BRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!

We are having what the weather folks are calling an "Arctic Blast". Although I don't have snow in my little sheltered part of the valley, it is bitterly cold. It's odd where I live...it can snow within a 8-10 mile radius and we won't have a smidge...I have a love/hate relationship with that. We do, however, get that ugly freezing rain stuff...YUK YUK YUK.

I took this photo above a couple days ago just before the sun peaked over the hill. It was so beautiful with it's pinks, oranges and even a touch of purple. I wish you could see it in the picture. Sigh.

See this cute little ornament...

I RECEIVED him in the ornament exchange from Tammy of Beckoning Bears. Yes, the same Tammy who won the Blog Giveaway. Isn't that funny. Let me explain a little. In the ornament exchange, the recipient of the ornament you make may not be the person who is making an ornament for you...and it's all in a Secret Santa kind of fun. Anyway...small world and I adore him. I sure hope the person I sent off Mr. GingerBear gets her ornament soon or I'm going to be very unhappy with my post office. :O(

Enjoy...stay warm and toasty.

5A State Football State Champions...AGAIN!!!

What an exciting game!!! My son's high school football team, West Albany Bulldogs, won the 5A state title again for the second year in a row...this being their third year in a row in the finals (losing the first year after 3 overtimes). This is just an amazing bunch of kids. Many of them, including my own son, having played football together since they were in the 6th grade and now they are graduating seniors. It just makes me all teary-eyed talking about it.


Here's an article in this morning's local paper that talks about those amazing seniors...check out their stats...41 - 1. That's 41 games WON...with 1 LOSS in three years. Not to mention that as a freshman team they were undefeated. Isn't that incredible. They ROCK!!

I don't have photo's of my own and if you are a sports mom, you'll probably understand that taking anything that doesn't fit in your pocket is not a good thing. There is a lot of jumping up and down cheering, yelling and general rah rah rah'ing for your team. So...if you can't jam it in your pants pocket, coat pocket it stays locked up in the car. My camera isn't a toss in your purse kind...dang I should have bought TWO...I think that every time I go to a game. LOL So if you want to see addtional photos here's a few of the game and celebration for your enjoyment courtesy of our local paper.

Game Gallery

Thanks for indulging one very proud mom!

P.S. My kid is defensive lineman #57...the still sporting a full beard left over from "No shave November"...don't ask. :O)

I'm not suppose to but...

I couldn't help showing off my little Christmas GingerBear ornament. I made him for an ornament swap that I sign up for and I sure hope his new mom/dad like him.

GingerBear stands at a wee 3 inches tall. He doesn't really like to stand but prefers to sit or better yet hang from the Christmas tree. :O)

Thanks for peeking in. I so appreciate it.

Shantell

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!

The Drawing Basket

But before I say who it is....stop scrolling would ya...I'd like to say thank you to everyone who posted such lovely comments and to those who for whatever reason couldn't post (silly Blogger) or just wanted to email privately. THANK YOU!! It really means a lot to me to know that my little dumplings bring a smile to your face.

Annie & Babette waiting...and waiting...and waiting some more!

And the winner of the Apple Dumpling Blog Giveaway is....Tammy, Beckoning Bears

This was really fun for me to share my birthday month with all of you. Now, on to Christmas...

XOXOX,

Shantell