Christmas Memories 2010

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas and made many new memories amid flying wrapping paper and stuffed bellies. We had a great day, it really was one of the least stressful Christmases we've had since the kids came.

Here is Hubby and I looking waaaaaaaaaaaaaay tired, because we were. Oldest was up at 4, yes 4 am. It was so much fun trying to keep him in bed until we opened gifts at 6:30. I heard him up and stirring, worried he might be trying to sneak into gifts I got up and found him in the hallway rubbing his hands together going, "Hee hee hee". It was cute, even at four in the morning.

The kids really enjoyed opening their gifts. We buy three gifts for each of our kids, just as baby Jesus received three gifts from the wise men. We've also decided this year will mark the first year of no more "wish lists" for presents. Each child will receive whatever is bought for them, and honestly it helped to cut down on the gimme gimme's.

I explained to them that since Christmas isn't just about gifts, we need to be thankful for whatever we receive just as we are thankful for the gift of salvation that we've received. I know it's a hard sell to tell kids it's not just about the presents, and by not letting them make a list I think it's a way to downplay the whole present aspect of things.

On Christmas eve we went on a long neighborhood walk and saw a huge flock of wild turkeys walking around. I've never seen such a large group before, usually just one or two at a time. The kids were excited, and starting running down the street trying to chase them. The turkeys weren't impressed and took off.

We tuckered them out and on the way home they all found a bench and proceeded to park it and whine, "We're tired!" Mission accomplished for Mommy! I really wanted to wear them out somewhat since they all were bouncing off the walls with it being Christmas eve. I really enjoyed our walk, that might become a new Christmas eve tradition for us.

Hoping your enjoying these last few days of 2010. Can you believe 2011 is around the corner? Amazing.

Sharing our Christmas memories today at:

Letters From My Heart

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Last night I was thinking about things I needed to get done. Mostly Christmas related, gifts I needed to still make, plotting and planning type stuff.

I started thinking about gifts for the kids, making mental notes of what I needed to still do for them. I then had an idea I had never honestly thought of before, writing them each a letter.

It could be a letter about what the past year had been like. Or it could be about our relationship as mother and son/daughter. Or it could be advice that I want to give them now but they are too young to hear. Or it could simply be a letter to let them know they are loved.

A letter they can read when they are older, something put away for a time when they can understand what I'm trying to convey. Something tangible, that they can hold in their hands and see with their eyes.

So much of our days consist of the mundane, the regular, the rituals. It's hard to take the time needed to really look at the bigger picture of parenting when you are knee deep in the middle of laundry, spilled food, fighting and dishes.

My hope is that by taking the time to write these letters to my children, I will be allowed the opportunity to relay things to them in a way that will make a lasting impression. Not that my spoken words and actions aren't important, but honestly we as parents and they as children forget sometimes.

This will be a way to write about the blessings and the lessons that God has taught me as a mother. A way to tell them about how I see God working and growing them. A way to reflect on these things as I write them, and a way for them to see things through my eyes when they read them. A way to leave a part of myself now in the present that they can read in the future.

I would love those of you that are mothers to consider doing this. No matter what age they may be, whether they are unborn or 35 years old. Children are such a blessing to us, they are our legacy. What a way to honor their importance, to let them know of their worth to both us and their heavenly Father.

If you feel that you'd like to participate in "Letters From My Heart" this Christmastime, please post a comment indicating you'll be doing so. Or, if you already do this please post a comment to renew your commitment to continue.

To those of you'd who would like to spread the word to others, please feel free to mention this on your blogs as long as you link back to this original post. It would be wonderful to get as many mothers as possible to commit to doing this for their children. What an opportunity to give an amazing gift to our children that won't cost anything but time.

I'm spreading the word at:

The First 10 Years

Ten years ago today, my life changed direction permanently. I said "I do", in a church on a opressively hot day in August. I was 24, young and super stressed out from a DIY wedding. Our ceremony was at 5, followed by a dinner reception outdoors. It was balmy, warm and joyous. We ate, drank, danced some and celebrated our commitment.

We honeymooned in Mendocino. We walked on the beach, ate lunches at quaint little spots, watched sunsets, and freaked out. Wow, did I just really make a huge mistake? Forever is...F O R E V E R. I love him, but did I make the right decision? Two days of worry from a post wedding recovery later and I knew that we would do this together.

Two and a half years of work. Lots of conversations about money, children, family, priorities. Many dinners in our little apartment in the "ghetto". God kept us safe there, and built the cornerstones of our union. We had so much fun there, laughter and "tag...you're it".


Jackson was born, and our world changed forever. Sleep deprivation, stress of a new kind, the weight of the world on your shoulders. Our thought process shifted from "you and I" to "us and the baby". Work would prove somewhat tumultuous, but you weathered the storm and came out better on the other side.

Two years later, Peyton was born. Our girl, our little pink princess. Tears of thanksgiving, it's a girl, which is a big deal considering your family history of boys. Sweet pictures and meaningful memories. Juggling two kids, meeting multiple needs. More stress, more joy, the two intermingled in our family.

Two years (and a few months later) Mason was born. You and I added more mortar to our marriage with this birth. We were a team, working side by side to bring him into this world. Hours of walking the hospital floor to gently coax him out, and it worked! "What a lucky child, to have two great parents working like a team" the midwife said. She was right, our ability to be "two as one" really was perfected in those hours. I couldn't see then but I do know now what a gift that time was.

Now we find ourselves with three kids, 10 years of marriage under our belts and the future. We don't know what tomorrow will bring, but we know what we've learned so far. I cannot begin to explain the impact you have made on my life. Challenging me to forgive, look beyond, look inside, pray for wisdom, walk closer with God, parent with purpose. All are gifts you gave me ten years ago when you told me "I do". Thank you for your love, thank you for your sacrifices, and thank you for our family. I love you, happy tenth anniversary honey.

Swimming Pools and Sunsets

So the last few weeks have been eventful, as we've been enjoying our summer. My Hubby took a little over two weeks off of work and we had lots of fun! We went to birthday parties, park days, the state fair, took lots of rides and even had an overnight "hotel camping" trip. Here are a few photos from our adventures.

Me taking lots of "action" shots from the car. I have a great little point and shoot!

Number two enjoying the hotel swimming pool. We forgot the kids life vests and bought arm floaties from Wal-Mart, they worked great!

Number one in the hotel pool. The pool wasn't chlorinated but was a salt water pool instead, that was the first time the kids had swam in one.

Daddy and number three in the pool. He had fun with his floatie, it was great for him to kick back and "chillax" in.

We took lots of "night rides". Here's a shot of some tall grass on the side of the road, just before the sun went to bed for the night.

This is a cool shot, I like the perspective and how the car's radio antenna split the photo in half.

Pretty shot of the horizon. The star in the photo was the only one we saw the entire evening.

Sweet Hubby did lots of driving. He's such a trooper, putting up with his crazy wife half hanging out of the car to get all these pictures. Hope you all are enjoying the remaining summer days we have left, make some memories!

State Fair 2010

A few moments from our trip to the state fair yesterday. Long day, but always fun.

Cool free pin, that'll be perfect for the scrapbook.

Silly photo of me and number three.

Yummy blue ICEE.

Lots and lots of water. We really lucked out though, the weather was perfect.

Loved the weather vane on top of the horse stable. I also liked the graduation of colors.

Number two in the cockpit of a replica Thunderbird jet.

Number one in the cockpit of a "real" jet, with Papa and a docent explaining what does what.

Nana and number three in the shade.

Almost complete family photo (Hubby was taking the picture). Can you tell we're having fun yet? Actually we were, the kids just weren't cooperating for photo op time.

All in all a good day. Lots of food, sun and fun.

"I Free Years Old"

Happy third birthday my littlest! I can't believe how fast the time has gone by, it really does seem like you were just a newborn baby. Now you are no longer a baby, but my big three year old boy.

You love Bibleman, John Deere and swimming in our backyard pool. You adore your oldest brother and love pestering your big sister. You are a kooky clown who loves to say that everything is "stinky".

You love having a story read to you, and love playing in the bathtub. You love your Daddy and love to say, "Go Cubs Go!". You love your Grandparents, and your uncles and aunts. Uncle "Spency" holds a special place in your heart.

You love popsicles and cereal, and would eat cheese non-stop if you could. You are our special blessing and we couldn't imagine our lives without you. Happy Birthday my little "Pupcake".

Five Years and Counting

Happy fifth birthday to my special girl! I can't believe how fast these first five years have gone by! My oh my, how I love my special little princess. Looking forward to all the special memories yet to come. Mommy loves you so much my special "little cherry blossom".

The Happiest Place on Earth

Just got back home yesterday from Disneyland. It's the second time we've been as a family, the kids had a blast. Sad to go, but now glad to be home. So thankful that we were able to stay for three days, so many memories and pictures! The one above is my favorite.