Sophie got a Hippo Chia Pet for Christmas. It is supposed to start growing after 3-5 days. This picture was taking on day 3.

....day 7. Don't think it is doing so well. Darn Chia!!

Owen started preschool January 4th. He goes two days a week (soon will be three) at the same place Sophie goes. He was very excited in the morning to get there, however he cried for about 15 minutes after we left. His teacher Miss Angela said he did very well his first day and after crying he perked up and played. I tried very hard not to cry as we left. I am so excited he get s to go learn and play, but I just don't know what to do with myself when I'm alone. Maybe I should get a hobby!

Anticipating the day maybe?

A few years ago when I was still pregnant with Owen all the grand kids piled on the bed with Grandma and Grandpa and took a picture. It was so cute we decided to update it this year. 9 grand kids, man!!

We unfortunately did not get to many pictures at Grandma and Grandpa Martin's on Christmas Eve because we rolled out the video tape and well, I only have two hands.

But I thought these pictures turned out well!!

Christmas morning at our house. We opened presents and ate our favorite biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs. The kids loved there gifts and Jake and I enjoyed watching their excitement. Owen was all about opening the presents and tried to move in on his sister's gifts. I love Christmas time, but man am I glad it is over. Till next year I suppose!!!

Every year we try to take a family picture and every year it is a production. Trying to get two kids to look at the camera at the same time and smile as well as making sure mom doesn't have an irritated look on her face from demanding perfection from 3 other people. It's a small miracle we got the shot above.

Christmas started on Sunday for us. We went to Jake's mom's house and had turkey dinner and opened presents. The kids get so spoiled every year. And believe it or not so does Jake. This year he got a Wii and it is SO FUN! My arms are sore from playing tennis and my bum is sore from bowling. The kids love it to. It's fun to watch Owen boxing and Sophie has become a master at golf already.

Well with the little bit of snow we got this year we had to take the kids out to play. Sophie just had to throw snowballs this year and even Owen got in on the action. Afterwards we came in and had hot chocolate (yum) and warmed up by the fire. Of course the snow was melted the next day, but Sophie is still talking about throwing snowballs.

I set up a little surprise for my in-law's this year and got my sister-in-law to fly in from Gulfport, MS a couple of weeks before Christmas. She doesn't usually get to come home this time of year so it was a nice treat. Joe and Sylvia were so shocked when she came down the stairs it even took them a minute to process who she was.

These are some pictures I took this year in my mother-in-law's backyard. The kids are getting so big. I just can't believe time flies by as fast as it does.

Sophie and her friend Jaxson at their Thanksgiving party. They all had indian names given to them and wore vests, necklaces and headdress to celebrate such a great time of year. Sophie's name this year was "Shining Star". I think it suits her quite nicely, don't you?