Empty Nest

Grant and I are home alone this week. Giving empty nesting a trial run for the second time this summer. For the first two nights it's kind of nice with all the peace and quiet, but in the back of your mind, you're just wondering, "What are they doing? Are they having fun?" By Saturday, we'll be more than ready to hear all about it ... all the way home ... it'll be chatter chatter chatter. I can't wait!

So Sweet

Just had to share this cutie ...

Maybe I don't quite have the hang of it . . . yet

I got all of this for only $51.00!

Ok, maybe I don't quite have the hang of the coupon shopping yet.

I think I need a few more weeks to build up a supply of coupons.

Band Concert

The high school and middle school bands get together in the spring for a combined performance. It's the high school's way of introducing the band program to advancing middle schoolers. They get to see the high school perform as a concert band, but they also see the winter guard and winter drum line. Here's a photo of Lauren playing during the high school performance.

Then, the middle school band members (6th, 7th and 8th grades) join the high school band to perform five numbers that they have practiced separately, except for one joint rehersal. Here's Holly as she gets ready for the first number.

Christmas

Christmas this year was so relaxing and wonderful! We watched movies, ate our favorite holiday traditional foods, slept in (and napped!), played Wii, listened to music, and just generally enjoyed each others' company. While we missed being able to see our extended family, it was still nice to be able to enjoy staying home in Mt. Juliet and just being our little happy family.

When Holly and Lauren received new ipods, there was a little squealing and bouncing involved. Then, for a good portion of the day, you could witness this blue glow reflecting off their faces (look closely and you'll see it too).

And, in case you were wondering, the skullcandy noice reducing earphones really work! Grant and I were the noise, and our ability to get their attention was reduced!

Lauren's big day

December 23rd was a big day for Lauren. She got her braces off and she got her driver's license! Here's a few photos . . . Yay La!

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Lauren and Holly had an Ugly Christmas Sweater party on December 22nd. Lindsey Branham's sweater was voted the ugliest and she won a copy of The Santa Clause movie -- remember, in the movie, Charlie's stepfather always wore really ugly sweaters and Tim Allen's character always made fun of them?

Poor Tyler was the only guy at the party. Hmmm, maybe I should say Lucky Tyler?

The kids stayed for quite awhile. It was an interesting evening for Grant and me . . . after the party got underway, we were no longer needed, and we excused ourselves to our room. At this age, parents just supply the space, some food, TV, DVD, stereo, and then, we get lost so as to not embarass anyone!

Cortney's Wedding

A looooonnnnnnggggg time ago, when I was very frequently making wedding cakes, I promised the Kennedy girls that when the time came, I would make their wedding cakes. At the time, I had no idea that I would ever move three hours away, or that one of them would choose to be married the week before Christmas! But, a promise is a promise, so on December 16th, the cake was baked, December 17th, the cake was driven to Memphis, and December 18th, the cake was decorated and delivered to the church. Grant and Holly helped me set it up, then Grant & I crossed the parking lot and entered the peace and happiness of the temple to witness Cortney and Sam's sealing.

Holly was a great helper with this cake. She helped me pipe the snowflakes earlier in the day, and before the reception, she helped set it up and place the snowflakes on it.

We're so happy for Cortney and Sam! Thanks Cortney for setting such a great example for your cousins! We love you and we'll miss you while you're in Virginia, but hope to see you as often as possible.

Holly's Birthday

Holly's 14th birthday was November 28th. We spent Thanksgiving weekend in Memphis, so we celebrated her birthday while there. We went to see Blindside (if you haven't seen it yet, its a great movie!), then the family gathered at Donna and Denise's home for cake and icecream.



Holly received a new coat and boots for her birthday. Lucky girl. If only she had received an iPod too, it would've been a perfect birthday!