Flashback Friday

My friend Melinda does a flashback Friday picture on her blog each week. A few weeks ago, she invited everyone to join her. I thought this was a great idea, but this was the first week I actually remembered in time. I also don't have any photos that are that old. They are all at my parents house. But, for the sake of posting, I'm posting one from Skylar's first Christmas. It's about the oldest I have available. She was 3 months old, and this particular photo was taken at my parent's house. I can't believe how quickly time flies. (I think I may have said that before.) To see the other flashback Friday posts, click here.

Running Late

I know you don't actually care to see an ugly picture of me, but I just can't believe I actually went to work looking like this today. I use my cell phone for an alarm, and I have misplaced my charger since the Oregon trip, so I have no working phone. I asked Kevin to set his alarm and wake me up this morning because I had to be at work early for chess club. This is a perfect example of when you want something done, you should just find a way to do it yourself. When I finally woke up this morning, it was 7:20. There was no way I could even get there on time, and I wore my hair a day dirty yesterday, so I HAD to wash it this morning. So, I washed my hair, put a hat on and ran. Wet hair, no make-up and all. I arrived at school with about 30 kids waiting on me. They of course had to comment on my unusual appearance. Some of the teachers thought I was dressed up for my decade unit. (If only I had thought of that excuse a little earlier.) What a way to start the day! Tomorrow can only be better, right?

It's Christmastime!

I always get so excited about Christmas, but it seems like it got here so fast this year, and it's totally passing me by. We've been gone, and away from the girls, and it just hasn't felt like the most wonderul time of the year.I feel that I hardly have any time left to enjoy all the things I love so much about this time of year. I haven't even watched a single Christmas movie yet. Anyway, I think we are beginning to get with it, and start enjoying this wonderful holiday season. We have a few holiday things planned for the weekend, and are listening to lots of Christmas music. I hosted my first two holiday events at my house last night, so it's finally beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Lawrence house. I of course had to make the girls pose for a few pics before church tonight because I haven't had an opportunity to annoy them with my camera since we were apart for so long. I'm so happy to have them back and get to see their smiling faces and hear their giggles.

Uncle Kevin

We are having withdrawals from being away from our girls for so long, but I'm sure they are having the time of their lives. In the meantime, Kevin's getting the opportunity to play with his nieces he rarely gets to see. We met Lilly for the first time, and got to spend some time with Jade.

Snickers

We had to be at the airport this morning by 5:00AM, and I had a million things to do last night so we opted to just pull an all nighter. I am not particularly fond of traveling, especially at wee hours in the morning with no sleep. As we were on the four hour flight from Dallas to Portland, I was tired, squished in a center seat separated from my husband, and gettting very hungry. They no longer treat you to a free snack on the airline much to my disappointment. It was pushing 1:00 our time, and I hadn't eaten anything since a very early breakfast. If you know me very well, you know that that can be dangerous. All of that to tell you that this nice man sitting beside me obviously noticed my hunger pangs and offered me a snickers bar. Most people probably would have turned it down, but again if you know me, you know I jumped on it. I haven't eaten a snickers in forever, and it was absolutely divine. That man has no idea how happy he made me today not only because he gave me a snickers, but because it reminded me of how kind most people really are. So, if you ever get stuck beside me on a flight, I'll have a snickers bar to offer you:) Have a good day!

Information

In order for the next few posts to make sense, I should explain that Kevin and I are currently in Oregon, while our girls are in Missouri with my parents. I'm missing them like crazy. Kevin's grandmother passed away, so we made the trip to Portland to be with the family and attend the memorial service. I've avoided really posting about it because I'm not really good with that sort of thing. Anyway, things could get confusing if I didn't mention that.

Typical

What is wrong with this picture? (Besides the ghost boxer shorts in December) I don't claim to be neat freak by any stretch of the imagination, but seriously? The clothes on the floor are actually touching the hamper. Is it weird that when I noticed this I went to grab my camera and take a picture rather than just picking them up and putting them in the hamper. Actually, I think they are still there......

The Classifieds

This adorable apron could be yours if the price is right.............. Or, if you are willing to pay $39.00 for a fabulous apron that would make a great gift for the females on you list, or for yourself if you shop like me. I started a blog posting some of my mom's aprons. If you are interested in seeing more, click here. There are two different styles and several fabrics. All the aprons are lined and will wash up well. You'll have to excuse the fact that I'm the model in all the pics. I'm the only one home, and I work for free. It's just hard to see what they look like unless they are on a person. Anyway, check it out when you get a chance, and I'm sure she would love any feedback you are willing to give.

Melinda's Cookie Swap

My friend Melinda at "Bloggin' It From The 'Burbs" had the great idea of a Christmas Cookie Swap. I too have a weakness for cookies, and would have a hard time picking a favorite. The plain old chocolate chip cookie ranks pretty high on my list, but I'm sure everyone already has their favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. I'm posting a recipe for chocolate crinkles at my husband's request. These are his favorite cookies, and he isn't really into food, so they must be good. So, if you want an array of new cookie recipes, check out Melinda's blog tomorrow and you will be linked to all of the recipes that were posted. (Melinda, I am not technologically inclined enough to post the adorable star invite, I am not sure I properly linked to your site, and I'm posting a day early because I would forget if I waited until tomorrow, but I hope you count me anyway!) So, here is my (my meaning my Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook) recipe for.................

Chocolate Crinkles

3 eggs

1 1/2 cups sugar

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted

1/2 cup cooking oil

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour

sifted powdered sugar

1. In a mixing bowl beat eggs, granulated sugar, chocolate, oil, baking powder and vanilla with an electric mixer till combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in remaining flour. Cover and chill 1 to 2 hours or till easy to handle.

2. Shape dough inot 1-inch balls. Roll balls in powdered sugar to coat generously. Place balls 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes or till edges are set and tops are crackled. Transfer cookies to a wire reack and let cool. If desired, sprinkle with additional powdered sugar. Makes about 48 cookies.

The Whole Family

When we all get together, we occasionally attempt a family picture, most of the time quite unsuccesfully. However, we decided to give it another go. Most of my family gets extrememly annoyed with my obsessive picture taking, but I know one day they'll be happy that I've documented every moment of our time together, right? This first picture is of the guys making fun of my idea that they all sit on the bench. They obviously didn't fit, but seem to be quite happy about it.

Just a random picutre of my little family.

And finally, the first picture of my whole immediate family with all the grandkids. Almost everyone was looking, had their eyes open and all but two were smiling. (Thanks a lot Trent and Dad) So, mom here you go. I hope this one works for you. We may have to give it another go at Christmas. I'm sure everyone is excited about that idea. Maybe we could even coordinate our outfits:)

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

My sister surprised the girls with some adorable Christmas pajamas, and I couldn't resist the adorable Christmas outfit for Anastyn, so I had to take a few picturs of the the girls sporting their new Christmas attire under Grammy Tammy's Christmas tree. I do apologize, I took about a zillion pictures while we were at my parent's house, so there will be more to come:) Londyn busted her lip not long before this picture so you may notice the purple puffy lip in the pictures.

The girls just can't keep their hands off this baby girl. Anastyn was so ready for bed, but Skylar didn't want to take any pictures without her.

Seriously, is that not the cutest little Christmas outfit? I just couldn't help myself. She looks like the perfect little elf.

She's quite the photogenic five month old if I may say so. I'm biased I'm sure, but that's ok, that's what aunts are for, right?

Santa Baby!

We actually decorated last weekend for Christmas, but I was trying to refrain posting about Christmas until after Thanksgiving. We put on Christmas music and the girls were very excited to decorate. When Skylar heard the song "Santa Baby" come on she went in to grab her scarf, and took a break from decorating to dance a little. It was so funny to see the excitement run through her when she heard the familiar tune of her favorite Christmas song. I am so excited about the upcoming holiday season, the girls get more fun every year!

I've added several posts today, so scroll on down. I'm sure you won't want to miss a single minute of my exciting life:) Actually, there is a cute post of the girls playing in the leaves, and then it's pretty much me posing with each member of my family on Thanksgiving, so you can skip those unless you are a member of my family and you are curious what picture I posted of you!

Playing in the Leaves

As fall comes to an end and winter is just around the corner, we had to jump on the opportunity to play in the leaves. The girls had an absolute blast! I love coming to my parents house in Missouri because I know my girls come home with so many memories of things they can't do at home. We've had a great time with family and have enjoyed the beautiful weather during our Thanksgiving getaway.

Thanksgiving with the Family

Uncle Jim before he fell asleep on the floor

Londyn excited about her sliver of pumpkin pie

Papa entertaining Anastyn

Me and Kevin Me and Erin

Me, Mom, and Erin

Mom and Dad

Anastyn having a hard time resisting the apple pie

Londyn, Anastyn, Skylar and Great Grandma Del

Skylar and Londyn helping Grammy Tammy make the dressing

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! What a wonderful day to think and reflect on the many blessings in our life. I will be spending the next few days enjoying the time spent with my wonderful family in MO. I have a few updates, but it may be a while before I get to them, one of those would be a fabulous blog award that I get to pass on. Anyway, have a blessed holiday and savor the time you spend today with your friends and family.