Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Old Towne tree lighting ceremony was last weekend.

We had a great time. Zach, Sarah & the kids came down. Rick, Ev and the kid were there. Zach met up with them but Sarah and I never got to see them ;o(

Cassidy was VERY excited to see baby Jesus. So, we took her picture with baby Jesus.

click to enlarge*

Cass all bundled up next to baby Jesus.

Those eyes make me melt.

... and that smile.

All bundled up!

Cassidy's Christmas Program

Last night Cassidy's 3 year old pre-school class performed at Crossroads Christian School's Christmas Program.

Leading up to the program, Cassidy practiced the song her class was to sing -- Twinkle, Twinkle Special Star constantly. She knew the words, the motions. She sang and performed it quite well -- if you ask me! She would call me on the phone and sing the song. It was beautiful!

Last night. . . not so much! Pretty sure the girl has stage fright. She did not sing a lick. Bless her sweet heart! I asked her why she didn't sing. She told me that she got shy and didn't want to sing.

OK, so she might not grow up to perform on stage. She did however tell Sarah this morning that she thought she wanted to be a "Kitchener". What's a "Kitchener" you ask? It's someone you can make (bake) well -- and Cassidy thinks she's the best maker (baker) around!

Ok. . .my photos suck. They are dark and blurry. I was trying to get Cass to at least smile while trying to snap a photo or two.

This is what she looked like for most of the evening. I absolutely LOVE that lip!

I think she was looking for her friend Tommy in this photo.

This was the biggest smile that she had while on stage.

My beautiful, Sarah!

She is an amazing mom and wife.

Thanksgiving. . . . Finally

I L.O.V.E Thanksgiving! I love that in this chapter of my life it is low key. There were many, many years that I hosted Thanksgiving at my house with up to 25 people. WOW!! Lots of work, Lots of fun and Lots of blessings!

In this chapter of my life, Thanksgiving is very low key -- maybe too low key for some. I loved it! I didn't get out of my PJ's until about 1:00 pm. Cassidy never got out of her PJ's. She ate Thanksgiving dinner in her PJ's.

Last year, Zach, Sarah and I decided to pare down the amount of food that we have for dinner. It seemed a little crazy to have two kinds of potatoes, stuffing, 3 or 4 vegetables, etc, etc. for just the three of us and the kids. So, we each picked something we couldn't live without and that is how we came up with our Thanksgiving Day menu.

I also liked the new tradition of everyone making something. Zach is in charge of the bird. He brines and roasts -- so delish! Sarah helped with the prep of the turkey and made the sweet potatoes and acquired the cranberry sauce (the best ever, I might add). Cass and I made the stuffing, cream corn, rolls and desserts. Makes everything so easy and FUN!

Sarah prepping the bird.

Using the tongs to pull out the 'innards'.

After several tries. . . she got'em out!

Ewwwww.......

Sarah and the bird.

Making the brine.

My helper.

Cassidy seasoning and stirring the stuffing.

Cass lookin' at the turkey.

Zach gettin' ready to roast the turkey.

I have no pictures of the table -- Sarah set a lovely Thanksgiving table -- or of the family because we never really 'dressed' for Thanksgiving this year. Sweats were the order of the day for our family.

Cassidy offered up the prayer. It was lovely. In these crazy times in which we live, it was nice to spend the day with family. . . playing, laughing and just being thankful for all of the blessings that God has given us.

Blessings to you!

Random Photos

A few photos from Soccer . . .

Blogger is acting up and I can't seem to write captions.

Cassidy's 3rd Birthday

Zach & Sarah decided no big party for Cass for her 3rd birthday. An easy trip to Goofy's Kitchen for breakfast and a stroll through Downtown Disney was a much better idea!

We had a great day. Hard to believe that she's 3.

Here are a ton of pictures. . .

Tommy & Cassidy - on their way to Goofy's Kitchen!

Ya just gotta have a picture with MM.

Minnie & the kids

Goofy & Cassidy.

Cassidy was in love with all of the characters - not the least bit shy.

One of the greatest gifts in life is being able to watch your daughter be a mommy.

This is a photo of Sarah watching her precious Cassidy enjoy her visit to Goofy's Kitchen.

Cute, huh?

Zach & Gavin - hangin' out

Eatin' a little MM french toast.

I love nose pickin' photos -- I know, I'm a freak!

There is a photo like this in my camera at all time. . . Bammie, NO MORE!!!

Most of my family picture posts include something like, "the entire family was there except Zach - he was at a race in (pick a city)". I think the last photo I posted of him was from Easter.

This is HIM. I really do have a son in law!

You MUST click to enlarge this photo and look at Cass' face.

Zach & Sarah

They wanted to retrieve their pennies so they could throw them again.

Zach & Cass

Cassiday, Jasmine & Tommy

This was Cassidy's favorite gift -- a $1.00 flute!

Zach and his crew!

Dave.

My heart is aching today.

Dave Chase

February 3, 1962 - November 12, 2009

Rest well my friend, rest well.

Sarah and Dave

Seattle, Wa

April 2005

Treats in the Streets 2009

Have I ever mentioned how much I L.O.V.E living in Old Towne Orange?? I love the hometown feel and the sense of community. I had a friend come to Old Towne for the first time and she likened it to "Stars Hollow" -- Gilmore Girls was/is one of my favorite shows. I keep hoping to meet 'my' Luke!

Anyway . . . Treats in the Streets is the Thursday before Halloween -- I know it's November 9th -- and I'm late in putting these photos up.

Rick, Ev & Braydon came by before heading over to see the fire trucks and then on to the Circle. Our friend Kristen and her two 'skunks' Ty and Tanner also came over and finally Sarah and the kids. At one time, in my tiny little house, I had 5 adults and 6 kids (5 kids under 3) -- HOLY CAMOLY!!! It was fun -- the noise, the craziness, the giggling and laughter -- warms my heart to the core.

The cutest skunks in town!

Ty or Tanner?

Tanner or Ty?

I love this photo - Gav's face is sooo cute! (click to enlarge)

Devil and Angel or is it Angel & Devil??

Braydon & Cassidy

Braydon, Rick & Ev

My pretty girls!

Craziness at Bammie's!

Cassidy kissin' on Ty or is that Tanner??

OH MY GOSH! Look at those sweet cheeks!

This is to showcase my sensational photographic ability. Cassidy completely chopped out

of the photo -and- only one of my subjects looking at the camera!

I should probably stick to knitting!

My sweet little devil!