Suction a child's toy to your chest.....


Take off your dress and dance! Snuggle with your Gapa and drink a cold one.
Pretend to cook for picture purposes. (Notice her glass..... it was always full!)

Once guests arrived..........

Time for Grammy snuggles.
Liah read to Meme and Pap!
We featsed on steaks, baked potatoes, salad, garlic bread, and corn. It was so non-traditional and so yummy!
And since we didn't have enough room at the table....................
Hahaha. We called the our "table" the specialists table, not the kids (for reasons secret to us!)

Just call me Griswald!

I love Christmas. I always have and always will! I have fond memories of the nine trees my mom themed and decorated when I was a child. I laugh so hard I cry remembering the 20 foot pole my dad sunk into the ground to make his own light-up tree. I just down right cry thinking of the family we are going to miss at Christmas. I long for the largest Cousins' performance, a sauced up rendition of "I Want A Hippo," and a waving group of Aunts and Uncles performing yet another "So Long!" My parents should have named me Clark...... I wish so badly that a RV filled with family would putter up to my driveway, declaring we are here for the holidays!

No worries, I will keep traditions strong, keeping my little elves busy at work decking the Gooden halls!
Liah is trying so hard. Do not fret Uncle Tom and Mom the garland was separated and placed evenly once Liah went to sleep!
The finished product. My Mom thinks it's my best tree yet! (One down, 2 to go!)

This was her expression when she discovered I toyed a bit with her garland placement. She understands.... she is a loyal elf!

Since becoming a blogger......

I feel the need to always carry my camera! I like to be able to capture all moments. Since my fancy new camera has a self-timer I am now equipped to take very candid potty pics!


Mommy and Maia waiting for Aunt Mana! Aunt Mana and Liah!
Aunt Mana is one of the girls' favorite people. She is sure to spoil and make for good times.
On a personal note..... I adore my sister. While we differ, night and day, this woman is my best friend. I admire her passion and attitude. She is amazing to have in your life.... if she'll let you! :)

Here's lookin' at you 8 month old!

Maia is a talking, crawling, and standing upper 8 month old today! Yeah!

Another month older!

Hard to believe my baby is a month from 2 and a half! Time flies! :(

The invite is in!!!

We received the big Vegas invite!
I am sending the RSVP!!
Read it carefully..... MOH (Matron Of Honor!) Hek yes I take my job seriously!
MOH baby! Watch out future Mr. and Mrs. James.... I get to make a speech! (I will use props!)