Winter Wonderland

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...ok, well maybe NOT.  I think we've had our fair share now.  We have some pretty crazy weather here & this winter has not disappointed.  It's so beautiful, but I have to say, I'm ready for the snow to move out & the warm weather to move in.  The kids have already been out of school for 7 days.  We got the ususal for this area...ICE & then several inches of snow on top of that.  We woke up this morning to another foot of snow.  That's right, I said a FOOT & it's still coming down strong.  They are predicting close to 2ft before the day is over.  Wal-Mart Stores, Inc actually closed down (a first in history I think), which prompted several other businesses (including mine) to close for the day.  THANK GOODNESS!  I don't think I could have made it anyway.  I probably would have been lost just walking out to the driveway.  I don't think I've seen snow like this since I was a child.   Last week, when the kids were getting pretty restless, we took them down the road to the Bella Vista golf course & went sledding.  There's a great hill there that the locals go to.  It was so cold, so we didn't stay long.  In fact, I think we only made it down the hill a couple of times before the kids were DONE.  I must say, it was fun while it lasted.  We went back a couple of days later w/ our good friends/family.  By then the ice was so packed down, that you literally FLEW down the hill.  Well, Old Man Winter, thanks for the good ol' times, but it's now time for you to take a hike!

 

My Little Hobby on the Side

As most of you, I LOVE taking pictures.  With a full time job, two rambuncious kids, & a new puppy, I don't have a lot of time to devote to my hobby, but when I do, I have a blast.  From actually taking the pics, to editing, to delivering the final result to my "client", it's such a great escape for me.  I'm the first to admit that I'm no professional, but I love the feeling you get when you capture that "right moment" or take a beautiful portrait.  Recently, I was blessed w/ a few jobs all about the same time.  First, one of my best friends needed new family pics.  John's good friend had a baby actually on my Birthday & they wanted some newborn baby pics.  Then, an old collegue called me up about having some pics w/ her boys.  Here's a few of my favorites from those shoots.  I'm so thankful to each of them for allowing me to take their pics.  Some of these actually even made it into Christmas cards.  I felt very honored.

Santa Dropped By!!!

It's such an amazing sight to see your child's face just light up.  They did just that when some "special" guest dropped by Mima & Papa's Christmas party...  Mom & Dad invited a few close friends over & of course us & Melissa's family were there as well.  Shortly around 6:00, there was a knock on the door...Who could it be?  Everyone that had been invited was already there.  In walks Santa & Mrs. Claus.  You should have seen the looks of their faces. Tinsley & Trinity didn't spare anytime jumping up in to his lap to tell him what they've been up to & what they wanted.  It was a different story w/ Avery & Payton.  They weren't exactly crying, but they were very CAUTIOUS!  It was so much fun.  Even John got in on the action.



Happy Halloween

Ok, so I'm still catching up.  Most of you know how I love to throw parties.  I just love getting all our close friends & family together & watching everyone visit & have fun.  The kids had a blast at the Halloween party we had last year & kept asking about a hay ride again, so we decided to do it again this year.  We had SOOOO many people over.  I have to admit, it was a little overwhelming, but it was still fun.  John & I spend the day prior getting the house in order & decorating a little bit.  I managed to convince John to dress up this year.  In fact, many of the adults dressed up this year & everyone looked great.  I think the prize goes to my Dad though...He looked AWESOME!  We had great food, friends, a scavenger hunt for the kiddos & everyone enjoyed a spooky hay ride at the end of the night!