A Time to Reflect

The hustle and bustle of Christmas has now passed. Our home is still decorated for Christmas, the trees are still up, the wreaths are still on the windows, the Christams china is still being used. To me the week after Christmas is the perfect time to be STILL and to REFLECT on the year- all its blessings and its sorrows. One of our Christams traditions is to write in the annual Christmas book important details of the year. We enjoy reading the entries each year and then adding the current year's information. This book was started with Lauren's first Christmas in 2004 and has space for 20 years. I like to think she will treasure this book when she is older and remember people and events of the past.

Taking a Walk

Poppy Ellis, Lauren and Bella (the dog) are enjoying a stroll up and down our driveway. Weather was very mild this day. It is fun to watch Lauren walking Bella on the leash since they are basically the same weight. Bella is good enough NOT to pull Lauren down. Bella initially was not friendly to my dad (protective of Lauren) but quickly warmed up when he petted her head and talked to her. She really is a good dog and is learning some commands.

Ringing the Bells

My dad and stepmom came to Arkansas from Atlanta for the past few days. Dad joined Lauren and I in ringing the bells for the Salvation Army- we had signed up in November to ring at the mall- not sure Lauren's bell stopped ringing for very long. We had a good time and were pleased with the generousity of the shoppers and their good spirits despite the off and on rain. We will be ringing again next year.

Pictures with Santa

Our church hosted their family dinner at the masonic lodge which is beautifully decorated each Christmas. After dinner the congregation sang Christmas carols and Santa entered the main hall. Lauren was one of the first to line up to eagerly tell Santa what she wanted..... a life sized Barbie!!! Here are some pics with Santa- the other children are friends of ours - the children's father is currently on his way back from Iraq - he has been overseas since August- he should arrive Wednesday. The children would not sit with Santa unless Lauren sat with them- you can see we have Lauren strategically positioned to be cropped out!!

Lauren's Piano Recital

Despite the piano being quite large for Lauren and the hvac vent over the piano coming on and blowing pages- Lauren did well for her first recital in front of 45-50 people. Yes- she played jingle bells waaayyy too many times- but hey- she is five-she was on a roll. She started lessons in September of this year and practices daily- for those of you that don't know Cliff's side of the family is very musical. Most of them play instruments and several play by ear.

Hand Smocked Insert

Really should have had this entire dress completed a week or so ago-life got in the way. Anyway- it is ready to be sewn into the jumper today- should be ready in a few days. Feeling my time is limited when it comes to picture smocked garments for my almost 6 year old. Maybe two more years???

"I can't believe we have a dog!"

We decided to get Lauren a dog. This sweet lemon colored beagle mix 11 month old girl was on craigslist- FREE- she came with a huge crate, leash and a bag of food. Bella is house broken and crate trained and loves to sniff and fetch toys ( she can't quite grasp the idea of letting the object go). It is funny to watch Lauren walk Bella on a leash- they are the same weight- I am proud to say Lauren has really taken the responsibility of learning to walk her on the leash with gusto and has yet to be pulled down!!! She stands her ground.

Handmade Collar

Photo of a handmade collar that will be attached to a dress for Lauren.

Packing food boxes

Here are some pics
of Lauren sorting and packing food boxes at
church.

Thanksgiving Day

My dad's side of the family- minus my brother and his family- came over for Thanksgiving day.

Cliff successfully smoked a turked- it was delicious- and the rest of us pitched in the various side dishes. here are a few pics from turkey day.

It seems that if you are hosting you forget to get pictures of the whole group when they are present- I regret that I did not get group photos and will do so next time I have a group of people over. Really overlooked that and I am sorry.

Thanksgiving Hayride

Cliff's side of the family celebrated Thanksgiving with our 3rd annual hayride around the farm. We have been fortunate to have good weather for the event.

Here is a picture of Lauren and I before the others piled on...

and one of Lauren playing on a hay bale

Tree

Quick shot of the tree in the music room. Some of the ornaments were from my childhood dating back as early as the 70's- thanks to all of you that comment- that wasn't so long ago!!!

Thinking the tree looks really pretty at night in the spicy red room and green sofa.

And yes- there are no window treatments in this room- the house is sitting on 6 acres with lots of trees- nice view during the day without screens or fabric to obscure.

Happy Birthday Cliff!!!

Lauren's first words this morning.... Let's give daddy his car present.....

She picked out this remote control car over a month ago and has been patiently waiting (very difficult for her) for this day to arrive. Needless to say- Dad was thrilled with his present from Lauren and they had fun playing this morning.