Where does the time go?

Okay, I'm getting all sentimental and weepy...time to go to bed!

A baby, a bike and roller skates!

This is all sweet Anna Claire has asked for, for Christmas, since the beginning of November: a baby (color changing daily), a bike and roller skates. What two year old asks for roller skates?!? But Santa doesn't disappoint right? And I did take her "skating" this summer so maybe that is where the idea spurred from? Anyway, this year was the best by far as far as her age and excitement toward Christmas go! She was so into the spirit of it all! We have been singing all of the carols, reading a Christmas story every night and I even let her decorate a little tree in her room. She LOVES all of the AMAZING lights and decorations everywhere we go. She looks out the window of the car and says "Wow" and "Amazing!" at every display. Every Christmas in the past I would feel beat down by the hustle and bustle, list of "to-do's and by all of grumpy people, but not this year with my sweet Anna Claire and her positive outlook! She is truly my greatest gift. So, here is a little slide show of her Christmas morning. We hope yours was just as wonderful!

Candlelight Service

Almost every Christmas Eve since I can remember, my family attended the Memorial Baptist Church Candlelight service. This year we had two services and I was asked to sing in both so, Anna Claire sat with my parents during the first service. I looked out to see this adorable face sitting next to two of her dearest friend's, Kindal and Katlyn, and waiving her glo-stick proudly. That's right...a glo-stick...in lew of a candle. (I was relieved because I had been burned in a very embarrassing moment as a child by a candle in front of a lot of people. Another story for another day.) Anyway, it was a creative idea and it reminded me of a Star Wars battle scene with all of the little kids waiving there mini light sabers back and forth! HA! Here are some precious pictures afterwards of Anna Claire and friends.

New Look Part Two

The new look is courtesy of

Shabby Princess Designs

(well of course for a small fee)

New Look!

I decided since the new year is just around the corner, we needed a fresh look for our blog. What do you think? It will be this design through February :) More posts and Christmas photos coming very soon!

Love to you all - Jill and Anna Claire

What a week!

We have had a marathon week as I am sure you have too! On Thursday the 13th - I was sick with an upper respiratory infection and stayed home from school, and learned that my sweet Mamaw passed away. Friday the 14th - I stayed home with my family, wrapped presents and continued to try to get well, and Matt and Lindsey flew in around 9pm. Saturday morning the 15th - we woke up, had breakfast, opened Christmas presents, ate some more, checked out our stockings, got dressed, picked up a birthday cake, headed to El Fenix, celebrated my Mom's 50th birthday with friends and family, went to Starbucks with Aunt Paula, Mom and Lindsey. Sunday - wake up, pack, take family Christmas card picture, load the car, head to Burkburnett,Texas, check in hotel, get dressed, go to the funeral home, 8pm - eat dinner and then go to sleep. Sunday - wake up, get dressed, go to funeral, eat lunch, drive home, get dressed, say bye to Matt and Lindsey, head to DBU for a grad school info session! On Tuesday - back to a class who has had a substitute for 3 days. If you have ever taught you know how tragic that is! So after school I took Anna Claire to the doctor for a horrible cough and was told to take her to x-ray for pneumonia. It wasn't, just an upper respiratory like me! Christmas party with my team, with my kids at school, CDO, etc. All in one week! WHEW! We are tired!! Nanny and Pappy's here we come :) Food, fun, family and RELAXATION.

Santa 2007

Merry Christmas from Anna Claire!

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This is our first professional photo together ever! I can't believe that. It turned out pretty great I think considering Anna Claire was NUTS! She was hopping all over me and I couldn't believe we were able to get anything good.

We love you all and hope that your season is Merry and Bright!