Decorating The Tree --

 The kids love decorating our tree each year. I pull out all of their special ornaments they have made or that they have received and place them in the lid of a box, so they have their own little pile and they go to town putting them on the tree. I love hearing their gasps and squeals as they come upon one they have forgotten or a really special one that they remember and have been looking specifically for. I love that they seem to love Christmas just as much as I do. I love them and their joy and wonder. Kate put the star on the tree with just a little bit of help from Daddy. Good job, Kate! After I finally had the lights and ribbon on, they set to work. I always love the finished tree - even with four ornaments and two candy canes on each limb. I wouldn't change a thing. They work so hard to make it beautiful - and it is. After the tree was done, we put the Santa Train around the bottom. Kate especially loves the train and loves to make it go round.

Picking Out Our Christmas Tree

 We went on Wednesday and picked out our Christmas tree. We go to the same place every year - the Co-op. We really like the people there and they always have good looking trees. :) It didn't take long to find the right one. Doug strapped it to the roof and after picking out a wreath for the front door, we were on our way home...

Sweet

Thanksgiving 2012

 

  We had a great Thanksgiving this year! We started our day with Doug's family at his parent's house. We enjoyed being with Don, Darla, Doug's Uncle Larry & Aunt Bev, Donny, Dodie, Colin, Eliot & Isaac. We had a great Thanksgiving meal and the kids played outside.  After visiting with them for a while, we headed over to Mom's house and visited with her, Don, Uncle Brian, Amie, Olivia, David, Christina, Chris, Emma, Chloe & Lydia. It was great to see everyone and the kids always play great together. I love watching them play and seeing them all together. We shared another great meal and visited for most of the rest of the day. I love being with family. We have so very many things to be thankful for: Our family, friends, happy & healthy kids, our jobs, our health. I am thankful for my sisters and my mom. I'm thankful for having them in my life and for living here, 'at home' in East Tennessee, so that we can be near our family. I'm thankful that Christina is in remission and she has grown back a headful of beautiful hair. I'm thankful for clear scans and positive doctor's appointments. I'm thankful for each and every day God gives me here on our beautiful earth with the people I love. I know we are very blessed. I hope all of our friends out there had a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving. I hope you all spent it with the people you love the most.

Rachel @ 7 -- 20 Birthday Questions -- 2012

1. What's your favorite color?  PINK

2. What is your favorite toy?  American Girl Doll 

3. What is your favorite fruit?  Pomegranite

4. What is your favorite TV show? Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

5. What is your favorite movie? Brave

6. What is your favorite thing to wear?  Dresses

7. What is your favorite animal? Elephant

8. What is your favorite song? Rolling In The Deep by Adele

9. What is your favorite book? Guess How Much I Love You 

10. Who is your best friend? Emma Ernsberger

11. What is your favorite snack? Angry Bird Gram Crackers

12. What is your favorite drink? Diet Coke

13. What is your favorite breakfast? Biscuits

14. What is your favorite lunch? Mac & Cheese

15. What is your favorite dinner? Bow Tie Spinach Pasta w/Chicken 

16. What is your favorite game?  Jenga

17. What is your favorite thing to play outside? Sidewalk Chalk

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas!

19. What do you sleep with at night? Pink Blanky & Cuddle, Cuddle Up It Unicorn

20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A Mommy 

Happy 7th Birthday, Rachel!!

 I can't believe you are seven years old. It truly seems like only yesterday you got here. We wish you a very happy day, Sweet Girl!! We love you!!!!

Tomorrow She'll Be 7.....

 I can't believe this beautiful little girl is about to be 7 years old!! It seems like just yesterday we were struggling so hard to even have her in our lives. She is a blessing and a joy and I cannot imagine our lives with out her. She is changing so much - no baby left. She is such a bright and mature little girl. She still loves pink and purple. She loves all things girly - that much hasn't changed. She loves to paint her fingernails (and mine!) and she adores a good make over. She loves to sing and does so every single day. She is in the first grade and loves school. I love to hear her read and hear about her day at school. She is taking gymnastics at the local gym now and is getting better and better at it with every class. I love to watch her as she practices. She is so determined and competitive. I love to see the fight in her. It's been an amazing seven years so far and I know it's just going to get better. I can't wait to see what you do in the coming year. We love you, Baby!!