Finally winter weather

So the weather is finally cooling off and acting more like winter. We have to grab jackets or light coats before leaving the house, Annabel isn't sleeping with her big fan on anymore, I am craving baking (finally) and the flip flops have been put back in the closet. Unfortunately along with the cooler weather temperatures comes the sickies.

Saturday my grandma and mom went with me and the kids to Petit Jean Mountain to do some light hiking and get some great fall photos. So we spend a good hour or so on the mountain, then head home. Late that night Annabel wakes up sick. Sunday morning however after only 4 hours of sleep she seemed fine, very little appetite but running and playing with energy. So off to have family pictures we go. I don't know if she didn't still feel well, needed more sleep or was just not in the mood... but Annabel refused to coorporate. Boo I was really looking forward to some cute family pictures. (Hopefully still got something I can work with LOL)

Fast forward to Tuesday when her daddy comes down with her stomach bug. Yuck! He spent his entire day off in bed or in the restroom. I am praying all the other kids skip out on this fall time stomach ritual.

Now today, exactly one week before Thanksgiving, Annabel is clingy and laying around unless playing with her puppy, Baby. Daddy still feels yucky too and momma is trying like crazy to clean the germs out of the house.

Here's hoping next week everyone feels 100% and we have a wonderful family Thanksgiving! Also a healthy, happy Thanksgiving to all my family and friends reading this blog ;)

Preparing our family Christmas cards...

With the help of shutterfly.com I am preparing to order our families Christmas cards. This year I will be sending cards with beautiful photos of my wonderful family to 30 some family members, 35 plus or minus march mommies and various other close family friends. Our friend Kellie Snellings is taking family photos of us and we will use one of those amazing pictures to share the holiday joy this year. We are planning to use shutterfly.com because they have a wonderful variety of cards from the cheerfully joyous holiday cards to the beautifully religious Christmas wishes.

So far my favorite is a beautiful folded card with a bit of holly framing our family photograph. I will post the sample picture at the end of my blog. I believe this will allow our family to become the center of the card while reminding the receiver that we want to wish them a wonderful Christmas, full of joy and cheer.

You should all take a look at their website and see if you can find a great customizable Christmas card for you and your families. Their prices are reasonable and the product quality. http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery

If you are looking for something a little more involved instead of just saying Merry Christmas... you can send a holiday story card. This is a neat little card offered by shutterfly.com now also. http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-story-cards

Another great item they offer are customized calendars. I love to make these for grandparents as gifts because I can feature great photos of my children each month, keeping them close to their grandparents hearts. http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars

Hey another cool reason to check out shutterfly.com is that bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly. Learn more for yourself!!!! : http://bit.ly/sfly2010

Check them out and have a wonderful Christmas card designing season. LOL

Wow it's been a long time!!!!

The past few weeks have been crazy around here! The boys finished up their football season and we immediately had to wash and turn in their gear. My dryer was on the fritz so we ended up renting one for a few weeks while the part came in on ours. Katie's band finally finsihed up all their weekend competitions but she still has one more away game this Friday. Our Nanny went into the hospital and passed away ... we had a bunch of family visiting during that time. Althought it was a deeply sad occassion we did enjoy seeing everyone.

Now in honor of Nanny and her love for her family... we are trudging ahead with the holidays.
Speaking of holidays.... I am looking forward to getting all the awesome Christmas cards in the mail and sending out ours too!!!

Shutterfly has the cutest stuff you can upload a picture of your own family right onto their cards... I specifically like this one:


You should check them out and get your own... right now they are giving away 50 free cards to bloggers!!!!
www.blog.shutterfly.com