{Sweet Dreams}

Is Hedbanz not so fun??!!!  We have played it & played it some more!

And. . . I stink at it!  I mean really stink!  I always end up caving and taking a chip! 

{Sweet Kate, Madi Bell, and Lily}

We had a our Sweet Ryan over this week.  Him and Carson are just the sweetest. . . 

Am I a pet?

Am I a cat?

Am I. . .

Am I. . . 

Speaking of sweet. . . 

I love my new linen "Sweet Dreams" pillow.  The Mr. keeps trying to sleep on 

it.  Bless his heart.  He doesn't have a clue what "just for looks" means.

Please tell me my husband isn't the only one?!?

{This is Wrong at All Levels}

Yes, that is a spoon sticking out of the container. . . 

Yes, that spoon has my prints all over it. . .

At least I am honest.

Milk, please. . . 

{Elf Watching ~ Christmas Eve 2012}

Every year after the Candlelight Service we head to The Mr.'s Sisters House.  Look at all those boys. . . and girl.  They are all growing like. . . weeds. Oh, I sound old.

{Uncle Brian giving Cole some rabbit ears.} 

We ate delicious food. 

Lounged around. 

Opened presents.

{Brads mom (NaNa Mary) sews, and she made Lily her name.  She was super excited!} 

The kids snuggled up and watched Elf. 

Cole & Clayton opted out of Elf for video games. 

So Pretty. 

Buddy was super excited he got the web blaster from his Auntie Misty. 

We finished off the evening seeing who could manage to eat the hottest pepper.

{See that tasty jar of red and green fire bombs??!!} 

{The Mr. wiping his face. . . Cole holding his throat reaching for the water. . .}

For some reason all eyes are on Uncle Mark. . . 

and he's not in my picture.

MMMmm?

{Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 2012}

The Candlelight Service is my most favorite thing we do at Christmas.  I look forward to closing my

eyes and praising the Lord!  This year my kids were asked to read the Christmas Story from the Bible. 

Lily was up first! She was not nervous. Crowd did not phase her. She memorized

her verses.  I made her read them! Less stress! Just read it off the i-pad, please mam! 

This lady, Shannan, has an amazing voice. She sang, A Baby Changes Everything.

Buddy was 2nd up.  Nervous, yes. BUT we had him practicing the wrong set of verses. . .

so he went cold turkey! I was nervous enough for him. . . 

I decided to send Clayton up with him "just in case". Before Buddy started he whispered in Clayton's ear,

"Don't help me, okay?"

Whew! He didnt need help! He did great! I kept taking breaths for him. It was much to read. 

Clayton finished up the story and did great!  He was embarrassed which breaks my heart, but I know (and hope and pray) its just the age.  I explained to him what an honor and privilege it was to be able to read about Jesus.

Not sure if it helped. 

Lily and Sweet Emma Grace. 

Here we all are! 

When we were heading to the car we saw Sweet Emily and her new BABY! Look! What a sweet little puppy! We ooooo'd and aaaaahhhh'd and. . . gave it right back. 

Just as we should.

{Still in 2012}

Hello 2013! I should be writing about the New Year. . .but for some reason I am not quite

done with 2012! See what I mean?? Last night I packed up Christmas and The Mr. & Clayton helped me put things in the attic. Later, I thought I guess I could've been a tad more fun on New Years Eve!  But I just

felt like the "Christmas Bomb" needed to be diffused a bit. 

A few last lingering Christmas memories to share. . .

Snow coming down at Moms.  Gazing out her window, peering upon Main Street. 

The Hot Cocoa Station was a hit this year.  Especially the HUGE marshmallows. 

I feel like I should probably enjoy the "decorating" more. . . so next year (mental note). . . less will be more. 

Buddy got his very own BB gun. He was so excited! 

 I love love this picture! The Mr.'s hand. . . Love.

 How cute is this? 

 Have you noticed his dangling front tooth?? It does NOT need pulled, by the way.

Snow on Christmas Day was so beautiful! Minus my poor sister being out of power for 5 days in Little Rock! It was terrible for them.  Especially since she just had surgery.  We still haven't seen them for the holiday.

Ping-Ping Playing at Moms!

So fun!

Pa Pa and The Mr. were a real hoot!

It was fun even a 12 year old could enjoy. . .thank heavens.

One other thing I would like to take note of. . . 

As the kiddos have gotten older the gift giving seems to be a tad more challenging to us.

I don't exactly mean just because things are more expensive. . .But just saying, "No".

This year was one of the first years that we didn't buy much from the "list".

We said "No" to some video game request.

We didn't go overboard to make sure we had the $100 jeans under the tree.

But then we weren't even sure about the things we did buy!

Its hard to put what I am trying to say into words, but I have several 

months to get my game plan down for next Christmas. 

It's time to mix it up a tad. . . 

I still would like to share Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. . . its my most favorite thing in the world.

I might be stuck in 2012 for awhile. . .

{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!