Christmas at Rissa's

I think I'll take this moment to explain my daughters attire. Lately her new thing is to roam around the house with just her shirt and diaper. Well actually I thought this was limited to our house only but on Christmas Eve at a friends house she began disrobing in the middle of the room with people all around her, all eyes on her. It was quite hilarious. She was reminded by one of the grandpas who chuckled "it's not that kind of party Alli" On Christmas when Alli "began to make heself at home" her Auntie Becky took one of Kelvin's jammies and wrapped it around Alli after Alli had made several attempts to put it on herself.

A baby Ally for my baby Alli

Christmas Program

Weston, upper left corner dressed in burgundy, was posing as one of the legendary Wise men. We practiced daily for two weeks songs and a poem his class did together. Even though Weston enjoys dressing up in action hero clothing at home, he could not wait to pull off the itchy Wise man costume. Timmy, lower right corner sitting with the other angels, wanted to wear his costume home. His teacher had other plans for it though, but he did get to keep his garland halo, and even requested it for his bedtime toy.

...I did get to sneak back stage with one of the stars of the program.

...Timmy Shea, my precious moments angel.

Monkey see Monkey do

Oh Christmas Tree

Our new addition to the Family

Weston has been asking for one thing this Christmas, a pet. James and I have struggled with this thought the last few months for a number of reasons. For starters our kids are still very young, the smell of indoor pets, the hair, urine soaked wood chips... I think you get the picture. Grandpa Bill made these little critters an awesome outdoor hutch, so a lot of my "issues" of owning a pet were taken care of. The bunnies are so good, they love to be held, and yet so curious they have their moments of adventure. I bring them inside every once and awhile to let the kids enjoy them. Timmy chose the white bunny and named her Annabell. Weston likes the smaller grayish brownish bunny and has decided to name her Anita...so precious.

Thanksgiving at Mom's House

That turkey was literally hand picked from Rissa. She has the before picture of the turkey, feathers, feet, head included, but it is just a little weird for me to post his "preexistence" photo.

It was hard for my oldest son to choose which dessert to eat, so I gave him a little of everything. Isn't that what you do on Thanksgiving?

Caramel Apples

It's hard to get just the right ratio of caramel to apple when you've got such a small mouth, but that's what makes them so fun to eat.

Timmy, on the other hand, found a more logical approach to the whole caramel apple eating thing and has come up with the wedge way of eating the delicious, juicy, sweet, gooey treats.

The thought of sinking my teeth into one of them was so overwhelming I couldn't help myself.

Daddy's or Alli's Computer

Halloween 2008

I have to admit, I hate Halloween. All the "ghost n goblins" dead-comes-alive, icky gory stuff is not my thing. However, I do like dressing up. Since I'm too old for trick-or-treating, I love the excitement my kids get when they get to dress up. They like to pretend to be some kind of hero with super human powers to "fight the bad guy" ,and then get rewarded with candy from door to door. I love it when the boys pretend to be "super hero's" from the bible like Daniel or David. I pray that mine and James's influence will impact the kids to keep their eyes on Jesus to become real live super hero's...something this world is desperate for. ....James's favorite part of Halloween, can you guess? It's raiding the cookie jar full of candy.

How to make a 3D Dino Cake

Pull out your Betty Crocker cookbook and follow the recipe for Double Chocolate cake.

Let the kids lick the utensils

Let your perfectionist husband do the cutting and allow his creative engineering/carpenter skills to go the work.

Let all who have patience and muscles to do the tedious texturizing...notice I'm not in the picture.

And then pray that his head will be the only thing that falls apart. Hope that the kids will find him delicious....then be thankful God answers prayers.

Weston's 6th Birthday

It was definitely one of the most jammed-packed, entertaining birthday parties I've ever been to. Weston invited 6 friends and their families over to our home, along with James's family, to help celebrate. James came up with games, Rissa brought some finger food for snacking, and Cleome made conversation with the parents. Nate spent some time outdoors with all the kids playing soccer. Some kids took pleasure in climbing our Maple tree and swinging on the swing that hangs from it's branches.

Weston would ask me every 10 minutes "Momma, can I open my presents yet?" I liked holding him in suspense, so my reply was always "Soon baby, I promise it will be soon."

Finally! We got to eat the green Dinosaur!

And once you load them all with sugar, you send them all in the living room for a quick game of balloon stomp.

Pumkin Patch

Weston's and Timmy's school had an outing to the corn maze. I, unfortunately, had to work, so James had all the fun. The boys could not wait to tell me all about it when I got home...and Alli too in her own precious way.

Lifes Secret

They Grow So Fast

I pulled out Alli's baby book the other day to catch up on all her developmental accomplishments she has had these past few months. I am really having a hard time remembering when most things accrued. She is growing so fast and becoming so smart, I can't keep up.
She can grab her bib off of the back of her high chair, run to the dish washer to grab her favorite eating utensil, and then climb up into her high chair all in less then 30 seconds when you tell her "Alli, it's time to eat" It's amazing! ...that's just one of her amazing skills that tells you just how fast she's growing.
Most of you already know that the boys, Weston and Timmy have been here for two full weeks now, and we are really hoping and praying that it becomes something permanent. Talk about growing fast, I remember changing Timmy's diapers and reminding Wes to not wipe his mouth on his shirt when he eats. Now these boys help me set and clear the table, do dishes, laundry, and put clothes away. We bring our handful of penny's to the table to help Wes with his math and review word flashcards throughout the day. I really think Timmy will be ahead of the game due to his eagerness to join in on the learning experience.
I love being a mom. My kids are so precious, I count my blessings as being one that gets to experience their love as only a child could give, pure and innocent. Singing songs, and praying with them at night has got to be my favorite part of the day. Their is nothing more sweet then to hear my 4 year old sing...

"Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, then to trust and obey"

Backyard Fun

...we miss you Rissa

Jump Alli! Jump!

Dayton Fair

"Momma don't let your babies grow-up to be cowboys" (sing songy voice)

Weston, he's so shy when all eyes are on him.

...it was a short ride.

Nate, Pro rider when it comes to the mechanical bull...he showed up all the 8-10 year olds. lol

Fairy Garden