The boys have been hunting! 
The winds blew so hard yesterday that hunting was out of the picture, so bright and early this morning my boys were out in the stand. Thomas will admit to shutting his eyes a little before daylight!
Not sure how Christmas eve is at your house, but we attend a vigil mass and leave milk and cookies out for Santa. This year everyone was so busy, we bought oreos for Santa!!! Laynie said they should be by the fireplace, Dad said to leave the milk in the fridge to keep it cold. Lauren wrote handy notes with directions for Santa.
Believe it or not, when we got back from church the cookies were gone, the milk was gone and the glass was next to the cookies!
The kids couldn't wait to open gifts! Dad was busy cooking tenderloin steaks on the grill, Uncle Jason helpded with the veggies and finally it was time for gifts!
George Texas is my favorite singer!
T has called him that since he was a little boy!
The girls love to sing, so they both received Taylor Swift CD's.
This time I'm making a backup Cd so the original doesn't get scratched!
This shirt came from Mrs. Johnson who has helped me in the house
long before kids, so she and her husband have watched them grow.
Her husband nicknamed Laynie "Angel" and Lauren "Princess".
Every year they manage to find shirts for both girls!
Thank you for your many gifts!
The Ambassadors at our school have a winter gift shop for the kids to
find treasures under $20.00 many around $1.00 - $5.00. Lauren took her
own $ and bought gifts. This is a "best grandpa pen" for Grandpa Jesse to carry in his pocket.
Keith received the "World's Greatest Dad" cap from Lauren too!!!!
Uncle Jason is always looking for new things to cook
so he received the Better Homes and Garden Cookbook!
mom was taking pictures, but I promise I was there!
As family traditions go, mine has been spending the 23rd of December with my mom's side of the family. Santa's helper usually makes a surprise visit and the cousins enjoy playing together, putting on plays and of course opening gifts. The adults enjoy fellowship, good food and watching the growing family. This year most of the cousins are out of state - Utah, California, Missouri or had spouses on call- so the Bowman's were the kids for the evening. Since I wasn't up to decorating/cleaning/cooking/then cleaning again- I suggested that we meet at a restaurant in town. Everyone agreed it was a must that someone bring desert. We were blessed with Red Velvet Cake by Maryanne. It's the best if you like Red Velvet!
The great aunts and uncles showered the kids with gifts!
As soon as we got home, the race was on! The kids loved there new cars.
Thanks for the many gifts! The girls have craft boxes to work with while Thomas received a tool boxes with tools that mom needs!!!
The Ambasador's (like Student Council) collected Toys For Tots and canned goods. One morning they gathered at HEB at 5:45 in the morning for a split second viewing on the local tv station.
A good friend said, " if turning 7 has grand parties like this what will 16 bring?" I am begining to worry myself. Hannah's Rockin' 7 Birthday party was soooooo much fun! Hair was colored, sparkled and styled! Makeup applied and the tattoos were everywhere! The karaoke machine was busy with girls singing their hearts out. Watch out Hannah Montanna!
I hope this washes out!
Thanks for inviting us!
