Another Blog Award!

I feel so special that my friend Jennifer has given me the "Great attitude/Gratitude" award! She has several amazing blogs that you should check out. Just look in the "Other Bloggers We Like" section of this page.

Although I don't have that many "blogger" friends, I do want to pass this on to:

• Kelli & Tracie

They have a great recipe blog with foods anyone can cook! Way to go girls!!

Self Portrait

I took this photo of Joe and I myself and thought it turned out pretty good. I kind of like the fact that he's not looking directly at the camera. I mean, that's how he is in real life...always moving! I do love that sweet boy.

Meet our Miracle

Here are some photos of the newest member of the Howard family- (that's my maiden name for those who don't know) Miss Miracle Grace Howard.



She is my new niece! Born to my brother, Jimmy, and Sis in law, Jenny, on January 15 at 2:28pm.



M.G. (as my brother likes to call her) is so tiny! She was 6 lbs 8 oz and 18 inches long. I think she's pretty special, because our family is fairly small and she's the 1st new Howard to be born in a long time.



I also love the fact that she's a "late in lifer" like me! My brother and his wife are almost exactly the same age my folks were when they had me. That's great for Grace (as I like to call her) because now she'll reap the benefits of being raised by parents who are a little more laid back than first timers. Anyway, congrats to my brother and Jenny!!! I love little Grace tons already! And, now Joe Harrison has a cute baby cousin to love on. What fun!

Winter Fun

We had a great time today. Just a lazy Saturday together. Joe had some "naked time" (as Dana Carvey's kids like to call it) after his bath. Aren't you impressed with my camera work which creatively hid the naughty bits? :) Also notice that his index finger is about to ring the bell on the Scoot Along. What a hoot!



Then we went outside while Dan was raking leaves.
Joe helped...



And helped...



And Dan was more than happy to finally have a hand with the yardwork. Lord knows I'm not out there!


All in all, a good day for little Joe Harrison!

The Great Outdoors

We were invited by some dear friends and their parents to come to a weekend at the Mulberry Mountain Lodge. Five couples and their kiddos spent three days together, playing, eating and relaxing after the Christmas hullabaloo. Joe had a great time playing with all the other kiddos.



Here we are in the chow line. Chicken enchiladas made by yours truly.



A few of the "girls" reading and relaxing in their pj's.



Joe- the pied piper of all children- leading a game of Follow the Leader



Here is the beautiful waterfall found about 1 mile north of the property, just off Mountain Creek. Dan and some buddies made the trek to see it...twice.



Our little family going for a ride on a friend's "Rhino." It was Joe's first side-by-side experience.



This is Dan's photo of the view directly outside the lodge. I think he did a pretty good job for an amateur photographer!

We had such a good time together. I hope this will become a tradition for years to come.