Does this scary Santa head bother anyone else? It really ticked our little baby off, didn't it!!

Gates is digging the swing at the park. She likes adventure. At least that is what I think, my mom asks me how high I am swinging her... No Worries, mom, she will not wrap around the poll. That was always my goal as a kid, I wanted to go so high, that I would loop around, like on the Shockwave....

Gates is really getting to the age where she enjoys taking a bath. She has a little duck and a squeaky fish, and she likes to splash around with both. Tonight, the noise made Scrabble (our beagle that hates baths) come into the bathroom. Scrabble was observing the bath, and I thought she was thankful that it was Gates and not her. I took Gates out and the next thing I knew, Scrabble was swimming around in the tub trying to get that duck! It was so funny.

Advent Jesse Tree

Donna gave us this gift over the weekend. It is a small Christmas tree. In the tins are individual ornaments that she made and wrapped. On the first day you open one and read a devotional, some Bible verses, and sing and pray together as a family. We went ahead and started tonight, because we will be gone tomorrow. Day 1 is a globe, symbolizing God's creation. I had never heard of anything like this, but always loved having Advent Calandars as a kid. This will be even more fun for Gates (and for us). It will give us time each day to celebrate Christmas, and the meaning behind the holiday.

pulling up

Our baby is pulling up.

New Stocking

Gates's godfather is my dear friend Mark. Mark is like a brother to me, and I am sure he will continue to be a special person to Gates. Mark's mom, Julie, is also a very special friend. I have known her well for many years, and just am so lucky to have her. She made the most wonderful Christmas Stocking for Gates. She has been working on it for months, and stitched it all by hand! Mark brought it over and delivered the special gift to Gates.
Gates and Mark. Scrabble is so jealous.Gates could not take her eyes off of Mark.

The beautiful stocking! The snowflake that says Gates, also plays music!

Happy Thanksgiving (2 days late)

We went out to Garland for a great Turkey Feast. It was wonderful to see all the family, and for Gates to meet a lot of them. Everything was so fun, and I was bummed to leave such a party, and head to work.

Do you always try and remember to give thanks and remember all of the things that you are Thankful for on Thanksgiving? If not, you should ; )...
I am thankful for all of the obvious things, and this year I was thankful for a few more.
I was (and am) thankful that I was not bipolar and unmedicated. If I were bipolar, I would hopefully try and stay on the meds. I had a small (bizarre) run-in with a bipolar girl on the plane...
I am also thankful for the Doubletree cookie. It really was just the right treat before I hit the sack. In addition to my cookie, I am thankful for the other flight attendant that abandoned her cookie, and therefore I was able to eat 2.

Gates found these maracas at MawMaws house! How much fun, these proved to be!Zak, Tucker, Pops

MawMaw, Pops, Aunt Terri, and Gates!!

Dee Dee and Pops with Gates

Zak and Brandon

Learning to Pull up on this fun table! Thanks Maw Maw for having such fun toys!