Christmas Elf?

We decided to do something a little less traditional for our outdoor Christmas decorations this year.

This photo was taken in early afternoon...

then it happened...

just as the sun was setting and the light came on...

a Christmas elf appeared.

Merry Christmas!!

Our Thanksgiving

This year we celebrated our family Thanksgiving at Kim and Mark's home.  Kimberly was not sure at first whether or not she would be able to prepare the meal since she was still having a little problem with her morning sickness.  But as luck would have it she felt great and prepared a fabulous meal.

Mark was anxious to peel the potatos for the mashed potatos.  Kim said he actually started asking the night before.  The meal was delicious.  Kim prepared Turkey and stuffing, spinach salad with candies walnuts and strawberries, green bean casserole, hot rolls and deviled eggs.  I prepared the giblet gravy, pumpkin pie and coconut pie.

As always it takes a long time to prepare and very little time to consume. 

Table setting with Wedding china

Kim preparing the relish tray

No instant potatos, real ones being mashed.

Kim and Mark with their first turkey.

Craig teaching Mark how to mutilate carve a turkey.

Mark finishing the mutilation carving.

A day of many thanks.

Grandbaby "G"

Kimberly had a sonogram on Wednesday.

Baby "G" is incubating very well.

Kimberly said the baby was very active, waving and kicking for her small screen debute.

Check out more "photos" here.

A Brief Look at Our October

October came and went in a hurry. Rather than ramble as to what all went on I'm just going to post a few photos of a few happenings in our neck of the woods.

Kim and Mark announced they are expecting Baby "G".

Craig worked hard in the garage hanging shelves and getting organized.

Kimberly helped celebrate Craig's 50th Birthday.

Cooder was ready and waiting.

Cooder gave up.

Josh moved to Round Rock.

Josh tired of moving.

Beautiful weather and absolutely gorgeous sunsets.

Hurricane Season Is Almost Over and Fall Has Arrived

Well it was bound to happen, Fall I mean. With the end of Hurricane season comes Fall. And with Fall comes shorter cooler days and longer cooler nights. (Fortunately this year there were no hurricanes in the gulf.)

We had been having such beautiful weather; nights in the upper 60's/low 70's. Great weather to sit outside and enjoy the stars in the sky; Days in the mid to upper 70's with a little breeze and occationally a little shower but the last couple of days have been Fallish-cold wind (Houston cold) and lower temperatures. No more capri's and flip flops, now it's time for jeans and actual shoes.

I know in the grand scheme of things we have a great fall and winter in Houston. We don't have to worry about the 2+ feet of snow like Denver just received or brave the unbearable chill factors in the Texas Panhandle.

What can I say...Craig and I have adapted quite well to southern living. We like the heat and the humidity. We don't miss the icy roads or the dry chapped winter skin.

Our fall and winter doesn't last too long. We have a short season of both. It lasts from about the first part of November to the first part of March. I guess 4 months out of 12 isn't bad!

Happy Fall everyone.

Sneak Peek

Tuesday October 13, Joshua will join the ranks of a homeowner.

This is a sneak peek of his, Raider and Cooder's new digs.

Kitchen

Breakfast area

Family room

Family Room looking toward dining area

Deck

Side yard and patio

The Best Weekend

Kimberly and Mark came for a weekend visit with fantastic news!!!

Kim and Mark told us in the usual family discussion way our house has perfected; try and get a word in.

Craig was late getting home and had to shower before we went to dinner. As we were getting ready to leave Kimberly announced she had something to say. That's when the "fun" began.

Kim and Mark waited patiently as Craig and Josh had a mini side discussion about work. Kimberly kept trying to get their attention. I finally said I'm listening. When I said that Craig and Josh turned to hear what Kimberly was going to say.

The tears started, Kimberly said "Mark you tell them." Then Mark announced..."Kimberly is pregnant."

It was the best weekend!