Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas in Montana

One of my all-time favorite places is Montana. When we were kids, my dad moved to and bought a house in Bozeman. While he only ended up living there for a few years, my Grandfather has kept the house, and it is such a beautiful place with so many wonderful memories. We used to go back-packing in  the summers, and make toboggan runs in the backyard in the fresh powder and  go skiing in the winters at Bridger Bowl. Though Brett and I haven't been in almost 8 years, I can't wait to make another trip out there. It truly is "God's County." Such untouched beauty, and amazing landscapes!

The house sits on the side of a mountain, leading back to a Highlight National Park, such a gorgeous place to visit!

Look at all the snow!!! ♥♥♥ Definately won't be seeing any of that in Florida!

Can't wait to take the kids and teach them how to ski :) 

Love me some skiing in fresh powder!

Pics from our Last trip to Bozeman, MT
circa 2002 (aka pre-babies)
Sorry for the grainy pictures, it's amazing how we survived before digital photos :)

 The whole Fam,
my little brother, me, hubby, step-mom and dad



We look so young!

Brett's very first run! We quickly advanced him and took him on Black diamonds by the second day, he was a very good sport ♥




Saturday, December 17, 2011

Christmas Break DIY List

Today is the first day of my two week vacation (insert yippees, huge grin, and cartwheels). It has been a long time since I've had a straight two weeks, and I am super excited. I've been pinning all sorts of fun things I want to try and make on my Pinterest boards, and here's a few things I'm going to try and accomplish over my vaca.


Linen Wreath from Beautiful Nest
Painted Wine Bottles for the Mantle Pinterest
Hand Print Canvases for the Playroom from Chic Cheap Nursery
Kids Fabric Bookshelves for the Playroom like these at Penny Carnival
Monogrammed Ornaments for the Tree from The Creativity Exchange
 Christmas Cranberry Mojitos from We're not Martha

I think I'll start on the Cranberry Mojitos first, that way I'll have something yummy throughout the duration of the rest, lol ;)

Wish me luck!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Christmas at Disney

We surprised the kiddos with a little day trip to Disney, since we were in Kissimmee anyways for a cheer leading competition.Well, that little trip to Disney ended  up being a 14 hours jam-packed day. We all had a blast, didn't wait more than five minutes in any line, but were all exhausted as we jumped on the monorail at 10 pm. It was our first time making a visit during Christmas, and the lights were beautiful, plus we were there for the taping of the parade that will air on ABC on Christmas Day, so the kiddos will now be glued to the screen I'm sure, looking for themselves in the mass of people. Much to Baylor's dismay, we missed out on Justin Bieber, who was there to tape another segment, a mere 12 hours later the next day :( She'll live, lol.

Saw this idea for shirts on Etsy, so I jumped on photo.net and created a simlar design myself, they turned out so cute, just plain white t's and iron ons :)


The hubby flexing with Stitch :) 

The monorails were down when we first arrived, so we took the ferry boat for he first time ever, fun, but chilly!

All the pretty Christmas decor 

Loved the toy soldiers, their feet soles had metal on the bottom that made the most fantastic clomping sound as they marched and danced! 

 We managed a family pic, with Baylors gigantic Stitch

Beautiful! That's the Disney Magic :)

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

A Little Egg for your Lips

I picked up this nifty little lip balm, EOS, for Evolution of Smooth, at Walgreen's about two weeks ago, partially because it was for sale, and because, well it's really cute. GREAT BUY! I love this stuff, it makes your lips SOOO smooth, and for some reason, it never seems to get lost in my purse the way the little stick of chap stick does. I've since gone back and picked up all the various colors for stocking stuffers for my family members, it's a secret too good not to share. My favorite is the strawberry sorbet and honeysuckle honeydew, and it's 95% organic, always better....Check it out :)

Such Cute packaging!

Love the directions: Twist off top. Pucker up. Smooth on. Smile.


Monday, December 12, 2011

Fun with Photos

I took some cute photos of the kiddos at Thanksgiving time, and then played around with them using some free photo editing software I downloaded. They turned out pretty cute :)


Little Miss B


Such Stud-Muffin :)

Jumping off Hobo the turtle

Just for fun, the kiddos liked this comic-book style rendering :) 

Friday, December 9, 2011

Cheer Madness

Well our girls did great in  Kissimmee. We took home 2nd Place in the FCC State Finals for the 2nd grade and under group. It was a little stressful just before our performance, and I was pretty sure it was gonna be a disaster, but as soon as our little rah-rahs hit the mats, their a-game switched on, and they did a fantastic job!





Thursday, December 8, 2011

Shoes in Church

I've been absent from blogging for a few day, I've been catching up from the whirlwind cheer leading season that ended Saturday, and will be back very soon, in the meanwhile, I received this poem in an email this morning and wanted to share :)


Shoes in Church:

I showered and shaved................ I adjusted my tie. I got there and sat................ In a pew just in time. Bowing my head in prayer............. As I closed my eyes. I saw the shoe of the man next to me......... Touching my own. I sighed. With plenty of room on either side. I thought, 'Why must our soles touch?' It bothered me, his shoe touching mine......... But it didn't bother him much. A prayer began: 'Our Father'............. I thought, 'This man with the shoes,  has no pride. They're dusty, worn, and scratched ................ Even worse, there are holes on the side!' 'Thank You for blessings,' .................... the prayer went on. The shoe man said.................. A quiet 'Amen.' I tried to focus on the prayer.... But my thoughts were on his shoes again. Aren't we supposed to look our best. ..............When walking through that door? 'Well, this certainly isn't it,' ...................I thought, Glancing toward the floor. Then the prayer was ended............ And the  songs of praise began. The shoe man was certainly loud............. Sounding proud as he sang. His voice lifted the rafters.............. His hands were raised high. The Lord could surely hear.............. The shoe man's voice from the sky. It was time for the offering.............. And what I threw in was steep I watched as the shoe man reached............. Into his pockets so deep I saw what was pulled out.......... What the shoe man put in. Then I heard a soft 'clink' .............. As when silver hits tin. The sermon really bored me.......... To tears, and that's no lie. not the same for the shoe man........... For tears fell from his eyes. At the end of the service............. As is the custom here. We must greet new visitors ............... And show them all good cheer. But I felt moved somehow................. And wanted to meet the shoe man. So after the closing prayer.............. I reached over and shook his hand. He was old and his skin was dark.............. And his hair was truly a mess..... But I thanked him for coming............... For being our guest... He said, 'My names' Charlie............ I'm glad to meet you, my friend.' There were tears in his eyes............. But he had a large, wide grin.. 'Let me explain,' he said............. Wiping tears from his eyes. 'I've been coming here for months............ And you're the first to say 'Hi.'' 'I know that my appearance..........'Is not like all the rest. 'But I really do try...................'To always look my best.' 'I always clean and polish my shoes............ 'Before my very long walk. 'But by the time I get here..............'They're dirty and dusty, like chalk.' My heart filled with pain............ And I swallowed to hide my tears. As he continued to apologize.................. For daring to sit so near. He said, 'When I get here............'I know I must look a sight. 'But I thought if I could touch you............'Then maybe our souls might  unite.' I was silent for a moment............. Knowing whatever was said Would pale in comparison........... I spoke from my heart, not my head. 'Oh, you've touched me,' I said..........'And taught me, in part; 'That the best of any man...............'Is what is found in his heart.' The rest, I thought ................ This shoe man will never know. Like just how thankful I really am............ That his dirty old shoe touched my soul.

Remember,  everyone needs a friend.  Someday you might feel like you have no friends at all.  Just remember this poem and take comfort in knowing that someone out there cares about you.  Live each day as your last, for we never know our time here on earth.

The Love of Christ, and Peace to you, My Friends

Friday, December 2, 2011

It's gonna be a a Rah-Rah weekend

Deja Vu....we're off to another cheerleading competition....Actually at this moment, we are surprising the kiddos with a day at Disneyworld. Since we had to drive all the way to Kissimmee for Baylor's cheer competition tomorrow, we figured we'd drive down Thursday night, and give them an awesome surprise today. Can't wait to show you pics. Here's some pics from our cheer competition two weeks ago...Go Mariners :)

Baylor & her BFF Ryleigh
We're the Marcus Pointe Mariners..... 

Coach Kate, Baylor Bop & me 

Thursday, December 1, 2011

It's beginning to fill alot like Christmas...

Finally, the real cold weather is here, we were at 39 degrees this morning in sunny Florida. Granted it will probably be like, 80 again this weekend, but I enjoy it when we get it.  Now for a little Christmas Spirit. We got a tree Sunday, however, we haven't quite gotten it decorated yet, I'll save that for next week. We did manage to put a little Christmas Spirit into the living room though.....

Mantle Before

And After....I love these rod iron weathered arches, reminds me of the old historic Churches in Downtown Pensacola

I added some crimson ribbon I had to the vase and burlap puppy, and then used it elsewhere in the room, to add a different color for the holidays


Added some twisted red candles to my favorite pillars, and a Christmas candle engraved with "The Lockes" from a few years ago from our friends John & Jen

A few new pillows and slip cover to move from fall to winter, and  the kids lovely display of ornaments in the coffee table 

A lab pillow for Sampson boy

I wanted to do a more subdued tree this year, with natural colors and burgundy, but still wanted to let the kids display all their favorite ornaments, enter the coffee table of many uses.... We placed all their bright and fun decorations under the glass, and I'm loving how festive it turned out, and the kids love getting to look at all their ornaments :)

Holiday Pics ♥ My favorite picture is in the middle, Grier was throwing a complete fit, he was definitely not into Santa that year, lol

Bow ties for the Giraffes, of course! ;)