holiday traditions

This seems to be Emerson's favorite outfit- so chances are that you will see it a few more times this season! She LOVES to pick out her own clothes!

Caroline took the gloves off as fast as she could! She much preferred being held and putting her hands inside your coat-

One thing we do every year is go to to Holiday in the Park with my parents and my uncle. We have so much fun drinking hot chocolate, watching shows, and riding the rides, and you can't forget the snow hill!

It's beginning to look alot like....

The kid's tree upstairs with all of their ornaments and colored lights!

My favorite things- I put out all of our Christmas books in a basket so the kids reach them! Our tree- Emerson told me she didn't like the turkey on the top of the tree- I tried to tell her it was an angel and feathers- but she won't accept that answer! My Christmas china!

My dancing Santa & Mrs. Clause- these were my Grandma James' and they sat on her table every year!

Our mantle!

Gobble till you wobble

The kids love to do puzzles. Caroline loves all of Grandma James' little knick-knacks. We kept finding her holding very breakable things- I am not sure how long it will take Grandma to find everything that Caroline moved around!

Sweet little Max! Sam raked leaves and the other kids jumped in them!

Sam & Emerson

We went to the Ruby's house for dinner. It was tough getting a picture with all of the kids looking toward the camera!

Ladies who lunch

Carson Kressley- he was hilarious and very entertaining and good fashion advice- for example- leggings are not pants- you MUST wear something long over them! See below for the explanation!

Ladies who lunch....I was part of that group today (or I pretended to be). I was invited to a charity lunch for Voices for Children which is a charity for the protection of Child Abuse Victims. It was REALLY fun! It was in downtown Dallas, which proved to be quite a feat to get to on Veteran's day. There was a very long parade going on in the heart of downtown. It was going on when we got there and still going on when we left. The challenge was getting across the street to Union Station. We had to ask a police officer to stop the parade so we could run across the street. I am sure we looked funny- 5 ladies in high heels running across in front of the Marines and behind the Shriners. We had lunch provided by Wolfgang Puck which was delicious and then the celebrity speaker was Carson Kressley, a stylist and comedian that has did the tv show "How to look good naked" and "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy". It was so much fun and I am so lucky to be invited! I was a little stressed about what to wear- it is November BUT we are in Texas- so are open toe shoes ok? Sleeveless? I went ahead and wore the shoes but I did think about it for a while to see if was a major fashion faux-pau! It was definitely an event to be seen- the magazine Modern Luxury was there as well as D Magazine! Now back to reality- homework, one with a tummy ache, and one wearing only a diaper eating mac & cheese! I really do appreciate my family after going to something like that where everyone seems all about themselves! It makes me realize that my main purpose is to raise children who love the Lord and have servants hearts!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from the Rubys! I am starting with a picture of the awesome pumpkins that the kids carved. Emerson wanted hers to have hearts for eyes! Halloween is my mom's birthday! We had dinner over at our house with my parents and Josh & Tracey. The kids love that Grandmas birthday is on Halloween!

My dad and Sam carving the pumpkin- my dad is very patient!

Emerson & I carving our girl pumpkin!

The only time I could get everyone in one place to stand for a moment for a picture!

The birthday girl with 2 grandkids!

Go KIRT

We are so proud of Kirt! He got awarded Team Member of the year at work! I have known for about 3 weeks and the kids and I made a video for him. I can't believe they kept the secret this long. I don't think they really knew what it was all about or they probably would have spilled the beans! Kirt was very suprised and deserves this honor! He is a very dedicated and loyal worker!

Field Trip Fun

Sam's class went to the pumpkin patch today. It was really nice to just spend time with Sam and his class. I think he really enjoys it when I get to go to things at his school without the girls. They went on a hay ride, jumped into a pile of hay, listened to a story, ate lunch, and played in a big field.

Fall Fest

One of our favorite things all year is the Fall Fest that our church puts together. Sam and his friends from church. Sam asked me why I let him be a pirate because he remembered a few months ago when I told him that pirates were theives- Grandma Karen was there spray painting hair- she works at the preschool at the church a few days a week.

Can you guess the theme- story books- we did "Going on a Bear Hunt" for our class.

Poor Sam- surrounded by girls! He was totally outnumbered by Emerson & Caroline and their friends!

Hamburger & Fries

Here is Sam's pumpkin for the boyscout carving contest. He did a great job! Can you believe there was ANOTHER hamburger there too?! I thought we were so original!

Camping