2012 Year in Review

Sydney turned eight. She was baptized by Ben here in Kansas City.  Her nickname is "Sister Christian".  She keeps us all on the straight and narrow path to God.

Our beloved chocolate lab, Utah (13) passed away in March. We will cherish his loyalty and love forever. We still think of him often.

We visited the yellow lab breeders in Seneca, Kansas in April and came home with our new yellow lab, Roscoe P. Coltrane.  He is the opposite of Utah in many ways but we love him just the same.

Dillon is getting very good with his Violin. He has composed his own music this year.
He loves Skateboarding and Soccer. He is a great Artist.

Ian is happy when there is a competitive sport to watch, win or play.  He really loves soccer,
football and basketball. If he is stuck inside be assured he is beating someone at poker or chess.

Ben has been perfecting his ukelele skills. Sydney has also decided to play the Ukelele. In January she
will begin voice lessons. She was blessed with angelic sound.

I started a photography business, Sweet Madness Photography L.L.C.  Feel free to check out my FB page or website.  Photography is my passion. So far, it's been a lot of fun.

Ben has also expanded his dental practice. His two newest locations are Discovery Dental in Kansas and ABC Dental located in Missouri. He loves his profession and to tell the truth his staff and patients love him.

We had the boat out March 16th for tubing. A Wilson record. We love warm weekends on our boat.

Sierra is a dedicated swimmer. She also is a talented photographer. She saved her allowance for a  compound bow. Her latest project...growing avocado trees from seeds.  She sews, crochets and discovered horses this summer. She loves to ride. Mostly, she is great company and so much fun.

June was celebrated in California at Carpinteria State Beach.

In July we were all glued to the TV during the Olympics in London.

Anna spends six hours a week at Diamond Gymnastics. She lives to tumble.  She has also been
keeping the tooth fairy busy and broke.  I have enjoyed teaching her and Easton at church on Sundays.

Easton wants to fly a Jet. A Jet filled with water for forest fires. Oh Boy! The boy is about speed and motion. It's no surprise, school is a struggle. (School can be slow and motionless). He is working hard in 1st grade to do his personal best and he adores his "Cute" teachers. This boy is full of love. If your hard up for a hug he is your man.

Ben and I escaped to Scottsdale, Az and New York City.  Escaping is my favorite game.

Ben and I ran (and walked) a 5K. This activity helped me realize my age....middle age.

We enjoyed celebrating my parents 60th Wedding Anniversary. Talk about true love.

We have put over 12,000 miles on our suburban this year. But, friends and family are worth every mile.

Ben discovered Zombies. I discovered Downton Abbey.  The kids discovered gangnam style and mind craft. Together we discovered we couldn't live without each other.

This year was unforgettable. We loved seeing and visiting with our friends and family. We have fond memories of our times together. We cherish your friendship. Our family has discovered new midwest friends and favorite places. With great surprise we are starting to settle into midwest living.

Happy New Year,
The Wilson Family
Ben, Michelle, Sierra (12), Dillon (11), Ian (9), Sydney(8), Anna (7), Easton (7).

The Twelve Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

a trip to see christmas lights on Candy Cane Lane

On the Second day of christmas we built two cute snowy men.

On the third day of christmas we ate three cute snowmen treats

On the fourth day we drank 4 quarts of egg nog.

On the fifth day of christmas we created five rainbow cupcakes...

On the sixth day of christmas we made six

HOMEMADE sugar cookies...

On the seventh day of christmas we mailed seven christmas cards.

 On the eighth day we wrapped eight special gifts.

On the ninth day of christmas we gave Mr. Darcy nine super tight hugs. 

(He doesn't know he has legs to use.)

 On the tenth day of Christmas we shouted ten cheerful carols!

 On the eleventh day of christmas we took eleven minutes to rest.

On the twelfth day of christmas we gave twelve prayers of thanks for each other and for all of

you our friends and family we love near and far. Merry Christmas!

(via pinterest)

Top Ten Christmas Songs

Fa La La La...

01

Jingle Bell Rock

02

Little Drummer Boy

03

Come all Faithful

04

Sleigh Ride

05

Let it Snow!

06

Tennessee Christmas

Our very first Christmas CD, 20

years ago.  This must play

while we decorate the tree.

07

White Christmas

08

O Holly Night

09

Shake up Christmas

10

Winter Moon

What are your favorites?

Happy Thursday.  I'm a hot wrapping paper mess!

Sweet Mama

Top Ten Christmas Traditions

01

Cutting a fresh Real Christmas Tree.

02

Sleeping under the Tree.

03

Going to look at Christmas Lights in the Car. Giving

a plate of cookies to our families favorite home.

04

Cupcake Wars. Wilson Style.

Christmas Eve Competition.  The girls are going to win this year.

05

Secret Service Santa with the reveal on

Christmas Day.

06

PJ Chinese Dinner on Christmas Eve.

07

Being Chosen to Put the Star on the Tree.

08

In Memory of our beloved  deceased Chocolate lab we

donate supplies and Dog Food to the local lab rescue.

09

100.00 Tip  after dinner somewhere during

the Holidays. Our children love to see the person cry with glee!

10

Having Birthday  Cupcakes

Christmas Morning with candles and Singing "Happy Birthday to Jesus".

Top Ten Christmas Favorites

It's that time of year when there is magic in the air.

I just love to be home at this time of year. Some of you love the hustle and bustle,

I do not.

Amazon came threw for me again this year 

right down to the candy canes and Steven's

hot cocoa.

But, I wanted to share with my friends

far away some of my favorite christmas

decorations. If you were close by I would invite you in

sit you down with a diet coke for a long chat and laugh.

For this year,

This will have to do.

Love and diet coke to all my best friends at this

Season. Love you all!

 These Beauties are blooming in the Kitchen

 Of Course because this IS

Kansas City. We always hit Hallmark.

It's a Kansas City Original.

 Lights, Music and Magic. What they won't think of.

 These are a Favorite for me.

Paper Whites in the Sun.

It has been 65 degrees here this week.

 This happy camper reminds me of our

annual trip to California. This also plays music and has lights.

 I am a White Owl lover.  They are so fun.

This is my new decoration for this year.

 It's not Christmas at our home without a little

Jim Shore. He is the creative artist behind these master pieces.

 Here is the pillow line up. I love the Chevron print.

Don't you?

 Christmas wouldn't be fun without some

kissing. 

The traditional poinsettia.

Did you notice all the new variety of color

choices this year?  I went with what looks

like a vintage faded worn red.

Thanks for coming by. Please share some of your favorite

christmas decorations. Happy Thursday.

Family Photo Shoot

Family

It's what I love around me at this

time of year. I hope your able to gather close

to your loved ones this season.

If I could pause time I would.

My kids are so much fun right now!

Funny, Loud, Moody, Stinky and

Darn Cute!

And only one of them in braces for the moment...

I'm sure it's Dillon's turn soon.

Heres to Home Sweet Home

for the Holidays.

Merry Christmas!

Sweet Madness Mama

The Perfect Frasier Fur

Saturday was the day.

We went looking for a great tree.

We found one of our favorites at 

Briamans Christmas Tree Farm.

Easton insisted on have his turn with the saw.
I just held my breath and agreed to it.

Taking a short rest from Hunting

Anna the inspector.

Hot Chocolate and cookies were had by all.

Oh Christmas Tree...do not come off on the Freeway.

Decorating supervisor

Our Beautiful Tree.

Let the magic begin.

Wishing all of you a fun and joyous

Holiday Season.