Christmas 2009

This Christmas has been one of the best ones I have ever had not just because of all the cool gifts I received but because of all the family time. This Christmas season started on Wednesday, December 23rd, going to my Papa and Granny Murphy's home. We had finger foods, a short program to help us remember the real reason for the season, opened gifts and played board games. We stayed there so late and really enjoyed spending time with cousins, grandparents, siblings and parents.
Thursday, December 24th (Christmas Eve) I went to my Grandpa and Grandma Brownell's home. We had our traditional potato soup or chicken noodle soup and open gifts then enjoyed all the snacks that my grandma made for us.
Today, Friday, December 25th Christmas Day my siblings and I opened our stockings; which is what we can't wait to open. We then opened the gifts from each other and then from Santa. We skyped with our brother-in-law, sister and niece to watch my niece open presents on her very first Christmas. We then had our traditional Christmas breakfast. The only bummer to this day was the weather which was very humid and muggy. Can't wait for next year.

Lexi's First Horseback Ride

Lexi loved riding the horse so much she almost refused to be taken off.

Lexi's New Toys

It has been about a month since my sister, Audrey and my niece, Lexi visited us in Florida. When they were here last time Lexi was just starting to learn how to crawl. She has changed so much in one short month. The first night she was here she found some new toys to play with and on. Trying to climb up the stairs out of the living room has become a new game for Lexi. She hasn't been able to get up them which is good, but she does love to pull up and slap the tile to create her own music.

Lexi is so smart. I bought her this block set and she figured out how to pull the lid off so quickly. She loves crawling around the living room with the blocks.

She also thinks the her diapers are a fun thing to play with.

Pioneer Day Celebration

Every year the Sebring Ward plans a pioneer celebration at Highlands Hammock State Park. I have never attended this celebration before but I decided that I would give it a try this year. Some years the children dress up like pioneers and pull and push handcarts but this year the theme seemed to be food. Each person seemed to bring more than one dish. I made baked beans. The adults spent the morning catching up on each other's lives and discussing children, politics, and the economy. Children spent their time playing on the playground equipment, making paper airplanes, tug-a-war, and playing in a pool of bubbles.

I Spy Crimson

I Spy Crimson is a two-year gelding that my grandparents own. When Crimson was a colt I halter broke him and taught him how to lead. He was just broke to ride, so my mom has been working with him every morning. He is doing really well. I can't wait til I get to ride him.

Gulf of Mexico

I have not been to a beach in a number of years but Thursday night that all changed. My mother, sister, and niece went to the Gulf of Mexico to take pictures. It was so cool on the beach. The wind was blowing and there were so many different kinds of birds. The water was really warm. Hopefully it will not be so long before I go to the beach again

New Camera

About two months ago my sister, Audrey, and I decided that we wanted to get into the photography business. I began looking for a professional camera after we made this decision. Audrey suggested we check on ebay. We found an amazing deal, a camera that included two extra lenses, two tripods, filters, extra battery, and a cleaning kit. So after purchasing this camera it took almost four weeks to arrive at my house. It finally arrived yesterday morning. I began yesterday afternoon to take pictures.

RAIN

April showers bring May flowers, or so they say but for the last few years April has been nothing but dry ground. This year was no exception to the rule. We had not seen a measurable amount of rain in several months, that is until last week. All the sudden the bottom has fallen out of the clouds. We have already received 4 inches in the last week and a half. Today it has rained most if not all day. Tomorrow the forecast calls for.....more rain.

HOT, HOT, HOT

Growing up in central Florida you expect warm temperature in July and August, however it is May 11 the day after Mother's day and the temperature reached a 106 degrees. I don't know about you but that's what I call HOT!!!!!!!!!

Ward Talent Show

Last night our ward held a talent show to raise money to send the young women to girl's camp. It was quite the night. We had dancing, singing, piano playing, art work displayed, story telling, and much more. The young women also provided a bake sale. They had awesome nachos!! Mom played the piano, she messed up in a few spots. I did a clogging routine that I choreographed myself, I also messed up a few times but it was still an eventful evening.

Redneck Pool

Most hot, humid, sticky days in Central Florida are spent in one of few places: indoors, the beach or the swimming pool. I spent most of those days indoors watching television or swimming. As a child we would spend time swimming at my uncle and aunt's pool. If we were not allowed to go to their house we would use an old bath tub or a ditch in the cow pasture. A few years ago my uncle and aunt moved away and the house with the pool was sold. Since I still live in Florida and we still get those hot, humid, sticky days I had to come up with an alternative to the swimming pool. Actually, it was my uncle who invented the "redneck pool" after my sister and I complained about not having a pool to swim in. I live on a cattle and citrus ranch, so we have a diesel pump that pumps water to both the grove and the pasture.

Where the spout comes out of the pump my uncle decided to dig out some of the sand that was in the ditch. He continues to dig it out every few weeks so that we can have a place to swim.


One thing about the "redneck pool" it gives us interesting swimming buddies.