A boy and his dog

Gumbo is the best dog. He has always been so gentle with the kids. Landry loves him and always shares his leftovers, so Gumbo loves him back. I can't imagine not having this animal in our family. Landry calls him "daw-gee" and tries to bark and growl at him. I love our dog.

Our Friend Owen

Our Elf on the Shelf is named Owen. Whoever came up with this idea is a genius! We have had Owen since 2006. He comes to the house the day that we put the tree up. This is one of my favorite Christmas traditions because it is so amusing. I can't understand how the kids actually believe that this little elf doll flies to the North Pole every night to report to Santa about their behavior. I almost feel guilty about it. The other day the kids wouldn't listen to us when we asked them to do something. Bryan got angry and had them go up to Owen and tell him that they were sorry and they were going to make better decisions. Bryan and I were standing behind them trying not to crack up. Our poor children were talking straight to him with the saddest, most guilty faces. When they find out this was all a hoax it might just be more upsetting then the whole "Santa secret." Owen, thanks for the fun!

Santa Brunch

Every year we go to Stonebriar Country Club for the Santa brunch. Since we get to see the big guy there, I get lucky and avoid the mall for Santa pictures. The kids were ready with their lists which they worked very hard on. Gracie even illustrated hers. Here is what they are wishing for:

Brady: a punching bag, DS games, Lego Helicopter and other Legos, and a DS case

Gracie: Lalaloopsie with blue hair, Barbie stuff, frosty doll, and DS games

Luckily, they didn't ask for anything outrageous so they will probably be satisfied on Christmas morning!

Christmas Cards

I love sending Christmas cards every year. The process of getting the photos for the cards isn't always so easy though. I remember the days when it was only Brady and I could get the perfect shot of him and send it out for everyone to admire. Now I have three little bodies to try to get to cooperate for one picture. We had amazing family pictures taken this summer at the beach. Landry has changed so much though so I wanted to get an up to date shot. This morning I bravely got the kids ready and headed to the park. With help from daddy, we ended up getting a cute picture of the crew. Merry Christmas!

Bye Bye Adenoids

Brady had his adenoids removed today. He was a trooper. We had to go in super early and he was nervous from the word go. Once the nurse brought us back, she could see his fear so she gave him some calming medication. About 10 minutes later, hilarity ensued. He had Bryan and me cracking up. It got to the point where we started getting creeped out, our 8 year old seemed totally drunk. It helped him feel better though so it did it's job. He was soon wheeled back and a short 15 minutes or so later, he was finished. I spoiled him with ice cream and sherbet all day. Mimi and Grammy both gave him goodies to keep him busy while he is on the mend and out of school. Other than being pale, you would never know he had surgery. Thank you God for protecting our boy!

Beautiful world - Jim Brickman (lyrics)

This one of my favorite songs at the moment. I love Jim Brickman, he makes me want to start the kids in piano lessons. I hated piano lessons, my teacher Miss Nish was a witch. My sister and I would give my mom the hardest time every time she came. Poor Sue, she just wanted us to be well rounded :)
I dedicate this song to my 4 loves

**Under Construction**

I've spent a good hour trying to figure out how to customize my blog. Sadly, it's not looking too hot. I will prevail though, just hang tight.

Why Blog?

I have loved looking at friends blogs and saw how much of a memory keeper they have become. Shout out to Jules, Heather and Erin who's blogs I visit weekly!

The main reason to blog is so I can remember the journey I am on with these kids who are growing up too quickly. I have been a baby book slacker and I'm starting this in hopes to publish into books. When I found out that sites will do this to personal blogs, I couldn't resist

Danielle meets Blog

Who has time to blog? I do! Just like I have time to facebook and watch endless amounts of The Housewives of (any city). Yes, I am a full time mother to three small children, I have a nice house to maintain and a sweet husband to keep happy BUT I still take full opportunity of my down time. Of course there are days when I can't see straight with a cranky baby, grocery shopping, laundry, dance classes, soccer practice, baseball games, dinner, homework, baths, and a husband that may not be home until after the chaos has ended. There are also days where the big kids are at school, Landry naps for 3 hours, I sit on my comfy couch and watch recordings of America's Next Top Model and shop online. I can't pretend I don't love my "job". Even though it's not always easy, sometimes it is. And easy or not, I end my days content and fulfilled. I have the best little humans living under my roof, not to mention a supportive husband who loves me and my imperfections. Now if I could just stop losing his socks between their journey from the hamper to the laundry room!
So to you blog, I say, nice to meet you!