Starting the new year right!

I want this year to be healthier.  Plug in the Paperclipping Roundtable podcasts and let's hit the tread!

Buckle up! Sam's got her license!

The day has arrived, the time has come, for this momma to no longer be needed in the transportation of her only child!  I don't know whether to cry or jump up and down.  I think I did both so far.  Today, I escorted her to the drivers examination, and now, she can go places by herself.  Another first prefaced by another last.  That's the way things go.  Just celebrating each first and each last as they come.

Christmas time!

Samantha no longer needs her daddy's help to put the angel on top of the tree!  However I stuck him in just for the picture and for sentimental purposes!

This was my new homemade addition to our decorations this year.  It was so easy and fun!  It did make a big glittery mess, but what's a little sparkle added to the festive season.

Samantha likes to decorate a little tree in her room. And this year she practiced some photography on it!  I love the self portrait in the red ornament!  Good job girl!

This is a mix of some new and some old favorites in our decorating for Christmas. I love the tradition of our ornaments and wall hangings.  I doubt I will ever care if it is trendy or in style.  It is ours, it is things we treasure, it is HOME...Merry Christmas!

Thankful for...Our Church

This is a little out of order chronologically, but since this is November, the thankful month I am including it here.  I am thankful for our church and our church family.  Sam is our youth pastor and Brooke is one of Samantha's best friends.  Our church is an extension of who we are, and we would be lost without them.  These pics were taken on "Roundup" Sunday.  Hence the bandanna around Sam's neck.  I thank God often for the family he has provided for us in Blackwell through our church. 

Growing up...

Our baby girl turned 16 today!
It's a local tradition to go to the Mexican restaurant in town to get whipped creamed for your birthday.  Samantha has always...always said NO! to this tradition until this year.  So we invited some friends and Samantha got creamed! 

Go Pokes!!

Samantha didn't want to take a group picture. So this is as good as I got! 'Nuff Said

Batgirl!!

Samantha participated in the costume day at school today! This was her first time in high school to do that, and I was so proud that she did, and she just looked so cute!!! Love you girl!