Texas outLAWS

Walsh Ranch ward Christmas party

Scott has proclaimed to the world that this party trumped any other ward party out there..  Why?  Because it was efficient, fun, and well-planned.  Scott's perfect world.  

Recipes were provided for great breakfast foods that everyone in the ward gladly helped with.  Imagine that!   I find that it's kind of a crap shoot as to what ends up on your plate at ward functions and giving out the recipes prevented any interesting mystery food choices. Superb.

Kids craft tables were set up and monitored by happy and willing Youth to keep things under control.

The entertainment was simply wonderful. Tasteful and memorable musical numbers, and a showing of the most recent beautiful Nativity movie.  Perfect.  Thanks Mindy.

And best of all?  Santa made his appearance while we ate, getting him out of the way early on.  Exciting for the kids and entertaining for the adults.  This Santa was high-tech too.  He wore an earpiece that allowed Mrs. Clause to communicate to him from the parents.  You can only imagine how helpful this line of communication became when the children were able to be called by name and also allowed Santa to steer them in the right direction for what they might want for Christmas.  Genius.

 

All and all, a wonderful time with a wonderful ward family.  And best of all, I didn't have anything to do with it except to learn a new fantastic recipe for French Toast casserole.  Ask me about it sometime...it involves cream cheese.  Delish!

playing catchup...Luke's preschool program

It's time for me to officially start the arduous game of blogging catchup.  Anyone want to join me?  

I am always so pleasantly surprised at what a wonderful Christmas program the preschools are able to put together with so many little ones.  Well, I should say so many little ones and one BIG one.  You can easily pick Luke out of the crowd of 4 years olds with his abnormally large size.  He's just about a head taller than the rest. (Minus the six 6 year old on the other end...what is he doing here?!)  But Luke's very cute if you ask me.  

He loves his two teacher's at St. Phillips this year, Kathy and Kathy.  Pictured is one of them.  He sang out and performed his hand actions superbly.  Good enough that his Dad suggested we skip out early after he finished his class presentation to enjoy some tasty Texas Barbecue together.  (Certainly not to miss the crowds.)  

What a boy!  Well done son.

redemption

The new year usually bring with it an incredible willpower be better.  Be better at working out, eating, scripture reading, multitasking,  temple attendance, parenting, wife(ing), blogging, organization... you name it, I've got it on the list this year.

I am slow to start 2010, but have big plans to play some serious catch-up in all the areas above.  We visited my family in Utah for the holidays and there is much to share.  Oh how I love going away for the holidays, but Oh how I love getting back home so much more.

Until I get to the blogging part of my catch-up, here are a few group pics we shot while visiting my beautiful, fabulous family.

Our photography was done by Angie Monson.  Her work is breathtaking.

 

G & G with the grandkids.

 

This one turned out a little better.

 

The best we could get with Elsie pulling Diva attitude the ENTIRE shoot.  Of course it had to be my child who was out to destroy a perfectly good opportunity to photograph the whole family together.

 

My eldest brother Quinn and his stunning family.  Delicious Dawn and the squishable Cam man.

 

My sis Jana, Nate, and their active and endearing Noah.

 

Handsome, isnt he Ladies?  This is my single 25 year old baby brother, Adam.  He actually just moved in with us and is on the job hunt.  We love having him around.

 

My folks...looking younger than ever might I add.

 

Just the girls.  And yes, the photographer got way too carried away with the fan here.  Still love this shot though.

 

Da boyz.  Strapping gents.

 

Scott's pic for the CTO website.  He doesn't like it, I do.

 

The promotional braces shot...ugh.

The title of this post was redemption.  This shot shows me we ARE capable of a pleasant family photo.  Hooray for second chances!