 5. Mommy enjoying her yearly wassail.
6. And enjoying the beautful beautiful lights!

Love you guys and we'll see you soon!

Up on the roof top

Gary strung the lights on the house about a week ago. I thought you might enjoy seeing the fruits of his labor.
And I should mention that Maura was more than willing to help.

Gary took her out in the woods and they cut down 4 Charlie Brown Christmas trees. She's standing in front of a one that she helped pick out.

Thank you Daddy and Maura for making everything outside look so nice!!

The magic of Christmas

Today we decorated the girls' room for the holidays. We put up their pink Christmas tree and added silver decorations.

Maura is really concentrating hard to put the loop over one of the branches. And above...you can see Sophia's little dimples peeking through. She was our head supervisor. :)

And oh yeah, Sophia giggled for the first time today! What a nice sound!

Thanksgiving tree

The Thanksgiving tree was a hit this year with the kids. Each person was instructed to write down what they were thankful for and add it to the tree. It turned out really nice.

We had lunch on Turkey Day at my parent's house. Unfortunately, my mom had to work at the hospital, so the event was hosted by my dad, Charlie and Val, John, and Gary and I. Thanksgiving is my mom's favorite holiday, so when we found out she had to work we were all pretty bummed. Even without her there, everything turned out fantastic! Thank you dear family members for bringing all of our must have favorites.
Charlie and dad in the kitchen. Don't they look good? Lucky for us, the men in my immediate family can cook.
We started early that morning preparing the food. We had fun hanging out and somehow managed to be almost on time for the meal. Even my brother John chipped in. He sliced the cranberry sauce and took charge of the hot rolls. I should also take this opportunity to brag on my husband. He cooked the brown sugar ham, cheesy potatoe casserole, cranberry marshmallow dessert, and pumpkin pie. I am not kidding...my husband can cook and he enjoys it.

After a long hard day, even Maura took a nap on Pa Pa's lap.


Mom we missed you.
Dad the turkey was great.
Charlie and Val, we couldn't have done it without you and
John, all I can say is WOW!

Thanks everyone.


Scroll down for more photos.

Laney Dell even had a nice thanksgiving dinner.
Waiting to eat.
Sophia was all dressed up.

Shooting the shash.