Here's Rylee sportin her new Carhart bibs! She LOVES them!! 
The Gang
Rylee & her new camo jacket from Papa Butchie & Grandma Kathy
Rylee with her new camera. Now she can be like Mommy!
Here's the pony from the Patterson's (my Aunt & Uncle)!
And this is the shopping cart that Santa brought her.
What a perfect present!!
The easel that Rylee got from Gonga & BaPop :)
Rylee & Mallory playing with Claire's 'Baby Alive'
Jeremy being a bad influence -- trying to help Rylee open her presents before her turn. 
Rylee & Tait......I think he looks scared of her :)
Rylee made out like a bandit this year!! She got dolls, clothes, a rocker pony, dolls, hot wheels, camo gear, a snow cone maker, an easel & did I mention, dolls?? :) She got LOTS of dolls....which she mainly just bosses around & puts in time out :)
Jeremy & I didn't do too shabby ourselves. We mainly asked for $$ (lots of remodeling projects (to pay for & start). Jeremy is going on his annual hunting trip (they're going to Kansas this year) in a few weeks & he asked for shot gun shells, hunting gear & money for that, as well. I didn't really have an specifics this year, just $$ :)
So, as usual, the time off work went incredibly fast & I'm already back to work :( (And as you can see, I'm working really hard.....on blogging!!) Rylee was not too thrilled about going back to school today, either. After you've been home for 4 days in a row, you kinda get used to.....and spoiled by....it. Oh well, that's how the world works. Besides, I've got to start saving for yet another Christmas :)
I cannot believe how fast Rylee is growing up. Here is her first school photo. We were comparing them to her last professional pictures last night & we were just in awe over how much she's changed! Time flies.
Anyway -- she's doing great. We've had a couple 'rough patches' lately with her attitude & her listening skills....but what toddler doesn't go through that. She is a brilliant, wonderful child that just absolutely lights up our days!
We sure hope that everyone has a great holiday season!
Check back in after Christmas, I'm sure I'll have some great pics!!
Life can seem ungrateful and not always kind...
Life can pull at your heartstrings and play with your mind...
Life can be blissful and happy and free...
Life can put beauty in the things that you see...
Life can place challenges right at your feet...
Life can make good of the hardships we meet...
Life can overwhelm you and make your head spin...
Life can reward those determined to win...
Life can be hurtful and not always fair...
Life can surround you with people who care...
Life clearly does offer its Up and its Downs...
Life's days can bring you both smiles and frowns...
Life teaches us to take the good with the bad...
Life is a mixture of happy and sad...
So...
Take the Life that you have and give it your best...
Think positive, be happy & let God do the rest...
Take the challenges that life has laid at your feet...
Take pride and be thankful for each one you meet...
To yourself give forgiveness if you stumble and fall...
Take each day that is dealt you and give it your all...
Take the love that you're given and return it with care...
Have faith that when needed it will always be there...
Take time to find the beauty in the things that you see...
Take life's simple pleasures let them set your heart free...
The idea here is simply to even the score...
As you are met and faced with Life's Tug of War
As the new year approaches, I always tend to reflect on the years past. There are so many wonderful things I've been blessed with in my life. Even though this past year wasn't necessarily bad, I am looking forward to 2008, so I can start with a new, clean 'slate.' I want to appreciate more of the 'smaller things in life.' I sometimes find myself searching for the things that are right in front of me. I've learned a lot this year....some lessons the hard way, but nonetheless, I came out of it knowing more than before.
So, with 2008 right around the corner, I hope to find myself more happy with myself, my life & all the 'greats' that I have!
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