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.

Devin's 12th Birthday - Friday December 1st

Can ya'll believe that Devin is 12? I'm totally shocked that my son is that old and he is also getting VERY tall. I anticipate him being taller than me this time next year.

We celebrated Devin's birthday all day on Friday. Barry got up early and fixed him breakfast and we all woke him up to the Birthday Song. It was not very pretty and he was ready for us to stop singing, which of course we did not.

Then off to school he went where he told not a sole that it was his birthday!

Barry checked Devin out of school at 11:30 so we could head to Gatlinburg for the weekend. He could not stand waiting for his presents so as you can see below we let him open them in the car.
















After the presents were opened we did not hear much more from Devin during the 5 hour drive. He was content to play with his new DS Game and read comics. I'm thankful he is easy to please.

Once in Gatlinburg we decided to eat at the Cherokee Grill. We had about a 20 minute wait before we were seated and as you can see they were being very silly as we waited.


















Emily was not going to let Devin get away with no one knowing it was his birthday so she told the waitress as soon as we were seated. Devin worried all through dinner.

Barry had his usual trout and showed us all the trout dance once he was finished. Isn't he cute?

















They brought out a really good treat and to Devin's relief, they did not sing to him.


















After dinner we tried to go back to the hotel and swim, but because of the Holiday parade going on in downtown Gatlinburg we were STUCK! We hung out for a few minutes and watched. Devin and Barry had a great time making fun of anything and everything. I'm not sure who was the child and who the adult.

Remiss

Yes, I've not been doing a good job of posting to my blog and many of you have been so gracious in telling me so! Thank you to each of you.

I have been doing okay with my eating, but not so good with my workouts. I've got to get that back together and soon. I've also started keeping my journal today again too. That really makes a difference when you write down what you eat. I'm too honest to lie and I don't want to see it there and thus it motivates me not to eat it.

I need you ladies out there to help keep me honest and motivated. Tammy is asking me everyday about working out, Sandi is harassing me about the blog, so who wants to ask me about my food journal and who wants to pester me about whatever it is I've forgotten? I expect to hear from each of you daily!!!!!

Halloween

Can you guys tell what Devin is dressed up as? I thought it was pretty original and he is very proud of it. How about Emily? She is looking quite pretty in her Lady Gueniveire costume. With her red hair she looks might royal.

SO SORRY

I promise to update the blog tonight! I know I've been failing miserably, but I'm trying to get back in the swing of it!