If it weren't for the milk I wouldn't even know today was New Years

I did not know last night was New Year's Eve and today was New Years until I checked the expiration date on the milk this morning. Kids will do that to you.

But don't cry for me, friends. The truth is earlier this week I spent three days staying here:

and eating here and here (OK I might have eaten here more than once in three days. I might still be salivating over those fries. And for the first time in my life, I might be dreaming about cheeseburgers. Huh, I guess this is what it's like to be a man.)
and shopping here
and hereand seeing this fabulous film.And best of all, Andy and I got to do it all with this great couple (sans Greyson).

There may not be any pictures to prove this trip actually happened (apparently I do not know how to work a camera without a kid in front of it), but if you're having any doubts, come on over and check out my living room, closet, and waistline. They don't lie.

This post is boring. I'm not too proud to admit it.

Mia's first Oakdale shirt. It's so funny how everyone thinks she is actually going to go to school next year. No church, no problem. Food and fellowship is what it's really all about anyway.
Well, that face about sums up his holidays. He refused to participate in anything that did not involve him beating something with a drumstick,which is why he still has unopened presents under the tree.Snow ice cream. Yes, I realize Mia's eyes are covered up and no, there wasn't a better picture than this.

Don't mess with Ahmo

You asked for it, kid.

Action shots

Wednesday is closing night. Mia will then immediately go into an attention detox program. It won't be pretty.

Dear Aidan,

In exactly 15 minutes Mia will be showing up at your birthday party dressed like this. It wasn't a battle I was willing to fight, although I did insist she not offer to give out any autographs. It is your party after all.

The God of second chances

Meet Adam.

Oklahoma Christan gave Adam a chance, and then a second chance, and then a third chance, and then.....he made it!

Today I got to help give Adam a graduation party and I could not have been more proud.

Adam, thank you for showing me what it's really all about.

The Doc

Playing doctor took a disturbing turn when the power tools were introduced.

Some of her many fans

"Oh, OK. If you insist."

Thanks so much for coming to watch!

(This was her reaction last night in the green room when I told her her teachers were here to see her in the play. Too bad you can't hear the high pitched vibrato that she was singing at the top of her lungs, although if you have seen the play then you know the sound I am talking about!)

Remind me to never shower again.

I officially choose my own filth over having to scrub marker off of faces, out of carpet, and off of walls.
All that and I still only got one leg shaved....

It's true, we're expecting

The newest addition to the Lashley family will be here in six to eight weeks. Meet "The Spencer" from this lovely company. Dear Spencer,

I have searched for you for two years now. Know that you have been dreamed of, yearned for, and loved ever since I first laid eyes on you. We all wait in eager anticipation of your arrival. I hope and pray you will adjust to your new life here in suburbia. As wonderful as this place is, I feel I must warn you that there are two tiny little monsters that live here. They resemble big people but are much more disgusting and will probably not appreciate your beautiful, simple modern design. I will do my best to protect you from their grimy fingers and snotty faces, but I can't promise you anything. They are scary little time bombs just ticking away, which is why I insured you for ten years and am confident it will be the best money I ever spent.

All my love,

Summer

This is bliss.

They've already reserved their rooms at Tealridge. Yes, that's a white tree in the background.

That white tree has restored my faith in the Christmas season.

And if it actually gets decorated this year, I will truly believe in Christmas miracles.
Our sad little gingerbread house.
Even a Christmas miracle couldn't have saved that baby.
I wonder of Tealridge would frown on this?

Raegan and Mia painstakingly decorated my entire house with ribbons and about ten rolls of tape.
Anyone that is willing to work ten times harder than I am to decorate my house for the holidays gets to keep their masterpieces up all season.

Assuming I'm buzzed on ten cups of coffee, I love days like this.

I'm only posting this to document my husband in leopard print.
After his haircut he said, "Mommy, my hair not crazy anymore."

My how time does fly...