Barefoot with Dappled Noses

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Christmas Decor and Celebrations

Cookie Day

Every year at Christmas time my mother, sisters and I get together and make an obscene amount of cookies to combine and hand out as gifts to various friends, family, etc. Here's my sister Anna (on the phone) making gingerbread cookies.

I think Rock was sampling as he was decorating.

Jackson being artistic- Mom didn't think of the mirror- not very professional.

Auntie Natty and Grandma being very patient with Savannah who is directing their decorating.

Cookies, cookies and more cookies!

Here's Jackson at his School Christmas Performance. They did jingle bells with these differerent length hallow sticks that were different notes. Jackson would whack himself on the head to sound off his note. Mom and Dad were laughing, we were crying. It was better than CATS.

Ok So I love Christmas too. So here's some of my decorating. I think I have too much fun doing this. There's too much stuff to take pics of everything so here's my favorites. I might change a few things next year, but for the most part I'm happy with everything. Did I mention that I love Christmas!

The Island-

The Morning Room

Morning Room again.

Kitchen Counter

More Kitchen counters

Upstairs- Kids Tree in the 'Library'

Family Room Buffet Table

Living Room

Entry Console Table

Kids decorating the Family Tree in the Family Room

Formal Dining Room (notice the Nerf ball in the centerpiece - I'm writing it off as proof of my Children's ever present existence)

Outside- It looks better with no flash

Side note- When I was a little girl I dreamed of having a big house that I would decorate at Christmas with lots of white icicle lights. I feel very blessed.

Kids by the completed tree- I call these their Christmas Inmate outfits- they are really cute though:-)

Again- I like it with no flash.

Remember the reason for this blessed season!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Love,

The Clarkes

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Thanksgiving

A few days before Thanksgiving we made a Thankful Turkey. Everyone wrote or drew pics of things they were grateful for and then hung them all on the mirror in the morning room. The kids had a good time and it's nice to count blessings.

My assignment for Thanksgiving was pies. I like to bake so I made 5. Two pumpkin, two apple and a pecan. We had them with whipcream or ice cream. I love pie.

We had Thankgiving at the Kriels. Angela had this Idea to do our normal "natural" centerpiece in whites. It turned out stunning.

Kelly smoked the turkey. It was delicious and I don't think I've ever seen a prettier one.

Meryl-Rose putting the finishing touches on.

The Crew- minus Me (taking the pic) and Kimball (upstairs- not realizing that it was time).

We had an awesome and filling day. And I just wanted to say how thankful I am for my friends and family!!!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Fun Filled Saturday

Saturday was a project day. We worked on the backyard, garage and upstairs--all spots that desperately needed attention. We got a lot done but had some fun too. Rocky learned how to ride his bike without training wheels!!! Yeah!!!! Here are a few pics of Dad and Rocky in training or sans training wheels;-)

After a long day of work and play-- baths, a little wrestling with dad and bed!

I had to add the actual Halloween night pics- The Loot!!!

Savvy looking a little ragged after Trick-or-treating!

I think the picture says it all!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rocky had to spread his out to find his favorites.

We went with the Flores trick-or-treating- it was a blast!

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Halloween and more Halloween

Seedsowers Fieldtrip to Peltzer Farms

It was Hot!!!!!!- Monday we went with Rocky's class to Peltzer Farm. It was a lot of fun but hot, hot, hot!!!! I guess it was a typical southern California October day. The kids were flushed and thirsy - but had a great time.

Savvy at the petting zoo, admiring a bunny.

We found our way out of the corn maze eventually- Rocky was so proud!!

Farmer Rocky drivin' the tractor.

Savannah had to try.

Rocky in the petting zoo.

Taking a break.

Pumpkin Carving Party

Monday, after holding up our signs on Winchester for Yes on Prop 8 with the whole Fam we went to the annual Pumpkin Carving Party our friends throw every year. We carved pumpkins, ate, socialized, ate some more, and played on the park swings and jungle gym. Fun was had and weight was gained- It was fabulous!

(Monday was a busy, busy day!)

Nice mouth full of food Mom!

Jackson and Rocky both won a prize for their masterful pumpkin carving!

The Costumes

These were actually taken last Saturday before we went to the Trunk-or-Treat. But the costumes are clean and it was light so here are the gremlins in all their Halloween glory.