Christmas Card Outtakes...

Some of us were in better moods... and more ready to smile with each other than others


some of us had our stinker "pj's" on...


Kayla let out a little inner diva

and we all had some forced participation

closer

closer...

but in the end, we got one... (kinda)

Surprise picture coming to a mail box near you (and revealed on here sometime soon)!

**** no children were harmed in the taking of these photos.

I'm very thankful.

I realize that I have failed to do the tradional "thankful" post. And I am thankful for many things, beautiful and healthy kids, and caring supportive husband, LOTS of family and friends...

but this year, I'm most thankful for my mom. She was diagnosed with breast cancer right before Thanksgiving, but since the initial 'bad news' diagnosis... we've had mostly good news. For that I'm very thankful!

I'm also thankful for these beautiful pictures of my mom with "Julie Peanut Grandma Sue" taken by Melany Hallgren . (diaper by chunky monkey Diapers).

I "boated"

The kids and I have been talking about the election, and they've been looking forward to going to vote with me. When we got there (and waiting over an hour and a 1/2) to vote, they were somewhat disappointed we weren't doing so on a boat- and also a little upset that they didn't get to vote themselves (which is why I voted for their future). Anyway, the kids were as good as they could be in line, and were pretty cute too.


Waiting... Still waiting...

We did it... we voted!

(After making them wait so long in line, I didn't have the heart to make them try multiple poses for the "perfect" picture).