Random Pictures

These pictures were taken on our cell phone that we no longer have. I was able to get the pictures off before returning the phone...I'm so happy that I could. The next three posts (this one down to the Chattanooga Market) are from the phone camera. Aren't they great?!?

I love these two!

A sleeping Angel.

Isn't he a cutie!

My husband...

Winter Joy

Here is a little bit of the happiness around our house. These pictures were taken sometime around the putting up of our Christmas tree...Everyone was having a great night.

She kind of looks like the Grinch in this one...lol

Chattanooga Market

We went to the Chattanooga Market a few weekends ago.


This one was in the car on the way to the Market...It turned out a little dark, but still cute.










While we were there the kids were able to get a man to make them animals out of balloons. Ari chose a dragonfly and Ivy chose a tiger.

This weekend.

My dad and step-mom were in town this weekend. We had so much fun together. Because we couldn't be together for Christmas we celebrated it while they were here. They didn't get in until late Friday evening, but we ended up staying up until 2am, so we were able to get a good visit in before going to bed. We decided to open presents Friday night after they arrived so that way Ivy could have a full day playing with her toys and Dad and Vicky getting a chance to see her in action. Grandpa and Grandma Vicky got them a Bistro Kitchen Set. Ivy loves it. She now has two microwaves (one from Aunt Mimi), and Ivy would occasionally would try to have both going at the same time.

The new Bistro!Ari was happy with anything he could get his hands on. I think his favorite part of the whole night was when there wasn't anyone looking and he opened (by himself) a piece of chocolate candy. I noticed after he had it opened, but before he could get it to his lips. He wasn't too happy when we took it from him so we could get the aluminum foil off, but once we gave the candy back to him, it only took seconds to devour it.

Ari eating a chicken leg.

I really wanted to get a picture of the FOUR of them before they left for the weekend, but I forgot about it, and only remember after they were already packed up and ready to drive off.

One would think Gracey was the main reason for taking this picture!?!?

I am sad they are gone. The house is quiet, and I must go back to work tomorrow. I am however looking forward to a slower week. I only work 3 days this next week and I'm hoping to get the house back in order and my priorities back on track (hey isn't that was the New Year is for??)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to EVERYONE!

They are about the same age here...give or take a few days I think.

When Ivy was born she was pretty bruised and swollen. Even after a week went by her eyes were still blood shot.

Ari seemed to have an easier entrance into the world. I don't even remember his eyes having discoloration.

Aren't they both beautiful?

Glad to see you on.

It makes me sooooo happy when someone makes their presence known on my blog. Amy (my sister) got me interested in blogging. I'd like to say thank you to her in supporting my blog and commenting on it. Also I'd like to say welcome to Nana!!! Hope you make this a daily stop in your internet surfing.

Everyone else who is reading...start commenting!!!

Gingerbread House

This was our first time EVER constructing a ginger bread house...











...and its complete with solar panels.

Merry Christmas!!!

Well staying home this year has really been relaxing....

We all are having a great time being together and not doing anything. Ivy has played constantly with her train set (Thomas) and her Microwave (and plastic food). We took a little time while Ari was sleeping to play with a Playdough Set that we got her. The three of us...Nathanael, Ivy, and I made a pizza. :)

Nathanael got me a memory foam pillow, mp3 player, and a storage container for my scrapbooking things.

I got Nathanael pipe accessories, large art set (acrylic, watercolor, and oil paints), an energy efficient house (its a model that you put together and can run experiments, Reese Cups, and a really cool book to paint in and attach his older drawings to.

Ari didn't get much...but he got enough...A really cute puzzle with different vehicle shapes was a big hit, and of course he liked his sippy cups...atleast he did once we put juice in one of them...lol

I must go now...but I will try to post a little each day.

Stay tuned...

Christmas Eve Tradition

Nathanael's family has a tradition where everyone opens one present each on Christmas Eve. So this year we did the same with our family...Here's what we got.

Ivy and Ari both got a plate and a bowl from their Great Grandma Rose...I purposly chose this gift for them to open so they could use their Christmas plates for the lasagna dinner (which is a tradition in my family to have on Christmas Eve).


We had friends come over to join us for dinner. I chose to give Nathanael his present that went along with his pipe so he could enjoy a few puffs after dinner with his friend. Nate got tobacco, a container to hold the tobacco and keep it fresh, a Zippo to light the tobacco, and lighter fluid to make the Zippo work.


I ordered two poinsettias though my church in memory of my Grandfather and my Aunt who passed away this year. I will never forget my Grandpa Dick and my Aunt Karen or the memories that I have with them.

Our Night Before Christmas

The night before Christmas and all through the house
The music is playing, annoying my spouse.
The stockings are hung on the bookshelf with care,
With all of our names stitched on, so they won’t be bare.

Ivy is running crazy, as crazy can be,
While Ari is visioning how to be free.
And Daddy finishes homework, and I get off work late,
We are just about to put the house back straight.

The tree is up in the window for all to see,
With homemade popcorn garland made by me.
The ornaments were made with care
By Daddy, Ivy, Mommy, and Ari was there.

Its time for me to go, for the Ivy is screaming,
So I must go quiet her, while Ari is dreaming.
So remember your family and friends if you may,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good day!