An Artist Among Us

This afternoon we headed to the Museum of Art in the big city. On the way there Mallory and Miles held hands and it was so precious. The big city sure was pretty from where we were. The tall buildings surrounded us and boy was it ever beautiful.

In the museum Mallory has a piece of artwork that is being displayed there. It was an honor when I learned that her artwork was chosen from the whole school along with five others. When we got there it was even a much higher honor than I ever imagined. There was a room that was dedicated to education and that was where her artwork was. It was amazing to all of us (Mom went with us too) that everyone of the artists listened to the same piece of music. The artwork was amazing. We were very proud of her and it was easy to see that she was understanding the honor that her artwork had received.

After seeing her artwork we went through the museum. I kept trying to point out the different ways and materials the artists used for the different paintings. Mallory noticed the ink and watercolor and said, "I think I can do that!" I know she probably could start down that road. Ryan and I have bought her some pastels for Christmas to give her something new to experiment with. I am hoping it will open a door for her creativity...not that she needs to open any new doors in that area!

Afterwards we went to DeBrand's to celebrate! Mallory and Ryan shared one ice cream sundae and Miles and I shared the other. Yummy....yummy!!! Mom ordered a drink and we had to wait for an enormous amount of time. Come to find out the espresso machine was never turned on. Not only was Mom's order doubled in size when it came, but we received a chocolate bar that said, "Sorry" on it and four of their chocolates to say how sorry they were we had to wait. WOW!!! Needless to say, we will be back again (like we wouldn't have been without the free chocolate!!!). We had a nice little trip today and could not be any prouder of our budding artist!!!

Welcome Snow!!!

From the time Mallory opened her eyes this morning and saw the snow she would not stop bugging Ryan and I asking, "Can we go outside yet?" When I told her it would be a little while she said, "But you know this is my favorite time of year!" I really believe that the current weather is always her favorite but I was not about to argue with her.

Mallory put everything on all by herself and was out the door as quick as a flash. But Miles...well that was another story. Poor little man, he had to wear his rain boots because he does not have a pair of snow boots quite yet. As I started to get him ready he was not very keen on wearing the snow pants. Once I explained that he had to because they were a leg coat he was okay (the simplest things...I tell you!!!). He let me bundle him up without any trouble at all and even wore his gloves. I was not prepared for that one!

Since the snow was dry lake effect there was no way a snowman was going to be standing in front of our house today. Instead the two of them worked together to make this snow pile. It was a lot of fun for them.

I hope you are enjoying the weather wherever you are no matter what it may be.

A Great Heirloom

Many years ago Ryan and I bought one of those crazy Santas that shakes his hips to the song "Jingle Bell Rock" for Grandma J. Just as we thought she enjoyed that thing and it always made her laugh. When she passed away we inherited it and have enjoyed it every Christmas since. It may be a silly Santa shaking his hips to most, but to us, it is something we look forward to getting out of the box this year. Mallory had inquired about it long before it was time to get our decorations out...it is that important to our house. When Miles saw the box he said, "That Santa dances!" We could not believe that even he remembered it last year. Last night I captured Miles dancing along with Santa and thought it was worthy enough to share with you. After taking this picture I danced along with Miles and Santa. Miles made sure that my hands were in the air just like Santa. I guess he is all about details!!!


I miss Grandma J a lot and always get teary eyed when I realize how much she would have enjoyed Mallory and Miles. I can still hear her laughing in my head at this Santa. I am thankful to have this shaking Santa to bring out every Christmas to remind me of her.

Something To Smile About

This morning I took Miles to daycare like any normal weekday morning. When we arrived in his classroom his teacher told me that she liked my photo that was in The Greater FW Magazine. I looked in the back of the magazine she gave me and sure enough...this picture was right there. I was so excited. Unfortunately I did not win any money for this photo but it made me proud that another of my pictures was published (the second one since August...not that I am counting). I guess someone out there thinks my pictures are worthy of others to see them. I do love to take pictures...hence the name of my blog:).

Below the picture in the magazine it says, "Raking leaves is a lot of fun for my daughter, Mallory. Her favorite times are when her uncle helps. There always seems to be more leaves in the air than being raked up into piles."

I will continue to have fun taking pictures because it makes my heart happy to capture moments. Anymore when I take a picture it is because I never want to forget a moment. Is that not true of all the pictures we take? I love going through my digitals and others to look, smile, laugh, and sometimes get teary. The pictures we take today will be here long after we leave this earth. Is that not a big responsibility?

Our Thanksgiving...Part Two

I don't know about you...but one Thanksgiving dinner is just not enough:)!! We spent the Saturday after Thanksgiving at my parent's house. It was so nice because my mom is also a good cook and had many yummies for us to eat during the noon hour and beyond. There was no reason for anyone to say they were hungry! Grandma and Grandpa H were there and so was my Grandma R. I enjoyed being around them because it made me feel young again. Throughout the day (inbetween stuffing our faces) we played Paul's Wii. Mallory loves that thing! She bowled quite a few times, played a few of the carnival games, and then Mario Kart. It was fun hearing her giggle as she would fall into the lava or run off the course. During the first four races she always was in 12th (last) place and thought she had won. Finally after the fifth race or so she said, "You mean, I am in last place?" or something equal to that. Melissa and I laughed realizing how devastated she was. It did not stop her from playing. Here is Mallory with Miles "driving".

Besides the Wii we all sat around the table and played Uno Attack (a great game if you do not already own it). Grandma R got into the game too. I love those moments when family comes together for something as simple as a game. I am blessed for them and I guess that makes me thankful.

A Special Kiss

Our tree went up on Friday night. Mallory and Miles were so excited about the ornaments. Mallory was excited with the Rudolph ornaments that we have and Miles was excited about the Grinch ones and the Thomas ones too. They were so much fun! Unfortunatly I was so busy
unwrapping ornaments that I did not get any pictures of them decorating the tree. Oh well...the tree does look really nice! Mallory made sure that all of her princesses were in the same area of the tree and Miles, well...he really did not care that much. I love this picture because all I said was, "Miles, give your sister a kiss." and this happened. Is it not the sweetest thing ever? The rest of the night we continued decorating the house (I still am not finished) and watching White Christmas. You do not mess with tradition!

A Calendar Worthy Shot

Okay...okay...so I add things to my plate every year that sometimes stress me out! For at least four years (I may need to be corrected here) I have made a calendar for my parents and Ryan's parents too. It started out as a stamping adventure and has turned into a "what can Shutterfly do for me?" moment. I am still pleased with the calendars. On Thanksgiving night I found out that Shutterfly (I love that site) was having a major deal on calendars. Needless to say I began the process of making the calendars by uploading my pictures, putting them into calendars, and stuff like that. Part of my rushing included going to the Dollar Tree to purchase these hats for the kids. I love this picture as it is probably one, if not the best picture that has ever been taken of all four together. What can I say? December's picture will be perfect!