Early morning fishing

This morning Mel, Tyler, Michelle and Andrea went deep sea fishing. It was Andrea's first time.

They got up really early in the morning, and were all done by noon. I decided to stay home and

catch the sales. Yet I didn't catch them. Too sleepy. But Julie and I did go out and shop a bit.

We got a few little gifts taken care of.

Oh, a shout out to my son in law Andy. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

The family as we are today

Now that Tyler has his own little family, and Melissa has her own little family, our Family picture is definitely smaller with those that are still "at home". But here is a picture of the group that remains. = ) We took lots of different shots hoping for one that we could put on our Christmas Card. This is a runner up.

Happy Birthday Anna

Wow, Thanksgiving isn't enough. It's also Anna's birthday. Michelle made the cake, and not only are we having cake, there's pie too. That's what happens when your birthday falls on Thanksgiving. Time to go have a bite......

Being Thankful

This is going to be a picture full post. We had our Thanksgiving feast of Turkey, Mashed potatoes, dressing, greenbean casserole, peas, corn, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, rolls, gravy, and pie is coming for dessert. Then you can see in my later pictures, that the triptowhatever it's called really hit hard. Then tonight, it's Cirque du Soleil. It's fun to be together, but we are missing The Smith's in South Carolina. I'm feeling tired now, so I'm brain dead for the rest of this post.

Michelle and Mel in the kitchen

Well, Michelle wanted to help her Dad prepare some of the side dishes for Thanksgiving this year, and we even got Andrea helping make the green bean casserole. Miracle of Miracles, I know. Today is Anna's birthday too, and Michelle made her a sweet cake. We made fudge, and Michelle frosted the cake with it. It's going to taste yummy!!

Our visitors for Thanksgiving

Tyler Anna and Grace got here for Thanksgiving and I had to snap their picture. Enjoy

Just a little "elfin" around

Hi sure hope this link works. I had a lot of fun creating it. Enjoy

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9554463225

Happy Happy Birthday Hubby Dear

Today is Mel's birthday. Woo Hoo. Don't we all wish that it was more exciting than it is when you have to go to work on your birthday. Seems unfair (uncivilized, inhumane, etc.) to me. I think that companies should give you your birthday off as your own personal holiday. I mean...come on !!! Anyway, in my very domestic way, I put some candles on his "cake" and we sang happy birthday to him. I did plan ahead and got tickets to Cirque Du Soleil, Corteo, so that should be fun. I just know that everyone needs to feel special on their special day. So here's to you my Sweet Melvy........Happy Birthday

going backwards to Halloween

Well, I never posted any pictures from Halloween, and I realize that there's not been anything new for too long, so here is a picture of Julie with some of her friends from Halloween. I think you might be able to tell what the theme is.....but I'm not going to say. On the left is Samantha

then Julie, then Jackie then Jordan and then Kelsey.

Cheer pictures

Today was picture day for Julie and all the Spiritleaders. I have to say that my Julie is quite

photogenic. So, here is a picture of Julie and her squad.

The "Five things" Tag

I didn't know how this tag thing worked until Melissa filled me in. So I guess I'll participate.
Here goes.

5 things I was doing 10 years ago.

1. Getting the first grey hairs from Tyler passing his driving test and going on his first date!
2. Experiencing the first daughter trying out for cheer and making it
3. Sending off my last child to Kindergarten
4. Juggling back to school nights. I had 2 children in elementary school,
one in junior high, and one in high school
5. Camping out with the family in Pasadena for the Rose Parade for the first time.

5 things on my to do list for tomorrow

1. Wake up early to "watch" Nancy Rice's mom, who can't be left alone.
2. Make something yummy for dinner.
3. Watch "The Bachelor" with Julie
4. Unload the dishwasher
5. Get through my stack of catalogs

5 things I would do if I had a millions dollars

1. Put a down payment on a home for each of my children
2. Take my whole family on a trip each year
3. Invest
4. Do some anonymous giving
5. Buy something frivolous

5 things I will never wear again

1. Skinny pants of any kind
2. Maternity clothes
3. Short shorts
4. My moms, mine, and sisters wedding dress
5. 3" heels

5 favorite toys

1. My Magellan
2. The Computer
3. My Cell phone
4. My Beach cruiser
5. The Grandkids

My trip to South Carolina

Wow, I did it. I flew to North Carolina, then drove to South Carolina to see my baby and her baby. It is amazing what we will do to see our kids and grandkids. I'm not much of a flyer, even

though I have to say, that I get calmer after the initial take-off. And as long as the turbulence isn't too great, I can handle it. I had a lot of fun seeing Stella again, and of course I always enjoy my time with Melissa. Oh, and Andy. = ) I like to be able to visualize where they are living and the places they go when I am talking to them. I never dreamed I would go to South Carolina. I almost felt like I was in a foreign country, just because I never thought I'd step foot in the state. Not that I have anything against it, just never thought I'd go there. (I'm funny that way) It was

rainy the first few days, then it got nice. I'm looking forward to going back again and possibly seeing some of the touristy things. Charleston, Myrtle Beach. But I'm hoping I'll have more of my family with me next time. It was also very nice to see Karen and Chadd and their kids while I was there. They have been so good to 2 of my kids now.

Melissa and I spent some time looking at apartments. We went to Andy's school. We enjoyed "doing lunch". (And dinner) But truthfully, I could be happy just spending time with my daughter doing just about anything. And being able to hold and kiss Stella was the icing on the cake!!

Andy, Melissa and Stella, I love you all and miss you already!!! MUAH!