The hug heard around the World...

I am Thankful, I am Thankful... Yes I am!

With Turkey day quickly approaching, I thought it appropriate to address all my wonderful blessings from God.

My Hubby who contunially amazes me with his love for me and our girls. He is an amazing man and will do just about anything for us...

My sweet, healthy, happy little girls. Lucy's outgoing personality and sweet disposition keep us smiling and laughing all day. Gracie is such a charmer. Her curiosity and energy know no bounds. She brightens each and every day.

My wonderful and supportive family. I was blessed with amazing parents and they have turned into even more awesome grandparents. My kiddos are lucky. My sister and brothers who keep me on my toes and don't ever let me forget who is boss... My inlaws who have welcomed and loved me from the very beginning.

Friends, old and new, have continued to bless my life with laughter, fun, support and love. I am a much better person through each of you!

A wonderful, beautiful home and life. We are continually blessed with good fortune and happiness. We are finally at home in our new surroundings and it is such a warm and cozy feeling.

Thanks to each and every one of you! May the holiday season, bring you each joy, love, peace and the happiness of family.

Monday Madness...

It is crazy around our house this week, but I wanted to just post a few pics from last week. Chris was out of town for a few nights, so the girls got to indulge in a little late night cartoon watching! We also took a walk to the park with their babies... It was great fun, until I ended up holding the babies. Why does that always seem to be my job? Oh wait, I am the real mommy!

A magical transformation?

So, I got the awesome lens I was lusting after awhile back for my birthday... Thanks Mom and Dad!

I have been spending lots of time playing with it, but have been having a hard time getting the results I was expecting. I think I had some magically high hopes for the lens. I was expecting it to transform me into an awesome photographer with crystal clear pictures and superb color overnight... Unfortunately, it hasn't worked yet. This Cinderella is requiring lots of practice and the use of the delete button a ton. But, I am getting there!

I took this picture of Lucy, last night and I think we are headed in the right direction. Her eyes could be a little clearer and her hair could be a little less messy and she could have a cleaner face, but overall I am finally starting to get the hang of it...

Grace on the other hand is impossible to photograph right now. She is too busy to stop and smile for the camera and if she does she looks like she is trying to potty... It doesn't make for the best outcome. But her little profile is too cute, so for now I will have to settle for that!

What do you think? Black and white or color? I have a definite preference, but I want to know yours...

House Beautiful... otherwise known as I am sooooo spoiled!

I know that I have shared before and after pictures of the house before, but we just had the paint done last week. It looks so awesome, if I do say so myself.... It is really amazing, what a can (or many) of paint can do. Our house finally feels like home, all warm and cozy, just in time for the holidays!

No real reason...

Just a little something to brighten your rainy Thursday... or at least it did mine!

Can you imagine the teenage angst I am going to experience in a few years? She already has the pout thing down to a science...

Random, randomness...

I feel like we have been running nonstop for the last three weeks. I haven't posted in so long, I hope you haven't all forgotten about little ole' me...

Anyways, I finally have my head back above water, or at least I am treading water better, so hopefully I can get you all caught up on the Varnell world.

First, Chris was out of town the last week of October. While he was gone, my grandmother passed away. It was very sad, but I know that she is in a better place. She had been battling her body for awhile and I think she is finally at peace.

Since the funeral was on Nov. 1, we spent Halloween night in a hotel. My aunt was nice enough to find us a place to trick-or-treat, so the kids at least got a little candy. I could have skipped the whole thing, but how do you tell a 4 year old, that she doesn't need a whole bucket full of candy? It was a short night, but at least she got a little sugar...

We came back home on my birthday, so we just had a little dinner with the family. I got some yummy pasta and some awesome gifts.

Last week, was even crazier with a Halloween repeat party and me getting ready for my Close to My Heart convention.

The Halloween party was rescheduled for last Wednesday. We were so lucky to have most of our friends still make it. It was a great chance for the kids to wear their costume one last time and for me to use up the many Halloween goodies, I had accumulated during the month.

I dropped the girls with my parents on Thursday afternoon and then off I went to San Antonio for a weekend of stamping, scrapping, and lots of food. It was a blast, but I was ready to get home. We got to make some really adorable projects and even got a sneak peek at some of the new products coming out in the spring.

Saturday night, I stayed in San Antonio with Missy for a little more girl time. We had a wonderful dinner at a really nice restaurants and then checked out "The Secret Life of Bees". It was so nice. I rarely get to just enjoy Missy's company without a million other things going on.

Anyways, I was back home yesterday to a whole new house. Chris had the whole house painted while I was gone. It looks so awesome. I can't even believe it. We finally picked a color and it is just perfect. The crew even changed out my chandelier in the entry and replaced our backdoor. I was a little nervous being gone during all the work, but it turned out so good, I am going to plan a trip every time we need a little work done.

Now, that I have rambled on and on, I hope that you feel a little caught up with us. Hopefully, I will get some new pics up soon of the house and the kids. I have been a bad photographer and haven't taken a lot of time to play with my birthday presents. I got a new lens and a new wireless card for my camera. I can't wait to play!!!

Happy Halloween (just a few days late!)

Since we were out of town for Halloween, we went trick-or-treating with my cousin's wife's sister. I know, I can't even follow the logic.... but they were kind enough to let us tag along. The girls had a ball and loaded up on candy. They even trick-or-treated at the hotel. It was great to be able to have a little fun during a tough weekend!

Hope all you little ghouls had fun too!

I haven't forgotten all my bloggy peeps...

It has been crazy, super crazy around the Varnell house these last few days. I have lots to post... Halloween, birthday goodies, and more.

Just wanted to let you all know, I am still here. I will hopefully get a post up tomorrow, but if not, by the weekend. I hope everything is going great in your worlds... I have been checking in with all of you, just not taking time to get my own posts up.

I will be back soon!