Bye Bye Henry the Elf

Henry came way to early this year. He showed up even before Thanksgiving. I think he got bored and then got into some mischief. What a stinker!! There are so many pictures of Henry, but here are a few I could find. The girls really enjoyed him this year. He added some excitement to this stinky temporary housing situation...but I was glad to see him leave on Christmas Day.

This year the market was flooded with "Elf on the Shelf" items. We have had our Elf for many many years so I was surprised to see a new movie out, little skirts for girl elfs, and mischief kits...really? Wow, whoever came up with this idea is making some big bucks now. It really is a good idea that started with a good book to help with the behavior of ones kids around the holidays. Brilliant!!!!!

Christmas Eve

For some reason I can't switch these pictures around, but if you start from the bottom of the pictures with us in our new PJs you will see Samantha crying...we kept taking pictures until Samantha finally got into the spirit. There are many more pictures than what I posted, but you get the idea.






Our sad little apartment Christmas tree. Our good tree is 9 foot tall and in storage so we had to make this little 3 foot tree work. I did put it up on a chair to make it a little bit taller. The best part of it was all the hand made ornaments the kids and friends made for us.

The girls always get a new set of PJs on Christmas Eve. They were so excited even though they knew what they were getting.

It's a MOM MOM Christmas

John's wife Taryn holding Bradley. If you knew how loud it was in this club house you would be impressed that Bradley is sleeping.
It was so nice of Santa to stop by and hung and love on all the kids. and....when I turned around "I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus." Mom Mom wanted a certain photo op...too cute, but so funny, I forgot to take the picture. I am sure there is one out there floating around of that special moment.
I don't think there is anything more beautiful than my little Samantha. I mean look at her...crazy hair and all.




Christmas at Mom Moms took place on December 23, 2011. It was held at her club house, which is the perfect place for our large growing family...and it continues to grow with the announcement that Taryn is pregnant again. Congratulations Taryn!

My Mom Retired

Mom's empty office at Fairfield South Elementary School.

My Mom was able to retire half way through the school year, which means she retired right before the Christmas Holiday. Congratulations Leslie Laney!!!!

The kids enjoying cake with all of the teachers, on the last day of school before the Holiday Break.

I am so happy for you Mom and wish you luck on the next chapter of your life.

EnterTrainment Junction

In the month of December, my family and my sister's family made our way to Enter"Train"ment Junction. The kids had a great time looking at all of the trains. We were able to do a "where's waldo" type of search for "where's Santa" amongst all of the trains.

I think the kids really enjoyed the day, but they loved being able to see Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and being able to spend time in the fun house. The fun house made me and Erin sick. I can't handle mazes full of mirrors. Gosh...when did I get so old.

Church Christmas Dinner

Laney and Samantha did a beautiful job singing in the Angel Chorus.

They sang "The Nativity Song". The song narrated the living nativity of children.