nevermind me in this picture...

...isn't my husband gorgeous? I love you, pete!

"Please Don't Leave!"

Thank you, Nana and Papa Beach!

Christmas morning PJ-fest

Ready to dine

Pete is pounding his pork (that was for you, Dennis)

Ah...a thing of beauty!

Welcome to Gracie's Salon

Ten speed tutorial

The angel, Joseph, and Mary

That was the plea from two little kids this morning as Nana and Papa packed up to head back to Cape for the arrival (at some point) of the Minnesota crew. Looks like they may wait until the roads in Iowa clear out some more today.

Thanks to ALL of our family for the terrific gifts and cards! We are truly blessed! We attended Christmas Eve service in Little Rock at Trinity Episopal Cathedral with our friends the Meeks. The service was great and the church is beautiful! Christmas morning came at about 7:00 with Gracie reporting that she had a new bike! Jack came next at 7:20, very excited about his new super star theater. And I got exactly what I wanted - for the artichoke and mushroom stuffed pork loin roast to turn out super, and it did! The rest of the day was spent playing Mario Gokarts, Sing It, pedicures, Uno, Christmas pictionary and hangman on Jack's new whiteboard easel, nativity drama, and finally watching "The Nutcracker."

Wishing you all the joy of Christmas, and best wishes for a prosperous new year!...D

Glory to the Newborn King!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Looking forward to...

1.getting a good report on our annual termite inspection today
2.hearing about the great time Jack had with Ashley today
3.Gracie arriving home safe and sound tonight from Memphis for Sarah Grace's birthday at the zoo
4.baking more cookies tonight
5.Mom and Dad arriving in 2 more days!
6.'High Church' Christmas Eve service at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in LR
7.attempting a potential masterpiece on Christmas Day - artichoke and mushroom stuffed pork loin roast
8.drinking my new sweet tea flavored vodka (mixed with lemonade)

Merry merry...D

Thanks...

...to ALL for the warm birthday wishes this weekend! I had a great couple of days, filled with surprises from the man of my dreams. Pete came home Friday night, a little late from work, had me blindfolded, and the kids led me into our bedroom to unwrap a flat screen TV for our room. As well as a DVD and a Jodi Picoult book. Saturday night we had dinner out with our good friends and neighbors Scott and Mandy. We tried a new restaurant in LR called YaYa's - and it was AWESOME! It is touted as Kris Allen's favorite restaurant and I see why. That was the best meal I have had in a long time!
In the middle of all of that, Gracie had a swim meet in LR on Saturday afternoon. She did very well and peeled off a few seconds on all of her times but one. Jack had a play date during the meet to go to the movies, so he was glad!
Pete heads out tomorrow for SC for business, and will be fortunate to squeeze in Thursday and Friday in NC with Mom and Dad Karl. He is bringing a treat with him, N and P!
Counting the days until the birth of our King...D

Pastoral Blessing by Jack

This is what I heard from Jack as the kids were playing church in the living room...

"May the Lord leprechaun you with favor...and give you peace. "

I LOVE how kids'minds work...these are the days to remember...DK

Guest Reader

Jack's kindergarten class had a visit from the first lady of Arkansas, Ginger Beebe. She was a guest reader who read "Flat Stanley." Can you spot our Jacky in the sea of cuteness? And that is the wonderful Mrs. Thone in the back with the dark hair.
Pete is on his way home tonight from Atlanta...made a BIG renewal sale...proud of him...DK

Birthday Celebration

We had our closest friend families to LaHuerta last night to celebrate the big 4-0 for everyone's favorite Pete! Here he is being serenaded by the restaurant staff, and Dad - you will like this - they were beating on 5 gallon white buckets. Thank you to Will, Toni, Madison, Riley, Chad, April, Hannah, Cameron, Mandy, Scott, Sarah Grace, Maddi, Charlie, Gracie, and Jackson for making his day special!

Here is a picture that Gracie took of us while we were talking to Nana Beach after opening the AWESOME coffee maker! Finally one that doesn't leak, and it is BEAUTIFUL!

Polar Express Night tonight at Jack's school...D

Lordy Lordy Look Who's Forty...

Happy birthday to the BEST husband and father in the world!