Finally caught up!

Wow! It's only 10:00 pm and I am caught up on my blog! I had feared it would take me far more time. So, I have played around with the background and found something that I like... for now. Meanwhile, if you use a website for free blog backgrounds I would love to hear about it. The one I tried earlier this evening just didn't work right. Guess, I need to spend some more time "shopping". Until next time.......... These Halls have been decked!

PS- Be sure to click on "older posts" at the end of this page to see all the posts I have made tonight.

Valentine's Day Party

Thursday was also the Northside Preschool Valentine's Day party. I dressed Regan and Josiah in their new Valentine's Day shirts that Gran sent to them. Don't they look cute! My intention was to go to the grocery store after I dropped Regan off at school, and then go to her party around 11:00. Unfortunately, Eli's school called me mid-shopping trip and let me know he wasn't feeling well. So, I wasn't able to stay long to celebrate with Regan once I picked up Eli. Graciously, Julie Craig brought Regan home after she had celebrated with her friends. Thanks a bunch, Julie!

Bless his heart, it seems Eli has the stomach virus that has been making its way through the city. Eli was still not able to go to school today, (Friday) to attend his own Valentine's Day party. Since I am his homeroom mom, I went to his party to help his teacher and had to leave Eli at home with my mom. Thanks, Grammer for helping me out!

Cowboy Joe

Josiah had to get in on the "rodeo" action as well. As you know, he LOVES hats and insisted on wearing Eli's cowboy hat until he was ready to leave for school. Of course, I had to get some pictures of him as well!

Rodeo Day at Wetmore Elementary School

Thursday was "Rodeo Day" at Wetmore Elementary School. Eli wore his "cowboy" shirt and hat and brought his Daddy's real cowboy rope with him to school.

Although, I have to wonder just what was being taught in his kindergarten class about cowboys. Yesterday, he said, "Hey Mom, do you know why cowboys like to have furry pets like cats and dogs?" "No", I said, "Why do cowboys like to have furry pets"? "So that if they need to, they can kill them to make hats and blankets". Needless to say, Eli and I had a lengthy discussion about the topic of cowboys and their "pets". Yup, sometimes you have to wonder..........

A visit from Sydnie

We were so excited that Julie and Sydnie Covington came to visit a couple of weeks ago. Our dear friends recently moved to the Dallas area, and we miss them terribly. Our girls were born just two days apart, which makes their friendship extra special. They insisted on dressing "alike" on the morning that Julie and Sydnie were driving home to Rockwall. How 'bout that outfit Regan is wearing? Since Sydnie was wearing a jumper with a shirt, she wanted to do the same. The only problem is, she doesn't have a jumper. So, she opted for a sundress and paired it with a shirt that didn't match in any way, shape or form. I guess her outfit had the same "feel" that Sydnie's did. The joy of a four year old little girl! That's my Regan Faith!

Our Sunday "Best"

One Sunday morning I thought the kids looked really cute. Elijah was wearing a nice Polo shirt, Josiah was wearing a cute little outfit with a matching jacket and Regan had on a Christmas dress that had been given to her by Gran. So, I decided to take a few pictures by the front door on our way out. Now, I realize how wonky they all look! "Thank you!", to all of you who compliment me on my "adorable" kids on Sunday morning. I now realize that you were all lying, because you felt sorry for me! Seriously- Neither of the boys' shirts are tucked in and Regan's tights are sagging down to her ankles. The picture of Regan by herslef might have actullay been cute were it not for the snot on her nose. Oh well..... I try, I really do.......

Q-tip anyone?

I know you're not supposed to stick things in your ears... however, I thought Josiah was so cute when I found him in the bathroom "reading" and "cleaning" out his ears. That boy is ALWAYS up to something!

Christmas with the Halls

We are so blessed to have Bryan's brother Cory and his wife, Joy in San Antonio. Living in the same town as your family sure makes the holidays convenient! Bryan's parents, David and Jean graciously made the drive from Odessa this year to celebrate with us. Thank you all for making our Christmas special! We love you dearly!

Wii!!! Wee!!!

Santa brought the Hall family a Wii for Christmas. The kids have really enjoyed it, (as have Bryan and I). Bryan and Eli are quite the tennis champions! Watching Regan bowl is a hoot! I just try to be good enough so as to not embarrass myself. As much as I try to limit the amount of tv and other media that is watched in the house, the Wii has brought many hours of fun together time to our family. Weeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh Deer!

We walked outside one morning to find this buck walking down our street. I couldn't help but take a picture, (which means I had to blog about it as well). Hey! It's not every day you see this!

(I hope that you can actually see the deer in this picture.)

Christmas with the Gambinos

We were so excited that my brother, JD and his wife were able to visit us from Dublin, Texas. The kids had so much fun with their aunt and uncle. Thank you Laura and JD for taking the time to come see us. We love you both dearly and can't wait to see you again!

One of the things the kids enjoyed one morning was reading with Uncle JD. He was so sweet and patient. He and my mom sat with Eli while he sounded out every word in this Christmas book!

Unfortunately, my youngest brother, Daniel is still in Korea. Hopefully, he will be able to join us again next Christmas, (and many times before then too!).

Be patient, please.

Ok, so I am trying to catch up on the blog. I tried out a new blog background and am NOT impressed with it. So, I will continue to play aruond with it until I find what works. If nothing else, I will go back to my same old broing background, (at least then you could actually read the blog!). Until then, be patient with me, please!

-Laurin

A trampoline for Christmas

"Thank you Uncle Cory and Aunt Joy for our trampoline! We, (Elijah, Regan and Josiah) have enjoyed it just about every day since we got it!"

Yes indeed, the kids have had a blast with the trampoline. They all enjoy jumping on it everyday the weather allows them to do so. Cory and Joy were so thoughtful to give our kids such a great gift. Thank you!!

In this picture you see the kids and their Pop, (Bryan's dad).