Home for the Holidays

While home for the holidays, we were able to see all of our family.  It was so great to see Chad's nephews again.  Dillion and Austin were the ring bearers in our wedding--they were 4 years old at the time!!

It is dang impossible to get a decent picture of all Maw Maw's grandkids. . .we can't get everyone to cooperate.  One of these days, I'm gonna get a good picture OR ELSE!!

Well it seems the "Perfect Picture" is NOT happening on either side of our family.

I couldn't get the Perilloux grandkids to cooperate either!

Callie and Uncle Tory

PawPaw and the boys hanging out by the firepit.

Me and Ethan "Bugsy"

Visiting the Eagle's Nest by Mammy and Paw Paw's house

Cuddling up on New Year's Eve

MeMe, Jalyn, Me and Callie

Christmas 2009

ON Christmas Eve, we attend service at The Woodlands United Methodist Church.  They recreate the nativity scene for kids.  Callie loves it.  I love seeing all the little ones dressed up in their Christmas clothes.  This year, Callie requested a matching purse.

Once home, we decorate cookies and get ready for Santa.  The kids are allowed to open one present on Christmas Eve. . it's a Perilloux tradition.  All of us get a new pair of PJs. . I hope my kids continue this tradition with their families.. .That would make PawPaw and I VERY happy.

"Twas the night before Christmas.  ."

It looks like Maya caught Santa!!

The joy of Christmas morning. . my favorite part of the day is watching my kids' faces as they open their presents.

The kids' gift from Chad and I was a new TV for the Game Room

Happy Birthday, Jesus!!!

Going Away Crawfish Boil

Last weekend we held a Going Away Party for Becky and Trevor. . at their request we boiled crawfish.  Trevor videotaped the whole thing so he could attempt his own boil in Nebraska. . .that should be interesting!!  It was a good time as usual. .filled with laughter and tears.  We sure are going to miss The Rookers.. .stupid yankees  :-(
                                                                           The Girls
                                         Bridget, Me, Karyn, Michelle, Terri, Corey and Becky

                                                                           
                                                                                    The Guys 
                                                     Brandon, Scott, Chad, Trevor and Cedric

                                                             

                                                               My favorite Goob--Trevor

                                        

                                      Brandon showing Michelle how to peel her first crawfish!!

          The Going Away Basket filled with pictures, magnets, ornamens, Tony's and crab boil.

           We sure are going to miss you two. . see y'all in June at The College World Series

Decorating the Tree

This year we had to change tradition slightly.  On Thursday, Chad had his knee scoped again so he was unable to fully help us decorate the tree.  Also since the Rookers are leaving on Saturday, Libby was not going to be able to enjoy decorating her first Christmas Tree.  So Trevor, Becky, and Libby came over to help.  Yes, Becky cried the whole time because we are so sweet. . . .

My favorite picture. . Jake's shadow looks like Peter Pan!!

Who Dat Christmas

Who Dat Christmas

Twas the month before Christmas and no sign of snow.
But N.O. doesn't care cause the Saints are 11 & 0.
Dinkins scored a touchdown, Sharper intercepted a pass.
And the Who Dat Nation cheered when Brady was sacked on his ass.
Sunday the Redskins, to Washington we will go.
And when the Black and Gold get finished we'll be 12 & 0!
Go Brees, Go Bush, Go Harper & Ellis,
Our team is UNDEFEATED and the others are jealous!
On Thomas... On Shockey... On Sharper and Bell !
On Brees... On Colston... Let's give 'em hell!!
On Meachem... On Harper... On Roby... On Greer!
We Show'd Pretty Boy Brady the meaning of Fear!!

WHO DAT!!

Turkey Day in the Trees

We are thankful for our friends in 'the trees' . . .Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Gettin' Ready for the Holidays

Last weekend we went to "Lighting of the Doves" here in The Woodlands.  This has become our new

tradition together.  We love seeing the waterway sparkle with white lights and the kids love the hot chocolate and 'imported' snow.  This year Callie was super excited to see Santa, , ,she is convinced she can sneak him her Christmas List. . .the list asking for a DOG!!  

Halloween 2009

Chad and the boys had their last regular season basketball game on Saturday.  They ended the season 4-4--which I think is pretty good.  Throughout the season, the team had many kids miss practices and games due to the flu--including ours!!  Next weekend is the Playoffs!!  Good luck, Jazz!

After the game, we went home and got ready for Halloween.  It seems that The Straughan Halloween Party is becoming a tradition no matter what state we are in!!

This year the kids chose their own individual outfits--the boys were pretty creative.  Mace was a Mad Scientist, Jake was "Scary" Potter, and Callie was a hula girl.  Of course the weather didn't cooperate and poor Callie had to wear a sweater and tights with her costume. 

I was "Flo" from the Progressive Commercials.

Chad and Brandon were the Blues Brothers.  While trick-or-treating with the kids, some of the neighbors thought they were "Drunken Mormons"!!

Since the boys ditched us again this year--it was just Daddy and his girl trick-or-treating.  The boys even ditched EACH OTHER this year--they went off with separate groups of friends.

Some of the party-goers. . .once again it was a great Halloween Party!!

Birthday Party

Last night, we went to the Mullen's to celebrate Cedric's birthday

. As always, it was a great time!

Michelle, Chad, Karen and Chris

Birthday Toast

Karen, Bridget, Becky, Michelle, me