The Perfect After Christmas Gift

Kelsey had her 3 month check-up on Tuesday. We had gone in a few weeks ago for some tests, new lab work, and another x-ray. We met with Dr. OGorman and she was SO excited to tell us the good news! Kelsey is doing really well, the new meds seem to be working fantastic, and she took her off one of the other meds. There are a few things that the doc will continue to watch, and we'll see her again in April. We are all very relieved and happy for Kels.

The Holidays, All Wrapped Up

The GiRLz From the Hood

A few of the girls from our old neighborhood (where I grew up), planned a little get-together so we could reminisce about the good ole' days. It was so fun to see everyone and talk about our childhood. We all felt so lucky to have grown up where we did and be able to maintain those friendships.

Back row: Lynette and Julianne (Shaw), Candice (Cooper), Megan (Staker), me

Front row: Mindy (Staker), Liz, Katie, and Michelle (Clegg)

ChRiStMaS DaY

Santa was good to all of us and everyone had a fabulous day. We felt so blessed to have been able to share the day with all of our parents!

We had our annual Overly family Christmas party the weekend before Christmas. My Grandma has hosted this family get-together for as long as I can remember, and every year she has a little gift for each of the grandkids and great-grandkids. I think our family has reached somewhere around 70 people!We made the annual trip to see Santa...
We had to convince Aly that no matter how old you are, you're NEVER too old to sit on Santa's lap!

Rather than buy the gingerbread house kit that I usually do, I decided that this year, we'd do something a little different. They turned out really cute - and the girls and I had a lot of fun!

LiPsTicK JuNgLE

"It's all about the lips, mom", says Kelsey. For the last few months, Kelsey has REALLY been into lipstick. Her friend Ashlynd has been giving her lipstick for birthdays and Christmas for the last few years. Needless to say, she loves it! She's got quite the assortment, and I've even borrowed some. The sad thing is, it's hard to get too upset with her, because she puts it on REALLY well! I'm sure her teachers at primary and school really wonder about my parenting, but I figure if that's all she wants, and not the mascara, eye liner, etc., (and as long as she shares), bring on the lipstick!

We are ThaNkFuL for...

Steve and I are most grateful for the two little girls that keep us very busy! From homework, piano, and dance, to more homework, violin and softball. Somewhere in the middle of all that, we are also grateful for their achievements, nighttime prayers together, all the hugs and kisses, and even some of the tears. They bring so much joy and love to our lives, we can't imagine it any other way.

We are thankful for our pets, but this one just seems to get more attention than all the others.

This year, we were fortunate enough to have 2 Thanksgiving dinners. One at Steve's dad's, and one at our house. We are so thankful for all of our family and the love and support they give us.
In honor of Thanksgiving, (a late thought), I asked the girls to name 5 things that they were most grateful for. Aly's list went like this:

1. my family

2. my home

3. my friends

4. my cell phone

5. steak - Mmm

When I asked Kelsey, she told me she'd think about it, and get back to me. About half an hour later, she brings me this list that is over 3 feet long! Her top 10 (out of 81) went like this:

1. family

2. temples

3. friends

4. world

5. food

6. Primary Childrens Hospital

7. Jesus Christ

8. to be free

9. violin

10. school

Kelsey loves to rake up the leaves (another thing we are grateful for!).
Happy Birthday dinner!

For Steve's nieces' birthday (October), we went to the Blue Iguana for dinner. I love Mexican food! Most of their sauces have a chocolate base in them... sounds strange, but it's SO yummy! We hope you had a happy birthday Amanda - thanks for inviting us!

Halloween

My ScArEcRoW man and PuMpKin kid.

(Grist Mill Pumpkin Walk)

Kelsey's class entered their pumpkins in the Pumpkin Walk - and won 3rd place. Their theme was "I Wonder". This is Kelsey's pumpkin. Apparently she's a bit disturbed about carving time.Kelsey diving in with both hands! Jake in his bat costume with Kelsey's finished product.
Aunt Patty in her Halloween Lion fur - we ALL got a good laugh from that!
My "glitzy vampire" and "queen" (as Kelsey refers to it). Kelsey with her friend Ashlynd and her sister Brooklyn. Their dad got the honor of pulling them around town on their "chariot" trailer to trick or treat.

Just loved this picture of the girls - thanks Todd for taking them - and not coming home until you hit every house in town!

The pile of goodies - which I was told was well worth it!
Thank goodness for dental insurance.....

Fall Ball Is Over

Monday night was Kelsey's last softball game for the year. As busy as it kept us, and as much as we need a break, I will miss it. I love being there watching her play. Her second game was so neat - we were down a few runs and had 2 outs, and Kels (the Hammer) was up to bat. The girls were having a hard time hitting off of the other teams pitcher - I think she was new at it. Anyway, as Kels looked to her coach for her hitting signal, he told her, "C'mon Kels, it's Hammertime!". With the biggest grin I've ever seen on her face, she swung and hit the ball. That's my girl - going out in style!

These are a few pics that one of the other girls' mom took throughout the summer.
Granstville All-Stars 2008
(Kelsey is 2nd from the right)

Here she is running to first.

Kelsey with her softball buds....

Great job Kels! I hope you had a great year!

We are so proud of you!

Bewitched!

Friday, my mom and I took the girls to Gardner Village to see their annual display of the witches. Kelsey was very excited and wanted to wear her new princess costume for some "photo ops" with the witches. She looked so cute, I couldn't resist.

The famous Witchy Poo.

This fishing witch was my favorite! (Notice all the "TNT".)

And here is Kels puckering up to the Kissing Witch.

We all had fun - but we learned something... NEVER, NEVER go to Gardner Village on UEA weekend! There were SO many people, it was almost impossible to go in to all the little shops.... which may have been a good thing... I didn't spend any money this time!