Kitchen Mini-Remodel

When we bought our house I knew the kitchen was one of the first changes I wanted to make! The large, inefective light box, the small island and dark, dated countertops had to go. I absolutely LOVE the finished result! Recessed lighting and pendants over the bar! Unercabinet lighting! New granite sink and beautiful faucet! Fabulous new giant island and new countertops! We still need to finish the tile backsplash and change out appliances to stainless steel as they quit working (that may be a while) but I am loving cooking in my new space!

Christmas Eve

It was a quiet Christmas Eve at our house. We enjoyed a great dinner together, Kenzie did an amazing job on our program, onto Christmas pajamas and then off to bed!

A Few of My Favorite Things

I took this idea from my friend Julie's blog. I just love seeing a group of things that make me happy!
Although Christmas is over, now I can look back at all the things that made me smile for a few weeks!

Christmas Preparations

We started preparing for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving by putting up the tree and getting the house decorated. Kaden and Kenzie both had their band concerts and we attended many Christmas parties. As an annual tradition, we decorated a gingerbread house and made sugar cookies. This year we invited the Shirley's to come decorate cookies with us. What a great way to spend the season...with family and friends! We are looking forward to a special visitor tonight so we will be going to bed "uncharacteristically early"!

Being a mother, the greatest job EVER!!!!!!

So I was blessed enough to go to the hospital to see my friend Stephanie's new baby, Ty. He is absolutely adorable and perfect and it made me reflect on the birth of my own children. Each one was a unique, personal experience that made me part of who I am today. I love each one of my children so very much! They each have their own personalities and special qualities and make my life more enjoyable by their being a part of it. My life is so blessed because of these 3 special Spirits in my home. Is there any "job" better than being a mother and watching children grow, learn and develop? I think not! How very lucky I am to have such a fantastic husband who works so hard for our family so I can stay home and be a mom! This time of year makes me truly grateful for all of my blessings but none more so than my family!!!

More Thanksgiving

The kids table. It's hard to fit all of us in one house!

These boys are so "COOL"! Check out the whoosh hair! They are just anxious for some food and then on to other activities.

Thanksgiving at the Stokes

It's so good to be back in Burley with the "gang"! We didn't feel like traveling this Thanksgiving so we just got together with some friends and their families. It was a really kick back day. Great food, good conversation, lots of Black Friday planning and kids running crazy! The best part about getting together with friends is that we all have kids about the same ages so they are very entertained.

The Shirley's: Dave and Steph

The Stokes: Steve and Sarah

My beautiful Kenzie and darling Valerie. They are such a cute duo!