My Sweet Valentine

Nineteen Valentine's Days together and we're still smiling......I love you Davey!!

Dave gave me the most beautiful arrangement of roses that I've ever had. Not bad for the hospital gift shop.......no kidding!!!

When we left for dinner, we instructed the kids to have the kitchen tidied up before Mamaw got there. I guess Miss Emily shooed the boys out and informed them that she could handle it. She did a great job and even put the leftovers in the fridge. Maybe I've been underestimating her capabilities. Here's the "harried housewife" in all her glory......including the makeshift apron.

Take note "FOF" crafters.........this apron project is quick and efficient!!!!

A Little "Branson" Therapy

Last week, Mamaw, Emily, and I headed to Branson for a little "retail therapy" while Dave and the boys went skiing. Holly and Kyri joined us for a couple days. It was a blast. I just wish Brittany could have joined us too. (We're hanging on for May, right, Brit?)

Enjoying the warm day and the fountain at Branson Landing. We stayed at a hotel right on the Landing. We could step out on our balcony and look down on the shops. It was absolutely wonderful!!!!

I love this picture of the girls riding Kyri's horse together. It was the first time that Emily was old enough to enjoy it.

We took the girls to the Build-a-Bear Workshop down at the Landing. Here's Kyri with Misty.

The selection process----trust me, my daughter is much more decisive than her mother!

Emmy and Kyri with their finished products. I was amazed at how much the girls enjoyed the whole Build-a-Bear experience. They loved it!

Here we are getting ready to say good-bye to Holly and Kyri. We made some great memories, ate a lot of delicious food, went to a good music show, and did our best to stimulate the economy of Branson.

Josh unleashed!

Snow Day!!!!!

My mom, enjoying her first snow in over four years. I think she is just as excited as the kids.....

My very own "Snow Baby"!

Emily is ecstatic over the snow! She has been our faithful alarm clock and snow reporter for the past few mornings! I'm amazed at her stamina! She stays outside for hours!

Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve found us crammed into the family Suburban chugging our way north. The entire Boardman Clan, as well as, Shelby and Mary Boardman, and Myron and Betty Brown, converged on Steve and Lu this year. Build a new house....... we'll break it in for you! We made some very priceless memories in the next few days. By-the-way, I highly recommend the Boardman Resort in Milan, Il. for all your entertainment needs! (Don't you love me, Luann?)

Precious Grammy and Caleb, the official hugger of the family!

Our boys have turned into men.

The youngest cousins enjoying Steve and Lu's indoor pool.

Aunt Sarah, a.k.a. Mrs.Claus, and all her happy recipients!

The gang waiting, not so patiently, for the gift exchange.

Dave and Emmy had so much fun sliding around on Uncle Steve's frozen pond. I wasn't around when Dave had the four-wheeler out on the ice, but I heard about it! Scary!!!

Kandi, Sarah, and Aunt Betty creating a dinner "masterpiece".

Merry Christmas and God bless us everyone!!!!

Merry Christmas from our hearts to yours!

Happy Christmas Birthdays!

Ben, you really make 13 look good!!!

Happy Birthday to the dearest man in the world!