Christmas Photos!!!

I took Bella and Ethy to a little Christmas Photo shoot!

Aren't they just the cutest??? I thought the candy canes would be a good photo prop... The kids loved them, but they ended up being the biggest disaster. I have never seen Ethan salivate so much ever. He went to town on his candy cane and it was everywhere. It took 4 washes (2 with Bleach) to get out the red stains. Oh well the pics did turn out well.

Christmas around Altus!

We have been busy this Christmas Season... Lots of places to be and things to do.

Cookie Decorating at Tara's House:

We had our 2nd annual cookie decorating party at Tara's house (last year we hosted). Bella was more interested in eating the cookies and licking off all the icing off, then she was in the actual decorating part. We missed Maddie and Julie this year.

Putting up Christmas Lights with Daddy:

Isabella LOVES Christmas lights!!!

Altus City Lights and Santa:

This Santa is the most realistic Santa I have ever seen. He was so great with the kids too. He asked Bella three times what she wanted for Christmas and each time she stated: "Christmas Lights!" She's so cute.

Just like last year... she ran all throughout the park, except this time she was way faster. This girl loves to run!

Thanksgiving in Billings, MT

I headed with the kids to Billings for 12 days for Thanksgiving. Ben was able to meet us for 4 days at the end of the trip. The day after we arrived, the weather turned and it got COLD and snowy. I had to buy Bella a snowsuit so she could go outside and help Mimi with the kittens and shovel the snow. I couldn't believe that the cold really didn't phase her at all, although she really didn't enjoy getting all bundled up! Being there made me miss the snow... it is so beautiful... but definitely NOT the cold. I guess this southern living has made me a wimp to cold (actually I've always been a wimp... it's just made it worse).

Ann was so wonderful. She was so great at taking the kids (mostly Ethan) in the mornings, so I could get a little extra sleep and during the day, so I could get out and do a little shopping and go to Starbucks (not a big deal unless you live in a place where Starbucks doesn't exist) a few times!!!

A few very exciting things happened while we were there. Dan and his girlfriend got engaged on Thanksgiving Day... Operation Sanny Say Yes, was what I called it... Ben and I were right there apart of it, helping Dan scout out when Frannie left work, so he could be waiting at the corner to surprise her with a sign that said

Frannie

Will You

Marry Me?

It went off with out a hitch and the element of surprise was bigger then anyone expected. Thank goodness the traffic wasn't any worse or Frannie could have caused quite the accident when she stopped her car just outside the traffic circle when she saw the sign.

We are really happy for them and are excited to see how God works in them and through them as they plan a June wedding. Congrats Dan & Frannie (soon to be auntie Sanny... as Bella calls her!) We'll be praying for you as you prepare move into this next stage of your relationship!

Thanksgiving was wonderful. Being able to spend such an important time with family is so great. Ann does such a nice job as hostess... her table settings could take on Sandra Lee's any day! And the food too... and it's all Homemade!

Somethings I am thankful for this year:

A risen Savior in Jesus Christ!

Being able to experience God and be confident in who I am in Christ

A husband who continues to love and support our family through his dedication to his job.

2 happy (most of the time) and healthy children

To live in the United States, where I am free

Loving friends and family

Mini Album for Grammy Shaub

Grammy Shaub (Ben's Grandma) who lives in Lancaster, PA asked for a photo of Ethan a while ago... It has taken my until now to get this little mini album together to send to her. I always have good intentions, but sometimes I get carried away with projects, that it takes forever to finishes them, if they get finished at all. BAD!
She was super excited for us to have a boy, because Ethan will carry on the SHAUB name. She is such an amazing women. She is 94 years old and super vivacious and spunky. Last time we were in PA (last September) she bent over and picked Isabella up! Can you believe that??? What an amazing women. Not only is she strong physically, she is an one of the most dedicated prayers and women of faith that I know. I am so thankful that our children have such a strong Christian heritage from their Grammy Shaub.
We are planning a trip out to PA in the spring and can't wait to see everyone and introduce Ethan to his Great Grammy Shaub!

Anyway, this is the finished product for Grammy Shaub:
The album is held together by a 2 inch ring.
Back & front of album: