Date Night With Daddy

Marty and Lily attended a Father/Daughter Celebration at our church on Friday evening. Lily wore the Christmas dress that she didn't get to wear on Christmas Eve since she was sick. She picked out a jacket and pants for Marty (something tells me her dates better plan to be sharp dressed men). They spent the evening learning about being a princess in God's kingdom, hearing the story of Esther. In addition, they made baby blankets for a women's domestic abuse shelter called Hope's Door. Afterwards, they went for some special time at Starbucks. I know, that apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Ha! When they returned, she was all smiles from her time alone with Daddy. It was precious!



Daddy holding the door for his little princess...

Lordy, Lordy...Look Who's Forty

We celebrated Marty's 40th birthday with friends at home. As usual, Marty didn't want to be the center of attention, so he requested no party. His plan didn't work out so well for him, since the kids and I had other intentions. Ha! We put 40 candles on the cake and nearly set the house of fire...now that's a fire. Happy Birthday honey. We love you to the moon and back!

Jack's Green Belt Test

Jack tested for his green belt in taekwando this evening. He has grown so much and we are extremely impressed by his self-discipline and determination. It seems he has definitely found his sport. I have two videos from his testing tonight. One is of him doing his camo belt form, and the other is one of him sparring with an opponent from class. His kicks and punches are really getting powerful.



Jack is very offensive in this clip and does a fantastic reverse kick. He says it is fun to be aggressive when he spars and from the looks of it, Jack was having a good time. Ha!




Additionally, we were surprised to find he was also awarded the school spirit belt and trophy. Only one student from the entire taekwando school is awarded this honor every testing period, and it was Jack tonight. He was recognized for his hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to the spirit of taekwando. We are unspeakably proud of him.





Jack at home with the trophy that is nearly as big as he is...

The Sound of Music

Princess Lilybelle amazed us at her school talent show with her harmonic vocal stylings. She performed her own unique rendition of the song My Favorite Things from her favorite musical The Sound of Music. You will have to turn up the volume a bunch to hear her sweet soft voice, as she was extremely nervous when she saw the audience. Despite her stage fright, Lily pressed on and delighted the crowd, as usual. We were sooooo proud of her! She is definitely cute enough to be a Von Trapp kid don't ya think?! Enjoy!

Sprinkles-Valentines Day 2009

We took a little road trip to the cupcake specialty store called Sprinkles on Valentine's Day. Originally based out of Beverly Hills, this bakery is famous for it's decadent treats. When we arrived, there was a line stretching out the door, so we got some blankets out of the van and passed the time discussing which flavors to buy. We ended up getting Dark Chocolate and Strawberry...and they were definitely worth the wait in the cold. Yummy, yummy, yummy!

Make a Smilebox greeting

Christmas 2008

Lily got sick with a virus on the afternoon of Christmas Eve, so our plans changed a bit. Instead of going to church and spending the evening with friends, we were at home. We still managed to have a wonderful Christmas though, as we ate pasta, watched movies, and tracked Santa on the web. The kids wanted to be sure they got to bed before he visited McKinney. After reading The Night Before Christmas and setting out cookies for Santa, Marty and I tucked the kids into bed and had some Baileys while we waited for Santa. Christmas morning, Lily was still sick, but was all smiles when she saw her presents under the tree. Santa brought everyone's favorites including an I-pod and I-dog for Lily, police stuff for Sofie, and new Bakugan and DS games for Jack. The kids played together all day and we ended the day with a Christmas candlelight dinner to celebrate Jesus' birth(Sofie insisted on no lights). Ha! We hope your Christmas was as joyful as ours. Enjoy the pics.


The kids love our Christmas elves that visit us each year and "do mischief" while the kids are asleep. Here Jack is with Kennaway.




Sofie loves playing police officer, and she got a big kick out of abusing her power all morning. Isn't she tough? Ha!


Here I am being arrested by Sofie...at least she gave me one phone call. Ha!


Even though Lily was achy and running a fever, she was excited about her Christmas gifts. She was such a good sport!



Jack and Lily had fun playing Bakugan on Jack's new board.




Sofie and Jack had fun playing Guess Who.



Marty and the kids had a great time decorating a gingerbread house together. Marty has decided perhaps he missed his calling as a culinary artist and now dreams of starring on Ace of Cakes. Ha!






Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Annual Christmas Party 2008

Have a Merry Little Christmas from the Arbuckles!



For the past few years we have hosted a Christmas party. It is just our family and the families of our closest friends from church with whom we do Bible study. It is just good food, good friends, good times and everyone looks forward to it as we prepare our hearts for Christmas. Here are a few pics of the night. Hope you are all filled with the wonder of the birth of our Savior.


Since it was officially my birthday, My sweet Marty got the store to put a birthday message on the dessert for the party. It was dark chocolate covered cheesecake....does he know his bride well or what?????!!!




Me with the girls...Gretchen and Raquel




Me, the girls, and our posse. Ha!




Jack, Cole, and Taylor were hiding up in Jack's room (aka the Man Cave) most of the evening doing manly things like video games and Bakugan. However we bribed them with dessert to get them downstairs long enough to snap this picture. Aren't they handsome?



This was a fun spontaneous moment where Kinley, Molly, Gretchen and Sofie were enjoying some girl talk with chocolate Santas on the stairs. So sweet!


Too pooped to party! Lily decided she was all partied out and snuggled on the couch with her favorite blanket to watch Frosty the Snowman and Olive the Other Reindeer.