Goodbye 2011 - It's been a good one!

I can't believe the final days of 2011 are slipping through our fingers.  It's been a busy week - I am wrapping up tax planning at work, and Tyler has his last two days of work at Pacific Woodtech.  After 10 years of working there, he gave his 2 weeks notice in mid-December and will start work for BP Cherry Point on January 3, 2012.  We knew these days would come, but after the nearly 4 month process of "getting hired" it also seems a little unbelievable.  The story of how it came to be is nothing short of a miracle - and has no other explanation than God's perfect timing and plan for our family.  I am grateful to Him for his faithfulness and answers to our prayers.  Truly - a story we can pass down to our kids and our grandkids as a testament to God's love and perfect plan for our lives - and that when He wants something - nothing can stand in the way!

2011 started out as the year that we could hopefully find "normal."  With 3 babies in 3 1/2 years - in 2006, 2008, and 2009, it meant that by 2011 we no longer had any newborn's in the house, and Wyatt hadn't yet reached the terrible two's - so we had 6 months of bliss!  :-)  Throughout the first part of the year though, I can't forget the struggle we had with Weston - getting to the bottom of what was making the poor boy miserable, and getting him help with his speech.  It was a long haul, but by May we had found all of our answers, and he is doing so amazing now.  "No sugar, no dairy" are his mantra, and his days are now full of delight, joy, and busyness!  In his own words, "I'm talkin' lots!"  He has been in preschool for 8 months or so, and loves it.  Teacher Tammy has a special place in Weston's heart, and he in hers. 


Wyatt was quiet for the first six months of the year - his usual, easy going self.  Then he turned two, and the Wyatt we once knew was replaced by a loud, rambunctious, opinionated trash can who eats everything in sight.  Gone are the days of watching his brothers do things, now it's "Me do!"  He's talking more and more every day, and I'm hopeful that by his 3rd birthday in July 2012 he is POTTY TRAINED.  Woo-hoo!

Wayne started out 2011 in preschool - loving his teacher and his class, and getting to be more confidant away from me.  I played basketball, and did two season of soccer, and a basketball camp at the end of the year.  He loves all sports, and his Lego's, and telling his brothers what to do.  He likes playing his Wii and DS, and is too good to be just 5!  I've seen Wayne really come out of his shell this past year, and his personality just flourish and shine.  He is kind, sweet, and gracious.  He an also be mouthy, rude, and dogmatic - but we're working on that!

2011 will also be remembered for "The Great Debate."  Do we have 3 kids, or 4?  To say we waffled on this decision is a gross UNDERSTATEMENT.  First we both didn't, then one of us would, the the other would, then we both didn't again.  We can't imagine our family more perfect than it is right now, and yet we were both not at peace with having 3 kids.  We knew we had dreamed of having 4.  I had four frames on the wall!  :-)  Finally - a leap of faith and trusting God - and #4 will be here in mid July 2012.  Either 4 boys, or 3 boys and a girl...  both would be amazing!!!  I am happy as long as we have four healthy kids.  A boy will be  "W" name, and a girl will get her own letter.  Stay tuned!

And for me...  2011 marked a turning point for me.  I closer walk with my Savior, better priorities, focus, fun, and perspective.  I've enjoyed Bible Study, have done less photography, more scrapbooking, and have taken time to myself.  I have spent countless hours with the boys - soaking up their little sweetness, wishing some days would go faster but that the year would go slower.  I am living my dream.

The picture above was created using a website that pulls words from the blog - it's interesting to see the words that it pulled, and the memories that some of those words remind me of.  I pray that 2012 while full of change for our family, is still full of the same love, laughter, family and friends as 2011. 

2012 - We are ready for you!

Christmas Day

Christmas morning was intentionally low key and easy, until 10:15 when I realized that Tyler's family would be here in 45 minutes, and I needed to get the house ready and make our food!  :-)  I am proud - I procrastinated!  After a nice time opening stockings and having a Christmas breakfast, playing Wii and with all of the boys' new toys, it was easy to do.  Family started arriving by 10:45 and we partied until after 4.  It was a LOVELY time, but I didn't get too many pictures with all the hub-bub and hostessing going on - shoot!  What I did shoot was perfect - capturing our fun and easy day!

DeGroot Family - Christmas Eve evening

 The DeGroot family party was a lot of fun this year.  Every year the family gets bigger and louder.  And we can EAT I tell you!  I wish I had the list from Aunt Shelly of what everyone had to bring.  I brought apple cider, artichoke dip and chips, and caramel corn.  Yeesh!  From appetizers to dinner to dessert, my mom's HUGE island was covered in food.  Mom had the party at her house this year, because Nana has not been feeling well as of late.  Actually, her and Papa weren't able to come to the party at all, which was very different.  Papa always gets a special twinkle in his eye at Christmas, and I missed that!  He still sent ahead a game and gifts, as well as ornaments for the great grandkids and a really neat star decoration for all the women.  He is so thoughtful, and so gifted with his hands and woodworking.  Those gifts will always be treasures!  Tana and McKenzie were in from California, as was Todd, and Jeremy and Anna came from Mt. Vernon.  All of the "little" cousins are now teenagers, which is way weird!  Wyatt found a buddy in Lane, my cousin Katie's little guy - and the two of them kept hugging each other all night.  It was so stinkin' cute!  I thought for sure I would not have the only "I'm Pregnant" announcement, but no one else 'fessed up before the end of the night, so..  We will see!  :-)  We even got all the great-grandkids together for a picture for Papa and Nana - now I just need to think of a fun way to give it to them.  Somehow, I don't think just one picture captures that crazy 5 minutes!

Last Christmas as a family of FIVE

Christmas Eve was our day to celebrate as a family.  We bucked the Bubble Bread tradition and did blueberry muffins, fruit, scrambled eggs and BACON and had a nice sit down breakfast.  We took our time opening gifts, playing with them in between.  So fun!  Wyatt was a little terror with the presents this year - he would get a look on his face that just said he was going to ATTACK!  And every present he loved, he carried above his head.  Weston was just delighted with everything - in awe of the presents and all the fun things.  Him and Wayne kept opening Wii remotes, Wii games, and accessories... but no Wii.  No matter to them - they were THRILLED to have everything they needed once Wayne "saved enough money to buy the Wii."  After finishing the kids, we opened presents ourselves - Tyler and the boys SPOILED me to no end....  a hand blender, new keyboard, and an ROOMBA vacuum were just a few...  SO COOL!  I loved them all, and the boys were especially excited to give me the robot vacuum that they had shopped for with Dad for me.  When we were all done.. we noticed ONE more present under the tree, and after tearing into it they discovered... the Wii!!!  There was a hootin' and a hollerin' like you've never before heard.  Both Wayne and Weston were beside themselves with excitement!  We spent the rest of the day sorting through boxes and packaging, playing Wii and other toys, and taking naps.  A perfect family day!

My FAVORITE Christmas Present...

.....coming in July 2012

Christmas Eve Eve - at Cedar Hill

I can't think of a better way to kick off Christmas then by starting to celebrate on Christmas Eve Eve.  Our theme this year was LOW KEY.  With 7 kids that are 5 and under, it can get a little crazy!  We started out at 4 with appetizers and playing, and a few presents too, followed by ribs, potatoes, veggies and salad.  I wish I could tell you it was the most delicious food ever (because it was) but the truth was I could barely eat because I have been so sick lately - pregnancy will do that to you!  :-)  My precious husband was VERY sweet, and let me stay sitting in a chair most of the night.   Hard to believe, but if I walk around too much after the kids, I get motion sick!  After dinner we kept opening gifts, and it was FUN.  Not just because my mom is unbelievably thoughtful and creative - and truly LOVES giving.  But because it was relaxing and fun to watch all the kids, and it was everything that an unforgettable Christmas should be. 

 The pillow pets were such a hit - topped only by the personalized blankies!  The kids were just SO EXCITED and THRILLED with everything.  Their squeals and screams just made you smile!  We even played a game - guess how many pillows are in the house?  Breanne was stinkin' close with her guess of 66, and won the prize - Starbucks gift card!  I found the pickle on the tree - and took home Dutch cheese!

 My mom gave each of us girls a canvas print of a close up of our kids - our big surprise was that we had FOUR of them!  Breanne was a little surprised, but I think Tara was a LOT surprised!  Tyson...  he was speechless!  Todd wasn't at all surprised - Wayne had told him the secret earlier that day when he stopped by the house.  It was a hard secret to keep!

Merry Christmas!

Christ Fellowship Children's Program

For the very first time, all THREE Silves boys were in the children's Christmas program at church.  They were stinkin' cute!  Really, I'm not biased at all!  They all had their hair fancy, and wore their fancy clothes.  Wyatt and Treven held hands the entire time.  They knew all the words and motions - we had practice at home for weeks.  They were a bit shy, (accept for Wayne, who shouted "Hi Grandma!" from the back row) but they were PROUD to have done a great job.  Adorable!!!

Grandma Groen's Shindig

Saturday night brought our 2nd Christmas party of 2011 - Grandma Groen's!  The kids are getting older and easier - it was hysterical to see them all flocked around the iPad and the DS's - reminded me of the Gameboy days!  :-)  Uncle Dick was a hoot with all the boys - growling at them if they got too close to the gifts.  They picked up really quick that he was teasing them, and then the real fun began!!!

Scheenstra Family Christmas

Friday was a fun night filled with food, laughter - and BINGO!  I love this annual tradition, and this year was even more fun, since both Wayne and Weston could play with us, and enjoy the game.  They each won TWO ROUNDS - unheard of!  The look on Weston's face as he came forward with his hand in the air in a fist, yelling "Bingo!" in a shy whisper was PRICELESS.  He circled the table round and round before finding his present.  He walked away with a flashlight and a slinky -perfect!  Wayne did well too - He was FOCUSED throughout the game.  He unwrapped a 20Q game, and a dutch delicacy (yes, chocolate on toast is a delicacy people).  In the end, he gave the 20Q game to another cousin who really wanted it, and afterall, in Wayne's words, "I can't read that great anyway, so he should have it."  Made this Mama proud!  I snuck a stocking present to him at home, to reward him for his sweetness.  Wyatt had a great night either being pushed or pushing other kids on the dog.  I played with this dog when I was his age, and I think my Dad played with it too!!!  It's made in Europe, I guess, but it's been in the family forever.  

Aunt Thelma - we missed you!!!

Wayne got to "call" for a round!

 Weston's class had fire safety day last week.  He came home very excited about "Stop, Drop and ROLL!"  Thankfully, this was a less scary version without the smoke.  All in all, a good experience.  I love how Weston insists on wearing his hat and gloves with his winter coat.

Wayne's very first school program was about Christmas at the zoo.  It was a darling performance, complete with kids all standing and sitting on the riser's at the direction of their music teacher, lots of music, and hand motions too.  Wayne was STRESSED going into it - he wanted to do such a great job!  At the end, I saw him take a great big *sigh* and smile - it was over!  :-)  He knew all the songs, and did all the motions - and was just precious, of course.  Weston and Wyatt were a bit wild - much kudos and thanks to my Mom and Tyler for taking them to the back so I could photograph and video this momentous occasion.

Wayne made this funky gingerbread man during class.

Playing with Trains

These are two little boys who LOVE to play with each other.  Two peas in a pod, and TWICE the trouble!  Wyatt is really starting to talk more, so the two of them just rattle on and on.  I can't understand them half the time, but they don't seem to have a problem with it!