{The Rink}

Yesterday after church we headed back up to NWA! We went to The Rink in Bentonville for a little ice skating.  I am really glad The Mr. is more adventurous than me!

He braved the ice to help the kids. 

The rink is set up a bit from their town square.  It appeared to be across from Crystal Bridges.

I am not real familiar with the area.

On our next trek up the hill I hope to visit the 5-10 & Crystal Bridges Museum.

Buddy did well. . . with a little help.  

You can see. . .

everyone took a few 

tumbles! 

Buddy ultimately ended up in the warm car wrapped in a blanket.

I volunteered to take him! 

He is just like me!  We dont like being cold! Brrrrr!

They also have outdoor movies. I love that sort of thing! 

I love going to places that make you feel like you are million miles away. . . from reality.

It's all about the atmosphere to me. 

I loved eating here and the fish was wonderful! 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Bentonville Square!

{Kayak Sled Team & Dreamy Photos}

Today was such a great day! The Mr. went 4-wheeling with some friends, my boys were here, and Sis had stayed the night with Mom. I couldn't sleep after Brad left (a completely empty house is weird), so I got up and went to the gym. 

(In addition to my work-out I fell asleep in the tanning bed  so I look like a crab or lobster. . . Sis says I look like the meat at The Fresh Market!! lol!!)  Funny, huh?

So after the workout and the 3rd degree burns I was headed to pick up the boys and my 

Sweetie Shannon said she would take Lily's pictures today. . . Oh my word. . . just look!!

She is way better to me than I deserve.

I am just speechless really. I am so-so happy for Shannon, her studio is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

I couldn't hold back my tears.  Her family is a blessing to us, and I am more than happy, excited, ecstatic  elated, and completely thrilled for her! 

(Her studio screams BEACH, by the way.)

Its an absolute dream.

Its the beach wrapped in a barn, really. Really it is a little slice of Heaven. 

I have no idea how I will choose. I told her to only show me 3! 

3 is all I can handle.

Like 1st, 2nd, 3rd favorite. . .ya know?

The Mr. says get one of each, and frame them all. Mercy.

I wanted to share a few more pictures of our Snow Fun!

The snow on Christmas made such a special day all the more special. 

It was beautiful in every way.

The kids had a blast!

The Mr. hooked up the sled to the 4-wheeler. . .

and look at them go!!

(That is actually the kayak that time)

We have had more fun in the kayak in the snow than in the water. . .

My Little Snow Angels.

Here is the whole "Kayak Sled Team". Pa Pa is JUST like a kid, so you cant help but have a ball when he is around. 

Last but not least, I started getting Clayton nutcrackers several years ago for Christmas. Due to the strep throat and flu, Santa Mommy didn't get one wrapped and under the tree by the 25th. 

But I came through today. . .

Relax, I say.

Its only the 29th.

{All Kinds of Amazing}

 Yesterday we ventured up to Northwest AR for a bit...I HAD NO IDEA THAT A GROCERY STORE COULD BRING ME SO MUCH JOY!?! I was kicking myself because I didn't have my camera.  I love and adore The Fresh Market. The music. The meat. The baskets. The fruit. The candy. The seafood. 

Oh yes, all the drinks in glass bottles! Dream. Dream. Dream. Little sample coffees with wooden stir sticks. 

Y'all life is good at the Promenade. 

I wasn't prepared to load up on groceries but we bought this and that.  I wanted to try these vegetable chips.

They are super tasty.  Super. Tasty.   

You would think I would be as equally excited about the Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, and Banana Republic, and I am, its just the feel of shopping in a "You've Got Mail Movie Market" really did it for me.

 Isn't this bedding lovely. I am over bedding at the moment though.  Whew! Aren't I glad!

I must tell you about one more thing. Popped Popcorn in the can from The Popped Popcorn Company

on Garrison Avenue! Who knew???!!!??? Well, apparently Mom did. This was one of our Christmas gifts. And, no doubt, it will be the gift that keeps on giving. . . because I cant stop eating it!!!

W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L!

You buy the can for around $20 BUT you can go have it refilled. . . get this. . . $6!!!!

It's a crime people!

You can choose from more flavors than the law should allow.

It's amazing really.

All kinds of amazing.

{This and That}

 Yes. This is what it has come to.  This is all parked right at our front door.  Waiting for some assistance.  Except assistance doesn't come until Monday, so. . . here it will sit. Mmm? Surely not?

Now, you would think my house would be clean as a whistle, but that is just not the case.

Just as I patiently waited for The Mr. to get my decorations down out of the attic. . . I am now patiently waiting for him to retrieve the totes. Did we just put up the Christmas tree yesterday?  I seriously feel that way!   There are very few (if any) things I wait or don't attempt to do on my own, but getting in the attic is where I swallow all my pride.  I do not want to fall.  I do not want to hit my head after I fall.  I do not want to be in a body cast. . . or worse. . . a coffin.

The point of my Nativity photo is to say I don't think I can pack it away. Just look at my Baby Jesus! He is glass and precious in every way. So, He and his Sweet Momma and Daddy are going in my hutch.  I am going to enjoy the Christmas Story all year long. My hutch is really starting to remind me of my Grandma Reathas! No rhyme or reason to the hodge-podge knick-knack assortment inside to a visitor, but they all told a story or had much meaning to her.  I remember hers fondly. . . seashells, stuffed animals (I might draw the line there), and even a fire cracker that looked like a rooster.

Dreamy. I say.

(Thus the hutch door open (below) being loaded up with this and that.)



{She Can do More than Hook-Up with Ken }

 Tonight Lily gently tore off her paper and then struggled with the tape attached to each side of the box. . .finally, open!. . . she found a sweet little "girl" elf! She was very excited and knew all about the mischievous trouble these little elves can get into.  She really is as cute as a button. 

The question crosses my mind, "Do we really need any more help making Christmas more secular??" AND the answer is, NO.

BUT

I am a firm believer that you can turn anything into a "tool" to teach about the Lord, and this sweet little elf is no different!

 This sweet little face can do more than make sugar snow angels and hook-up with Ken Barbie.

She can. . . sit at Jesus feet in our nativity, read the Bible, do a devotion, and maybe write some scriptures on the chalkboard.

She will be used as a sweet reminder of the real reason for the season in our home.

We'll see what all she will do when she returns from the North Pole!!

Now. . . what to name her??  She's just too darn cute! 

{My Sweet Christmas Girl}

{A Sweet Christmas Eve Sight}

Sweet Buddy snuggled with Sweet Toodles.

Hobbs Christmas Eve @ Aunt DeAnnas

{White Christmas}

 What a wonderful White Christmas we had!  This snow made for a long cozy afternoon for movies, playing

 toys, and gadgets, of course.  The kids were up early! We opened presents and had a warm breakfast. I

 was super sleepy, but I managed to fix eggs, bacon, and cinnamon rolls.  We nestled back in after breakfast

 and then headed to Moms for lunch.  She is such a great cook! She had all sorts of traditional Christmas,

food but also added some Mexican flare! Delish! Delish! We were SUPER lazy after we ate.  Although,

 it didn't last long for The Mr.  The weather meant accidents and ditch dwellers. So, off to the rescue he

went!  Oh, how grateful I am for these three! What fun they are! What joy they bring to me! We had a great day and I hope you did too!

Love, Tonia

Happy Birthday Jesus! And because I know how much you love me. . . I know you wont mind if we make your cake tomorrow. . . or the next day.

{Dear John}

We stayed at home today. . . until around 1:00.
The Mr. says, "You want to go drive around?"
That question was like having an early Christmas present!
I love and adore driving around.  Of course, we rounded the lake,
and the other lake, and drove clear out to her neck of the woods.
We almost "crashed" there but I am just not 100% sure about
Buddy's flu situation.  We finally landed at The Mr.s folks for a
bit.  His brother and sister came over too.  We ate at Steffy's Pizza.
That pizza is Heaven by the Slice. So wonderful.  Buddy ate a slice
and then put his head down on the table. Not.a.Good.Sign.

We are back here, Home Sweet Home.
Tree is lit.
Cozy clothes on.
How about some. . . Dear John.

Don't mind if I do.

{It's Christmas Time}

What a week.
The flu has hit "the baby"
and
honestly I cant help but be thankful after turning on the news.
Heartbreak. Absolutely heartbreaking.
I welcome it after seeing coffin after coffin going in the ground.
Children being killed is about more than this girl can stand.
What in the world can we do? It is a big task. A really big job.
People sure are trying to figure it out.
Day after day. Everyday, I am reminded of the hope we have. . .
comes from the Lord. His promises.

I am ready for Christmas Break!
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. (My absolute favorite)
Jesus Birthday. (reading the story of His birth)
No school. (Hopefully no bored or fighting kids)
The excitement of Christmas morning. (New Toys! and Gadgets!)
Food. (more consumed in one day than should be in a week)
Family. (Love our Family Time)

I hope you all are doing well!  I am looking forward to starting the New Year blogging! I am really missing all of you! I miss Darby! and am loving Miss Dixie!

Talk soon!
Love y'all!

Christmas Confession. . . I didn't do Christmas Cards this year.

{Fun with 2's}

This past Sunday we had our Christmas Art Show for 2's. 

I had so much fun! And I LOVE my kids having an opportunity

to serve! They swept, vacummed, set up food, and. . . had fun! 

Our pastor came and shared the birth of Jesus "2 year old style".  He

did a great job and the kids were great. . . whew!  Ya just never know

with 2's! Well, children of all ages really. Can I get an Amen?

Talk Soon!