Future Piano Player?

Don't adjust your computer screen...you're seeing it right. Stella has her first PIANO. Aunt Lori is showing her how it works and Stella was in awe.
Uncle Julian pulling out the seat for your future musician. She wasn't quite sure at first, BUT...
in no time she took her seat and began performing. Doesn't she look like she is at an actual recital?
Taking requests.
Getting into it.
Playing some Christmas tunes for us :)
This was a big hit. Aunt Lori is a great piano player and has been counting down the days until she could buy Stella a piano and get her started. Well, this Christmas was the day and Stella LOVES it. What's even funnier is she loves sitting on the bench. It's like she only performs her best if she is sitting.

Thanks Aunt Lori and Uncle Julian...this really is an awesome and fun gift. Lori, I hope she follows in your footsteps.

Stella's First Car!!!!

Yes, I know it's not Christmas yet, but it is at this household. We celebrated Christmas today with Tom's side of the family so we decided to celebrate our "little" family Christmas too...
This reaction is priceless...she had just woken up and turned the corner to find her first CAR!
Stella was in disbelief that Santa left such a fun gift for HER.
Laughing!
"Well, if you're sure this is my car...I'm going to take it for a spin." And of course, you'll notice bunny is along for the ride.
Checking it all out. I love that she still has bed head and looks like she is still trying to wake up.
Honk Honk
After a little bit of driving through the living room she opened some other presents. She kept pulling the tape back then sticking it again, so it took a little while to open some of her presents.
But oh how exciting when she finally got the hang of it...more Little People!

I just love my family so much. We had a good time. Stick around for more posts. Stella got a LOT of fun stuff at Grammie and Papa's.

HO HO HO

Ok so it's not Santa, but his HELPER, Tom/Daddy instead. Tomorrow morning Tom and I are celebrating our family Christmas with Stella so since it's a little early--Tom had to help Santa get all of Miss Thangs gifts ready. Can't you see the Christmas cheer in this picture.
Now that's the spirit. We actually had fun putting her "first car" together after she went to bed. I know in years to come we'll be doing this and it might be more stressful and not as easy of a task.
The final product...plus some other goodies in the background.
Stella saw the picture of this on the box awhile back and kept saying "ooohh" so I'm hoping she is excited tomorrow morning. I'll post pictures. Until then Merry Early Christmas!

Please Pray

Please pray for our dear friends the Barnards...they are going through a tough time right now. They are an incredible family. Tom and I just admire their strength and example during this time and ALWAYS have. You can read their story here, but please say a little prayer for them because I promise you if you needed a prayer...they'd do the same for you!!!

Help the Needy this Holiday Season

Ok, so for those of you that don't know, my husband, Tom is raising money for the Salvation Army this holiday season. It's a competition between him and another local anchor to raise at least $2,500 each. For the next week you can help my VERY cute husband raise money by contributing online here . Just click on his face and follow the steps. OR if you live in the area you can say hi to Tom in person at the Bentonville Sam's Club next Thursday the 17th between 10 & 2. He will be there with a "special" guest and would love to meet you. And while you're there you can drop some money in his actual kettle.

Just food for thought this holiday season. I know we're all in a pinch and I'm always up for a good challenge, but MORE importantly lets help those who are less fortunate. Even if you're giving in some other capacity(angel tree, toys for tots, etc)--lets remember the reason for the season.

Merry Christmas...depending on next week's weather Stella and I might join Tom for a little while so I'd love to meet you too!

Fun in Harrison

As you can tell Stella and Reese are GREAT friends. Ok, well they're working on it,but since Reese's mommy, Heather, is one of my best friends I can only hope Stella and Reese with share that special bond too! But don't they look like they're having a blast over lunch?!
Off to play. It looks like Stella is leading the pack here, but truth be told...it took a couple tries from Reese to convince Stella there were fun toys in her room to play with...then they were off!
Reading time!
And look at this handsome guy. Rhett is the real reason Stella and I headed to Harrison for an afternoon with Heather and Reese. He was born 4 weeks ago and I've been dying to meet him and couldn't wait any longer. Isn't he precious! And he's such a good baby!
And of course, Reese is a great big sister. She was loving on him here.

Heath, Thanks for letting us invade your adorable home for a few hours. It was so great to catch up and watch the kids play! Love and miss you dearly!

We've got LIGHTS

Lights at "OUR" house...NO WAY!
This was the look on Stella's face when Daddy told her he and Papa put up lights for a surprise for Mommy---as you can tell she didn't believe it. Maybe it's hard to believe because Mommy has asked for 4 years for outside lights and notta, BUT this year was different. Thanks Daddy. I know Mommy was/is super excited!
Checking out daddy and papa's work.
OOOh.
Pointing to the pretty lights.
Taking it all in with daddy.

The lights are beautiful and I LOVE them...but my camera doesn't catch it just right, I decided not to post them, but believe me the house looks great!