Christmas Card Photo...Take 12

Take 1.... Dog acting Crazy

Take 2.....Mommy didn't make it in time

Take 3....Squeezing the dog's head off

Take 4...Trying to get dog to look forward

Take 5... Need to have a little talk about being lady-like while sitting in a skirt (even if it is a skirt with shorts under it)

Take 6....Camera fell off perch...nice pic of ceiling

Take 7.... Daisy wasn't happy with her pose

Take 8...Daisy?

Take 9...The cat walked by.....oh well....we'll take it.

Jagger Update

I thought I would take a minute and update you all on Jagger.
He has been with us since Thanksgiving--on and off.

It like a three way family.
I have him most of the time, but he sees his Dad(my brother) on his days off;
and he sees his Mom every other weekend.

So, needless to say, he is still bouncing around a lot.
I try to make sure things stay consistent at our house.

We have had a few behavior issues that have been dealt with, but for the most part things are going good.

Except 1 thing that really has nothing to do with Jagger.

I am drained... physically, emotionally, spiritually and so on and so forth.

After cooking and cleaning and home schooling and potty training, I have nothing left at the end of the day. I feel like a zombie by the time Nick gets home.
Nick and I have been talking (once again) about sending the kids back to school.
It makes me feel like a failure, but something needs to be done.
I think I was a much happier Mom to be around and we appreciated each other more when were away from each other for a few hours every day.

Nothing has been decided for sure, but we are praying about it.

Daisy Mae

We surprised the kids with their puppy last night.
We had my brother come over to babysit while Nick and I went out on a "date".
After we got home, we hid the puppy in my parents' garage while we all decorated the tree.

Grandma, Grandpa and Great Grandma came down to watch the tree decorating.
We told the kids we had an early Christmas present for them.
Niyah asked, "Is she ours to keep forever?"
Alex couldn't talk, he was so excited.

We named her Daisy Mae.
She has fit in just perfectly.

Cub Scout Hot Dog Sale

Alex's Cub Scout Pack had a Black Friday Hot Dog sale today.
We started at around 7 this morning.
We made about $200 today.
Tonight there is a parade in town. We will be selling there also.
So proud of my little entrepreneurs. :)

Thankful

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?"”

- William Arthur Ward

I am thankful for.......

I am thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ- for loving me and forgiving me, even when I don't deserve it.

I am thankful for my husband- he works so hard to provide for us.

I am thankful for my children- They brighten my day and make me smile when I need it most.

I am thankful for my home- I was thankful for my old home (all 12X 50 feet of it)
I am thankful for my new home, and even though most people would still consider it small for a family of 6, I think it's just right.

I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to surprise my kids with a puppy this Christmas.

I am thankful that God is giving my Grandma more time on this earth. I love spending time with her.

I am thankful to be able to be a stay at home mom, even if it means money is tight sometimes.

I am thankful that my family has never gone to bed hungry.

I am thankful that my children still love to cuddle.

I am thankful for my parents- they have done so much for me.

I am thankful for my health. This is something I do NOT take for granted.

I am thankful that Nick has tomorrow off and that we get to sleep in. :)

I am thankful that Jagger has come to live with us.

I am thankful that I can't (will not) buy my children everything their heart desires. I believe they will thank me for this when they are older.

I am thankful for Christmas. I am thankful that we have started the tradition of simplifying Christmas, yet magnifying the real reason for Christmas.

I am thankful for our military and oh so very proud of them.

I am thankful that I get to enjoy the upcoming holidays with my family and am praying for those that don't get to.

I am thankful for my friends and I wish you all a joyous Thanksgiving.