Beauty is in the eye of the beholder... Behold!

When my house grows up, this is what it wants to be...

If you are decorating - be inspired!  Now presenting....  Cedar Hill at Christmas.

Next up... my attempts to transform our house to look like all of the above.  And PS - sorry for the flash photography!!!  It doesn't do the decor justice.

Uncle Todd is here!

After 11 months - Uncle Todd is finally back in our county!!!  He stopped by the house the first full day home, and got to meet Addison for the first time.  No great unveiling here - just a "hey, could you grab her out of her crib while I wait for Weston's bus?"  The two hit it off right away.  Todd loves a baby that doesn't cry or fuss, and that about sums up Addison Kay!  The boys were super excited to see him too.  He always was the life of the party.  :-)

Our baby girl - Addison is 4 months old!

She is just as much our pride and joy as her brothers are.  Although she's only 4 months old, I can't imagine our lives without her.  She completes us!  :-)

 And FYI - she has captivated her Daddy's heart.

3-6 month coats on 3 and 4 year boys

Disclaimer:  Non of Taylin's coats were harmed in the creation of this photo.


I tried these coats on Addison, but determined them to be too small for her - just a little tight through the shoulders.  Never fear - Weston and Wyatt told me that we didn't need to return them to Taylin because they could fit into them!!!

PS.  It wasn't long before they realized it was easier putting the 3-6 month coats ON than it was to get them back OFF!!!

a THANKFUL day

We had a fantastic day yesterday.  And better yet?  It's 7:05 am as I type this on Black Friday - and I am still home!  :-)  We spent yesterday morning doing a whole lot of nothing.  Playing on the computer, cleaning up a bit, looking through ads, scrapbooking, you get the picture.  It was boring and lovely all at the same time.  It was finally time to head to Grandma Groen's - and we were thankful to get out of the house!  We had such a nice time there.  This is the first Thanksgiving that I am truly thankful that our kids are getting older.  Sure, Addison is 4 months old, but she is EASY.  Such a good baby, it's almost ridiculous.  But the boys are getting... easy too!!!  I remember the last time we were in Grandma's basement...Look at these first 3 pictures... Two years ago, and Wayne and Ethan look like little babies - don't tell them I wrote that!  Weston and Wyatt were all over the place and it was HOT and WILD.  I left there sweating and overheating and exhausted.  This year?  Not so much!  Yes, there is Addison now, but she is so stinkin' good, and the boys are good and love to play with all of their cousins, and to see everyone.  It was FUN. 

I couldn't believe that Trisha brought a craft - and better yet, a clean craft!  The boys loved their turkeys, and they all love Aunt Trisha!

 These two were sharing a DS related secret.  No idea what it was, and not just 'cause I couldn't hear- they are pretty savvy on their DS's!

 Grandma's punch is always a hit.  No idea how she makes it, but it's like a slushy and she always has it at holiday parties - and the kids love it!!!

 Later on we made our way over to my parents' house to spend a little time with Todd. He got home on Tuesday night and the kids (and the adults) were all so happy to see him. 

We spent the evening eating pigs and a blanket and other snacky things, and playing lots of iPad and iPhones.  It was nice just to play with the kids, and chat, and look at ads.  Mom did a fun craft with the kids to get ready for Christmas, and Addison got her share of snuggles once again. 

Happy Birthday Mom!

For Mom's birthday this year, we planned ahead!!!  A few months ago, we sneakily got all the kids together at Tara's and did a quick photoshoot.  Mission?  Get 8 kids NOT crying and looking in the general direction of the camera.  Smiles?  A bonus!  We got one pretty good shot of all the kids, and had it printed to a 20x30 inch canvas and surprised her with it.  She LOVED it, and how could she not?  8 grandkids in 6 years makes her a busy grandma, and not to mention mom.  She manages to spend time with all of us, and helps out in so many ways.  THANK YOU Mom, we love you and hope you had a wonderful day!

 (Nice picture Silves kids...  that's why we had to do a retake!)

THANKFUL

T hings I love...

H ome days with the kids

A nd that they eat what I bake as fast as I can bake it

N urturing faith and a love of God's word in our kids

K nowing that I have one amazing husband, who I should appreciate more

F at little arms and legs on a 4 month old, and her sweet smile

U nplanned company and phone calls that make me stop and enjoy the moment

L ife is good.

Wayne loves JAM!

 Wayne has been involved in our church's JAM ministry - Jesus and Missions.  He LOVES going.  He memorizes verses every week, and has fun with his friends.  We've been told that he likes to take the microphone when he gets the chance, and that he can really bust a move!!!  I am so thankful to the many volunteers who work with all the kids - they are making deep impressions on the heart of our boy.  You can see Wayne in the video in the following link. 



http://www.impresskids.com/my/place/445/view/6552

Secret Sibling

This year we are starting a new tradition.... secret sibling!!!  The kids all drew names, and from now until Christmas they are going to keep their sibling a secret.  Each day they are going to try to do something nice for their sibling, and on Christmas day they can give them a present they picked out just for them.  It is so cute to see how they are already scheming to do each other's chores, get there blankies ready for bed, play a game and let the other go first/be player 1, etc.  They are sneaky, and don't want to be caught!  If you see them, please ask what they are doing for the secret sibling, and help them with some new ideas!

Hanging out with Susan

We have been hanging out with Susan - and her bevy of equine perfection!  On this day we had Tevis - and he is big enough to hold Wyatt and Weston. The highlight?  When he pee'd while they were on him!  Such boys.  They brought him apples and carrots and are quickly making themselves his favorites.  I had forgotten what personalities horses have.  Weston's very favorite thing to do is to TROT.  He is a brave boy.  I am so thankful for Susan - she is a fantastic woman - talented, patient, kind, and she just "gets" kids.  Oddly enough, 1 Corinthians 13 has a special place in her heart - I am not surprised.  She loves our boys!