Things that make me smile on a gloomy day

Seeing that someone added some decoration to one of the Nativity Scenes.

My hilarious little girl.  Such a personality I'm telling you!

peaceful

All tucked in with Minnie Mouse...

Christmas at the Redburn's

Reading Graysen a new story

the family in purple...

The grandkids

 

My boys in their matching shoes

Then Gray wanted a picture of us in our matching boots

The Renauds
Becca and Justin
Keaton (4), Hayden (6), and London (9 mo.)

My family (hope someone else got a better shot...?)
Lincoln, Silas (7), Ashley and "Spike" (26.5 weeks), Blake (7)
Hunter (7), and Graysen (4)

The kids working on gingerbread men stickers

Waiting to open stockings

Graysen's first sighting on her new headboard...

Graysen's new castle headboard!  Papa made it and Gma painted it!

Christmas Morning

We woke up at home this year...it was nice.  The kids were greeted by this sign in the tree...

They looked outside to see this!!  A new playhouse!  The boys have been asking for a tree house, but I think they'll love this until spring!

A new clock for their bedroom that shines the world and the time on their ceiling!  

Entering the world of Legos...oh help us!

A new Iron Man hat and gloves set!

She was precious this year.  She opened very slowly and treasured each gift.  She wanted them open and wanted to play with each one before moving on to the next one.

The boys got pogo sticks!  Super fun!!!

Christmas Eve 2011

Christmas Eve was spent at my Momma's house.  We had a great afternoon and evening together!  

She got each kid a package of M&M's and read them this poem:

As you hold these candies in your hand 
And turn them, you will see 
The 'M' becomes a 'W', 
An 'E', and then a '3'. 

They tell the Christmas Story-- 
I'm sure it's one you know. 
It took place in a stable 
A long, long time ago. 

The 'E' is for the East, 
Where the star shone so bright. 
The 'M' is for the Manger, 
where the Baby Jesus slept at night. 

The '3' is for the Wisemen, 
Bearing gifts, with which they came. 
'W' is for Worship, 
Hallelujah! Praise His Name! 

So as you eat these candies 
Or share them with a friend, 
Remember the meaning of Christmas: 
It's a love that never ends.
- Author Unknown

Hunter showing Aunt Sissy his new treasure chest (that was Papa's when he was young) filled with Dragon Scales!

Grammie also bought the kids a recordable storybook.  It's the story of the first Christmas and all they have to do is open it up and it plays her recorded voice reading it to them.  This will be a treasured gift forever!!!
Thank you Momma for helping me keep the real reason for the day first on their minds!

Introducing a new addition to Kara's family:  Mack

...and another new addition:  Mara

Getting ready to open their first gifts of the night!

Graysen's pink puppy!!

think she was a little excited about "Sally"?

Cute Mack playing with the paper.

Opening Sissy and Chad's gifts...Graysen's boots to match Aunt Sis!

Oh my...three football players!  

There was lots of posing with these favorite gifts!

Sweet Graysen (with a sticky mouth) and Sally

the end of the night...pouring sparkling grape juice and getting ready for Jesus' birthday party!

Jesus' birthday cake.  Hunter decorated, a M&M Cross with Jesus on it.

Three of the four with the birthday cake!

Back home, with Santa's cookies and milk!!  Ready for bed...

Graysen's haircut

My Grandma trimmed Graysen's hair (it was growing in a mullet) when she was about 6 months old.  Since then she has only had her bangs trimmed.  Literally no length cut off of her hair...

until a few days ago!  

Before...look at those scraggly ends!

"Of course you choose the day when I don't wear makeup or do my hair to document this!"  - Kara

Ready...Set...
(she had to stand in the chair because her hair is so long!)

Go!

We only took about 1/2 inch off...we're just trying to work toward evening up the back and sides.  But it looks so much healthier now!  Daddy was even concerned about how much we were taking off!  (It was cute!)  She was proud of herself and everyone in the Beauty Shop was cheering her on!