My 'Adopted Daughter'

It's no secret that with a bunch of boys running wild at my house (well maybe just two-PQ & Papa H), I don't really have a lot of special 'girl time'. Last night I set out to go shopping with my friend Glory's daughter. (Thanks again for letting me borrow her for the evening, Glory.) I like to refer to Princess E as my 'adopted daughter'. I've always loved spoiling this girl for some reason. I really enjoy her and I knew that having some girl time would be just what I needed.

We headed to the local mall just south of the border. We had dinner together at my favorite pizza shop and then got down to business. Shopping, shopping, and more shopping. After shopping, we ended the evening with the H Family Tradition...ICE CREAM!

Just for the record...she does NOT like picture time!

(But she was a good sport regardless. *WINK*)

Aaaaahh....she loved this place as much as I do!

At the mall, I had to 'sneak' pictures...hahaha.

What will $2.00 get you at the mall?

$2.00= A simulated hurricane with winds climbing up to 75mph.

Are you serious!!!???

Before leaving the mall I had to see if my little friend was still around. Yup! He sure was! This was the little guy that I fell in love with about a month ago...which led to us buying Little Miss Weenie!

The H Family Tradition...ICE CREAM!

Princess E had sweet cream ice cream with berries.

I had coffee ice cream with oreos.

YUM!!!

While driving home from the evenings events, we had an opportunity to talk about various happenings. I can honestly say that I laughed at times and cried at times. Up until last night I hadn't realized how much I cared about Princess E. Of course I've always cared about her but it wasn't until last night that I really realized how special she is to me. She might not be my own daughter but I sure do hold a special place in my heart for her. I worry about her and last night I had an opportunity to talk candidly about those feelings. With college decisions coming upon her in the next year, I couldn't resist the opportunity to share my full testimony with her. My transitions from high school all the way up to meeting Papa H several years later. Every single decision that we make molds us into who we are.

As we pulled up to her house at the end of the evening, she asked me when we could do this again. It's funny how sometimes we just need a little bit of 'special time' with someone to make those lasting relationships. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with her. I can't wait until next time.

Christmas 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!!!

Wow! What a crazy couple of days! We started prepping for the Christmas events two days prior to the actual day. The craziness of the Christmas season still hasn't quite stopped but for now I'm going to post some pictures and memories to share. I'm sad to say that I didn't take any pictures on Christmas Eve. I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas with their families.

Papa H made cheesecake while the 'littles' looked on.

After an hour of BEGGING, we finally woke up on Christmas morning.

*UUUUH*

Our Christmas Tradition...matching PJ's!

Mooch was psyched about his new bone.

Little Miss Weenie liked her toy too.

Merry Christmas, PQ!!

Not funny, Papa H. Not funny at all.

(**More on this later this week.**)

Aaaawwww...Merry Christmas, Boys!




Opening presents.







Where the Wild Things Are...from Papa H.




Oh boy! A singing Christmas tie for Papa H from PQ!
(PQ picks out his own presents each year...I love it.)





After getting out of bed at 4:39, I needed a nap!






Zip Hoodie = Hands Free Puppy Naptime

Merry Christmas, Miss K and H-Banana!

Aunt B is at the age where she's starting to get 'grown up' gifts...

(An electric Wok-she LOVED it!!!)

Grampa H & Sophie got to hang out before we opened presents.

PQ was SO excited about his homemade presents this year.

Can someone say 'SUBMISSIVE'?

After a few days of non-stop GO-GO-GO...

...the dogs finally laid down to rest.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!!!

2 more days...

Where abouts are you on this list?

*Put up a Christmas Tree

*Decorate the house

*Send Christmas Cards

*Make sure out-of-town presents are mailed

*Finish buying presents

*Buy batteries for children's toys (or husbands gadgets)

*Wrap presents

*Create a menu for the events

*Shop for fresh ingredients

*Deep clean your house

*Bake, bake, bake

*Recharge batteries on camera(s)

*Finish cooking

*Travel to see family

*Sip eggnog

*Sit back and enjoy your family time

The newest member.

On Saturday morning me and Mooch went for a ride while PQ and Papa H stayed behind at the 'farm'. Papa H helped Grampa H with some construction projects around the house while PQ helped Grammy Jo Jo run some errands. PQ had no idea where me and Mooch were going when we left the house.

Mooch had no idea either.

Introducing the newest member of our family:

LITTLE MISS WEENIE!

Papa H fell in love with her as soon as he saw her.

PQ couldn't believe his eyes...a mini dachshund!

Hello, Little Miss Weenie!

Honestly...she's ADORABLE!

She loves to snuggle up in the smallest places...

...and PQ loves giving her the attention.

It's no secret that we've been wanting to expand our family. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out how we imagined it thus far. Who knows what the future will bring. For now, we're enjoying our 3 pound furry bundle of joy named Little Miss Weenie.

(PS: Email me if you want her know her real name...*wink*)

Be back soon.

We're heading to the 'farm' for the weekend. I can't wait to hang out with Grampa H and Grammy Jo Jo for a few days. We will be back on Sunday. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Who knows...maybe I'll have some surprise photos when we get back. *WINK*

A Day Full of Dates

Yesterday I had the privelege and honor of having 3 different dates. Yes, that's right. My day was filled with dates with my boys. The first date was a lunch date with PQ. I went to his school and had my favorite school lunch as a kid. Following my lunch date, I got to bring PQ to the doctors for a flu shot and then we followed it up with an ice cream date. (I love getting rewarded for his courage. *WINK*) Lastly, I went on a dinner date with my husband. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of the two of us...but I do have some other pictures to share. Enjoy!

How can they NOT serve mashed potatoes with this!!???

(Fake mashed potatoes used to be one of my favorites...)

Lunch date with PQ...with a few added extras too!

Presenting: My lunch date...a bit of a silly guy.

Presenting: My ice cream date...a little on the shy side.

Presenting: My dinner date...no, not all of them!

(Papa H is the handsome hunk of man in the gray sweater!)

I can't say it enough...I love going on dates!!!

Soooo...When was the last time you went on a date? What did you do? And who was it with?

Seehere.com

A friend of mine recently told me about a promotional offer through seehere.com . After learning of the promotional offer (50 Free Christmas Cards), I submitted our order for Christmas cards using a photograph that my brother had taken of our family. In addition to the 50 free cards, I ordered (and paid for) an 8x10 photo of our family.

A few days later, our SEE HERE package arrived in the mail. After opening the package, we quickly realized that the 50 free cards were enclosed but the 8x10 print had not been sent. I contacted the company via email and detailed the issue with the order. I tried to reach them by telephone but I could not find a # for the company anywhere! In my email, I asked them to please let me know when we could expect the 8x10 print. Within a day, we received an email notification from the company along with a note of apology. They advised that they would send out the 8x10 immediately.

Two days later we received an express delivery from SEE HERE. Inside was the exact same contents as the original package. Fifty more free cards had arrived at our doorstep...and the 8x10 photo was still not received. I emailed the company again and explained that the same problem had occurred with the second delivery. Again, we received an email from the company apologizing for the mix-up.

Today when I got home from work, our package had arrived! Inside was the SAME.EXACT. contents that we had been having issues with on the two prior shipments. This time, however, I was less than patient. I sent a rather stirn email to the company advising that this 3rd package was ridiculous in my mind. I demanded the 8x10 or a refund for the money spent on their site. Who knows what the 3rd reply will be...???

All I know is that if I get another 50 cards sent to me this week, I'm going to scream! Not that anyone will hear me...but seriously, how annoying! The fact that the company took my money for the 8x10 print (and shipping fees for the print and the cards) is not okay. I want the product that I ordered. I think that's only fair.

Suggestions??

*PS...we might send the same cards out next year...and the year after....and who knows, maybe more years to come if we get any more packages with free cards inside...hahaha!*

Happy Winter, Everyone!

The Past Few Days: Recap

Sorry for the delay. Life has been rather crazy over the past several days so I have been collecting pictures and memories without actually posting them. Today is your lucky day though! Today I have pictures to post and I have memories to recall. I promise this post won't be too long. I'll try and keep it short and sweet. Let me set the stage for you. A few days ago I went and snuggled up with my new friend, Minnie. On Friday, I took the Glory Boys and lone Glory Girl for the night while their parents headed out of town for their Anniversary. Having a house full of boys was nothing less than exciting. Boys are on the go ALL.THE.TIME...hahaha. Princess E and I sat back on Saturday afternoon and just let our heads spin from all of the action. A little shout out to Mama Sunshine for bringing her sunshine girls to hang out on Friday night . Thanks again for keeping us company! Now that you all know the timeline of events, let's get to the pictures!!!

Rebenstein met me at the door upon my arrival to see Minnie.

This mini bottle really caught my eye. It's adorable!
(PS...no pun intended with the 'mini' bottle)

Minnie, you look just like D-Dawg and your Daddy!

I do love the 'froggy' position. Aaawww...



...and her feet just make my heart melt!!!
(Thanks again for letting me snuggle.)

On Friday afternoon, A-man told me he had 'never' had a Devil Dog. So what did I do? I opened one up and let him eat one.

According to Princess E, he pulled the wool over my eyes!!!

Mama Sunshine was making her 'thing'.
(AKA: Cinnamon Buns)

Hello, Friend!

I think THIS might be the funniest part of the night! Mooch was very fond of Baby Sunshine. He was pretty much eye to eye with her when she sat on the floor. He kept licking her face and Baby Sunshine did not know what to make of all the slobber. After her first encounter with Mooch, she continued to try and 'figure him out' all night long. HILARIOUS!!!





We headed to the evening Christmas Parade and ran into a friend.

The Sunshine Girls love getting bundled up!

Hey, look! It's Boomer!!!

One of the floats...if only more people used them.

On Saturday afternoon, the boys got creative. They decided to play hockey in the livingroom using a puck and a PVC pipe.

I'll let you guess what happened next.

(A-man became 'one' with a slap shot.)

*The PVC pipe was put away after the accident.*

Princess E kept herself busy with a craft.

PQ and Tony made cakes made out of PlayDo.

Games, Games, Games...we love games!

I TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU!!!!

It started to snow before went to the park.

The snow on the slide made it VERY slippery...

...and very wet!

What a great way to spend a bunch of days this week, huh? Between babies and boys and blondes and boogers, there was never a dull moment!