Baby Joshua

For some reason the picture we took at the hospital with Jamie holding Joshua didn't take. So we took a group shot today.

Extended Family Photo 2011

Great Grandpa Helms came for a visit again this year. Grandma Jacky dressed up the boys in their church clothes and allowed us all to get a group photo. Baby Joshua just came home from the hospital straight into the chaos. I got to hold him for about 1/2 the time while they opened gifts. It was over in about 2 hrs. Trying to upload photos before our trip.

The first gift of Christmas

James made me open up the new camera first. Sha gave me the royal blue pjs from Aunt Marti.

Christmas Eve fun

Anne loves the rainbow windsock. Got a picture by the tree right before church.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Marilyn had us over for Christmas Eve Dinner after church service. Then she passed out the Christmas crackers and we all wore the paper crowns. She read Twas the Night Before Christmas to Caitlyn and Anne (and Jamie). Made my heart happy! We like the same things.

Baby Joshua

Joshua was born late last night Dec 23rd to Aunt Teresa and weighs over 9 lbs. Aunt Christine let us know when we called her today. Stopped by the hospital to see him.

Horses and Christmas Caroling

Annual Christmas caroling on horseback in Grandma's neighborhood.

The Unexpected

My niece Sha moved in with us on Sunday. One of her dogs kept jumping the fence. So far with all dogs in the backyard, she has settled down some.

Lunch with Laura

My friend Laura took me to lunch for her birthday at Macaroni Grill near my work. We had awesome appetizers. She made me feel valued as a friend.

Christmas exchange with Michelle

We met Michelle today and exchanged gifts. She got a Cootie game for Anne and makeup brushes for Jamie. I got gift card to Red Lobster/Olive Garden. It was good to see her. Jamie painted pottery - 2 angels - representing Michelle and Andre. Jamie got her picture with Santa Cow.

Snow

We went to the Girlstart event at the museum and got to hold snow bubbles, make instant snow to play in, create square gingerbread houses and eat them. And other fun things too.

We went downtown to the Bob Bullock museum for a Girlstart event and saw the huge tree and the harpists from a high school nearby.

Candy

Anne loved the candy jars at my work party last night. The manager opens up his home to the team and there was a ton of food from Rudy's BBQ.

Lasagna noodles

James makes homemade lasagna usually for our anniversary - here he is with homemade noodles. His sister Christine had some homemade ricotta cheese from a neighbor so we made it early this year. And froze some for Jan 1st upon our return from VA.

Hickory Farms

Hickory Farms - sausage and smoky cheese - traditions! Marti sent us a box in honor of mom.

Tree Lighting at Church

Sunday night we had our first tree lighting service outdoors with hot chocolate and cookies. The kids had fun running around. Callie and Tyler came and stayed for the youth party afterwards. James and Charles helped David wrap the trees.

Main Event

One Sunday night it rained and we went to Main Event with the youth group. We even talked Charles into going with us. We did glow in the dark golf again which was not crowded and cool and then we bowled. The guys did laser tag with Jamie. Jamie played a few video games and Anne tried her hand at skeeball. It went by fast.

Austin Boxer Rescue

This picture is for Sha and the Austin Boxer Rescue. We met for dinner at Chuy's one night and then drove over to Barnes and Nobles. The boxer was there "helping" with gift wrapping. Donations go to Austin Boxer Rescue. Sha loves dogs. We each bought books to donate to Dell's Children's Hospital as well. It was a good night.