Hey, I do all my own stunts!

Really, it is just Elizabeth at her new gymnastics class. We just couldn't go without taking pictures of our lil' bit on her first night. We absolutely love the teacher and Elizabeth did great! It was nice to be able to watch her and she tried really hard and you could tell she was so happy! She can't wait to go back! Raina has been going for a while and told us about this place so after she decided she couldn't bear to do dance any longer, we decided to check it out. Thanks O'Leary's! You are awesome!!! We can't thank you enough!!! It was fun to see her enjoy herself and be so involved! Alyson even got to come and try it out for free and the very best part, it is a considerable amount cheaper than dance! Yipee! We are sold!! Happy little girl, less money going out, and a wonderful teacher to work with her! What could be better in life?

Time to HoNoR the past, but ImAgInE the future!

My mom's last day of official work is today! However, many of us know that she will probably be busier now than she ever was while she was working! Not only has my mom watched our kids almost every day while we work, she is a major part of their lives and continues to be so! All of our children think the world of her and could not ask for a better mom/Grandma! So, in honor of her retirement, here are a few things that I have learned and love about my mom:
*She is a giver and never expects anything in return.
*She loves us unconditionally and completely, no matter what!
*She never complains! Even when things have been tough, she keeps a smile and reminds us to find the positive!
*She has always worked hard and shown us what it means to give 100%!
*She is a perfect role model for me and has helped me to become the mom that I am today. Even though I mess up, she still helps to guide me into an even better mom.
*She always has time for you no matter what. Even if you just need to chat or have someone come over and help you with your laundry!
*She is my hero!
*She is the bestest Grandma around and her Grandchildren think the world of her!
*She is compassionate and kind to anyone she comes into contact with.
*She is realistic and keeps all of us focused!
*She has a smile and a laugh (However, it has been known to sound like a turkey if she really gets going! teehee!) that will fill up a room.
*She has the ability to make everyone feel special and welcome.
*She has taught us the true meaning of life and that putting our trust in God is the most important thing we can do!
*She hasn't just told us what faith is, she has actually lived it!
*Whenever life gets hard, she can model Mary Poppins in a second!
*She is quick witted and enjoys a good story and a laugh!
*She enjoys a good water fight better than anyone I know!
*She is always there when I/we need her!
These are just a few things about my mom! So, Happy Retirement Mom!! We couldn't be happier for you!! You deserve it! You are truly our hero and have shown us all a work ethic that goes beyond what is expected! Thanks for working so hard for all of us! Enjoy!!!

Snow Much Fun!!!!

We made a trip to go up to the cabin to plow the snow and have some fun with our new coats, snow pants and boots. We asked some friends and family to join us but due to Holiday plans and the roads, noone was able to come up. We sure missed all of them but we did get a special surprise by Teila getting to spend the night/day with us! We took the 4-wheelers out and pulled the sled behind it and the kids had a blast! The dog was so sore from running beside them. Jonathan and Teila played outside the whole day! Our Princess Elizabeth did actually stay outside for about 2 hours so that was promising that the snow gear will come in handy! The mountains are beautiful a great way to spend a couple of days to end the Christmas holiday. Sorry friends that you couldn't make it up!! Hopefully soon!!!

And come Santa did......

Our lovely children were up at 1:20 AM Christmas morning! Yes, I am not joking.We took a picture on the microwave to prove it to everyone. Ron and I hadn't even gotten to sleep yet. They were so wound up and wide awake that finally Ronie and I decided in our infinite wisdom if we let them see just what Santa brought, (Thankfully he had already come! YIKES! What happens when he hasn't been there yet and your kids are still up? Does he still come? Does he come back later? I don't have the answers to these questions!) they will go back to bed and we will get more sleep in the long run right?!?!? So we took a peek and Santa was good to all of us this year. Maybe that is what provoked the craziness that continued to take place in our house . Even Bailey was all worked up and was prancing around and Santa didn't even leave him anything. (Teehee! Santa left a note that told Bailey he didn't get anything this year but if he tries better this coming year, he just might get something next year. The kids kept petting him all day and telling him to be a better dog and they loved him but Santa doesn't forget like they do!! It cracked Ron and I up! If you haven't heard the wonderful Bailey stories from this summer, give us a call. We would LOVE to share how much our dog costs us with a short 2 hour outing!!!) After we opened our Santa gifts, we all headed back to bed with a parental warning that NOONE is going to be up until at least 7. We finally got all snuggled into our nice warm bed (Thanks Tammy for the electric blanket! We love that thing! Oh yes, it was on our bed the very night we got it!!) feeling all proud of ourselves thinking of all of the other moms and dads that were going to have to get up around 4-6 AM and start their whole day but we would be sleeping. NOPE!! About 4, Elizabeth came in our room claiming to be cold and needing a snuggle, so in our bed she comes. This wakes up the dog, so in our bed he comes. Hearing all the noise, Jon wakes up and decides he can't be alone so in our bed he comes. Needless to say, we were up again at 4:30 opening our family gifts! Oh my!
With all of that being said, we did have a great day with family and even met up with everyone for the movie Marley and Me, later on in the evening. Who knew people go to the movies on Christmas? The place was packed! We were exhausted but enjoyed every minute of it! I absolutely LOVE Christmas time!!!

PrEpArInG fOr SaNtA!!!!!

When everyone had left for the night and the house was somewhat picked up (haha!!), we did our traditional set out milk and cookies for Santa, apples for the reindeer, (We were out of carrots so we improvised! I was NOT heading to the store, even though our children were bawling and quite certain that Rudolph was going to starve and it would be all our fault and...and...and...! There goes my Mom of the Year award!!!) a special letter
(I am not even going to comment on our kids spelling! I will tell you that it is going to be something that will be worked on in the near future! Yikes!!!) and a quick check on Nordic Tracker to see where Santa was. Luckily, he was in Delaware when we checked so we were just in time to get settled in our beds!! Do you think these precious children are sleeping? NOT A CHANCE!!!!

Christmas Eve Fun!!

Christmas Eve was at our house this year! The night started with Christmas carols, then the kids opening gifts and then our ever famous gift exchange for the adults. It is a blast and BreAnn's parents joined us which made it a blast! Something about getting to steal a gift from someone just adds to the Holiday cheer! (teehee! I am not sure that is what Christmas is all about but we only do it with the upmost love and kindness!!) In the middle of our gift stealing, oops, I mean exchange, Santa came! Oh yes! That is truly the highlight of our night! Of course, he always brings us appropriate jammies to wear for the next day from Mrs. Claus and reminds us to head to bed on time so he can come. I just love this holiday! There is nothing better than being together with family and carrying on traditions. We just love it! Merry Christmas everyone!!!

The Sounds of Christmas!

Elizabeth dazzled the family with her very first piano recital on Christmas Eve! My mom has been teaching her notes and how to play and decided that it was a perfect time to show us all that she has learned! She did a great job and we were amazed at all the Christmas songs she could play. Jonathan even played a song for us!! Then Teila, along with Aly and the cousin troop, led us in Christmas carols! It was a lot of fun and a perfect way to start our Christmas celebration!!!