Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!

The story that goes with the four Christmas trees.
If you have read my husband's blog lately, you will discover that he has a hard time getting rid of things. I do not share the same hardship of throwing out old things, except when it comes to Christmas. (thus our collection of trees). The first tree pictured below is the newest member. I purchased this for a great deal last year when I was tired of stringing lights on the tree. It is pre-lit, fabulous, and bigger. This is decorated green and gold to match the room in which it sits (living room). As a side note, you will see that every room of my house is a different (Martha Stewart) color which my husband (& some of his friends) loving refer to as an "Easter Basket."

The second tree was the very first tree we bought. It is several years old and had to be assembled branch by branch. (which is clearly why I needed a new one). I let the kids assemble it. This is decorated silver and plum to match the room in which it sits. (dining room)

Now this one is quite sad looking I know, but my sister-in-law was going to throw it out and I just couldn't part with it. So, I adopted it and it now sits next to the fireplace and is decorated blue and white. (Now Deb does not know just how old this is--somewhere around 25+ years) Aslan wanted to do this one by himself.

Our last tiny little tree is in the girl's room. It is pink and purple with a few "My Little Pony" ornaments hanging on.

Yeah!! Decorating Time!!

We could not wait for the first day of our vacation because we had three days before we had to do anything. So, we had lots of time at home to decorate for Christmas. We made Daddy get the tree out first thing and the girls and I went to it. We carefully placed each ornament in its own special place. Corin continued to say "It's just beauuuutiful Mommy." I love that and this time of year.
After we were done with the first tree (we have three other trees in our house) the girls had the need to decorate themselves. With Stickers:)



I love the look of determination on Corin's face!




Don't mind the mess in the background. We were building castles.
(a must for all decorated princesses)

The First Competition

Cutest Little Indian

Corin's Thanksgiving Luncheon was Friday. Since she is in the three year-old class, she gets to be an Indian. She sang "One Little, Two Little, Three Little Indians..." (actually she only did the hand motions, it looked as if she was taking it all in). We had around 300 parents and family in attendance. Quite a big crowd.
She did count out loud with the rest of her class, ten Indians in Spanish and then sang the second song. Of course, I thought I recorded all of that song and realized when I went to turn it off I never turned it on!!!! So, sadly disappointed I do not have a cute little video to post.
She was so cute and we had a great lunch together. (I always forget to take a picture of the lunch and decorations) It was really beautifully decorated and when Corin and I were done she was a big helper. She helped me very carefully take down all the wall decorations. Thanks, Corin





I love my little Indian!!!

My Little Cheerleader

I couldn't wait for this day so that I could post it. Saturday was Rilian's dress rehearsal for her cheer competition. Rilian wanted to be on the All-Star team this year and she has worked so hard to be her best. I am just so proud of her! Her first competition is this Saturday and we are super excited.

Rilian with one of her coaches (who is also on the Senior Team)


The 2008 Edge All-Star Mini Team


Rilian and team-mate, Maci Leaphart


Here is Rilian in her 2008 routine. During the short two
minutes, I could not hold back the tears. My little girl
is growing up!!

Veteran's Day Program

Aslan auditioned for the fourth grade chorus this year. He made his momma so proud when he wanted to sing!! He really has a sweet voice and every year asks if he can sing in the Jr. Heartland Idol competition. One of these days we are going to have to let him do that.
His first chorus performance was Monday for Veteran's Day. They performed several songs, gave gifts to the veterans, had a speaker, and then a slide show. It was very nicely done. Good Job, Aslan.

Women of Faith

I was able to go to Women of Faith this year with Grace Church. This is the church that my brother-in-law is the pastor, our best friends are the associate pastor, my best friend from Ft. Lauderdale and a load of other friends all attend. I had a blast!!! This was a great rememberance of the first time I got to know the Wheelocks and this time was no exception. I got to know the youngest Wheelock (who is now my favorite). God is good and even though there were women all over the place, I still was able to have deep meaningful conversations with my friends (and a few fun ones--right girls?!!)
I have determined I want to be like Patsy Clairmont when I grow up!! This conference has some of the neatest and talented women speakers in the world, and just listening to them you feel like you are becoming a better person (I'm sure the Holy Spirit has something to do with that!!!)
Thank you ladies for such a great time and to through in an added bonus-- my sister broke away from her family and met us for dinner Friday night. I could right a whole blog just about my sister and I probably will!! I love you, Stacey and I' so glad you got to come!!!


My beautiful friend, Lori!!!


Me surrounded by Wheelocks! AAAAHHH:) Love you guys!


My absolutely stunning baby sister, Stacey!!

Rilian & Corin Hospital

Saturday morning I checked on the girls who were very quite and working very hard on something. Here is what they showed me.... All their Webkinz were sick so they had the essentials.... pillow, blanket, DVD, remote control, and the thermometer! I love the way they play especially when they play so nice together (bloggable moments:) Then the tragedy occurred. Corin had a cut on the top of her toe. Rilian told me she could take care of it, so I let her. She found the bandaids and applied it correctly and then rigged up a gadget so that Corin could carry her foot and be able to walk.