We finally got a family picture. Vikki was nice (and patient) enough to snap a load of pictures for us. And luckily we got one with all of us looking. :) I really want to get Christmas cards out since I haven't done it in 3 years. In case I don't get around to it, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

I love these kids!!!

Am I shrinking? Not cool that she's almost as tall as me!!!

I love this man! Thanks for being patient with me Steve!

Family Picture Bloopers

Why it takes 50 pictures to get one good one I'll never know!

You ever felt like saying this...

"Turn around and put a smile on your face dang it!" J/K!

"Please can I wear my glasses??? It will look pretty!"
"Come on Jasmine, get back over here"

"Dad gum dog, get down and stay!"

In the end, Jasmine didn't make the cut. Too bad, she's such a pretty dog, and she would've matched so well. :(

Thanksgiving

This year we had Thanksgiving at my house. I love having my family over! Sadly, Lori and Trevor, and Brandon and Gina weren't able to make it.

We missed them.

I only got a few pictures , but at least there's evidence that we had a good time.
Here's Steve, carving up the turkey...yum! You make the best turkey! :) And my big brother Chad keeping Steve company. I have yet to cook or touch a raw turkey. But with Steve around, there's really no need. :) Every year Steve's family gets together the night before Thanksgiving and stuffs the turkeys and then they cook them all night in a great big pit. Best turkey you'll ever have. It just falls off the bone, and is soooo juicy. Mmmm

Grandpa Whiting teaching "S" how to make oreo turkeys Grandma Whiting back there getting ready to put on the feast. She makes the best of everything, deviled eggs, sweet potatoes, dressing, gravy (nobody makes it like her!) and best of all pumpkin pie-my favorite.

The little-big kids table- minus "H"- she was running from the camera that night.

The big kids table- I've never seen kids eat so fast- what 5 mins and they were gone playing. My kids loved having their cousins over.

Our sad Jasmine, wanting some love-or food...
A little back ground music from Artie and Steve is always a treat!Artie's wife Amber and the cutest little Gracie being so patient as Artie has some play time.
Amber kept me company while I did the dishes and we planned our next day of attack- Black Friday.

I went out at 3:30 am, my mom met up with me at 4:30 and waited in line for me at Best Buy and scored for me. We went all over the place until we literally dropped. 8 hours of shopping can make me a bit delirious. Steve was so nice to take the kids to ride horses so I could go back to bed. I don't know why I love Black Friday so much. There isn't much I would wake up early for. Actually, this is pretty much the only thing that would get me up. I'm am addicted to finding good deals.

One of the things I love on Black Friday is listening to the "Elderly" people complaining about the crowds. I always hear, "Can you believe this---this is a joke!" -in a crabby little voice and it makes me laugh. Like they were thinking they would be the only ones out there??? I love to be extra nice to those people and see if I can make them smile. In fact I love it when I can make any grouchy stranger smile. It's kind of a game to me. Call me weird.