Bookshelves/TV

OK, and here's the latest...the bookshelves AND the TV!

bookshelf built-ins (more construction)

A lot of you couldn't get the email pictures I sent of the work being done in the living room so I figured it's just as easy to add them here for ALL to see (all who visit the site anyway). Here is the construction phase of the built-ins. The TV is being hung above the fireplace this morning around 9-10am and the shelves will be painted white tomorrow. Phil says we're going to get a sleeper sofa next week to match the one already in the living room and since Lyla and Robby were very happy to take the red furniture off our hands it will fit perfectly! Don't worry Lyla, we'll be bringing it to ya soon! Last night we went to Home Goods and bought knickknacks (is that how you spell it?) for the shelves and I got a few picture frames.

Speaking of bookshelves, Robby, I'm done Double Cross already..have you finished it? It's so sad when you finish a book! On to You've Been Warned! Can't wait and starting it today!

Christmas pictures

More Christmas

Robby, Lyla, and Cody headed to Lyla's parent's house on Monday morning. Dad and Phil had some last minute shopping to do so they ran out after the gang left. Mom, the boys, and I stayed home, cleaned up a bit, then ran out to Walmart and Lowes. Everyone but Phil went to Christmas mass that afternoon. The boys looked so nice in their Christmas outfits, like models! Hopefully there's a picture of them on my camera which I'll add below. If not I'll add it when mom sends me her pictures.

What a special Christmas

I can't remember a more special Christmas than the one that just passed. We were so lucky to have our family share our first Christmas in our new home. Mom, dad, Lyla, and Cody arrived on Friday afternoon. For dinner we had shrimp casserole then hung out and played with the little man. The next morning dad and Phil left at 5am for their fishing trip and didn't get back home until 6:30pm! Phew, what a day! And all that time they caught 1 striper and 1 large mouth bass. Hey, at least they got to fish at all! We were worried the lakes would be too low so I'm glad they got the chance. That night mom made gumbo and my my my it was delicious! Later that night Robby's flight arrived around 8:30 and Lyla and I drove down to the airport to pick him up. By the time we got back home everyone had already crashed for the night..we proceeded to stay up till 1Am hanging out and catching up. It's always so nice to just hang with my brother. We haven't had a chance in years to do that.

Sunday morning was "Christmas" morning. Dad played Santa with Cody on his lap until big Phil took over the job of handing out the presents. Mom bought Cody a great tickle me Elmo that all of us enjoyed watching, although Cody was a bit scared. After presents the guys hung out and kept the kids while the ladies (me, mom, and Lyla) went SHOPPING! WOOHOO

Christmas vs. XMas

Just a little thought during the season. Someone wise (mom) once told Elizabeth and I that it is wrong to write XMas as a short version of Christmas because you take the "Christ" out of Christmas. Isn't He what it's all about? I was just a child when she told us that in Dale City, VA, and I still remember it to this day. I hope you will too. Merry CHRISTmas!

Getting ready for the season!

I am so ready for Christmas to be here...well not literally because I still have a lot to do but I can't wait to have mom/dad and Robby, Lyla, and lil Cody here to celebrate it with. The trees are up, the presents, with the exception of just a few, have all been bought and wrapped, and I started the Christmas cards last night. We're having our first (can you believe our FIRST) family pictures taken this Saturday and I'll be working on our special gifts for each of them this weekend as well. Just a little welcome and happy holidays gift when they arrive on Friday the 21st. Mom and I have almost finalized the menu so I'll be doing the major food shopping next weekend. I can't wait for her famous gumbo! YUMMY! Love to everyone and happy holidays!