Christmas at Great- Granny's

Christmas Eve

Chris Mom made an awesome dinner. Mom, Hershell, Jerald, Amy, and Trinity came over for dinner. It was nice. Mom wanted to see Emily's face when she saw her new bed so we put it up while the kids were in the bath. She loves her new room. It looks better in person. It was a good day.

Christmas with Texas Granny and Papa

Thanks so much for all you did. Christmas was great. The kids love their new toys. We appreciate it. Emily is still saying she wants her Texas Granny back. I told her we will probably go to Texas here shortly. She is excited.

Christmas with Bubba, Windy and Titan

The kids love their trampoline. BIG thanks to you! Thanks for coming down to see Emily's recital. It meant a lot to her. They also love those little balls you got them. They were throwing them at eachother today and thought it was funny to be hit in the head. Anyway, thanks again. We love you.

Emily's Dance Recital at the Square

Emily did so well at her first recital. She got right up front and did her thing. It was so precious. Granny and Papa and Bubb, Windy and Titan came to see her dance. She was so excited. Afterward we went to a shift Christmas party for Chris' work. Emily went right in and started playing with these kids she had never seen before. Where did my shy little girl go that night? She is growing up so fast. Love Jacobs face in the family pic.

Some of the pics of the season.

Some pics of the kids and the lights on the house this year.

Visiting Santa

We took the kids to the square to see Santa and look at all the lights. This seems to be a tradition we do every year. The kids love it.

Update......Dec 07

Well, I usually base my updates on the pictures I have but, since someone has misplaced the bluetooth adapter there will be no pics until we can either find it or buy another. Anyhow, we are gearing up for Christmas and the kids are so excited. Emily has her first recital on the 20th. They are doing a little tap dance to Rudolph at the town square. I am not really sure how much they really remember but I am sure someone will be guiding them. You can only practice with 3 and 4 year olds so much. We decided not to go to Texas for Christmas. Texas Granni and Papa are going to come here. I am actually kind of relieved we don't have to make the drive. It would of been a short trip since we couldn't go until Friday b/c of Emily's recital and would have to come home Sunday morning. Anyway, I am so excited that Chris is actually off for the holiday this year. He is in his fourth year and has never had Christmas Eve and Christmas off. Thank God for that. We have a lot planned and and a few places to visit so the kids will have so much fun seeing everyone. We can't wait.

I am trying to instill into the children that Christmas is about Jesus and his birth, not all about Santa. I explained to Emily that Jesus is the reason we are here, and he died for us and we celebrate Christmas in honor of him and Santa is just an added bonus that comes along with it. I know she gets it, but her pretty little eyes just keep getting sucked into the Santa scene. I do have to say though, when we go downtown to look at the lights, she always wants to go see baby Jesus first, so maybe it is sinking in.
I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for my family and friends. My husband and Children are the best gift anyone could ever have given me. They are my rock, my soft place to fall, and most of all my whole world.

Thanksgiving 2007

We went to Branson for the holiday and spent it with my brother and SIL and her family. They were great. We took the kids to Silver Dollar City and it was freezing. It started snowing and sleeting a bit. The kids enjoyed it though. It was a great time and thanks to Windy's family for welcoming us as their own.

I am Thankfull

I don't know if it is the time of the year, or the weather is to blame, or it is just that I start to feel so thankful all on my own, but whatever it is I like it. I want to say thank you to all who play a role in my life. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be me. I have a wonderful family and could not ask for more.
My husband is that person who everyone dreams of. I don't know how he does it, he just does. He has been there through times in my life where most people would run and has always taken care of me through everything. If you only knew some of the things he has done for me just to keep us together and stable, it would make you cry. He is my rock and my angel from God. I truly thank God everyday for him. If he could win the Father of the Year award, he would of won tenfold. He puts his family first and is willing do anything to take care of them. I am so proud to be married to a man that truly loves his children and wants the best for them and will except no less. He will always be first in my eyes.
My Children are the greatest gift from God. I never thought my love for another human being could be stronger than that for my husband until....my precious babies were born. A Mother's love is so strong yet precious, nothing can even compare.
My Emily, whom I have called B since she was born, is the most content, quiet, loving caring child. At 3 yrs old she has so much compassion for others and it just warms my heart to hear her say such sweet, innocent, caring things about people. She is so positive and innocent and I plan to let her hold onto that as long as possible. I know the cruel world will catch up to her and reality will hit, but I pray she will always keep that inner peace about her and spread it like wildfire. She is amazing and I learn from her everyday. Her compassion for others is infectious and I can say it has shown me there is still goodness out there and even a little person like her can make such a difference in the lives of many.
Jacob is my sweet, loving,spitball of energy. His happiness runs through him like a beautiful waterfall. He is the best little boy anyone could ask for. He loves to cuddle and will sit and watch a movie with you, other than that he is going, going, going. He amazes me in so many ways. He is only 17mths and understands so much. I don't remember having a baby, he grew so fast. It amazes people to hear me tell him to do something and he goes and does it with no hesitation. I think it is more that he understands than anything. Jacob is going to be that all american boy. Blond hair, blue eyed, full of energy, encouraging, and a leader. He is the apple of his Daddy's eye and visa versa. There is nothing that touches my heart more than to see him and his Daddy both slouching on the couch sharing a snack and getting to know each other. I am really at a blank with Jacob though. He is still forming his innocent little self and I can't wait to meet who he is.
As for the rest of you, thank you for being who you are. I love you.

Emily's newly improved room.......

Well, Emily decided it was time to get her room ready for Santa Clause. Since he is bringing her a princess bed etc... she thought it was time to get it ready. She did not want her slide anymore so we took that away and she wanted everything opened up so we took all the curtains off and the top structure for the canopy. She loves it. I love going into her room since it is so clean and organized now. It took me a whole day to do her closet. I am glad she is happy with it and loves having it organized so she knows where everything is. She actually did really well and decided to give up quite a few toys and stuffed animals. She said "I don't play with them so give them away so we can make room for my new toys I get from Santa." Anyway so now it is ready for Santa and I am very happy about that also.

Movie Night

Mommy and Emily went to see Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. It was Emily's first time at the theatre. She did well but did not make it through the whole movie. Luckily Daddy was working overtime there that night so we got in free. It was a nice first experience but when the movie would be at a slow part she would get restless. Especially when the snacks ran out. It was a nice Mommy and Emily night. Not that you can see it but here is a pic of Em at the movie. She insisted I put it on here.

Fall is Upon Us!!!!!!!

I love this time of year. Everything changes. The trees are beautiful shades of browns and reds and the air smells so fresh and crisp. The holidays are near and everyone seems to get a little more cheerful. My children love this time of year also. They play outside till night falls and then ask to play in the dark. It is a special time to watch the kids grow and learn about the old and new traditions to come. Emily is excited about Christmas and wanting to put up the decorations already. Jacob is so aware of Santa Clause that if you ask him what Santa says, he says "ho ho ho." I am excited to spend time with our family for the holidays. We are heading to Branson to spend Thanksgiving with my wonderful Brother, amazing Sister and their little man Titan, along with her warm, welcoming family. I couldn't imagine anything better. I feel so blessed to be invited into a family who wants to be together for the holidays and who cherish each others company. At Christmas we are heading to Texas to spend a few days doing our Christmas thing with Texas Granny and Papa. Emily is so excited to go back to Texas. We love going there. Chris' parents show us so much warmth and love. They are wonderful people. We will come home and have our family Christmas at home which I am so excited for b/c both of the kids are getting older and it just gets better and better. On Christmas Day we are having dinner at Mom and Hershals house. Mom is going to be cooking her first Christmas dinner for her newly extended family. I hope it all turns out great. We don't see much of Hershell's sons or their kids so it will be nice to visit.
I am so thankful for what God has given us and sometimes have to remind myself how blessed I truly am. I love this time of year and it makes me feel so blessed to know I have a wonderful family and those who want to be there will, and those who chose not to are missing out on some good times. Happy Holidays

Chris' Deer

Chris finally got a chance to go hunting this year and got 2 in one day. He was finally happy. Can't wait to eat some deer.........

Welcome Titan Anthony Lankford to the Family!

Titan Anthony Lankford was born Wednesday, November 7th 2007 at 12:51 pm via c-section. After 28 hours of labor and 3 hours of pushing Titan was finally here. He was 8lb 2oz and 20 in. long. He is a handsome little man and we are all proud. Windy you were a trooper and so strong and he was definitley worth the wait. We can't wait to see you again and see my little nephew. When I picked Emily up from school today out of no where she said "Momma I love my baby cousin, I want to bring him to my house and take care of him." It was so sweet. So as you can tell we are anxiously awaiting the day we see each other again.

My Babies

The kids waiting so patiently at the hospital for their new cousin to arrive.

The Candy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is all of the Halloween candy the kids got this year. Emily was so proud she had to get in the pic. Keep in mind these are very large bowls. Crazy..........

My Favorite People, I Love My Family

Don Leslie.........you will be missed.

My uncle Don passed away last Monday and we had his funeral Friday Nov 2nd. He was one of the most kind, loving people I have ever known. He was always friendly and loved to cook for his friends and family. My personal favorite was his cajun grilled chicken sandwiches and stuffed mushrooms. I remember I was pregnant with Emily and I was craving them so he brought all the stuff to Granni's for Christmas and made a whole bunch and made sure I got plenty. It hurts us all that he had to go but he is with his Father in Heaven and is not suffering anymore.
Don and Linda were such a great couple and loving parents. I can only hope that my relationship with my husband and children can resemble what they had as a family. I truly believe Don was such an influential person and taught many people how to be happy by his example.
Emily says 'Uncle Don died and is in Heaven with Jesus and is not hurting anymore." She was a bit confused though why we buried him if he was in Heaven. I of course explained to her that his heart and soul are in Heaven and we are just burying his body here on Earth. So now she says "Uncle Dons heart is in Heaven with Jesus and his body is sleeping." She amazes me everyday. She says "Mommy don't cry, Uncle Don is better now and happy with Jesus."
Uncle Don, you will truly be missed.