My "First Child's" Birthday

Murphy was our firstborn...yes, I know he's a dog, but he means much more than that to me. He turned 10 years old on Sunday, and we had a big celebration for him. Well, it was a celebration until he unwrapped his gift and found the first ball. Then it was all about PLAY, PLAY, PLAY. Poor fellow never gets to play with any of these fun kids' toys that are strewn around the house!

He also received a Doggie Snuggie - yes, they make those for pets - another type of ball, a jar of special treats, and a special dinner of gourmet dog food filet. (His little sister, Mabel had her own bowl, of course.)

Happy Birthday to my Murph-Man! In honor of The Murph, I'll sing the little jingle that I made up just for him...

"He's the fastest in the East; he's a long and crazy beast; he's the Murph-Man.

He's the loudest in the South; he's got a long and furry snout; he's the Murph-Man.

He's the meanest in the west; he's got a big ol' furry chest; he's the MUUURRRPH-MAN...

Uh-huh, that's right."

Getting Ready For Christmas...

I don't think that I've ever decorated for Christmas before the first of December in my entire life...until now. We began our day with the supreme enjoyment of watching Mississippi State beat that school from up north in the annual Egg Bowl, and then we proceeded to venture out to find the perfect family Christmas tree and set up all of the decorations.

Usually, it's well into December before I get my tree into place, but since my surgery is scheduled for the third of the month, I thought I should get as much done as possible beforehand.

As we decorated the house, Caroline kept saying, "This is gonna be the BEST Christmas EVER!!"

Our next task on the to-do list is to write our letters to Santa...but Mommy's already informed him of most of the gifts, so hopefully, that's taken care of too. (Got to love that online shopping.)

P.S. Go Bulldogs! Hotty Toddy, WHO?!? ;o)

Caroline's Sixth Birthday Party

We celebrated Caroline's sixth birthday - and I can't believe my baby girl is already six years old - at Silver Lining Horse Stables, and everyone was treated to horseback riding, cake, presents, and a hayride at the end. We also had the opportunity to watch one of the riders jump one of the horses, which was really cool - the horse she rode is the one Caroline is riding in the picture below. (I think his name is Honey Bar?)

Caroline has been in love with horses for quite a while now, so as her birthday gift, Shawn and I are giving her a set of riding lessons. We'll keep you posted on how that goes, and if horses truly become a passion for her.

This was her second or third time around on a different horse. The first horse she chose to ride was solid white and named "Silver."

JM refused to wear his helmet, but seemed like a natural on horseback.

Lighting the candles...

Happy Birthday, my love! You're growing up WAY too fast!

Trick or Treat 2009

All of the kids, except for Molly, who refused to have her picture taken with the group.

We had our halloween tradition in the Oliphant household this year. My sister and her family came to our house for pizza and trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. My mom and grandmother were even able to come this year and enjoy in our festivities for a little while, which was nice. All it took was one full walk around the entire circle of our neighborhood, and the kids were tired, cold, and ready to go home and sort through all of their candy. My sister and I had almost as much fun digging through their treats as they did! :)

Caroline - the Spider Princess and her cousin Grace - Pocahontas

JM as a lion

All the kids posing in front of some cool yard decor

Sorting through their loot!