Merry Christmas

I think we are the only family that gets excited when the wind blows:) This year, we had a huge, devastating storm. What a blessing for the Tree Service!!:) This is the first year Tom has had steady work in December. It was nice to be able to get a few gifts for others. I love giving...not so good at waiting, but I love giving. It is so much better to be able to. We played a trick on the boys. They thought we were pouring concrete to make a picnic area in our backyard. They were whinin' about the work and how cold and yucky it was outside. Then, we broke the news to them on Christmas Eve...pssst...it's a basketball court, boys!! Woohoo. Hopefully we can get out there and play some ball soon. (when the blessed weather leaves:))

More fam than ever before

We had my brother and his family move here this year from Louisiana. It is exciting to have more family around. They have 5 more cousins to play with *including 4 girls for me to buy cute clothes for* and my sister-in-law's father . Thanksgiving was at their house with scrummy turkey and homemade grape juice:)...OH, and, of course, Dad's gravy.

My Squooshies

I snapped this last Sunday before church. I love these guys so much. Sometimes, when I'm driving to work, I'll think of them (all snuggly and warm, still asleep in their beds) and SMILE. . . just smile. Aah. Family. It's what makes this world go round. Don't ya think?

Donuts anyone?

We now have an "official" tradition of going to Tom's parents' house for a "little" treat on October 31st. Tom's dad found a bakery that makes enormous, gigantic, monstrous donuts:) Ya really gotta save up tummy room for these. NUM NUM

Seattle for 2nd graders??!!

So, when I heard that Scott's 2nd grade class was visiting the Seattle Science Center, I KNEW that I had to go as a chaparone. Luckily, I had the day off. Whew. I had my hands full with the four boys from his class. It was such an eye-opener! I am grateful for the Gospel that guides me as a parent. I am grateful for parents who raised my husband and I in a such a way that helps us raise our children to be "good." Man! There are some rough lil' characters out there. Scott and I had fun, though. It was great to go along since I always seem to be working on the other field trips:) What a fun boy! Our favorite thing was the laser show. We had a cute lil' autistic boy that was laying next to us. During the show, his lil' face was right over mine...he said, "Who are you?!!" I said, "I'm Scott's mom...you know, Scott in your class....do you know Scott....uh, ....hello?" He replied, "I'm not speaking right now." okay. :) Funny guy:)

Oh, Michael...

Michael has always been artistic. He just has that natural talent. I love watching what he has been blessed with. When he gets new Lego or Kinex sets, he has them built in no time...usually without instructions. He can just look at the picture and WHAMO...he's got it made...not just structurally, but also functionally (is that even a word?). Everything he makes is perfectly symmetrical and each part moves...down to the smallest detail. Not surprisingly, he scored highest on his assessment testing on the section of geometry and spacial relations. I love watching these children grow and develop into what their spirits are. Each child is so different.

Michael is 10

My sweet lil' boy is 10! I can't believe what a gentle, kind, and talented boy I get to raise. Michael is still my artist. He loves drawing, building, creating. He is so obedient and kind. He even hugs me goodbye at the BUS STOP!!! Oh, how blessed I am to be his mama.