Outtakes....

These were the photos that didn't quite make the cut for the Christmas card.... go figure.

The "official" photo for the Christmas card this year.

Who are these kids??

What happened to my babies? These kids are half-grown! Yikes!!
(And why is my refrigerator and pantry always empty??)

One small step...

Greetings, all. This is my first venture in blogging. I set this account up a few months ago, and it's been sitting there, all empty and lonely-looking, so I figure it's about time to get it going....

I have been busy finishing up that last little bit of Christmas shopping. I had taken three names from the Angel Tree at Hannah's school, as well as a name off the tree at church, so I needed to finish those up as well. There's something about seeing those Angel Trees that really gets to me; my heart aches to think of any child in need during the holidays.

As far as decorating the house, I've managed to put up the big Christmas tree, my nativity set, and the smaller Americana trees in the dining room. I had actually pulled all of my decorations down from the big garage and put them in the house garage, but after getting the tree up, which took all my gumption, I decided I really didn't need to go all out this year. I guess I've been dreading the holidays with Joe gone... I put a lot of pressure on myself to achieve what I think it should look like, but I've given myself permission to not stress over it. So, all the other decorations will remain in their boxes in the garage. And everything will be ok...

I will do my darndest to keep this thing somewhat up to date. And maybe upload some photos! But I'm not putting any pressure on myself.... !