Ringing in 2014

New Year's Eve did not go as planned.

The weather was blah.

Kenton had to stay late at work.

The baby had a snotty nose.

Blah. Blah. Blah.

All of the above forces made us decide to stay home for the evening.

After my shower the boys busted into the bathroom with our entire evening planned for us.

What a fun surprise.

Griffin had a list written out of our activities and all of the supplies laid out.

They made me close my eyes and led me into the living room.

We ate smores at the fire.

Played "Griffin" says.

Roman led us in Amazing Grace.

Griff read us a story

and we had to draw a picture of Griffin.

The evening was topped off with me spinning my babies around the living room.

Can't really think of a better way to close out 2013.

Cheers y'all!

Roman inviting me to the evening that they planned for us.
Best surprise EVER!

Griff reading us a story at the "campfire."

Roman leading Amazing Grace.
I was surrounded by my favorite people,
singing Jesus songs with all of their hearts.
I had a moment.
Life doesn't get much better than this very moment...

Dancing with my boys.

Twirling around the room.

Getting in my last kisses of 2013.

Thanksgiving 2012

I've been thinking a lot this week about things that I am grateful for.

I am truly grateful for it all.

I serve a God who has blessed me with this life that I do not deserve.

I have a husband who adores me and our children.

I have beautiful healthy children who are mostly good. :)

I have parents who support me.  They have given to me unselfishly and love me unconditionally.

I have a brother who lives a life filled with adventure and is always willing to lend a helping hand when around.

I have a wonderful group of friends who are there for me in both good times and bad.

Life is good, and for that I am grateful...

We enjoyed Thanksgiving day at our home with our family.

After lunch the girls got busy decorating the house for Christmas.  

Erika has now helped us decorate 3 years.

I will give her the title "lead decorator."

She is such a lovely gal with a kind and gentle spirit.

She is also blessed in the height department and reaches the top of the tree which is an added bonus!

A bunch of turkeys hanging out around the turkey.

The boys.

Tio John and Cohen.
My boys just think the world of Tio.

Cohen checking out the food.
"Ma when will I be able to get some food?"

Santa 1, Santa 2 and the Elf.

Tio and Griff enjoying a friendly Angry Bird competition.

The tree and front door is gorgeous this year!

Kenton has fond childhood memories of enjoying a Christmas train with his Dad and Brother.

He has carried along the tradition with his boys.

This is something that they look forward to every year.

Kenton picked up a new train this year to share with the boys.

Look at Roman's expression.

I so love watching Christmas through the eyes of my children.

It is so magical...

I love this picture.
So much goodness captured in this one shot.

Cohen may be small, but still wants in on the action.

I love the look of joy on all of their faces.

I especially love that Griff wore the Santa hat the entire time.
That's my boy!

"Hey Ma, does this hat make my ears look big?"

This child is filled with such sunshine.

Thanksgiving was a lovely day shared with those closest to my heart.

What a perfect way to kick off the holiday season!

Easter

Easter Morning...

The most glorious day of the year

to celebrate our Risen Lord.

Such hope once again for new life and new beginnings!

Griffin and Roman's loot from the Easter Bunny.

Griff just noticed the stash.

Woah... what is this?

No worries~ the little one enjoyed the gifts too!

All of my boys
Uncle Al, Griff, Ro-ski, and Satch

"I know it is 7:30AM, but can we "peas, peas go play outside?"

Satch wearing the dinosaur head.

Roman in the dinosaur head

Roman the human vacuum cleaner sucking up all of the marshmallows off the floor.

MiMi loving on Ro-ski.

Ro-ski loves to play!

Brothers bonding

Tio John and Roman before the Easter service at The Vineyard.

Griff showing Tio his new stuff.

Satch, AKA Grill Master. ;)

Lunch on the patio. We were delighted to have Erica join us.

Thank you Jesus for dying for our sins and giving us the hope of new life...

2.14.11... was a good day

Here are the reasons why 2.14.11 was a good day

Griffin was so excited to give his home-made Valentine Day card to his Daddy.  You can see it on his face.  He carried the card around with him all morning and brought it so school to show all of his friends.  

After we celebrated the morning with cards and a few rounds of hugs and kisses we had a special request from The Griff.  "Let's ance!"  (Let's Dance!)  We all thought it sounded like a good idea.  With Momma as the human beat box we had an impromptu dance party in the kitchen.  

I picked up Griff and Roman this afternoon with a surprise guest~ MiMi Kat.  Griffin and his classmates had a party outside.  Ahhhhh...... the sunshine sure does something to lift your spirits!  How adorable is Postman Griffin?!?  All of the kids had postman hats to hand out cards and goodies to one another.
  

Nothing like a lawn party on a beautiful day!

 After giving his round of farewell I'll see you tomorrow hugs. We headed home...

for MORE goodies from MiMi and Poppa!

 Don't you worry, Roman was in on the action too!

 Our next stop of the evening was a party that involved a whole lot of this! (no worries~ the only sugar that I received today was lots of very sweet kisses!)   An old friend of mine was kind enough to include us in her annual Valentine's day family party.  It was great to see many old and familiar faces...

 Roman and Pop enjoying the party.

 Griff handed out Valentine's to his friends at the party.  Lots of boys and 1 lucky lady!  He did manage to find the only girl to give her a tight hug!  ;)

Thanks to my family for making 2.14.11 such a wonderful day!  

Rockin' NYE 2010!

There was a time not so long ago that New Year's Eve looked a little different. We probably would have shopped around for some great party, the perfect outfit, and woke up on New Year's Day with a bit of a fuzzy head. My, my, my..... how times have changed!

Last night we had the most wonderful evening at the home of some of our favorite friends! We had a giant family slumber party. Needles to say we all stayed up WAY past our bedtimes. The girls chatted, the boys belted out the ballads on Guitar Hero, we walked outside for a few fireworks and toasted in the new year with champagne, orange juice, and hugs and kisses!

Here we all are getting ready to ring in the new year.

Roman got the memo and dressed to impress.
Brea is the most awesome 3 year old babysitter! Roman has a thing for Miss Brea.
Roman made it as long as he could, but finally gave up. My boy was too pooped to party!
We had some seriously cheesy lounge singing going on.
Melts. My. Heart.
Roman isn't the only with a way with the ladies. Griffin getting a little hug from Brea.Griffin loved the fireworks! He didn't get this from his Momma...
Slumber party time!!
Momma stealing a sweet kiss at midnight. No worries, the big guy got one too!
Cheers to a fabulous 2011!