Merry Christmas!

Tis the season to look at the lights on the square with a handsome boy

and celebrate Jesus's birthday with my favorite little baby!

We had a great Christmas (minus some family members stuck due to the weather) and can't wait for the new year!  Now, I've got to come up with my resolutions...

God Has a Sense of Humor

No matter how much we plan and analyze, He always has a bigger and better plan in store.

The scene in the hospital room (don't worry--I was present for everything, and it wasn't that bad at all.  I decided not to rule out kids just yet...Erin was worried this experience might be too much to handle, but I couldn't resist being the official photographer) went from this

to this

in a matter of minutes.  I couldn't believe my ears when the baby nurse said, "What a beautiful baby boy!"  What??? A boy???  We were expecting a girl (and I say "we" like it is my child)...

We broke the news to our families with a hastily made well-designed shirt that read "I heart Hayes".  (They are almost positive that this is his name--I'll keep you posted).  They could not believe it and demanded to see pictures.  Good thing I was the photographer.

Oh but he is a heartbreaker.  

The girls will be swooning soon.

They could eat him up (and I might too)!

After all the excitement, he needed a little rest.

Walker family photo

Just call me Aunt Jen (still searching for the perfect aunt name)--I look like a natural!

Even Will got in on the action

I can't wait to see him tomorrow!  I'm wanting to play hookey, but I guess I'll break the news to my kiddos bright and early.  Then, off to the hospital I'll go!  I may be a regular there for a few days...

  

Tis the Season to be Jolly

We are so blessed!

And for so many reasons, I am jolly.  The one that is keeping me up at the moment is a little baby named Lucy.  Tomorrow I get to become an aunt!  Words cannot express how excited I am.  I've taken the day off work, and I cannot wait to hold and kiss that little girl!  I've been worried that I would get sick and not be able to be there, but all is well (including me), and I'll be there early in the morning with bells on (and snacks for all).

Since I'm playing hookey tomorrow, I thought my class should benefit in some way.  We decided to write a book.  Oh, if you could see inside the pages.  You would laugh until you cried.  Literally if you were the teacher--we have a long way to go with spelling (FYI-Lucy and Lucky are not interchangeable...)

Trent will need some energy in the morning!  His favorite cookies will hopefully do the trick!

Don't know why I call it Monkey Munch, but it is DELICIOUS!  I've been "munching" all night!

Oh my!  I can't wait for the morning to get here.  It's been a long nine months.  You'd think I was having the baby, but I guess she is kind of like mine.  Trent might debate this one, so I'll just stick to being an aunt for the time being.  I'll be back with pictures tomorrow.

It Had Him at "Hello"

Now, you see Will is a bit indecisive when it comes to big purchases.  He figures and figures and figures some more.  Just when he has it all figured out, he figures a little more.  Don't get me wrong, I like a fiscally responsible man.  And that is Will.  In the last year and a half, he has told me he is going to buy a new car 1,453 times.  He has told me that he wants a Tahoe 353 times, a "good, used" Land Cruiser 432 times, and that he is "back to trucks" 584 times.  So when he bit the bullet today, I couldn't have been any happier.  And I don't think he could have been either...

pardon his basketball shorts--he didn't expect a photo shoot when he dropped me off at my house.

(Precisely the reason he shouldn't ever wear these...)

styling in his new ride

Love at first sight!

Deck the Halls

with Boughs of Holly

Here lately, I have been struggling to find the motivation to decorate for the holidays. Don't get me wrong, this is my absolute most favorite time of year--but sometimes the idea of unpacking the boxes and fluffing the branches of the tree (fake of course) is not that delightful. The fluffing is the worstpart (you've gotta admit it--even if it does make you feel a little Scrooge-ish).

Kate and Rachel decided to pitch in, and we knocked it out. Now, I feel sooo much better, and the house is looking quite toasty and delightful! Spreading the joy from my house to yours--feast your eyes on these pics! I'll even go so far as to add a bit of descriptive narration.

I'm a fan of glitter. Especially at Christmas--the way it reflects and makes things all sparkly just makes my heart beat faster. Blue and green are my two favorite colors, so you can only imagine what this little area on top of the tv does to my heart! I must attribute the ornaments on the cages to Rachel. My first attempts just didn't look right. Now, I think they're perfect!

Go Hogs! Now, a certain someone (name starts with W and ends with -ill) thought I would like this souvenir from a trip. Boy, it is just what I've always dreamed of :)

In my opinion, wreaths were made to hang on mirrors. Double the fun (especially with a jumbo ornament tied on)!

Watch out...or you might get a kiss!!!

a little mantle shot--still need some stockings (maybe one day)

just a hint of what's to come...

Christmas decorations shouldn't have to come down in January. I'll leave these "flakes" up in the hopes of a snow day very soon!

TA-DA! I think it's perfect! It's official--our house is ready for Christmas!