Hopeful

All of us are so hopeful and expectant this time of year. Blessings on everyone. Merry Christmas!

Shabby Chic

I will never look at a garage sale the same again. I still hear faintly echoing in my ears the words of my husband, "Let's go kick some butt, we're not paying full price for anything, take no prisoners, expect something free...and if he were to say it post Chi-town, Jumanji!" This was his way of giving a half-time, spirit-rousing speech to be on the look-out for those yard-sale-trying-to-make-more-money-than-they-spent people a run for their money (literally and figuratively). If one were prone to the genre "shabby chic" this garage sale was the pot at the end of the rainbow. This lady had a cardboard box full of shabby chic decor. I have yet to grace our abode with these scores. Currently they lay in a sad state clustered on my table but soon, after the holidays, they will find their new home laden with maybe a picture of our family or bearing Spanish moss. I can hardly wait.

A Winter Hat

We have a lot of fun playing around our cul-de-sac. We have races, ride bike or scooter or just run around.

c Tractor

Though Carter enjoyed watching 3 lazer levelers at work, when offered to ride on one he quietly deferred to mommy's leg.

Cards

It feels good to be done with another year of card-making busyness. Using my thrifty-ness to my advantage and not worrying about the continuity of the product I was able to score some deals on paper, thus having 5 different looking cards this year.

Sesame Tree

This is our tree this year. Since we're heading out of town we decided to not purchase a tree this year. Our neighbor's daughter gave this tree to us, she thought we would like it. How sweet was that? I think the kids' favorite part was plucking the toothbrushes off and utilizing them instantly.

Frosty Leaf

Frosty Morning

It was a cold one this morning. The kids really were hoping for snow. This is the closest we got to it...alot of frost.

football

It's not a clear picture but very cute.

c ensconsed with Oma

This was on Thanksgiving Day. Oma was doing some crafts with the kids.

Leaves c

This look sure says it all. Mischief is certainly in the horizon.

BW B

I love this picture of Blake. It shows his shy side yet willingness to pose for me. Thanks Blake! I love you.

Before Altercation

If you read the post prior to this you might be confused by this "father-looking-adoringly-at-son" picture.

Lessons Learned

Learning the in's and out's on violence during playtime and why it's wrong for both you and your daddy.

For some reason, Carter got it in his head to approach Blake very non-chalantly with the garden spade and threaten bodily harm to him. Bodily harm is probably referring to possibly Blake's knee cap or lower since Carter doesn't reach much beyond that. Though small and very adorable at times he can evoke a menacing presence when need be.

Childhood

Halloween09

Halloween isn't my favorite holiday, but it is fun to see all these kids dressed up so cute! As you can see, Carter was very interested in Jed's costume.

"angel"

As soon as she saw me with the camera, she started posing for me. What a little angel she is.

c hood

I love this little guy!

Medieval

We made a very impulsive and quick trip to LA. We ate at Medieval Times. I was sure glad everyone did well. Jacie had a fever, Avery got sick in the car (luckily we were prepared because we didn't know how Jacie was going to hold out) and the show/dinner started at 7pm, their bedtime. Carter sat still the whole night because he was so ensconsed with the show. At one point I thought I would have to leave with Avery because she was "scowd" (scared). Lucky for us the jousting didn't happen till the very end of the show so Avery was able to warm up to everything. The best thing of the evening was having all four of them so tuckered out that they all fell asleep for the night in the same room!

Maze

They found the end of the maze. This was not scripted!

difficult

It sure is hard to get 4 kids looking all in the same direction at the same time.

Irvine Patch

One of these kids is not like the other.

C miles

This kid has racked on the miles. I can't tell you how much terrain he has covered on his big,bad, pink bike. If you're wondering where his shoes are, they're inside his seat. Yes ladies and gents, this hot rod has it all.

C-dawg and Roger

Fall Festival

Resigned

Can we say unhappy camper? He doesn't like wearing a helmet. End of story :)