Our 17th Wedding Anniversary

 Doug and I had a wonderful night celebrating our 17th wedding anniversary. Mom invited the kids for the night and we got to enjoy dinner at Lakeside Tavern, where we hadn't eaten before, and it was very, very good. We enjoyed everything we ate there. We shared buffalo wings, ahi tuna stacks, a steak salad and then we each had the filet with fresh vegetables. The food was delicious. After dinner we went to the movies and enjoyed seeing Escape Plan. We had a great night and it is wonderful to know that we love each now more than ever… The last 17 years have been so good to us. I am so blessed and lucky to have this man who makes me laugh every single day of my life. He brings me joy, comfort, friendship and so much love. I don't know what I would do without him.

Christmas At Mom's

We all gathered at Mom's for the Christmas celebration at her house around lunch time. The kids couldn't wait to get over to Mom's house and see their cousins. They were excited to see what everyone got for Christmas, eat good food and of course, open more presents! Most of all we were all happy to spend the day celebrating the birth of Jesus together and simply being together. I hope everyone had a wonderful, wonderful Christmas spent with the people that you love. I know we did!

Merry Christmas!!

What a joy it is to see the kids open their presents on Christmas morning... The wonder and the joy as we celebrate Jesus's birthday together and share love, laughter and thankfulness for each other. The kids were up at 6am (probably before, but they didn't wake us until 6). They were soooo excited to see what Santa had brought for them! I love to hear the squeals and the "Oh, MOMMY, DADDY! Look what Santa brought!!".  Doug and I just sit and watch together with huge grins on our faces. Oh, how we love them and their happiness. It is a joy to see their dreams come true for one morning. It wasn't long before the living room was scattered with wrapping and ribbons and they were happily playing with what they had received. Doug headed back up for a nap and I settled with my coffee to enjoy watching them playing and listen to some Christmas carols. Happy kids = A happy mama.

Our Christmas Eve Family Photo

 We have taken these photos every Christmas Eve for the past couple of years. I love it. Love capturing these sweet family moments.  Merry Christmas!!