While the girls were staying with my parents for the week, their little Sissy Girl Baby died. It was very sad for all of us as she had been such a sweet addition to all of our lives. This picture was taken on Em's birthday...just 2 days before she passed away. We will miss her a lot!
On Emyley's birthday we got up very early and drove to Grandma and Grandpa's in Oklahoma. They were going to watch the girls for us that second week of Christmas break since both Bill and I had to work. After a little persuasion, I managed to talk Em into having her birthday at MY favorite restaurant, Ken's Pizza instead of McDonald's...I am so mean. It actually turned out great. My brother Larry brought his wife Tonja and daughter Ashley. My Aunt Nancy and Uncle Larry brought our cousin Claire. The girls all had a great time together. My dad took a lot of video, but I haven't had a chance to put it all together in a cute movie, yet...but I will, Dad!! But here are some pics to give you a good idea of the fun we had with our now 6 year old!!
By Guest Blogger: Maggie Mae Kitty
Christmas for me has always been a treat as it means a tree with lots of lights to lay under and boxes with lots of paper to play with. But this Christmas, I was finally rewarded for being the bestest, goodest kitty that I am.
First, there was the cat grass that my mommy brought home one day after work. It is so yummy, I just can't leave it alone!
Then, there was the feathery, red bird that my mommy brought home after a party at her friend's house. I just love to lick feathers!!
And, as if that wasn't enough, Santa brought me this cute, furry, very active MOUSE!! Oh, yeah that's what I'm talkin' about!! I watch it for hours and hours just waiting for it get out of that cage. I just love to eat mouses...I think...right?? Oh, well....with a little patience, I will find out very, very soon.....heh heh heh.
After getting up at a reasonable hour, the girls dove into opening their presents. They were very surprised with a keyboard for the whole family and a Gerbil (they almost immediately named her Carly)! We played around for a bit then headed to Nana and Joel's for more presents and a delicious dinner! We got to meet their new Yorkie puppy named Jacques who the girls would not leave alone. We took a new family picture and then headed home to bed so we could battle the day-after-Christmas crowds...except there were none. Anyway, we hope everyone enjoyed their holiday and has a good year to come. Enjoy the video...
I decided we needed some new pictures of the girls, so on Christmas Eve they donned black dresses, had their hair done and then posed for the camera. Even Chloe had to get in on the action...hey, she's one of our girls, too!
I don't see how it is possible that Bill and I have a 12 year old daughter, but it is true! I hope this year goes by slowly as I am not too ready for a teenager, yet! ;o)
I thought I would take a blog to share some of our funnier pet pics and a very special video of our "bad cat". 
Hayley was one of the 2nd grade Principal Award Winners for December. I couldn't make it to see her get her award, but my BFF, Steph Marchal took some pics for me!! Great job, Hayley! We are proud of you!!
Hayley's Brownie troop went to a facility in McKinney to spread some holiday cheer. They sang many carols, handed out cookies and candy canes. It was a great time for everyone!
Finally, after working for Alon for 5 years, we got to attend one of their Christmas parties! We took the girls up to Nana's for the weekend and were able to do some shopping and go party! What a treat!! The party was held at the Studios at Las Colinas and was Seuss themed. 
We enjoyed a great dinner of steak, chicken and salmon. For entertainment, there was a live band, card games and 4 Wiis set up to play...including a Wii Fit. We had a lot of fun and it was cool to get all dressed up. Oh, and there was a photographer that took our picture in front of a green screen and we were able to choose from a Christmas, Snowy Bridge or a cool Cat in the Hat Background. We had fun with that!
On Sunday, Emyley was feeling somewhat normal again, so we were able to attend the Santa Workshop with the Daisies. She got to make crafts, have Christmas snacks and meet with Santa. She had a lot of fun!! 
I have recently been to a couple of house parties sponsored by Uppercase Living. It is this really cool new product used to decorate your walls or any other surfaces you can dream of. I recently pucrhased this expression and was able to put it on the wall all by myself. I am nitpicking it now as it looks a little uneven. But until I get Tiffany here for my own party, I am not touching it!
So, another year, another PTA float, another win! Whoop, whoop!! I didn't get to help out this year because after work, I was bushed! But, they managed to pull it off without me. LOL!!!!! My friend Joni was the big organizer and kept lists to keep everyone organized. Everytime I got an update email, I thought she was nuts!! There seemed to be so much to do and so little time. The theme was a Hollywood Christmas, and they decided to do a float of Christmas Vacation with the Griswolds. Of course, it never is just one trailer, this year they did 4 trailers!! The first scene was the house doused in lights. The second scene was the living room with the burning tree and fried cat. The third scene was Cousin Eddie's Winnebago. The fourth scene was presents. The float was not only doused in lights, but included artwork from every student. It was truly a magical float and deserved the win it received (for the 5th year)!! This year, the committee managed to get some news coverage on NBC5 as well as a couple of news articles: http://mckinneynews.net/news.php?nid=10531&cat=4 and http://www.mesquitenews.com/articles/2008/12/12/mckinney_courier-gazette/news/9731.txt.
I have created another SHE production video as I was able to take pics and video this year. And just note that at the end of the parade video, walking behind the float, is Hayley's Brownie Troop and Emyley's Daisy Troop. Emyley and Sydney were both sick with the stomach bug, so they missed the parade. Hayley decided to hang with mom during the parade, so she didn't walk, either...which was a good thing as she got sick later that night.
Anyway, enjoy the video. Joni & Steph, if I forgot any pertinent details, please post them!!!
