Baby Oliver

Introducing Oliver. Oliver Olinger to be exact. He was brought into our world by this stunning creature (my daughter) as a homework assignment. For the weekend she got to care for this baby who cries and fusses and coos like (or almost like) a real baby.
She got to learn what it is like to be the Mom of a new born. She was awakened at night (a million times) and had to answer his cries with patience and speed. She was graded on how fast she soothed him and how well the over-all care was for precious Oliver.
I was impressed with her nurturing skills. She did get frustrated and she was definitely ready for some real sleep but she kept her cool and was a very responsible caregiver.
So in five or ten years, I'd say she's definitely be ready to give it a shot for real. (Gasp...that really did give me heart palpitations just to say!!)

Bunk Beds

Just so everyone knows what a good Mom I am.....I am posting this picture of the doggie bunk beds I purchased for the sole use of my dogs. Aren't I the best Mom EVER!!!
I guess we won't tell Jim that his favorite chair is not longer his own. The things we do for our fur babies!!!

A Few Nights Ago

A few nights ago my family (except for Kevin. He was at work...YAY!! Yay that he has a job...not that he wasn't with us....anyhoo) decided that for Family Home Beating Evening we would decorate gingerbread cookies. I had about 5 or 6 that weren't going to be used for a church activity so why not, right? Straight off Jo decided she was not photo ready and would NOT let me get a shot of her face....so here is the best I could get.
I think this is a thinly veiled threat.....
My sweetie decorating his cookie. I thought he would poopoo the idea, but I think he actually had fun.
"Oh, honey, you made the cookie pretty. Now smile. No, smile for real. Please. Come on. Just smile with your teeth."
Yep. Man of my dreams....right there. I do love him.
Our little cookie family.
I made a banner.....thingie...for the mantle. I LOVE how it turned out.
I know...the picture needs to be lower. I'm working on it :)
And my sweet Darla. She likes to lay there and take in all our craziness. Out of harms way.
Have you been enjoying every second of this wonderful season of love and joy?? I sure have.