My Christmas Present

Barry gave me an incredibly thoughtful gift for Christmas. He really had me confused because he told me it was the biggest present he'd ever given. I knew I had a big box, but I was totally at a loss.

Here is my reaction to my gift which I might add was in a card. The smallest sized package I received. I was hiding my face because I did not want Devin to get a picture of me crying.

Barry could not have given me anything more that I need than this. He knew I was struggling with getting myself back on track with losing weight so he gave me 3 months worth of personal training. I would NEVER have paid to do this on my own and this is an incredible motivator. The card was incredibly sweet and I have no doubt that my husband Loves me and supports me!

I love you Barry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After the dust has settled

After all the presents were opened, we tried on new clothes, opened games and really had a great day.

The Guitar Hero II game for PS2 was the hit of the day, the day after and the day after that. We have had so much fun! Everyone needs to try it out. Old and young! We've had Van Halen playing in our house for 3 days now and the TV has not been on and we've been laughing, teasing and hanging out with each other and that has been terrific!

Emily has the best moves so far and Devin and Dad are competing for highest scores.

Christmas Day

The Night Before Christmas

As you can see, the dogs are hoping Santa does not show up so they can have the cookies.

This is the annual picture the night before Christmas in front of the tree. However, Devin realized he was touching his sister and being nice so I had to take another picture where they were really not touching. Who knows what they will come up with for next year.

Brown Family Christmas

As usual, my family got together right before Christmas to celebrate with major chaos. I have 2 sisters and a brother and we all have at least 2 kids. That adds up to a BUNCH of people in a very small space.

Emily, Hannah and Grandma posing for the camera. Poor Barry just got caught in the fun.

Maris (Becky's youngest - 5 months old) was the center of attention. She was such a sweet baby and everyone wanted to love on her!

Even big bad Tyler has a soft spot for Maris.

Who cannot resist a self portrait?

Fairplay Band Concert

Devin had his first band concert on Monday, December 18th. It really brought back memories. I did not remember how BAD we really sounded. In all seriousness, for having only been playing for 3 months they really sounded great.

Devin earned 1st chair Trumpet the week of the concert so he was really proud of that. It is difficult to see him because he is behind his teacher, but I did get a decent shot of him as they were packing up to leave. I was very proud of him!!!

Grandma & granddad were able to come as well. I use to love it when my granddaddy would come and see my concerts. It always mad me feel very special that they would come and I am glad that Devin's are able to come as well.

After the concert we headed to Waffle House for dinner. I had picked up Emily at cheerleading on my way to the concert and Alexandria wanted to come see his concert so as you can see in the below pictures, we had a great time.

Forever Friends

Does anyone else remember singing this song by Michael W. Smith at one of their High School Senior Graduating parties? Well I totally agree with it. I made some awesome friends in school and to this day I love them dearly!

We got together at my house on Saturday and had such a great time. We got out the old annuals and were reading what we all wrote to each other. It was a blast!

Below are some pictures of our fun. Nick Johnson was there, but left before we dug out the cameras.

December Tanner Meeting

Well, Beverly and I were the only two to show up at our Tanner Weightloss meeting last Thursday. I was very disappointed that we were the only ones there. I did learn something really cool while I was there though.

They are starting a new weightloss class in January working with the diatician and such for 6 weeks. It is $50 and I am totally in. I need some motivation and accountability and I am all in for this. Space is limited so if anyone else is interested you might want to go ahead and register with Tanner in the mall now.

Saturday Morning Fun

We had such a good day today. I went and picked up Emily at 8:30 this morning from the gym where she spent the night with 80 other cheerleaders. They stayed up till 4am. We came home and all curled up on my bed and chatted and laughed and played.

Then we headed out for lunch at Golden Coral and them went Targeting and then home again for a nice LONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNG afternoon nap. Boy that sure was nice.

We also bought the puppies new toys. Sadie a rabbit and Raven a Buffalo Ball. Raven has managed with a bit of help from Devin to pull off a foot. She loves to chew that is for sure. Here are some sweet pictures of the puppies by the Christmas Trees.

Barry cooked hangaburs for dinner and then we chilled the rest of the evening (while doing laundry) and watched Heros.

Barry heads off tomorrow for Orlando and will be back late Tuesday evening. My goal for this week is to work out at least 3 times and to eat properly every day.