My sentiments exactly

I prefer Hostess fruit pies to pop-up toaster tarts because they don't require so much cooking.
-Carrie Snow

Our fabulous photographer

Add photography to the list of Sage's talents. Mike & fam bought her a new, amazing camera for her birthday and we thought we would be kind enough to let her practice on us. Even though we were totally unprepared (I clearly need to get some touch ups on the ole highlights and some Botox to boot oh, and none of us match AT ALL!) the pictures made the Christmas card! I love black and white print! Thanks Sage for freezing your hiney off to take these! I am totally inspired and am currently researching photography classes.

Kara

Kara is almost 15! I remember like it was yesterday bringing her to the zoo with us (Steve and I) when we were dating so I could spend some time with her and see how he was with kids! I must have been pretty impressed! Kara is way into fashion and is always dressed to the 9's. We love her so much> :)
Can't you just see the love in her eyes she has for me (when I'm playing stylist)?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Warning to Season - don't read! We love you!!!!

We had such a great time for Thanksgiving. Auntie Teisha and Kara came out for their 3rd annual Thanksgiving in Texas on Saturday and Uncle Mike, Auntie Sagie & Porter flew in on Monday. As per Teishas request, most of the time we just kicked it and stayed around the house. We heated the pool & swam (I tried not to watch the steam rising from the water), played games (not enough) and watched some movies. Mike taught the girls a mean serve on the ping pong table with double balls and another one he served off the wall! His talent never ceases to amaze me. Porter is honestly the cutest little guy I've seen and is so fun to watch. It's so fun to actually be with him instead of just reading about him on Sagies blog!
We played the traditional I'm thankful for ABC's, and after Steve started with apples, we pretty much stayed with the food theme. Well, we are all extremly greatful for food, right?
Thanks so much for coming out guys!! And next year, as long as you're cooking again, you're invited. :)

Ft. Worth Stockyard Stations

Just like you have to take a trip to Multnomah Falls if you have visitors in Portland, you have to take 'em to the Stockyards here in the livestock capital of the world!

We had such a great time! Sagie took a bazillion pictures and so forgive me for the plethora (are you proud Karen?) of pictures.

Some info from the website:

The Fort Worth Stockyards is the history book of the livestock industry in Texas. Each chapter is represented by the original bricks and mortar, the wood corrals, the men, and the music that are all still a part of the the Stockyards today.

The Stockyards possessed a wide variety of people, there were cowboys, cattlemen, bartenders and bankers. The Packing houses brought skinners, butchers, and bookkeepers to the area. The horse traders, hog dealers and harlots mixed with harness makers and mule dealers.

From the time following the "War Between the States" through the decade after the Second World War, the livestock industry was a huge part of the Fort Worth and Texas economy. Its employment base and dollar volume affected many lives.

Just doing my part!

Ever since we owned our TCBY (TBCY as Maddie STILL calls it :)), I have tried to be more conscience of purchasing things I want/need from local businesses, owner operated stores, home based businesses, lemonade stands, (kidding) etc. Don't get me wrong, I love Target as much as the next guy, but It just makes so much more sense. Anyway, I happened upon two great websites if anyone (of the millions of people who read my blog) is looking to buy some great, warm, soft alpaca socks, buy them here www.purelyalpaca.com and for each order placed they will send a pair of socks to our soldiers for free! They even include a note of appreciation for our soldiers. I love mine and they are truly the warmest socks I own.
The other site for jewelry (some is cute, some not so cute) is www.nightlightbangkok.com. They are a small company who help women and children trapped in lives of prostitution by providing them OTHER opportunities to earn money. So sad. This is a pic of the bracelet I ordered, but haven't received yet. Now, how bout some vinyl lettering?????

Graceland

Steve recently took a tour of Elvis's Graceland. Did you know that Elivis really wanted a bicycle when he was 12 but his parents couldn't afford it so his mom talked him into accepting a guitar instead? I'll have to remember to use this situation to my advantage next time the girls confront me with a request.:) I can't help but notice the similarities between Elvis's kitchen and Teisha's (pre-remodel!) My favorite has to be the 'theater room' with the triple t.v's. Man, if the King were alive today...

Funny quote

I found this quote somewhere and laughed obnoxiously out loud. :)

The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found.
-Calvin Trillin

85 degrees and sunny.....in November!

How can I complain? This past week has been so beautiful, even if the leaves turn from green to dead, with no red, orange, or yellow in between! Our fall softball season has temporarily ceased (at least for 3 weeks until we start practice again) and we have some spare time on our hands. Halleluja! And where would that time be better spent? At Kids Kastle of course.
I found this little leaf bug catchin some rays on our driveway- it was so amazing - my camera doesn't do it justice.

Happy Halloween!

Oh Happy day! We had a great time, and are blessed with great friends and neighbors - One of which decided to take the ENTIRE neighborhood in his trailer, complete with hay bales. (SP?)