Christmas 2011

And a happy new year...

Bring on Christmas...

My friend, Martha and I were reading each other's minds when one day we both said we needed to have a kids Christmas party.  So, this is what came of that day.  We do these things for our kids, right?  I hope with all my heart that my little guy remembers this day with such joy!

Each child received an apron with their name on it...

Thanks Coke and Jenn for letting us borrow your goods.

These jars later were filled with white and red, homemade, play dough.  Griff had the idea that we make ornaments with ours.  You don't know what joy that brought me knowing I wouldn't have one mess of just pink crumbles around my house.  SO...now we have two handprints and two stockings drying waiting to be hung on "their tree."  Nonetheless...

Such joy, I tell you...I have truly ARRIVED on this journey to the place where my cup is just pouring out.  Speaking of cups...hello, perfect mason jar, personalized with a tdf straw from ETSY.  You also make my heart sing. 

There is some serious work going on here.

  

Another joy...these mommas lovin' on their kiddos!  We missed those of you who could not make it, next time?

Griff, your momma sure does love you.  Amazin' cookie decorating skills, btw~

The whole crew...

Martha, thanks for all your work and for doing this with me.  I had a great time and it was all worth it to watch all those smily faces covered with sugar!

Experiment 52, # 40 {Just lovin' eachother}

experiment 52, #39 {one step closer...)

...to those pigtails.

Experiment 52, #38 {Party before the party}

 On Saturday, Main Street had a big carnival for our littles to enjoy.  We ran into some good friends and LOVED seeing their costumes.

Daddy, of course, LOVED putting together Griff's costume.  He even went as far as emailing CU's athletic department for the actual helmet decals.  He also found the "ralphie" costume for Ailee.  These two have such a great dad.



Experiment 52, #37 {pumpkin patch, take TWO!}

Yes, there is a fountain involved, but this time I promise there are pumpkins too. :-)

When it comes to the "entertainment envelope" in my life, this is where it's spent.  I'd rather, any day, be here in this moment WITH my kids then any other form of entertainment.  If it's the 4 of us doing something together, an adventure of any sort, count me in.  We love us! (right, Kathy?)

In the last week, literally, we have seen our little one's personality coming out strong and proud.  She is, in fact, her father's daughter.  Strong, certain, quick, adventurous, loving, and yes even spirited.  Which, on the other hand is very different from our "old soul" son.  He's cautious, thoughtful, creative...well, quite like my brother, and he's even been hit by his little sister.  Did he hit back, no...just very sad that she would do such a thing.  Don't get me wrong, he's got his mischievous side too.  He talks a lot of smack.

 They are a perfect combination.  I LOVE that they will push each other to try new things, encourage kindness, help stick up for each other, learn to love people that are not like themselves, and be siblings for the rest of their days.  Those things make my heart smile.

                         

And, yes, of course we had a great time getting out of town and hitting this fall fabulousness up for a fun morning.  You two, I love you more every day.  I am blown away that I get to spend so much time with such incredible kids. We even had a little cash left in the envelope to enjoy Chik-fil-A for lunch...hahhaha.

Pumpkin Patch, take 1.

WAIT! There's no pumpkins in these pictures...Okay, okay, maybe it's just an excuse to show off the little lady sportin' a FOUNTAIN.  These are the things I've been waiting for.  When I was a nanny, I loved doing my Gracie's hair.  Now it's my turn to do just that on my own little girl.  Once again, ARRIVED.  My heart actually beat faster this morning as we were getting ready.  The next destination: pigtails.  I'm pretty sure that day will send me into palpitations.



Griff, I love your bravery and your face here.



I got text from a friend that she's in labor, so excited to meet the new baby in a few days. On the flip side, our Mimi is most likely going to meet Jesus sometime today.  Life is wild, life and death are both miracles in their own way.  Praying for many hearts as they both welcome and prepare to say goodbye today.

I heart faces

Experiment 52, #36 {I heart cousins}

What a difference a  year makes. 

Last year, we were happy to get one good one and this year they didn't want to stop taking pictures.

 My kids having tight connections with their family ranks at least in the top 5 of my dreams for them.  Let me just say, it's looking good for our first born.  He LOVES his cousins, and he's even starting to tell who is who. hahaha.    

This absolutely warms my heart. 

 May you three always be able rock your moves together.

So blessed.

Experiment 52, #35

This boy LOVES Awana!  (Try not to focus on the fact that I haven't sewn on his patch yet...).  In fact, we both love it.  We get to learn Scripture together, and on top of that I attend a wonderful class during his class. 

The unseen blessing: Ailee and Daddy get 2 straight hours together ALONE.  I have seen a night and day difference in their relationship.  Her face lights up when she sees him and runs to him in the morning and when he gets home at night.  Makes my heart smile TOO.

Anywhoo, Griff really enjoys his teachers and new friends also.   He's rockin' our his Scriptures and is thrilled to start filling in the patches on his vest as well.  In the next few weeks, he and Daddy are going to work on his derby car for a competition coming up.  We're very thankful for all his teachers and their service to all the little ones.  May God bless you all 10x for investing in my son's heart.

I heart faces...

Photo Challenge: People’s Choice
This is a picture of my son at 18 months.  Oh, how I love that face.  Time, it is a-movin' and my heart is full that this moment was captured.  Check out the other entries on their site HERE!!

Experiment 52, #33 {woop woop, preschool!}

This post is dedicated to our dear friend, Danie Koskan.  Dhar, I just want you to know that my son was the only one who was attending preschool for the first time this year.  So, here's a picture of him doing just that. 

 ...and you know that we got his backpack at travelin' tots before they had to close their doors, which we are still sad about.  Anywhooooo...

G-Man, you were so excited to start school.  Yes, not exactly sure what that even means, you still want to go see your buddies.  We have the privilege of sending our boy to school with 2 of his fav little guys.  We are still figuring out this new stage and what it's all about.  So glad you LOVE going and can't wait until it's a school day again.

I'm am not such an excellent host...

Heard this in church today for the first time. So very good and so very true.



Thanks, Travis, for all you do for our church body.

Experiment 52, #32 {back at it...}

It must be September and the beginning of fall...

He feels it in his bones.  It's time to color.  He took the whole summer off and now it's time go get back at it.  I'm not talking one picture and we're good to go.  Hours and hours of coloring is had by this little man.  His first choice: motorcycles.  They have to have a guy on them and they HAVE to have helmets on.  A new choice today: sonic.  Interesting. 

 When there's no room left on the refrigerator, why not use the front door?  Good, thinkin' little man.  He always tells me how much daddy will like his pictures when he gets home, and which one one will go to his office.  Last week he took three pictures to school.  One for the teacher, one for the Brayden, and one for the little friend we call Lane. 

We talk about what it means to focus, to really get the job done.  He's going places, these little hands are gifted.  It will be a joy to see what he chooses to do with these gifts.

Seriously, this one is mine?  Oh those chocolate eyes...