Christmas Morning!!

It's funny how months of preparation, buying, wrapping, decorating, and anticipation are undone in all of 15 minutes! This year was the first year that Landon and I have had our very own Christmas. You'd think after 6 years of marriage this wouldn't be so, but because of Landon's previous career, we never lived in one place long enough to do the whole Christmas thing! This was the first year we've ever decorated a tree and had our own Christmas morning in our own house. Landon and I have been so blessed our entire marriage and experienced things that people only see on TV, but I would not change where we are today for anything! Landon's football days are over, but we have built a life that is filled with love, trust, and true friendship. This was by far the best Christmas we have ever had- hands down!

Maddie finally got her Nintendo DS. I must say, that is my favorite toy! It's so fun!! Sam had so many Diego and Little people playsets that he didn't know where to start! Landon actually did really well this year. I have a boutique here in town that I love and he had the owner help him pick out some new clothes and jewelry for me. I was so proud of him!! I didn't really have a list or anything, but everything he bought were things I would've bought myself.

We spent the rest of the day at Landon's parents house. His entire family was in town and we had the best day!! I had to make 2 pumpkin pies and a greenbean casserole. It's sort of a running joke about how much of a non-baker I am; but this year I rocked those pies!! They were awesome. Well, I thought they were awesome :) I'm posting an old pic of the first time I ever baked a pumpkin pie- it's one of my favorite pictures because Sam is just so dang cute (it's the first one).

A little Christmas...

Last Sunday at church was the kids Christmas program. I work in the nursery with 1-3 year olds so basically I just had to make sure they didn't freak out! Sam was so cute with his little bells. He wasn't too sure about it at first, really he just wanted to go bang on the drums, but after a while he was ok.-- Maddie on the other hand, was Brilliant! As you can see from the pictures, she is by far the tallest in her class. She was on point with all the words and moves. It's really funny to see her up there! Long before I was a mom and a wife I was really involved in drama in junior high. I always thought I would end up doing something on stage- but that didn't exactly pan out:) Anyway- it was awesome to watch her on stage and her love for Jesus is so inspiring. She always tells me "God is bigger than Everybody" and believes it with her whole heart. Oh, to have the faith of a child. Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Christmas with the ones they love!

Thanksgiving Good (and Bad) Times

This year for Thanksgiving we travelled up to NW Arkansas to spend the day with Landon's family on his dad's side. On wednesday we drove from Hot Springs to Siloam Springs, about 3.5 hours north. Anyone who knows me knows how motion sick I can get on long car rides! Heck, I can't even play on the swings because I get sick (seriously!!). So I literally spent the entire drive with my head in a Wal-Mart sack. I managed to hold it together to do some light shopping at the Target in Fort Smith, but then it was right back to my sack! Once we got to Siloam, I was fine for the rest of the trip.

Thanksgiving day was absolutely awesome! We travelled to Beaver Lake and the weather could not have been more perfect. The kids played outside all day and we took a walk after lunch to find sea shells. I kept making the comment that it was "the best Thanksgiving ever!" So of course things had to take a turn for the worst...

Just as we were about to head for home I recieved a call from Animal Services in Hot Springs. Apparently all 3 of our Labs (plus one we were dogsitting) got out of the backyard. My precious Mylie was hit by a car on the bypass. She is by far my favorite of the dogs and I know I am her favorite in the family:) I was able to pick her up on friday morning and take her to the vet where she is still under observation. She has no broken bones (thank God), but has a severe case of road rash from where she was hit and slid. They are most concerned with internal bleeding. So if you remember, say a little prayer for my girl. She is the sweetest dog I could ever ask for and is the only one in the family that listens to me!

I hope everyone had a wonderful day filled with laughter and love. I am blessed to have amazing in-laws and I married into such a close-knit Christian family. They are truely a testament to God's wonderful love!

Happy Halloween

I know this post is a bit late, but I'm working on keeping up with the blogging! We had a great Halloween; Mads and I were cats and Sam was Batman. Landon was a sheriff and I really wish I would've taken a picture of his killer handle-bar mustache. It was amazing and he seriously kept it for a few days after Halloween until I made him shave it!

Fun Times with My VB Girls!

Last week my volleyball team had State in Wynne, AR. If you've never heard of Wynne, don't feel bad because neither had I! Eventhough we lost, we had a pretty fun time. Also, it was my favorite girl Chloe's Senior night. She tore her ACL about a month ago and just recently had surgery. She is an incredible athlete and one of the smartest people I know. The kids had a great time dancing during pre-game; I just wished I could've captured Sam's facial expressions. He was really getting into it!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Yesterday was my dad's birthday and eventhough he couldn't be here to spend it with us, I wanted to post some pics from his last visit. He is the best grandpa and the kids think he is "cool," which is the best compliment you can get from a 5 yr. old!

The Kids!

My kids are crazy, to say the least! I can't blame anyone but myself for their outrageous personalities. Maddie is very into fashion and boys (ayay, she's only 5!) and Sam is already an athlete. No joke, he watches ESPN and studies the players. He knows which helmet to wear depending on what highlights are on. Definitely his fathers son!!

Mer's Wedding

I'm trying to load pictures taken at Landons cousin Meredith's wedding. It was at the Chapel at Garvan Gardens and it was absolutely beautiful! The kids sat through the whole thing with no outbursts, well, except when Landon's sis walked down the aisle and Sam screamed out "Begas!" Her name is Megan but somehow that is what he came up with. Mads just liked all the dresses. She's my girly-girl!

I'm a blogger!

Well, to sum up the past 6 years in one blog would be extremely difficult! Anyone who knows Landon and I know what kind of crazyness our lives have taken on! We were married almost 6 years ago and I am so incredibly lucky to have married my best friend. We have 2 amazing children, Madison (5) and Samuel (2). We're pretty sure a third one will be in the works soon, but not until I finish school! Landon is in the process of taking over an Insurance Firm here in Hot Springs and I am finishing my degree in History at Henderson State. I coach highschool volleyball and also am the co-Director of Hot Springs Juniors Volleyball Club.