Ice, Ice Baby!!

Every Christmas I have been wanting to go to the Ice exhibit out at the Gaylord Texas but just never have found the time. Well this year me and Lori found the time and took the girls today. All I can say is WOW!! It was AWESOME!! We all had a wonderful time. It was cold. And when I mean cold I mean cold. It was 9 degrees inside there. Cold or not it was worth it. There theme this year was A Charlie Brown Christmas. I thought it was perfect since at Halloween we went on the train ride with mom and it was the Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin. I think that we have found a new family tradition and can't wait to see what they do next year!

The gang.

Morgan, Lauren and Santa a.k.a the big guy!

Lori and Lauren

Morgan and me.

Morgan ready for the big show.

Morgan coming down the ice slide.

My lil reindeer.

I don't know why I love this picture but I just do. My two sweeties!

Giving Thanks

Today is Thanksgiving and even though I am at work spending it with my second family, and the fact that I just can't kick this nasty virus that I have contracted, I can't help but be so thankful for all the Lord had bestowed on me. I have such a wonderful family who are all healthy!!!! This has been an extrodinary year for our family. We went on two fabulous trips thanks to my wonderful father in law and husband. All of my family has remained in great health throughout this year. I have lost some beloved family and friends this year, but in their passing it has made me appreciate the my dear family members even more. I know that they say you should treasure each day as a gift, and how sometimes during the craziness off life that we often seem to loose track of that. But this holiday season, I am going to try very hard to not loose track of the true meaning of the season and remember the great gifts in my life that He has bestowed on me. So to all my family and friends on this wonderful Thanksgiving day, I love you all and I am so blessed to have each and everyone of you in my life. God bless you all.
Love,
Valerie

Looks like but doesn't feel like...

I can't believe that it is the end of November and we are still having 76+ degree weather outside. Shelbie's tree out front is turning the most beautiful color orange this year. If it were not for her tree turning colors I wouldn't believe we were in fall. The weather has been crazy. But that is Texas weather for you. Sure am enjoying looking out my window at this beautiful tree. It makes me think of Shelbie every time I see it and to see just how much it has grown over the years is amazing. I am so glad that we planted it. We love you Shelbie and miss you tons!

Shelbie's tree. What a beautiful sight!

New Addition

We finally decided that it was time to add another member to our family. Since the loss of Lady, we have had this emptiness in our hearts and plus Morgan has asked us everyday since then when we were going to get another dog. So today while at Pet Smart shopping for dog food for Lacy we saw that the Humane Society was there adopting out dogs. Morgan feel in love with this dog and wanted her really bad. So I called Stephen and he gave me the green light to get her. We named her Emma and she is the sweetest dog. I am not a little dog girl, used to our big dogs, so I am trying to get used to having a little dog in our house. She is lots of fun and we really enjoy her company. She's a little hyper but I think that is a lot of Morgan's doing. Morgan absolutely loves her and thinks I am the best mom in the world for getting her a new puppy. So I guess in the end we all win. Well Everyone except Callie our cat. She is not to happy about Emma invading her space. So welcome to the family Emma girl!

Santa

Okay, I know that we just finished up with Halloween a few weeks ago, but all those who know me know that I don't do crowds. So I saw that Santa has started his pictures as Bass Pro so tonight we took Morgan to see Santa and have her picture made with him. It was the best one we have had yet. She did great! She even told him what she wanted, a real purple guitar. I was so proud of her. My baby girl is growing up so fast.


Morgan and Santa