GREAT CHRISTMAS

What did I get for Christmas you say?

Well everything I wanted of course.

Top of the list-- really wasnt on my list at all, if I had a list- which I didnt, but if I had one this wouldnt have been on it. Not because I wouldnt like it, but mainly because I didnt think of it.

But someone thought of it. Todd did.

Well, what was it you ask?

A trip of course.

We like to go on trips together, Todd and I. Todd NEEDED to get away pretty bad himself, so he booked a room for a couple of nights in NEW ORLEANS! We stayed right in the heart of things. The hotel was very nice and all the employees were super helpful and friendly.

We had a great time together as we usually do. The first item on the agenda was GO BUY SOMETHING WARM! It was FREEZING!!!! Who knew Louisiana got that cold. We didnt let it slow us down though. I'd say 3 minutes into our walk the evening we got there, we went into a store and bought him this warm hat - GO SAINTS! And me these ear muffs. Sooooo much better. Made the walk much more pleasant.

That first night we had a DELICIOUS dinner at Palace Cafe. Todd had a salad (he wasnt hungry) and I had Shrimp Remoulade. (Cause I can eat even when I am not hungry!) And for dessert----CREME BRULEE! It was sooooooooooooo good. We shared it but I could have eaten a whole one by myself!

We sat there and talked forever before leaving.

Day 2 - We did some shopping, well not much buying but shopping none the less. I did find this cute ear warmer and scarf and decided to get it since it matched the jacket Mark and Josh got me for Christmas. I definitely wore it EVERY time we went outside for the rest of the trip. It was so nice.

We did tons of walking. Our hotel was right there near everything so we didnt get in the car the entire time. We just walked and walked. It was very nice. We saw all the things you see when you are in New Orleans. This is a popular spot to make a picture. St Louis Cathedral.It is very pretty. We walked over to the church and went inside. Equally beautiful.
I happen to think it is SO COOL to see and hear the people who just get out there and play music right out on the streets. These guys were doing some gospel and we stopped to listen to them for a bit. They were very good. Enjoyable. Isnt that neat? I mean, do people do that in other parts of the country? I love it.

Went into the little mall there on the river. Didnt purchase anything there either. Well except for this. OF COURSE!
We saw this line and wondered what in the world folks were so intent on getting into?

Well that explains it. However, we opted not to wait in line for Beignet.

We had lunch in the French Quarter at some cute little place. I had a craving for some authentic New Orleans Jambalaya! I was a little concerned that it wouldnt be as good as mine. Ba ha ha ha! I was not disappointed. It was sooooo good. Have I ever mentioned that we like food in this family? Just checkin. Todd by the way, had a burger. Go figure.

I love the architecture there. The buildings were just gorgeous. So much detail and beauty. I could have taken a hundred pictures of the buildings. I refrained. But here is one. I am pretty sure it is no longer a fruit company.

We had a nice long day 2 and enjoyed every minute. That night we were once again walking to see what we could find. Todd was hungry for real food by now, which translates STEAK. But much to our dismay, most of the places (within walking distance) it was necessary to spend $30 for a steak. We did not give up however and continued to walk and walk in the cold and check menus on doors. Did I mention it was COLD!
Finally, we found this place that sounded wonderful and a steak was much better priced. It was called Olivers Creole Restaurant. So we went in with our freezing selves and sat down to a nice warm comfortable pleasant dinner. He got his steak and I ordered Shrimp Scampi which was AWESOME! Man that New Orleans sea food IS all it claims to be.

Day 3 - We decided to get up bright and early so we could get some of that Beignet and hopefully not have to wait in that line.

Worked out well. We did have to wait a bit to be waited on by a waitress that looked like this. (Notice her Jesus pin) Because all of them do (look like that) :) But we werent bothered by the wait. (At least it wasnt in a line outside) We were in no hurry. We visited and waited and finally got to enjoy that delicious sugary delight. The Cafe Au Lait was GREAT too.

Look at this painting that was on the wall! And so did I!

GREAT CHRISTMAS
GREAT TRIP
GREAT TIME
GREAT HUSBAND

Thank God for Christmas

I always like to get a before picture. Here is this years.
We got up bright and early, which is always in Joshuas plan. If we hadnt gotten up he was going to (and may have actually) set his alarm. :) But Avery was up early. Todd and I were up first as usual though. We got up and got the coffee going and sat down in the peace for a few minutes before the fun began. That is always how our Christmas morning starts.

The first thing Avery saw was her Princess Cycle from her Uncles.

Thank You Uncle Mark!

She enjoyed this year much more than last year. She got tired of it all last year but this year she kept coming back for more. In this picture she is wearing her new robe from mommy and daddy already and the Monkey was from her beloved "Mic Mic".

And she enjoyed helping us with our packages too.

I think she liked her "baby boy" doll.

Here Todd is showing off his skill with his new Juggling Balls. A few others tried it as well. Josh was pretty dad gum good himself but Todd is the pro though.
Mark is trying out his new Duck Call Uncle Johnny sent him.We enjoyed our day very much spending time with each other, eating delicious food together, playing games, talking, and watching Avery enjoy Christmas. She played and played and then settled here by Mark until she fell fast asleep in his arms.

I thank God for giving us Christmas. I thank God for our Christmas.

So for the last time this season, I hope you too had a

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Christmas Packages & the new BED

Have you guys ever gotten one of these packages at Christmas?

If you have, then you know of the deliciousness inside.

Such pretty packaging. Way to go Harry and David!But seriously Way To Go, Theresa! It has cookies, Moose Munch, Bing Cherries, Apples, Pears, Cheese spread, Crackers, Summer Sausage, Salsa, & Nuts. Mmmmmmmm

Thanks to my sweet sister for this Christmas gift. We are so excited about opening every little package inside. I already had one of the Raspberry cookies. Can I just say YUM! And I will probably have a BING CHERRY today! "Smile"

Thanks so much.

Now just to tag on here I am finally posting pictures of my new bed! I couldnt really get a good picture of it for some reason. Well the reason is that the pictures just DONT DO IT JUSTICE. I didnt really want to post a picture of it, that EVERYONE may not realize the total beauty of it. LOL But anyway these are the best pictures I can get so here it is. I must say I LOVE IT! And by the way this is the first day I havent had it totally made up by 9 am, so now I am off to go do that!

Hope everyone has a WONDERFUL Christmas as I know we will.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas Break

Josh is on break from school and home for a bit during Christmas. When the kids are all here the boys like to throw the football in the front yard. It's fun when we all get out there and the girls watch the guys. They have a good time throwing, catching, and making plays. We have a good time watching them enjoy it. This week has been no different. Mark isnt home yet, he is working. But Josh and Charlie got out there. And Jake was here. They had a good time.

Josh gave Avery a few lessons and before long she was into the action too.

Now we just cant decide if she should be the kicker Or the quarterback. Who says girls cant play football!

I am thinking quarterback, thats a pretty good throw. She needs to eat and get a little weight on her but then--Look out Peyton Manning!

Christmas Party

We had tons of fun at our Christmas Party at Beth and Beaux's house. We always do, but this year they added a bit of extra fun. We were all to dress in our old tacky Christmas Sweaters/or other tacky Christmas attire. Here we are all ready to go. I thought for sure this girl would take the top prize. I did consider myself pretty tacky too though, the eye shadow, the earrings, the slippers. Sad to say I did not win. However if there had been a contest for the thinnest lips, that I would have won hands down! Where in the world was I when God was handing out big beautiful lips?

Anyway on with the party.

Here, Avery is helping Brother Paul with his tie. Apparantly she wasnt aware that it was ok for his tie to be crooked since the party was suppose to show off "tacky". Such a little helper!

We played games which Avery thoroughly enjoyed as well as the rest of us.
The fun did have to cease for a few moments to find Bryans very expensive contact lens. (Which is what everyone is looking for here) But once it was found - ON WITH THE FUN!

There was a little song and dance. "We wish you a Merry Christmaaaaasss and a Happy New Year!"

The food was great, (when Beth is doing a party you KNOW that will be the case.) That's her on the right with CJ.
The fellowship was great.
and the costumes were great.
This guy took the prize and I do mean PRIZE for the guys. Yay Warren!
and Linda won for the girls! Woo Hoo - The sequins did the trick.
And then there was Rob who won a prize as well, yes those were really lit up! He plugged himself in!
The neatest thing was that we were all gathered together to have fun with each other and to CELEBRATE the birth of Jesus. Avery had wondered earlier in the day if Baby Jesus was going to be at his party. hehehe She was pleased to see Beth's large Nativity with Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus.
We had a great time. Thanks Beth and Beaux for hosting.
and

MERRY CHRISTMAS!