Christmas 2010

 Rejoice!  He is Risen???  Oops, I didn't realize that I had typed that until I had already replaced my original file.  Just had to laugh, but it still didn't defer me from using this pic as we celebrate the birth, life and resurrection of Jesus in our home anyway.  So with that, I wish you a blessed Easter!

 This picture was taken on Christmas day which is why there is the absence of Ritchie in the family photo.  We give him honorable mention as we remembered him on Christmas day.

Our Christmas tree and packages were saved and waiting for Ritchie when he came home on January 5th.  The children are old enough now that they don't mind waiting.  We haven't always waited for "Daddy" to get home but this year we did-at least on the packages.  Eating started way ahead of schedule.

 The tree was blue and ordained with birds, leaves and pine cones as well as blue and silver balls.  Presents were decorated in red and gold.  Why?  Because that was the wrapping paper that Jacob brought down from the attic for me.  He promised it would look great and I guess it worked after all.

 Decorations were throughout our home.  Santa sat in his sled in our entryway....

 

 Snowmen and Gingerbread men livened up the kitchen table......

 And, of course, the stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

 My mom and dad came to spend Christmas with us on Christmas Day.  We had a small gift exchange, watched a movie and ate, ate, ate.

 Ritchie came home on January 5th and we celebrated Christmas three days later on Saturday.  We opened our presents, played games and ate, ate, ate.  As you can see by his shirt, he is our official lens master.

 Surprise isn't really the word to use as I purchased and wrapped everything including what was in my stocking.  So what did I gift myself this year?  A Lee Dewyze CD, of course!  Great job, honey.  I love it!

 Zachary always ask for very little on Christmas and for his birthdays.  This years' number one gift that he wanted was the Dangerous Hunts game for his Xbox 360.

 Now Jacob, on the other hand, knows what he wants and it usually has a hefty price tag!  Hmmm, wonder where he gets that from?

 Erin was "dreaming" of more than a white Christmas this year.  She had visions of American Girl items dancing in her head.  I told her she didn't have a great Christmas, but her doll, Rebecca, really scored well!

We couldn't possibly have forgotten our two furry friends.  Rusty's gift was Snoopy whom Rusty, (aka Gus-Gus), must not have liked very much because he was destroyed before the Christmas clean-up had begun.

He looks adorable but do not be deceived.

Boomer received some yummy treats in his stocking which I'm sure he'll probably share with Gus-Gus.  What a sweet baby!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year and fill so blessed to have family and friends so close by.  But mostly, we are glad that we truly have a reason to celebrate the season.

Merry Christmas!

HALF TO HAVE IT!

Welcome to my tiny little clothing store that I call "Half to Have it! It's located at The Emporium in my hometown. That's me standing in aisle one of two.  All of the clothing is name brand, gently-used but in excellent condition teen clothes.

I started this store because I am a mom, too, and I know what it is like to want to provide for your kids but it can be difficult to get them what they want in a budget that you can afford.

I may not always have what you are looking for or something that you like in your size, but I strive to find the very best every chance I get and all items are way below retail prices.  My dresses range from $13.00 to $35.00.

I always have several purses available and top brands usually sell quickly.  Here is a Hollister tote bag. 

This is one of my favorite Element brand bags.  Head to college in style with all your books conveniently stored.

Military-look jackets are very popular right now and this one is only $12.99 and in excellent condition.

I also feature a small selection of children's clothing for both boys and girls sizes 12 and under.  Some current featured brands are Abercrombie, Justice, Under Armour and Ann Loren.

Yes, I have a men's section as well.  I sell BKE jeans for $25.00-$30.00 but they definitely leave the store quickly.

Here is a ladies Hollister hoodie that would look great in just about any season.  Come see what else I have.  I try to add 20 new pieces every week so the store is always changing.  Your suggestions are always welcome and I also purchase used clothing so please contact me if you are interested in selling.