Christmas Trees

I think this is the first year that I've actually been proud of my Christmas tree! Last Christmas I asked my mom for new ornaments - much needed new ornaments, mind you. You can imagine my excitement after waiting an entire year when I finally got to use them! The first pic is with Miss Marley. She follows me step for step and was so "involved" in the entire process that I just had to get her to pose with the tree. Little sidenote about Marley: I was not thrilled when Matt decided to get her in October of last year. I've never been around big dogs and she was already BIG at nine months when we adopted her. It's taken over a year (I know that's awful, but it's true) for me to finally feel like she's part of our family. She's getting out of her puppy stage and is finally adjusting to us, as we are to her. I guess it helps that she is spoiled rotten and now likes to lounge around the house waaaay more than she used to!

The next pic is a tad different b/c I wanted to add a little something coming out of the top. I think I still want other things on top, but overall I'm pleased with how it turned out.

I also included my mother-in-law's two trees - I thought she did a great job. Once my mom gets hers put up, I'll have to post it, too. She's so creative and has such great taste, but hasn't put it up yet b/c she's getting new hardwoods! WooHoo!

Thanksgiving weekend

I have been doing such a poor job of updating this blog. I need to do better, but can't make any promises! We had such a great Thanksgiving holiday. Every year, we drive to El Dorado for lunch with my mom's family. I wish I would have gotten a picture! After a short visit, we head back down south for dinner with Matt's family. I enjoy family time so much!

The Friday after Thanksgiving was the big play-off game between Cabot and Springdale Har-Ber. We dressed the part and had such a great time, but unfortunately, Cabot lost in the last SECONDS of the game! Boo! At least we got a couple of cute pictures!

Hayden always manages to get sideline pictures with Mascots!

Posing with my sister and sister-in-law pre-game.

Watson family

Saturday night we went over to Brad and Tina's to watch the Hogs play LSU. What a great game, too bad we lost! UGH! Let me just say that I feel so fortunate to have such great friends. We always have the absolute best time! I've told myself, the next time we get together, I'm getting a picture of ALL of US! Group photo!


These pictures are just too cute not to post. The thing that got me started (obsessed) with reading other people's blogs were pictures of their cute kiddos. I can't wait to be able to upload a picture of my baby - one of these days. But until then, here's some adorable pics of Hayden, along with our friend's precious kids.

Who can resist sleeping kids???

Future love connection? Like in TEN years!

My dad with Baylee-isn't she precious and his dog Gracie. He's so good with kids! Can't wait to give him a grandbaby one of these days!

Halloween 2009

What a great weekend we had! We went up to Fayetteville for the game (well mainly just to visit with Mike and Jen and all our tailgating buddies - we didn't actually go to the game - trick or treating was way more important). Hayden's costume request was a green Power Ranger, so of course, we complied! He wanted to wear it to the tailgate, so he got all kinds of wear outta this thing. Right when the game was starting, we heading out for our trick-or-treating adventures. He had so much fun hamming it up all day. He's such a great kid! I hope we're making some wonderful memories for him! Here are a few pics:

This is what happens when you back talk the Power Ranger!

Muscles with Aunt Jen!!

Hayden and Uncle Mike were there for our dancing entertainment!

SCORE!!!

Choices

This is a hard topic to write about, but I feel it necessary. On Monday, October 12th I discovered I had miscarried my baby. Two days later, I had a DNC, on what would have been the start of my 9th week. Apparently the baby didn't make it much longer after I had my initial doctor's visit on September 28th. Although I never experienced any physical pain that would make me think I miscarried, I somehow knew something wasn't right. I can't explain it, but it was like God was preparing me for what I was about to learn.

My husband and I made a choice - we chose to trust in God and know He has a plan for us. We chose to look at the positive side and not ask the "why us" question. A few weeks ago, I received an email "questioning" my eagerness to tell people so early. You see, I chose to tell people the good news after my first doctor's visit. I share good and bad news with my friends and family. I'm a sharer, it's hard for me to keep my excitment inside. I also knew there was a chance something could go wrong with the pregnancy, with any pregnancy. But I also knew that if something went wrong, I would need all of my friends and family to pray for my husband and me. And that's exactly what we received. I can honestly say that I now know what it's like to "feel" people's prayers. Even through our grief, we both have had such a peace about this and I know it's because of our friends and family lifting us up. I'm thankful that God chose to take this baby so soon... it could have been so much worse.

The doctor told us we won't have to wait long at all to start trying again. And that's exactly what we are choosing to do - we are choosing to try again. God as a plan for us and we will always praise Him and count our many blessings He has bestowed upon us.

Show Us Your Life - Desserts

I'm been following http://kellyskornerblog.com/ for a while now and am excited to finally have a blog and be able to participate! I usually make this yummy dessert around the holidays and it's ALWAYS a hit! Not to mention, it's super easy!

Pumpkin Layer Cake with Cream Cheese-Pecan Frosting

2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup canola oil
4 large eggs
1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin
Cream Cheese-Pecan Frosting

1. Preheat oven to 350. Coat 2 (9-inch) cake pans with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

2. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder and salt in large bowl; whisk to mix well. Set aside. Combine granulated sugar, oil and eggs in large mixing bowl; beat at low speed until well blended.

3. Gradually beat in flour mixture. At medium speed, beat in pumpkin. Spoon batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes on wire racks; remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.

4. Place one cake layer on serving plate; spread with about 3/4 cup frosting. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread top and sides of cake with remaining frosting. Store cake in refrigerator.

Cream Cheese-Pecan Frosting

1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 stick margarine, softened
1 (1-lb.) box powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans

1. Combine cream cheese and margarine in large bowl; beat at medium speed with mixer until light and fluffy.

2. At low speed, gradually beat in powdered sugar, beating until mixture is smooth. Beat in vanilla. Stir in pecans.

Razorback weekends

I'm a little behind on my blog updates. Below are pictures from our first Hogs game in LR and the 2nd game in Fayetteville.

Part of the group in F'ville...

Jen (my sis-in-law), Tina, me, Shannon

LR game pics Watson boys, minus Uncle Jon - Matt, Hayden, Uncle Mike

This was Hayden's favorite part of the game!
Daddy and Hayden - and the sun!

Up close and personal with the players

First Ultrasound

Eventhough our first doctor's appointment isn't until 9/28, we were lucky enough to get an ultrasound last week. Everything looked great! We saw AND heard the baby's heartbeat! What a relief!

So far the two baby names Hayden has suggested are: DJ (b/c he loves wedding receptions and loves to dance to "dj" music) and Fluffy. Hmm, I wonder what our next weekend with him will bring. :)