The Demise of Nintendogs

My sweet girl just located her Nintendogs game today after months of not knowing where it was (because her room is usually a national disaster area).  Her sweet doggie, Harley aka Trouble

did this to her game today:

This sort of thing brings weeping and gnashing of teeth at our house.  Usually, I'm the one saying, "I'm gonna kill him!" whenever something gets chewed up.  But today it was Harley's favorite human who wanted his hide. 

I hugged her and then reminded her that she couldn't leave things out where "Jaws" can get to them.  She laughed and forgot about her wrath toward the little fur ball. 

Christmastime is Here!

It was a beautiful day at church yesterday, so I took some photos with my new camera (It's 12 megapixels and I got it on Black Friday for $69.  Aren't you jealous?!).  I gave the kids our "old" camera...it's only three years old.  It was a doorbuster deal in 2006; I got it for $49 at Target and it was 3 megapixels!!  Oh, how the times have changed.  Even though they have their own real camera now, they must use mine.  The whole family got in on the picture-taking and everyone had to take some.   

Michael and I love photography, so we fight over who gets the camera.  We haven't turned it into a full-fledged hobby yet, but we're working on it.  We are determined to have our own booth at The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival one of these years. 

In the above photo, I was experimenting with foreground shots.  I've seen this technique on other blogs and just love 'em.  This one turned out great.  I love the kids in the background looking at the Christmas tree.

 

I am so excited about Christmas.  It's my favorite time of year.  I enjoy all the decorations, the lights and sparkle of it all.  I love baking sweets for others to enjoy.  I love the parties and the fellowship.  

I also love the opportunity it brings to tell others about the true meaning of Christmas and the hope of Jesus.  I pray you remember every day in December the real reason we celebrate this joyous holiday. 

One of my favorite songs for Christmas and every day is by a group called Downhere.  The song is How Many Kings.  Below are the lyrics.   

Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe after all we’ve projected
A child in a manger

Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliness hero, wrapped in his mothers shawl
Just a child
Is this who we’ve waited for?

Cause how many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior
All that we have whether costly or meek
Because we believe
Gold for his honor and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he’ll suffer
Do you believe, is this who we’ve waited for?
It’s who we’ve waited for

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only One did that for me

All for me
All for you
All for me
All for you

Watch the video here.  I pray it speaks to your heart.

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!!

The turkey is smelling positively mouth-watering right now and there's not too much left for me to make.  Actually, now that I think about it, there is quite a bit but it's all easy plus I have a willing and eager helper, Meg.  She loves to cook and bake.  In fact, she made the apple pie this morning.  I helped with some instruction on the ingredients and assembly, but she did the rest.

Slicing the apples.

 

Pouring them into the crust.

 

 Topping it with an oatmeal crumb mixture.  Looking good!

Michael's parents drove up so there will be six of us.  I love having Holiday dinners at our home.  I wish more of our family could make it down from Indiana. *hint, hint*

Since you couldn't be here this year, enjoy these photos of our day.  We love you all and miss you greatly!

Me preparing the veggies (in my pjs) to go under the turkey while roasting.

Ready to go!

BL took pictures while I put the food out buffet-style.

Homemade pumpkin pie...ummmm!

BL & Meg enjoying mashed potatoes.

Chocolate mousse in a small cup of chocolate.

BL about to enjoy his daddy's dessert!

Now begins the Thanksgiving Feast coma!