Sunday, December 7, 2008

It really is a wonderful life!

Check this out...it's our youngest granddaughter, Kara, sleeping on the Santa blanket. Isn't she adorable? I mean really - what a face!! Look at those cheeks. And that hair. And that little nose and precious little hands. Ahhhhhh, how can I explain the absolute joy of seeing her for the very first time in person? Oh I know just the word...magical.
I have more pictures, of course, but they're on my other camera and the cord to download my other camera is currently MIA. I'm sure I'll run across it eventually and then I will bombard you all with many more pictures of this little beauty (and her mom!).
In the meantime, here's a picture of me and my youngest. Yesterday was Jake's 17th birthday. (sigh) Can't believe it was 17 years ago when we met him for the very first time. Has it really been that long? Sheesh.
Now for the next 3 weeks, we'll have two 17 year olds in the house. Kaleb and Jacob are "Irish twins"...they're 11 months and 9 days apart. It's actually pretty cool having kids that close in age. Well, it's cool now. Back when they were both in diapers, "cool" isn't the word I would have used to describe the situation. lol
Adding to my absolute joy and happiness during this wonderful holiday season, my oldest son Nick is home from Okinawa!!!! I'm so dang happy about this that I could just burst!! Look at him:
Isn't he perfect? Oh, I'm sorry - ya'll didn't know that I had perfect children, did you? Well, it's true...all four of them are simply spectacular perfection. At least for this one month of their lives. LOL And once Nick's perfect wife, Jodie, and my perfect granddaughters, Maddy and Kara, return to Texas from Florida, I'll have my perfect family all together for this glorious holiday season. I've already scheduled a session at a photo studio to have our picture taken - all our kids and all our grandkids and Randey and me - together at last! I'm not usually real big on the whole picture taking thing (if it includes me in the photos, that is), but this is special.
Anywho - before all this excitement of Jake's birthday and of seeing Nick and Jodie and Kara, I spent a couple of days wrapping gifts. I wrapped and I wrapped and I wrapped. And then I wrapped some more.
I've decided that wrapping is my least favorite part of the Christmas fun. Well, it's not so much the wrapping as it is the decorating of the packages. I was a bit overwhelmed this year so I kind of cheated. I used some old decorations from years past (like the little wreath pictured on the red and white striped picture above), but for the most part, I did just basic tied bows. So much for getting fancy this year, eh? I guess it doesn't really matter - little Skye and Maddy Moose won't care that Granny didn't attach Rudolph candy canes and sleigh bells to all the packages...they think all the glitter and shine is eye-candy enough. And I think looking at their sweet little faces as they gaze at the Christmas decorations with such wonder is eye-candy enough for me.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

I almost forgot - here's a little shout out to Charlotte back in my home state -
GO OU!!!!!!!!!!!!
:)

20 comments:

  1. Yes, both those childrena and that baby grand-girlie are perfection! I have no doubt of it. You're looking pretty spectacular yourself, Missy! It's a wonderful time to have a family photo done. Absolutely perfect time.

    I don't care for the wrapping scene either, which is why I don't call it cheating to recycle decorations. Those packages look splendid!

    Now keep on having a joy-filled Christmas!

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  2. Childrena? Okay, let's call them "sons"!

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  3. What a wonderful post. I just smiled the whole time reading it and looking at your gorgeous kiddos and grandkiddo. Such a happy time! Thanks for sharing.

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  4. Oh.My.Word Kari! You look absolutely mah-ve-lous my sweet friend! My sweet SKINNY friend!! Pardon me while I be jealous for a bit.

    Kara is a living doll! Oh, I could just squeeze and love on her!

    I'm so happy for you having your family together. I can "hear" the excitement in your words. Enjoy every single second. I hope this is the best Christmas ever for you and your family.

    Merry Christmas
    Hugs!
    Kat

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  5. Aw Kari. What a happy post! Enjoy your teenagers.

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  6. I am so happy you have all your wonderful family together. It makes me smile to think about it.
    And that little Skye! What an angel face...so glad she has all of you now.
    Whoa! Woulda look at all those packages under the tree...er..treeS! I am just now getting my ONE tree up!! : ) You are amazing you skinny lady you.

    Have fun with them all and enjoy each second.

    I am so happy for you!!

    Love,
    Sue

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  7. I see so many memories being made and that little cherub face- what a memeorable holiday season- I know you can't understand this but I've barely begun decorating??

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  8. I'd be more offended at that Go OU statement if Mizzou had shown up at all... as it is, they deserved to lose!

    Your tree looks remarkable! And yes, your kids look perfect, too!

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  9. I'm so happy for you that you have all your children and those grandbabies with you for the holidays. What better gift could you recieve this Christmas!

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  10. Oh wow Kari i am so proud of you w/ all you shopping and wrapping i haven barely started and I am in utter PANIC!!!This is not like me I've got to get it together

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  11. Glad to hear you have a houseful. Is Nick truly "home from Okinawa" or visiting home whilst being stationed in Okinawa still? I have a Nikon USB cable if you're talking about that camera. We can see if it fits.

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  12. Hi You are looking good Kari how much weight you have lost Good for you !! How wonderful to have all the family home for Christmas I hope you all have a wonderful time and Merry Christmas from us all in England.

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  13. What an upbeat/HAPPY post! Love the pics and I echo Kat - OMGoodness ~ look at you HOT mamma!
    Have a wonderful week.
    Blessings,
    Sandy

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  14. Well not forgetting how perfectly beautiful all your children and grand children are, you are looking like a hottie! I love your hair...and you have really lost the weight! Maybe I'll try that weight watchers thing...lookin' fantastic honey!
    hugs
    Aunt Sandi

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  15. Hi Kari,

    Kara is gorgeous, just perfect! I bet you are in Grandma heaven. And girlfriend, you look great! So happy for you all around!

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  16. You are looking wonderful! One smoking hot grandma :-)

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  17. Kara is BEAUTIFUL!
    So are your presents :)

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  18. Where are you Kari??? LOL I just have to bug you a little. Hope you are having fun.

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  19. Ohhhh...Kari...the look of contentment on your face with both your sons...well, it brought a tear to my eyes...I don't think I've ever seen you look more beautiful...I can tell you love those boys and their siblings with all your heart...and your sweet grand-daughter...OH MY! How I just want to squeeze her little punkin self...she is just as you said...magical!

    I pray for many, many happy memories for you and your beautiful family...you are truly blessed...and it is awesome to see that you feel it, too!

    Tell Nick and Jodi and their 2 precious girls..."Thank you" for what they do for the rest of our country and the world...the whole entire family gives so much for all of us and I for one appreciate them for it...including you!

    BTW...WAY TO GO on the weight loss...not too much more to go to reach your goal...I am so proud and happy for you...maybe I'll try WW, soon...or just not eat as much...either way...it should happen...after the first of the year...I'm not making ANY guarantees this time of year.

    God Bless...
    Teresa

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  20. Wow - there are a ton of gifts under your tree! Your Granddaughter is so precious in that picture. It is going to be a wonderful Christmas!

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