Oh Christmas Tree!!

Elijah, Jack and Ava were eager to find the perfect tree again this year!

Tessa along for the ride, although I don't think she was prepared for this:)

Once again this year our family made our trip out to Golden's Tree Farm to find the perfect Christmas tree. Michael and I both commented how this was our 10th year that we have made the trip, wow!! It quickly became tradition that the Saturday after Thanksgiving was our special day to tree shop. The kids love running through the rows and rows of trees trying to find that perfect one. The weather was so beautiful this year, and we found our tree pretty quickly. I have to say, we are quite the bunch as we all trudge through together (Mommy has Esme' in a carrier, and Daddy has Tess.) Although, in a couple of years it will be nice to have some big strapping boys that can help Daddy carry the tree back to the shed. Mommy didn't quick dress down enough for the occasion and got sap all over her best jeans...thank goodness for Goo Gone!

Ava finding the perfect spot for her ornament!

Ha, ha Eli....mommy finally got a picture of you!!!

Jack adding his to the tree

Mama and her "babies"

Ahh.....finally a chance to rest after a very busy weekend. I love, love, love a good snuggle on the couch with any of my "babies." Today, it was my littlest that were filling my arms. I don't know what I'll do with myself when I have no more tiny ones at home that are so willing to give mommy a good snuggle now and then. Oh well, I'll cherish the moments for now.....ahhhhhh!

10 years....5 kids....1 dog....

This past week Michael and I celebrated our ten year anniversary. I can hardly believe that I have been married to this wonderful guy for 10 years. Although when I truly take stock of my life and all that has happened, it's overwhelming. In those ten years, we have had 5 beautiful children, built two houses, put Michael through school....twice, and have had the same dog the entire time......wow. God has really blessed us with a solid relationship that has obviously seen some rough waters. It's no big secret that we have had our fair share of storms, but to be completely honest I believe God allowed all of those. Through each and every trial we have had to overcome, we have grown closer to each other. We really are best friends and I am thankful for my husband.....I love you Michael!

Have you ever heard of Jesus Christ?

Okay, so last night was our three oldest children's first night at AWANA. This is a group for all children that meets every Wednesday night at our church. AWANA stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. It includes games, crafts, and most of all it's all about teaching the children about Jesus and what he means to us. Now, the name Jesus is nothing new in our house. In fact, the name Jesus is mentioned all throughout or day.....the boys go to Christians schools, we attend church, and always pray together. But, after the kids came home from AWANA last night there was a new spark in their interest for the Lord. Elijah came right home and got out Michael's old Bible and wanted me to show him where John 3:16 was. I explained how to look it up and he said "oh, so cool Mom, I have to read my Bible now." WOW!!! Then, this morning, after Greta and Charlie arrived to play, Ava bounds down the stairs and asks "have you ever heard about Jesus Christ?" It thrills me more than anything to see my children so excited about learning more about Jesus. I tell them all the time that the most important job I have is to teach them about Jesus. So, I thing we'll keep going to AWANA.....it's obviously going to be GREAT!

Yep....still cute!

Yep....she's still adorable, just in case you were wondering!

Let the Lessons Begin!!!

Today was officially the start of Elijah's music career.....well, his lessons at least:) Mommy and Daddy decided that Mom would "homeschool" the lessons this year to save a little bit of money. Needless to say it has been difficult to get started with the addition of little Esme' (did I mention yet that just feeding her is a full time job....not that I'm complaining!) Anyway, so this past Sunday was the kickoff to piano lessons. Jack was easy, we just picked up where he left off last year. However, this is Eli's very first time playing the piano, so Mommy was a little nervous. But, if any of you know Eli, he is very focused and a great listener. So...the lesson went so well, he picked up on it right away. Just last night he asked if he could move on in the book before next Sunday since it was just "way to easy!" What a great little guy he is!!!

I Enjoy Being a Girl!

Yep...this is Ava, our self proclaimed princess (without all the attitude of course!) She just loves wearing anything and everything "girly." She has been trying to get mommy to let her wear her new Christmas dress to church for the past two weeks, and of course I always say "no...it's for Christmas!" She does manage to find an alternate dress or skirt that is equally as beautiful! Yesterday she had preschool once again, and went upstairs to get ready. I was busy feeding Esme' (that's a full time job, in case you were wondering) so she went at it alone. I was quite amazed to see what she walked down the stairs in....well take a look for yourself. She had on a past Christmas dress, tights, and my pearl necklace. Of course the outfit wasn't complete without the matching hair ribbon (thank you G. Carole) and new (used) black dress shoes. Isn't she just a sight......what a girl!

Please Pray!!

If you have been following my blog, you may have noticed the button on my sidebar for a little boy named Stellan. I don't actually know him or his mom personally, but I have followed their story for quite some time now. He just turned one and is an extremely sick little boy. At this very moment he is fighting for his life in a Boston hospital, far away from his family. If you feel so inclined, please fall to your knees in prayer for this family. Please pray with me that the Lord will give the doctors wisdom, his parents peace, and that God will just hold this precious little one close to him during this difficult time. I think this hits so close to home for me simply for the fact that I am a mother. I can't imagine the pain it would cause to lose a baby, I get sick just thinking about that. So...please pray, God hears!

Can You Handle It???

Are my children creative and full of imagination?
YES!

Are they quietly having some indoor play time?

NO!!!

Can You Handle It????

Last night was band night...with a full set of drums, piano, and Ava on guitar (the picture was SO out of focus...sorry Ava!)

Mommy can handle it...for a while...Daddy, not so much:)

I love you, my creative and imaginative children.....even when you're driving me CRAZY!

Tessa...Tutu cute!

Oh Tessa....my lovely, sweet, joyful, precious fourth child. She is such a bright spot in my day, and I truly enjoying spending time with her. She is much like Ava, where she loves dressing up and pretending to be a princess. Michael comments how she is usually in something different every time he sees her, and it's practically true! Today I thought she was especially cute, with her little tutu on and Mommy's high heels (even color coordinated!) And, how cute is she with her little coat I, I couldn't resist snapping a couple pictures. She didn't appreciate it outside however, she just wanted mommy to put the camera down and play kitchen....sorry Tess. I love you my sweet, God has blessed you with such a joyful soul!