Random snapshots of Christmas!

My brothers are visiting with cousins at Grandma Bessie's house.

Some of the youngsters are heading out toward the haybales, only to be told not to climb on them!

Bug in her ladybug dress. Too cute!

My two boys changing a lightbulb for grandma-yes, it took both of them!

Honey and her new stuffed hedgehog!

Brian's new Converse shoes. He designed them on the website.

Hmm, a new camera. Could he be a future blogger? Nah, a MySpace member. He has bedhead!

Our Christmas Brunch is ready!

Y'all come back!

Lorilee

Our family Christmas Card in the works! LATE

We took a couple of photos in front of our garden shed. This was my favorite.

This one was just acting silly, but I think I'm going to use it too!

I received Photoshop Elements for Christmas. I couldn't resist playing with the filter effects! I've been playing so much that our cards will be a bit late, but it won't be the first time!

Y'all come back,

Lorilee

Beginning of Christmas!

We gathered with my Pop, stepmom, brothers, stepsisters and families for our Christmas the Sunday before Christmas. The grandsons loved climbing in the front oak tree, so we gathered them for a photo there. (3 grandchildren were on visitation). They range from 24-years-old to 1-year-old.

"Bug" was proud of her new ladybug boots!

Willie, Trenton and Chase had a good game going!

My baby brother and his family.

My other brother and his family.

My Pop and Barb with Trixie. I didn't ask my stepsisters about their feelings on having their photos "posted", so I didn't include the photos!

Y'all Come Back,

Lorilee

Christmas Clogging!

Merry Christmas from Stars and Stripes Cloggers. Here are photos of our Christmas clogging at Twin Pines.

Our 6th Annual Cookie Exchange

My SIL and I hosted our 6th Cookie Exchange Party! I put battery tea lights in my Crystal rooster and milk glass hens for table decor! The cookie "labels" are ready.

My cookies are baked and ready, although not displayed particularly creatively! They are VERY chocolatey!

Guests have arrived with their cookies. Yummy!

The buffet is ready! More yummy!

Isn't this platter of Surprise Crinkles pretty?

These Chocolate Butter Cookies won Best Presentation!

The Giant Molasses Cookies were a runner-up for Best Presentation!

Prizes this year were scented candles. I just couldn't get aprons made! Besides a platter of different cookies, everyone went home with an apron ornament and a recipe booklet. (I used pre-gathered eyelet to make the aprons!)

This year, we had 13 participants including my SIL and myself. The Santa's helper outfit won "Most Spirited Outfit" hands down! We had such fun truly enhanced by wonderful guests!

Y'all Come Back!

Lorilee

Happy Hen!

This is the ONE thing I bought when we were at Trader Days in Fredericksburg over Thanksgiving weekend. I think she is so sweet! Check out our latest clogging adventures here . We had a great time dancing for the local Geneological Society.
Y'all Come Back!
Lorilee

Frosty Photos

Yes, I am still behind! I took these photos last Saturday morning after the snow flurries on Friday afternoon. You Northerners are probably not very impressed, but we South Texans don't see all that much cold weather! I let the chickens out of their coop and stayed out taking photos until I couldn't feel my feet and fingers!

I love the way the frost looks up close. Enjoy the flowers because most are now brown.

I've hardly been on my or others' blogs this week because I have been so busy. My biggest project has been making 3 kilts for our upcoming clogging performance. Three of us are dancing to "Bagpipes" this coming Monday. Our clogging group is performing! We are planning several solos and a trio. We are very excited to be dancing for the local Geneological Society.

My wonderful friend and fellow clogger, Martha, has saved me by coming over on Thursday and Friday evening to help me cut, pleat and sew! She is a lifesaver. Bless you Martha!

Between being extremely busy and the rainy weather, I have not done any outdoor Christmas decorating. I am hoping this Sunday will be nicer and I can find a few hours to at least get a few lights up. My Christmas tree is full of ornaments, but I still have my boys' two small tubs of ornaments to hang on the tree.

I usually make my mini stocking ornaments for my two classes of Prekindergarteners. That means about 44 stockings. I have them cut out, but I have not begun sewing them yet. They need to be finished by Friday, December 18-our last day of school before the holidays. I will be dancing with Stars & Stripes Cloggers on Monday and Wednesday of this week. That leaves Tuesday and Thursday! HMMM can I meet the challenge? Stay tuned!

Now, I need to go and print Cookie Exchange Invitations that according to the Rules of Etiquette should have been sent out at the beginning of this week! One thing that I DO have finished is the mini apron ornaments to give out as party favors.

If anyone has any hours they can spare, send them my way! Meanwhile, enjoy the frosty photos.

Honey is shivering. She wants to know when we are going back inside.

Y'all Come Back,

Lorilee

Teenagers!

Friday started on a good note. Brian got a ride, so I didn't have to pick him up from school. I was able to go straight to HEB for a few things. HEB made my day by having International Coffee Pumpkin Spice Creamer! Then I came home to finish up my preparations for the hard freeze. Isn't this plant cover cute. Thanks Mum!

THIS is what I found on my patio. Whomever gave them the ride, left them all at MY house. On one of our coldest evenings yet--we had experienced snow flurries all day--these teenagers decided to "play" guitars outside! (Play is in quotations because I am using that term loosely! They are just now learning to play.)

They attempted so start a fire in the little fire pit. They succeeded in making smoke~!

It didn't take long for them to get cold and move indoors. They actually asked me to take photos of them once inside. Obviously, they were in a clowning mood.

One morning, (I don't remember if it was Saturday or Sunday.) we were standing around the kitchen island eating muffins (they don't believe in sitting at the table), Brian started wildly shaking his head-I think they call it "headbanging". He then complained of a headache. One of the guys commented that it was because his tic-tac brain was being shaken around his skull!

That cracked me up! I laughed until I had tears running down my face.

I think I will now refer to Brian as Tic-Tac! giggle

Tic-Tac is the one in the "beanie" as he calls it. I call it a stocking cap! Oh, the generation gap!

Y'all Come Back,

Lorilee

Good-bye Fredericksburg!

After celebrating Thanksgiving on Friday, some of the family wanted to hike Enchanted Rock. Unfortunately, by the time we got there, the parking lot was filled to capacity. Fortunately, there is plenty to do in Fredericksburg. Some of us decided to check out the Fredericksburg Trader Days. They have a little of everything from junk to craft items to antiques and collectibles to food.

They even have some strange and un-nerving stuff! Shudder!

I thought these were kinda cute! I only bought one little thing. I haven't gotten around to photographing it yet. I'll share soon.

I also loved the Christmas Pyramid that was on display in the square.

Main Street was also already decorated for the season.

Good-bye Fredericksburg! We hope to visit you again soon!

Y'all Come Back!

Lorilee