Mom Of 4 Little Blessings

Gingerbread Houses

2011-12-23T23:31:00.000-08:00

A family tradition at our house during Christmas time is making a Gingerbread House. We usually make one of those kit houses as a family. This year I saw a kit that had 5 little houses so that that would be perfect then everyone could have one to make. Little did we know that they were going to be tiny little houses. I think we may just opt for the graham cracker houses around a milk carton next year.

The kids decided they were going to make a little cabin instead! We got some cardboard out and wrapped it in tin foil so they could do some landscaping as well. Max quickly figured it out and was into doing everything himself.

The kids each had their own ideas and were excited to get going!

Max was pretty focused and wanted to do everything himself until he needed more frosting on his knife or some candy. He would then yell one of the girls names until they came to the rescue.

This may be why he needed more frosting on his knife so often.

It was so much fun seeing them all busy at work as they were planning out their creations.

Emma to the rescue this time!

Shane felt like the Gingerbread House pro because he had done it at school already.

I couldn't believe how focused Max was on creating his own masterpiece.

This little house is totally Emma with all the bling! I love how their little personalities come out even doing Gingerbread Houses.

Alexa is my creative soul so this was right up her alley!

I loved how Max watched his siblings and followed suit. He saw them making paths of frosting so he did it too.

They added candy to the path ....

and so did he.

Alexa's little cabin in the woods, notice the trees.

Emma's bright and colorful cabin on the snowy plain.

Shane was pretty proud of his little house and large snowman!

As you can see Max couldn't be more thrilled with his finished product! It looks as though he enjoyed some frosting and candy along the way!

Max's very first Gingerbread House .... what a masterpiece!

The Christmas Express

2011-12-23T23:13:00.000-08:00

On Friday night we hit The Christmas Express!

The kids got their pj's on and were given a ticket to get on board The Christmas Express.

There are free printables for these tickets or the Mini Van Express here.

They gathered their favorite blanket and waited at the door to give Eric their ticket. As they handed him their ticket they got a cup of yummy hot cocoa in return.

Notice our little friend Max sneaking through and making his way to the car.

The kids thought it was so much fun to be their pj's with their hot cocoa as we drove around and looked at lights. We drove down to Falls Park for the huge light display that is amazing. Eric and I snagged our travel mugs with coffee, turned on the Christmas music and were ready for a nice little drive with the kids on a beautiful night. Max just doesn't slow down and just couldn't find it in himself to quiet down for our night out. I kept timing him ... nope ... he couldn't make it 30 seconds with out saying something or yelling something. Eric said, "Really, he can't even make it a 30 seconds :)!" I just kept giggling in the front seat. Oh I love this little boy and the love he has for life. Yes, it can be draining and he never really slows down but that is what makes him who he is. A little boy FULL of life.

What a great night. It just may be added to our list of family Christmas traditions. I can just see Eric standing at the door gathering tickets from his grand kids someday.... not that I am anywhere close to ready for grand kids :) ... but how fun would that be. Treasuring time with family and new memories this Christmas season. BLESSED!

Christmas Goodies

2011-12-23T06:59:00.000-08:00

All the kids love to help in the kitchen. The girls especially get into our Christmas goodie making. We usually spend part of a day and make a huge mess but have a ton of fun.

One thing the kids love to make are the pretzels with Rollo's on top and finished with a pecan. This year we also made pretzels with Hersey kisses and M&M's on top.

Shane thought he would do some taste testing!

They are putting on the finishing touches of pecans and M&M's after they came out of the oven. This is where Shane decided he was done with goodie making and would rather go play.

Alexa was excited when we decided to make Crispy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Truffles. She loves peanut butter so decided to own the making of these fun treats. Her sister on the other hand is not a peanut butter fan so decided she really didn't want to participate in making these.

Crispy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Truffles

makes about 50-60 balls, if teaspoon sized

2 cups creamy peanut butter

2 cups powdered sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2/3 cup crisped rice cereal

2 1/2 – 3 cups milk chocolate chips

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat peanut butter and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add in vanilla extract and powdered sugar with the mixture on low, speeding up once it becomes more combined. At this point you should have a cookie “dough” (depending on your brand of peanut butter you may need a little more sugar – add it 1-2 tablespoons at a time while mixing). Using a spatula, gently fold in crisped rice cereal so it gets distributed through the batter, adding more is desired. Be careful not to crush all the cereal so it stays crispy.

Once combined, roll dough into balls (mine were slightly more than teaspoon-sized) and place on a parchment-covered baking sheet. Some of the balls will have crisped rice edges sticking out and some may be crumbly – that’s okay, just roll as smooth as you can occasionally squeezing the dough together if needed. Refrigerate for 60-90 minutes. Melt chocolate in either the microwave (I melt in 30 second increments while stirring) or in a double boiler. Remove peanut butter balls from fridge and dip in chocolate, then place back on parchment. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Store in the refrigerator!

After Alexa mixed up all the ingredients she got to work rolling all the balls to chill in the fridge for a while.

Emma decided the Fudge Kiss Cookies with peppermint kisses were more her style and she mixed up, flattened and added the finishing touches to these treats.

Fudge Kiss Cookies

ingredients:

1/3 cup butter or margarine

6 oz unsweetened baking chocolate

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)

1 pouch (1 lb, 1.5 oz), Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix

1 tsp ground cinnamon

60 Hershey's candy cane kisses

directions:

Heat oven to 350. In large microwaveable bowl, microwave butter and chocolate on high, 1 minute. Stir, microwave on high 1 minute longer or until butter is melted and chocolate can be stirred smooth. Stir condensed milk into chocolate mixture. Stir in cookie mix and cinnamon until well blended. Using 1 level tablespoon of dough for each cookie, shape into 60 balls. On ungreased cookie sheets, place balls 2 inches apart.

Bake 6 to 7 minutes or until edges lose their shiny look (do not over bake). Immediately press 1 candy into center of each cookie. Cool on cookie sheets 5 minutes; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Tap edge of candy lightly. Cool completely. Store at room temperature.

These took some time but Alexa saw every one through the whole process without too much help from her mom.

We had a few interuptions from the boys. This time Max was on a mission to fix something with his tool belt.

We mixed up a batch of our very favorite sugar cookies and Emma decorated all of them.

Sugar Cookies

1 cup powdered sugar

1 cup white sugar

1 cup butter

1 cup vegetable oil

Blend above thoroughly

then add:

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

4 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp cream of tartar

1 tsp soda

1 tsp salt

Flatten dough ball with glass dipped in sugar

Bake at 350 degree for 8-10 minutes of until lightly brown around the edges

When we were done we had a huge mess to clean up but lots of goodies to share. We boxed up some goodies.

We went out as a family and delivered some treat boxes to some of our new neighbors. We feel so blessed by the kindness of our new neighbors.

A Lot To Celebrate

2011-12-22T18:48:00.000-08:00

There is so much to celebrate this Christmas season. It seems crazy at times that this is Max's first Christmas home. It feels like he has been with us forever and yet just a year ago we were anticipating our trip to China shortly after Christmas. God has blessed us in so many ways this past year through our journey to Max. We dragged our feet a little bit on the last batch of paperwork for the finalization of Max's adoption in the state of South Dakota. I love how the timing worked out though. What an amazing Christmas present and a great way to start the season of celebration with our family.

The kids were all very excited to head to court today to complete our last leg of Max's adoption journey!

I love this picture of Eric watching the kids! One proud daddy!

Brothers!

When Papa walked in the court room it was all over .... the rest of us were chopped liver. This boy loves his Papa!

Love this picture of Papa talking to Max on his big day!

We were very grateful that my parents made the drive for Max's big day! They have been so supportive of us on our journey to Max and since we have been home. They held down the fort for 16 days while we were in China and made it through flu with all the kids, a broken fridge and the business of life with three and their school schedule. Max loves his Papa and Grammy and is quick to run into their arms for hugs the minute he sees them. We almost had to tell Papa to leave the courtroom during our lawyer's questioning because Max kept yelling "Papa" at the top of his lungs and wanted to go by him.

On December 22, 2011 we celebrated Max officially becoming Max Lei Fu McDonald in the state of

South Dakota!

The whole gang!

I love this picture of the girls skipping away with their little brother. What a great day!

We finished our special morning with breakfast at the Cracker Barrel!

So thankful that we can celebrate the finalization of Max's adoption this Christmas season, what a gift! This little boy has brought us so much joy this year.

Christmas Cookies

2011-12-21T23:24:00.000-08:00

The kids love making Christmas cut out cookies. I think it has been about six years that we have decorated cookies with our friends. In that time we have each gained a few kids and the older ones are in school. So our leisure, messy mornings of Christmas cookie decorating have now turned into a bit of fun and craziness after school. We have gotten smarter over the years and bake all our cookies first and just decorate together. Our first year we tried to do it all and it was a bit much for our little ones and for us.

On Tuesday night we broke out the mixer and got going on our cut outs. My friend Kathy is the Christmas Cookie Cut Out queen. I just may have to fly to Washington someday to meet her in person and get a few tips from her. We met through our blogs and have become friends. She has been a huge support after Leigh Ann's death as she had walked her own road of grief. She often had just the right words either in emails or over the phone. She got where I was and knew the road I would be walking. Anyway, we use her Sugar Cookie Cut Out recipe and her tips have saved us huge headaches and messes. Here is a tip for those of you who may avoid Cut Out cookies because of the mess on the counter. You take two pieces of waxed paper, put the dough between them, roll it out and put in the fridge. After it is firm you peal back the top piece of waxed paper and cut your shapes and bake them. Yes, no mess of flour or dough sticking to the counter. You just put the dough back between and roll again. I love it because I can put a piece in front of each of my kids and let them have at it without a crazy mess. So there is my tip from Kathy's Kitchen!

I love that Shane loves to help in the kitchen. His wife will appreciate it someday if he keeps it up!

Max was all over it. I just let him have his piece of dough and he did what he wanted. He loved every minute of it.

Emma carefully placing her shapes on her dough.

On Wednesday after the school parties it was time for our friends to come over and the fun to begin. A little more sugar wouldn't hurt on the day would it?

Alexa got busy frosting her cookies.

I often caught Shane licking his fingers.

Max figured out pretty quickly how to frost his cookie, by himself (there is a lot of "I do it" at our house right now) ...

then add sprinkles ...

and scream with delight over his masterpiece. By the look of the color of his mouth he had been taste testing a bit!

It has been fun to see these two grow over the years. They have developed a sweet friendship and are the best of friends.

I love seeing everyone at work.

Another fun year of memories decorating cookies with friends. I really should take a picture of the table where it looks like a bomb went of with frosting and sprinkles. My friend Julie and I sit and finish frosting and decorating amongst the mess as the kids run off to play. It is always fun for us to have our time to catch up too!

A Three Ring Circus

2011-12-21T13:32:00.000-08:00

I love helping in the kids classrooms, going on field trips and helping with parties. It has been a bit of a challenge this year as now three are in school and Max is still at home. I was excited when it looked like I would be able to possibly hit all the kids classroom Christmas parties. The kids were so excited for their last day of school and their Christmas parties. Alexa woke up with an itchy eye that looked liked it was potential pink eye. Alexa was sad that she might miss her last day before break. That is where it felt like the 3 ring circus began. We waited a couple hours and her eye seemed to get better so we left Max with a sitter and headed to school. I had just gotten to Emma's room and she came in from recess and wasn't feeling well. She sat for a little bit and then said she was feeling better.

Emma's party started with them making ornaments.

The kids then enjoyed a fun treat!

One mom planned a fun game. She wrapped up books for all the kids and read a story that had a lot of "rights" and "lefts" in the story. The kids would pass it in that direction whenever she read those words.

Emma got the book Molly. The kids are all supposed to read their books over break and then are supposed to bring them to the library and donate them to the school library. They were all excited about something new to read over break and then getting to bring them back and sharing them with others.

I snuck over to Alexa's party a couple times during Emma's and then got in on a little Apple's To Apples with her class at the end of her party.

We had lunch then it was time for Shane's party. I quick hit Alexa's room on the way to the party to put some more drops in her eyes. When I walked into Shane's room there was a little girl just sobbing. It was her last day at school. She was moving over Christmas and she wasn't feeling well so had to go home and miss the party. She sat on Shane's teacher's lap and just cried as the class prayed for her and said good-bye. All of us moms in the back were shedding a few tears too over what was unfolding. Right as we were gaining composure and getting ready to get the party started Emma's teacher popped her head in and said Emma was laying down in the office and wasn't feeling well. So I slipped out and went to check on Emma. She said she just didn't feel quite right but didn't need to go home. So I made my way back to Shane's room and told her teacher to let me know if she felt worse.

Shane's class had a Happy Birthday Jesus party and he loved every bit of it. At his first station he made a cute little ornament to hang on his tree of the nativity.

At station two he played Pin The Tail On The Donkey. Most of the kids had never played it and thought it was really fun!

At station three he got to play Merry Christmas Bingo.

And last but not least was decorating and eating Christmas cookies.

I wouldn't have it any other way ... with 4 little ones life is bound to feel like a 3 Ring Circus some days.

It Might Be Time

2011-12-21T06:08:00.000-08:00

It just might be time to break out the potty chair. I am not too excited about it and think I would rather wait but Mr Max is all about the potty lately. He tells me right when or after he goes and every baby or animal he gets his hands on has a stinky diaper or has to go potty.

The other day it was a little too quiet in the house and that is when I saw him. He was super focused and very busy having his sister's monchhichi go potty. I quick grabbed my camera and caught him in action.

The Kleenexes were a little easier to access with one hand than the toilet paper.

As he wiped him he would say "gross!" I think he may have heard that once or twice come out of my mouth. He has some of the nastiest diapers around.

He says "all done" as he flushes and watches the Kleenex go.

Time to try again!

He must have decided it was time to get her cleaned up with a wipe and put a diaper back on.

"Max, that diaper is looking a little big there buddy!" Max could keep himself busy for hours putting diapers on and taking them off his animals.

We shall see if this mommy takes the bull by the horns and jumps into potty training after Christmas.

Happy 1/2 Birthday Alexa

2011-12-20T07:41:00.000-08:00

Alexa's birthday falls in the summer so she always makes it a point to try to work it out with her teacher to celebrate her 1/2 birthday. Her half birthday falls during the business of the holidays but she loves it. Since she was in Kindergarten she has made Reindeer cookies for her class as her staple birthday treat. This year she decided she wanted to branch out and try something new. She also was sure the two boys that were in her class the last two years might welcome a change. She is too cute as she thinks out all the details and makes her plans.

She saw these darling melting snowman cookies and decided those were the new birthday treat! She started my making her favorite sugar cookies.

While her cookies were cooling she mixed up the frosting and cut her marshmallows in half.

She then frosted her cookies ....

and added the snowmen's heads.

She loves decorating and loves details so she got right to work with her tubes of gel to decorate her little snowmen cookies.

She wanted enough for her class, the office staff, principal and all her specials teachers. She was a busy girl but in no time she had 30+ cute little snowmen cookies.

Happy 1/2 Birthday sweet girl. I can't believe you are halfway to 10.

Reindeer Cookies

2011-12-13T20:44:00.000-08:00

It is crazy to think that just a year ago we were anxiously awaiting our final approval on our journey to Max. Those two letters ... TA ... were with in reach and we waited not knowing when we would be jumping on a plane. We knew it could be close to Christmas, just after and were praying we would get our Travel Approval in time to squeeze in before China shut things down for the Chinese New Year in January.

There are some things and memories that will always be a part of our journey to Max and remind us of the anticipation as we waited. These cute little reindeer cookies have been a favorite of the kids to make the last couple years. The last two years Alexa has made them to take to school for her 1/2 birthday celebration. Shane had to take snacks this week and really wanted to make the reindeer cookies. As we were making them Alexa said do you remember what happened when I was making these last year? I sure do ... we were in the middle of mixing them and we got the email from our agency that we had gotten TA. China was telling us it was time to come and get our son. Alexa remembers it vividly because she was trying to get me to help her finish mixing up her cookies and I was dancing through the kitchen all giddy that our final piece of paperwork came through. Good thing she knew how to read and follow a recipe because my brain turned to mush and I couldn't remember how many cups or what we had already put in the mixing bowl. She had said to me, "Mom, you are acting weird. You never act like this!" I am pretty sure every time Alexa or I see or make these cookies we will always remember the excitement of getting Max's travel approval.

It is hard to believe that just a year ago today we got permission from China to bring our little boy home. I just can't imagine life without this sweet bundle of energy. His smile and love for life lights up a room. We are blessed!

Church Christmas Program

2011-12-11T23:11:00.000-08:00

The kids had their church Christmas program on Sunday. They each had a part they had to say and Alexa had to sing a solo. I was proud of each one of them.

Shane was feeling a little programed out after having school rehearsals and two programs earlier in the week. Saturday they had rehearsal and then program on Sunday. It was a busy week and a lot of standing and singing for this little boy. He was very happy to be done with programs for the week.

The theme of their program was Caroling The True Meaning. They wore hats and scarves and pretended they were caroling.

Emma, our little fashion queen, decided her scarf didn't match before coming on stage so went without one!

Another program finished for the Christmas season.

Off To See Santa

2011-12-10T22:08:00.000-08:00

We made our annual trip downtown to visit Santa on a Saturday morning. The big kids were very excited to see how Max reacted to Santa.

Shane stepped out first and told Santa he really would like some Geo-Trax and Lego. Santa told him that he would see what he could do but wouldn't promise him anything.

The girls looked so big on Santa's lap this year. They both wished for American Girl doll stuff. I am pretty sure they have moved out of believing in Santa but nothing has been said about it this year. We don't make a huge deal out of Santa and Santa doesn't bring huge gifts to our house but a stocking full of goodies is fun no matter how old you get.

I love Emma's smile! Emma did say a couple weeks ago ... "if you don't believe, you don't receive" ... I am not sure where she heard that but am wondering if they think the filling of the stockings is over if they voice Santa isn't real. We shall see what conversations we have in the coming weeks.

Max is Mr Social so I was pretty sure he would be all over sitting on Santa's lap but when the baby before us screamed bloody murder and he stared intently at her I wasn't sure what he was thinking. Eric put him down when it was his turn and he ran right to Santa and jumped right on his lap. He didn't take his eyes off of him. It was pretty cute!

Our four little blessings with Santa.

Our trip to see Santa isn't complete without a trip to the Diner for shakes. We started this tradition a couple years ago and it is something we all look forward too! Max trying his first cherry!

Shakes at the Diner is one of our kids favorite treats!

Shane didn't mess around with the straw but dug right in!

Life is good!

Gingerbread House Day

2011-12-09T22:15:00.000-08:00

One of the highlights in kindergarten that everyone looks forward to is Gingerbread House Day. Two teachers started this with the class that are now seniors. There were pictures posted of every child of the previous years. Every child takes a parent or special person to help with Gingerbread House day. Alexa was at a different school for kindergarten and we were at adoption classes when it was Emma's turn. My mom got in on the fun instead. So needless to say I was excited to be able to go with Shane and experience Gingerbread House Day.

Shane was super excited to get going. He spread frosting on his milk carton and then started building his house out of graham crackers.

All four kindergarten classes gathered with their special guest in the cafeteria. There were tables and tables of candy that the kids got to gather candy from.

Look at that pile of goodies that Shane gathered to decorate with.

He knew exactly what he wanted to put on his house.

I had so much fun hanging out with Shane for the morning. I love seeing him in his element at school. He is loving school and has grown and matured so much already this year. He definitely is Mr. Social.

He was busy decorating his house, making trees, building a path and decorating his gingerbread man.

He was so proud of his house and I was proud of him. He was quick to tell everyone around him how great their house was and exactly what he loved about his friend's houses.

Time was up and Shane was pretty proud of his finished product.

Look at that Masterpiece!

I had very specific instructions as I left that I was not to let Max touch it!

For Such A Time As This

2011-12-08T22:22:00.000-08:00

There are a couple things that I love .... I love this time of year, I love entertaining, I love decorating a table, I love fun food and love my Bible study girls! So add all of those things up and it means it is time to throw a party!

Another thing I love is Pinterest .. have your heard of it! It is a place you can pin fun pictures or ideas you find on other blogs, other pinners or the Internet. I found so many cute ideas for fun food for our party that I had to pick just a few.

This was a fun and easy way to make a meat and cheese tray look a little festive.

We have been studying Beth Moore's study The Inheritance. It has been an amazing study. The verses we have been focusing on is Psalm 16:5-6. We have been learning about the inheritance that is ours because we are daughters of Jesus Christ. We are over halfway through our study and God has really spoken to me during this study. Beth states, "You are not a slave to fate, luck has nothing to do with your life. The boundary lines that God has given you have fallen in pleasant places even if hard things happen. It is not always beautiful getting there or beautiful here all the time. Not one difficult thing in my life has been wasted, all of it has caused the boundary lines to fall and gave me purpose that God intended. Everything in your life has purpose, it is never redeemed if it isn't sanctified!" I love that I can rest in the fact that God has me in his hand and he has set my feet in the field that I am right now. One thing that is so easy to do is to strive for, look or wait for the next thing around the corner yet I am praying that I can rest in where God has me right now.

You can listen to Beth Moore's The Inheritance sessions free right here.

Here were some of the Christmas tree appetizers we had.

We had some little Christmas desserts. I found cute boxes to send home goodies with the girls.

I loved this idea and it was yummy and looked festive. I took a berry frozen concentrate and made it with sprite instead of water. I added berries at the end that floated right to the top!

I feel like God has brought this group of gals together "for such a time as this!" In just a few short months there have been ups and downs we have walked through in each others lives. There have been tears of joy and tears of pain. There has been life lived and life shared with these gals. I feel so blessed to have them in my life and to be digging in the Word and sharing our hearts. I love that we can share our heart and hold each other accountable and challenge each other in the field that God has set our feet in right now. I can't wait to see what else God has in store for us in the weeks to come!

Welcome To The North Pole

2011-12-07T22:18:00.000-08:00

One of the kids Christmas countdown surprises was a trip to the North Pole. I had planned a little Winter Wonderland Party and had gotten the snowman plates and napkins but when I saw my friend Kathy's North Pole breakfast I knew the kids would get a kick out of pretending they were at the North Pole. I had set the table the night before so when they came out of their rooms all dressed and ready for school the North Pole was waiting them.

I found some cute plates, napkins and snowflakes at Hobby Lobby. Printed out some signs and made some fun food purchases at the grocery store.

We had snowballs ....

snowflakes ....

and hills with snow! I know not the most healthy start to a day! But it is the season and sometimes the rules of a healthy breakfast before school just fly out the window!

Everyone still looks like they are waking up a bit!

Max is loving his powdered doughnut!

Shane thought the snowflakes were the best part!

The kids loved their North Pole breakfast surprise. The keep asking when we can do it again!

We just may need to take another trip to the North Pole during our long winter!

Christmas Traditions

2011-12-06T22:29:00.000-08:00

One of the traditions that we started with the kids was giving them an ornament every year. I also try to find them Christmas pajamas and we try to add a couple books to our Christmas book collection. The last couple years we have let the kids open these gifts at the beginning of December and I am loving that change. It is fun to have new Christmas pj's to wear all of December. We love having new books to snuggle on the couch and read and they love having their new ornaments on the tree for a couple weeks.

Opening these gifts was one of the Christmas countdown activities and the kids were very excited.

You can tell by the girls reaction that they loved their Nutcracker ornaments!

The boys thought their ornaments were pretty cool too! We of course got some oohing out of Max!

The girls each got a Nutcracker ornaments which is to remind them of their first performance in the the Nutcracker. Shane's ornaments is the golf ball and clubs. He loves going out with his dad to hit the golf ball and it also is to remember our time at our new house right on hole 1 of the golf course. I know Shane will have fun memories of hitting balls with his dad on the green after the golf course closes down. Max loved his airplane. This of course is to remind us of the year we brought our little boy home from across the ocean!

Max wasted no time in ripping off the paper!

The kids each opened a new book that we added to our collection of Christmas books. We will enjoy plenty of nights curled up on the couch reading in the next month. It is one of my favorite things to do with the kids during the Christmas season!

They then dove into their packages to see what their pj's looked like!

This year I was a little late on trying to get the right sizes in pj's that all matched. I need to remember that I now have four and need to plan ahead and may not be able to wait until they are on sale to get them all matching. I did find some cute ones though and everyone was more than excited to be matching. Shane is pretty excited to have a brother to match with now. It is so fun to see our four little blessings together in their Christmas pj's.

The night wouldn't be complete with out a silly face picture. It was so cute watching the kids teach Max how to make a silly face! What a bunch of silly monkeys we have on our hands.

Christmas Countdown

2011-12-06T22:02:00.000-08:00

I think every year I hear from many and say myself, "I love this time of year. There is so much to do and things to enjoy but it always seems to go way too fast and begins to feel like a blur." In the ideal world life just slows way down and you savor this season making memories with your family. In our real world life started off with us running as Eric had a lot of traveling and the girls were in the Nutcracker.

As I looked ahead and saw activities, programs, parties and just life it began to feel busy and yet I know taking a day at a time and enjoying something as a family or if Eric was gone with the kids was doable. I just needed to be purposeful with our time. There are a ton of great ideas out there on the world wide web that I love to gather and use or change a bit to work for us. One easy and cute idea was to turn our Thankful Tree into a Christmas countdown tree. That was easy enough and the kids are loving adding bulbs each day!

There are also so many cute Countdown to Christmas ideas out there. I grabbed these cute little bags from Hobby Lobby that had little cards that fit right inside. I punched some circles, glued them on, put numbers on and we were ready to countdown. I have tried to make the activities on the card something that encourages family time. The kids can't wait to open the next day's card and find out what we have planned. Sometimes it is as easy as making a snowflake, reading Christmas books together on the couch or family movie night. Sometimes it is a fun surprise or a family outing. I hope during the business of the season, the business of having Eric on the road and the business that comes with four kids we can have some accountability with our little envelopes and enjoy some fun family focused time building memories this Christmas season.

Have you heard of this?

I hadn't heard of it either until this year. When the catalogs start rolling in by the handful at the end of November, the commercials start on TV and people begin asking my kids what is on their Christmas list Christmas can so quickly become self focused. I love Christmas and finding the perfect gifts for my kids even though they really don't need anything. So finding the balance of enjoying the process of giving and receiving is something I hope we can do as a family. When I read on Courtney's blog about Lighting up the Community with Christ's love and she had these great printables to use I knew it was something I thought would be a way to keep the focus off of ourselves and on others this Christmas season. I love Courtney's heart as she put this together and is encouraging other families to participate. She says,

For this year, I wanted my kids to SEE and WATCH and DO what scripture says.

I wanted them to feel the JOY and even the uncomfortable moments of stepping out in fear and trusting.

We’re going to spend HOURS and DAYS out in the community anyway, why not just tote a bag full of stuff and be praying and ready for how God is going to intersect us with a life or opportunity to LIGHT EM UP!

My heart echo's her words. I want my kids to experience giving of themselves this Christmas season. The kids are loving it already. It has been fun to hear them think about different ideas of things we can do. After one thing we did Emma got teary and said, "Mom it feels so much better in my heart to do something for someone than to get a present myself!" I am praying that this can be one way my kids will

see, feel and experience the true meaning of Christmas. I have a feeling this may be one of our family December traditions. I will share about some our experiences and thoughts from the kids at the end of the month! Go to Courtney's blog and check it out!

Brothers

2011-12-05T22:04:00.000-08:00

I love seeing these two together. They are both all boy and have way too much fun together. There is some screaming, crying and occasional fighting but all the laughing and giggling and just plain fun out weighs the other. Max loves having his brother home on Tuesday and Thursday to play with. We are savoring moments like this before Shane goes to school every day all day in January. December please slow down!

The Nutcracker Ballet

2011-12-04T08:54:00.000-08:00

The excitement was elevating as the weekend for the Nutcracker drew near. The girls have worked hard all fall learning their routine for their big debut. We went to the Nutcracker their ballet studio puts on 2 years ago and the girls loved it. This year they got to take part in it and could hardly wait.

They were there early to get their make up done!

In one of the girls performances our friend Tessa got to ride in the sleigh!

The girls spent time watching Christmas movies, coloring, reading and having fun with dance friends while they waited for their big debut on stage!

In costume and ready to go!

I loved how their personalities shine through even on stage! Emma came bouncing on stage with a grin on her face you couldn't wipe off if you tried. You can tell she is just having a blast. She did say she was pretty nervous though but by her smile you would have never known.

Alexa came on stage with a smile but a more serious demeanor. She was concentrating on her every move and every move was spot on! She loves dance and has really learned a lot this year and takes all her moves and poses very serious. She is often dancing around the house practicing her steps.

It was so much fun to see the girls on stage!

Their dance studio did an amazing job putting on a wonderful show!

Emma loved when the Sugar Plum Fairy came out!

Emma bowing before she exited!

Alexa was the last to leave the stage!

It was such a fun experience for the girls. I am so proud of them!

Alexa's good friend Reagan was Claire. She was beautiful and did an amazing job!

Papa and Grammy and the girl's cousins came to see one of their performances. The girls were excited to have special people in the audience watching them.

It was a great way to kick of Christmas season at our house! It is starting to feel a lot like Christmas. We just need a little snow now!

It Is Starting To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-01T07:39:00.000-08:00

The kids love when it is time to set up the Christmas trees.

Shane has a tree for his room and the girls have one in their room. Shane was a little worried that Max might feel left out and I said we would try to get him one next year.

Max quickly got into the action and was excited and joined right in.

The girls got to work decorating their pink tree.

Max found his way downstairs to help his sister too! He of course can't miss out on the action!

We got the lights out to see if they were all in working order. Max did a lot of oohing over all the lights.

One of my favorite things is opening the box of ornaments. There are so many memories in this little box. Eric and I both received ornaments every year growing up that are all in this box. The kids also get ornaments every year. It is fun to see them pick up their ornaments and reminisce about when they got them. My favorite is pulling out all those homemade ornaments and the sweet pictures of the kids from the years past.

Max quickly grabbed a ball and did what only he knows. He threw the ball and startled everyone as it shattered. The verdict is still out if the good tree with the fancy ornaments will go up this year with our busy boy with busy hands.

I love this picture of our four little blessings around the tree this year! We are blessed!

The lights went off and everyone took in the finished tree! Max was loving the lights on the tree!

I can't wait to experience more of this magical and special time of year through the eyes of our four little blessings.

More Celebrating

2011-11-27T07:05:00.000-08:00

We decided to do a little Thanksgiving celebration with Eric's sister Molly and his sister Lori and her family the weekend of Thanksgiving. We decided it would be nice to have a little more time to hang out and for the kids to play.

The girls and I saw these pictures of a turkey made out of veggies so we tried our own version.

Alexa also thought these fruit cornucopia's looked fun to make.

We didn't do anything too fancy but instead made it simple and enjoyed our time hanging out. The kids all squeezed around the picnic table.

Max enjoying another family gathering during the holidays.

The kids disappeared for most of the afternoon and evening. They had so much fun playing! They would make a random appearance with their band or a style show!

We grabbed a picture of the gang at the end of the night!

The big girls .....

and the crazy boys! The kids can't wait for more cousin time at Christmas!

Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-24T10:44:00.000-08:00

On Thanksgiving Day we headed to my parents for the day!

I don't think I have ever gotten a picture of the turkey carver, my dad hard at work. I love Thanksgiving food!

I am thankful for the family and the example my parents are and the foundation they laid in our lives. We had a table full and there were even 5 missing at lunch!

Max loved his first taste of Thanksgiving food! His potatoes were his favorite. When Max gets excited about food his little feet twirl in circles. He did this on of our first nights in China as we gave him prunes .... his still does it today when he loves what is going in his mouth.

In the afternoon my brother and his family came and we attempted some family pictures. What a crew to give thanks for!!!!! This Thanksgiving we are thankful that our family grew by 5 this year. We obviously brought home Max. My younger brother and his wife added little Mataya to their family in August. They also felt like God was leading them to do foster care. In March they welcomed 2 little boys into their family and just last week a 17 year old boy joined their family. Yes, they went from 1 to 5 kids in 9 months. I am thankful for the way they have let God lead their family and the blessing these boys have been to our family.

Papa and Grammy and their crew. To think just 9 years ago there were only 2 grandkids. I know my parents would say they are BLESSED! My mom had once told her friend she didn't know if she was ever going to be a grandma .... I am pretty sure we have that covered and she is now a grammy that has her hands full.

Our afternoon was spent relaxing ....

drawing with cousins ....

playing little people ....

and getting a little wii in!

The picture isn't the greatest gut I don't think I have ever gotten a picture of something that is part of almost every family gathering. My family loves to play games. We played a lot of game and cards growing up and it continues at our family gatherings. It has gotten a little harder with our family growing and the business of all the kids but we typically find away to play. I love all the family memories that were formed around the table playing games and it is something that continues in our own home. I hope someday my kids will look back and have the same special memories around the table with a deck of cards or a game.

While we were rolling dice Mya and Bailey found their way into Grammy's closet. They were all smiles with their new attire!

We finished the night with the kids making turkeys out of chocolate rice krispie balls and candy!

Shane is a baby lover! How can you not be thankful for this little sweet addition this year!

Giving Thanks For A Full Table

2011-11-23T22:19:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving we have so much to thankful for but there is no denying that at the top of our list is having Max around our table. Last year at this time there was so much anticipation about a little boy an ocean away that was our son and brother.

We decided to have our own little Thanksgiving celebration with our family! The girls loved helping to decide the menu and decorate the table.

We easily settled on Chinese food for dinner! Everyone thought it was perfect for Max's first Thanksgiving around our table.

The girls cut out our Thankful cards for our Tree of Thanks!

It looks pretty empty but soon it was filled with our cards of thanksgiving.

Some special friends dropped off these yummy cupcakes for our family. We have been so blessed with amazing friends to walk through this journey of life with us. They were the perfect center piece for our table.

Max loves Edamame. I would always squeeze out the beans for him but our little independent 2 year old wanted to do it himself. Let me tell you he has it all figure out.

I am so thankful for our beautiful first born. She is a such a wonderful role model for her sister and brothers. She is responsible, is my big helper and loves on each of her siblings. She is one determined little cookie. She doesn't do anything partial but does everything to the best of her ability and with her whole heart. I am so proud of the way she loves others with Christ's love. She is a gift to our family!

I am so thankful for Emma. Her smile can light up a room. She wears her heart on her sleeve. She often is right by my side helping me make dinner or asking what she can help clean. She is quick to read books or play cars with Max. She often runs a classroom in our basement and I am pretty sure Shane and Max aren't the easiest students. Emma has a love for life that just radiates from her. I feel so blessed to be her mommy!

That crazy, toothless grin says it all. Shane is all about having fun! He makes me laugh daily. He is our social, active boy. He can makes friends with anyone is always looking to make a new friend. He has a gentle, loving spirit in the midst of his business as a boy! He has added a whole new dimension to our quiet, pink girly house! We are so thankful for joy that radiates from our sweet boy!

This Thanksgiving I am so thankful that Max is home and is part of our family. I am so thankful for God's plan for our little boy's life. I often stand it awe that God would choose us to be the parents of this little boy. He is full of life and embraces everything that comes his way! We are thankful for the way that he has changed our life, our hearts and our family.

The kids got to work writing down they things they were thankful for.

Eric pretending to think really hard while the girls were having fun with him!

Max thought it would be more fun to dig into the cupcakes!

After everyone was finished writing we went around and shared. It was fun hearing what each of our blessings were thankful for. God is good and has blessed us richly this year.

A Gift

2011-11-23T20:44:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up and felt tired. Alexa has been struggling with a cough for 3 weeks. She has been up a ton and coughing so hard she had been throwing up. Max had had a procedure and had been up the last couple nights as well. I didn't feel ready to face the day with four kids and was not feeling the thankful spirit the day before Thanksgiving.

I sat down in my chair with my coffee in toe and my devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. As I sat down I looked to my left out the large windows of our new house and there it was, a gift. God's beauty ready and waiting to greet me. It is November 23 and we are experiencing our first real frost.

I stood in awe of the beauty. I grabbed my camera and started snapping some pictures.

Just months ago these trees we green and lush. They then transformed into reds, oranges and yellows as the season changed and now they are covered with a brilliant white frost. There are so many times I take the beauty around me for granted. I often don't stand in awe at the power of God and the evidence of this power and majesty in the changing of season. This morning was a gift.

I settled back in to my chair and this was part of my devotional.

As you sit quietly in My Presence, let Me fill your heart and mind with thankfulness. This is the most direct way to achieve a thankful stance. If your mind needs a focal point, gaze at My Love poured out for you on the cross. Remember that nothing in heaven or on earth can separate you from that Love. This remembrance builds a foundation of gratitude in you, a foundation that circumstances cannot shake.

As you go through this day, look for tiny treasures strategically placed along the way. I lovingly go before you and plant little pleasures to brighten your day. Look carefully for them, and pluck them one by one. When you reach the end of the day, you will have gathered a lovely bouquet. Offer it up to Me with a grateful heart.

From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

A gift, an attitude changer ..... that is what happens when I take time to start my day focusing up instead of out! I know there will be more treasures placed along the way!

Max's Visit To The Surgical Tower

2011-11-21T21:09:00.000-08:00

On Monday we headed to the surgical tower for Max to have a procedure done.

He wasn't sure what to think about the new clothes, bracelets and people that were checking his vitals.

We typically address Max by his first name and rarely do I see or hear his whole name. Today as I looked at his name band there were thoughts that came flooding back. I am so thankful for everything that his name represents.

Max wasn't sure what to think about his hat!

He was quickly entertained by his new little pig that was waiting for him when we arrived.

Max did great as we waited for him to be taken up. The nurse came in and asked if we wanted to send something up with him that would be comforting when he was in recover before he was brought down to us. I said we would send his blanket. We need to put a tag on it so as I started to look for it we couldn't find it anywhere. The nurse and I tore the room apart numerous times. Guess where we found it? Mr. Max had put it up his pant leg, silly boy!

They let one of us go up with him and stay with him until he fell asleep so he didn't get too anxious.

Checking to see if he was still in his daddy's arms!

And they are off! Max's procedure went well but coming out of anesthesia wasn't fun. Max was really sad and didn't want to eat or drink anything. We couldn't be released until he got something down. We patiently tried to get him to attempt some juice or a Popsicle but he didn't want anything to do with it. He just had a very sad little cry. After a while the cry turned into being very mad and the poor little thing just wanted out of there. He started pulling of his monitors and then tried to pull out his IV. Finally we enticed him with a Popsicle in his not very happy state so we could get out of there. He should be back to his happy, active self in no time!

PS While he was under they did an xray and were able to confirm that he had passed his shiny little dime

Shane's New Friend

2011-11-19T19:57:00.000-08:00

I had fun going with Shane and his class to a local retirement home. Shane was so excited to go make a new friend.

The kids had a little program they had worked on. Shane was pledge leader so he was excited to lead everyone in the pledge to the American and to the Christian flag.

The kids sang a number of songs for the residents. Here there are singing "Our God Is So Big!"

They sang songs using sign language and also sang Jesus Loves Me in English and Spanish. They did such a great job!

The kids each had to go out and make a new friend when they were done singing. They made place mats and a turkey from an apple to give to their new friend. Shane quickly walked up to Don and they became friends easily. Shane talked his ear off and they shared about each other's families and things they like about Thanksgiving.

As I looked around the room it was such a blessing to see all these sweet Kindergarteners with their new friends. There was even a little old lady with tears running down her cheeks because her heart was touched by the kids visit!

Shane loved his time at the retirement home and loved making a new friend. When we were about ready to go Don reached in his pocket and pulled out a shiny new quarter and handed it to Shane. Shane of course had a huge smile on his face and gave Don a big hug! It was so sweet to watch their exchange. Shane is such a busy, social boy but I love seeing his heart shine through and seeing his tenderness. Don't you just love that toothless smile too! He is so proud of his new smile ... this mom is a little sad to see those baby teeth go!

He Keeps Us On Our Toes

2011-11-18T05:56:00.000-08:00

On Thursday at about 2:30pm I walked into our living room as I heard a little clang and then heard Max choking and gasping for breath. It was one of those moments that a thousand thoughts go racing through your head as I tried to get Max to spit up what he was choking on. It was probably only seconds but felt like minutes and it was down the hatch. I looked at Shane who was right by him and asked him if he knew if Max had money because that is what it sounded like. Shane said, "Yes, he threw that little shiny silver one in the air and it came down straight in his mouth!" I made a couple calls to Eric and Max's doctor and they confirmed we needed to come in for an x-ray to see where this little dime had landed. Eric was out of town so I loaded up my 4 little blessings and we headed in for some pictures of Max's tummy!

I stood in front of an x-ray that looked similar to this. It confirmed that dime was safely making it's way through the stomach and was making it's way into the colon. We were to watch for it's appearance on the other end. I was talking to one of my good friends after this little adventure and she said, "I love how Max has brought so much energy to the McDonald house!" Yes he has taken the energy level in our house to a whole new level and is keeping us on our toes! We are loving the way God has blessed our family with this little ball of energy even if it means there will be days we stand in front of x-rays looking for a dime that was swallowed!

Happy Halloween

2011-11-03T20:49:00.001-07:00

I have to admit Halloween isn't one of my favorite holidays and we don't make a huge deal out of it. I love all the cute little costumes and love that the kids have fun trick or treating in the neighborhood but all the ghosts, skeletons, witches and scary stuff I can certainly can do without. It was fun to see the kids excitement this year. It wasn't about all the candy and trick or treating but it was about getting their costumes together. It was fun to see their costumes come together as they rummaged through the dress up box. There were a couple things that fit Max but they decided the lion suited him best. Alexa decided to be a 50's girl and wear their poodle skirt. She was really excited when we found her saddle shoes for $3 at the used clothing store. Emma debated on wearing a Chinese dress, being a bride or being a baker. She decided to be original this year and use her apron and hat and be a baker. We don't have a ton of boy dress us stuff so Shane and I made a stop at our local Savers and rummaged through the costumes. He found this really cute clown outfit for $6 right away! The minute he saw it it was a done deal he was going to be a clown. I had a wig and funny shoes from when I had dressed up years ago for a costume party. He was thrilled with his costume.

The girls had dance on Halloween at 5 so the boys and I hung in the van and painted faces. We will chalk that one up for an experience! We packed lunches to eat on the way home and the girls quickly got ready to hit the sidewalks.

This totally fits our crazy boy!

And here is our cute little scary lion!

Emma the baker, who got carried away with the flour!

Alexa looked pretty cute too! I wonder if they wore North Face Fleece Jackets in the 50's? It is part of the attire when it is October in South Dakota!

The shoes were my favorite. They are plastic and go over shoes and were loud, obnoxious and hard to walk in. They only lasted about a block before Shane realized he would be taking up the rear all night with these shoes on.

Alexa decided she just might be the baker next year because Emma scored a lot of extra candy because everyone thought she was so cute. Emma's love language is words of affirmation so she was eating up all the compliments.

And we are off. We were very thankful for a beautiful evening. There are many times that winter coats, gloves and hats are part of the Halloween attire. Max was following his sister's lead with no idea what was ahead of him.

Our neighbors asked us if we wanted to go around the neighborhood with them. They have a girl the same age as Emma and a boy Shane's age so they are loving playing together. They decided they were going to show us the ropes in the neighborhood!

Max was loving every minute of Trick or Treating. He would run from door to door as fast as his little legs would carry him. He just couldn't contain himself and would scream and squeal the whole way.

He didn't even realize they were giving candy to him but thought carrying that bag like the big kids was pretty cool!

This door I finally had to intervene because she kept saying to Max you are so cute and he would smile at her and she would keep giving him candy. I think he scored about 7 candy bars at that house.

The kids had so much fun with the neighbors and came home with more than enough candy to go around.

There were times like this when Eric would catch Max's hand before he would fly past him. As you can see he is trying to pull his daddy along!

Max's night was cut short when his legs just couldn't keep up and our little lion landed on his nose. Taken with Eric's phone and texted to me while I was out with other 3 :(

The kids had so much fun with the neighbors and came home with more than enough candy to go around.

It was such a fun night for the kids! They are all at such a great age right now! We are enjoying time as a family and soaking it all up. Max adds a little extra energy and fun this year.

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-30T17:31:00.000-07:00

The kids were very exciting to do their pumpkin carving. We decided to do it simple and not get too crazy this year. There are so many cool patterns and ideas but we told the kids to just draw what they wanted and they were more than excited about creating their very own pumpkin.

They all got right to work!

As you can see there was no way that Max was going to miss out.

Aunt Molly was visiting so she got to join in on the fun. Emma was quick to ask her to help her with hers. I love her giving heart!

Shane got right to work and knew exactly what he wanted to draw!

Eric got to work ... he had a few pumpkins to carve.

It was time to dig in and clean out the pumpkins.

The girls didn't mind one bit digging in and getting dirty.

Shane on the other hand was totally grossed out!

I love all of his expressions.

Max became very possessive of his pumpkin and didn't want anyone to touch it. He wanted to do it himself. He would push Eric away when he got too close.

He wasn't a fan of getting his hands dirty ....

using a spoon was more his style.

Love this picture of the our crew! The table is full .... so thankful this season for our 4th little blessing!

Alexa was very excited about her heart eyes!

Shane decided to go with the geometric shapes!

Max squealed with delight when he saw his face on his pumpkin. Have you noticed we hear a lot of squealing at our house.

Alexa with her masterpiece.

Shane was very proud of his!

Molly and Emma decided to carve a cross instead!

Max saw the kids grab their pumpkins and bring them to the front door. There was no way he was going to miss out and and no way anyone was going to carry his pumpkin for him.

His look says it all. He was very excited about his little pumpkin and took a seat and settled in right beside it with his little legs wiggling with excitement and a big grin. He kept touching and when we said we needed to go in he kept saying "no!" He wasn't about to leave his pumpkin behind. We coaxed him inside by having him tell his pumpkin night, night!

This is just the start of seeing life through the eyes of Max this holiday season! I can't wait to experience it all through his little eyes this year. This time last year we were so close to bringing him home. There were so many thoughts and wonder about what life would look like this year and here we are experiencing it! I can't wait to experience this season through the eyes of our little Max this year.

Our Attempt At Cake Pops

2011-10-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

The kids thought it would be fun to attempt to make some cake pops. It sounded fairly straight forward and easy as I scanned the recipe.

All three of the kids love to cook and bake. Every Sunday they each beg to help daddy make our lunch or typically brunch. All three of them are actually better at cracking eggs than their mom. I typically find myself fishing a little piece of a shell out. You would think I would figure it out by now. I guess I need to go to daddy's "Cracking Eggs" school too. The kids picked out a Funfetti Cake mix and we mixed it up and put it in the oven to bake.

The took the cake piece by piece and smashed it into crumb size pieces. We then added 3/4 of a can of store bought frosting and mixed it all together. That is where the fun began.

The kids dug in and rolled the cake into balls therefor forming cake balls.

The cake balls were placed on parchment paper on a cookie sheet and then put in the freezer for about an hour.

We put chocolate and white candy melts into glass bowls above bowling pots of water to create our own hot pots. Soon they were melted so we added orange food coloring to make our pumpkins ... that was our thought anyway.

The kids pushed their stick in the frozen cake ball .....

and rolled it around in the bowl.

It was a little steamy as you can see.

The sprinkles were ready and waiting.

The kids did such a great job working together, taking turns and helping each others as some held while others got to decorate.

They took their decorating serious.

Shane was concentrating pretty hard here.

Adding the finishing touches.

The kids were very proud of their finished cake pops. I have to say they did everything from start to finish with very little help from me. They thought their finished product was pretty yummy! I would add we are not going into the cake pop making business anytime soon. It was quite the process from start to finish. I am not sure how all those people have those perfect looking cake pops that they make into all kinds of things. I guess we have some practicing to do.

Falling Leaves

2011-10-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

Our new house offers plenty of fall fun! As you can see we have a few leaves.

Once again it was fun to see another first for Max. The loved the feel of leaves and all the crunching that went along with it.

Max loved throwing leaves up and letting them fall on his face.

I love watching Alexa play with Max in the leaves. I am thankful that as she gets old she still finds the excitement and wonder in things like falling leaves.

My blue-eyed girl enjoying this beautiful fall day.

Alexa was trying to show Max how to throw leaves up and let them fall on his head.

Max was trying to throw leaves up but instead decided just to put leaves on his head.

I love this picture of Emma, bike helmet and all. She was trying to push all the leaves from the cul de sac into a pile.

The other 3 were enjoying the bed of leaves that Emma had created.

I love that sweet little hand!

It is raining leaves!

Fun in the leaves is never complete without a good old fashion leave fight!

Fall, with all your beauty, please linger for just a little longer this year. We are enjoying you and all you have to offer!

Just Taking It In

2011-10-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

There are times I just like to take it in when I see a moment like this. It is so fun seeing these two brothers together!

For the first half of the year Shane and Max have Tuesday's and Thursday's together. I love that they have this time together to bond. I know Max is going to miss his big brother when he goes to school everyday after Christmas but for now we will soak it up!

The Potato Project

2011-10-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

Alexa is Miss Creative. When there is a project for school she is more than excited especially if she gets to put her creative juices to work. One of the big 3rd grade projects at her school is the Potato Project. There were no real guidelines except her creation had to be made out of a potato. They could carve, paint, cover, attach ..... potatoes to make anything they wanted.

Alexa knew exactly what she wanted to create. We went to the grocery story to pick out all the different size potatoes that she thought she needed for her creation. I have to admit that as she picked out potatoes and she was explaining her ideas I wasn't following how this would end up as a horse. This was her project so I let her have it. I should have known better that she would have it all thought through and figured out in her own way.

I wish I would have taken pictures through her process. She first cut and carved her potatoes for each part of the horse. Look at those legs sliced out of potatoes.

The head, neck and body were made out of 3 different potatoes. After everything was formed the way she wanted it she painted all the potatoes.

When it was dry she used tooth picks to hold all the pieces together and added the details of the hooves, face and yarn for the tail and mane. She cut some fabric to resemble the blanket and saddle.

She was very proud of her finished project, her potato horse.

A Picture Perfect Weekend Away

2011-10-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

Eric had to go to head East on business and so I got to tag along. In 11 years of business this is the first time I have tagged along on a business trip. Often my mindset has been if I am going to get away with him I don't want to share him with work. Well this trip changed my perspective on that. We really had a picture perfect weekend. This was the first time we were going to be leaving Max for multiple nights. I knew he would be just fine. He LOVES papa and grammy and has adjusted so well. My big kids had a couple days off of school so the timing was perfect. They were excited to have time with papa and grammy and cousins. The first night Shane prayed that their time at papa and grammy's would go really slow. I am so thankful we don't have to worry about them when we are gone. I think we have to worry more that they will tire my parents out with a 2 year old in the mix again.

We started our trip in Baltimore. We arrived on Thursday night. On Friday Eric had meetings he had to go to. I enjoyed sleeping in, having a lazy morning with a quiet breakfast, a LONG shower and took as much time as I wanted to get ready. This is the view I woke up to. It was a beautiful day.

I spent the morning walking on the pier, doing a little shopping and having a wonderful lunch sitting in the sun by the water.

I spent the afternoon sitting by the water, enjoying the sunshine with a good book in my hand. It has been awhile since I have read a book for fun.

Eric got back from his meetings in the afternoon and we enjoyed a fun evening. We had yummy food and good conversations with a beautiful view all around us.

We finished our evening with a walk around the pier and some cheesecake to go from the Cheesecake Factory. As we were waiting for our cheesecake some guy asked us if we just got married. We said we had been married for 12 years and had 4 kids. He said, "Wow, people I know that have been married that long don't love each other anymore or at least don't act like it. That is why I never wanted to get married." I am so thankful for the way that God continues to bless and grow our relationship. That doesn't mean life has been perfect and we haven't had our ups and downs but it is through all of those things that God has drawn us to him and to each other. It was good to reflect a little and made me appreciate the man God has blessed me with and the marriage we have.

On our way back to our hotel there was a large group of people who were protesting. They were following the lead of the New York protesters who were protesting Wall Street. There were a couple signs that caught Eric's attention and he found himself in a conversation with a Buddhist, Nero-scientist. Needless to say there was an interesting conversation taking place. Eric kept looking at me like are you ok with us taking some time for these conversations. It was actually quite entertaining and new twist on date night.

We had a relaxing morning and a nice breakfast. We jumped in the car and enjoyed a beautiful fall drive to Washington, DC. Neither Eric or I had been to DC so we were excited to have a day to take it in. We were blessed with another beautiful day of picture perfect weather.

The first thing that I was overtake with was all the amazing architect.

All the details on the buildings were breathtaking.

Eric and I continued to walk through DC and took in as much as we could.

We met our dear friends, Greg and Laurie, for lunch and we got to spend the rest of our weekend with them. Greg was our worship pastor, but as a couple they have had such a huge influence in our life. They have walked through many ups and downs in life with us. Greg met with Eric and a couple other guys for 5 years. He mentored them and I know all of the wives of these men can say God has blessed our marriages and families because of Greg's influence in their life. He pointed them to the Gospel weekly. He equipped them as men of God and leaders in the church and in their home. Greg also met with me as I walked through some of the darkest days of my life after Leigh Ann's death. He walked through grief with me but also walked through the all that was to come with bringing Max into our family and all the possible emotions, thoughts and feelings that could collide. Laurie has also played a huge roll in my life as an example as a godly wife and mom. She has invested in me in so many ways. One of the fun ways was through a fun cooking class she did for a couple gals. Cooking is a gift of hers but it isn't just the food it is the way she shares Christ with those she shares it with. She has always taken an interest in our kids and their lives. They love Laurie. We have been blessed to have them in our lives and were very excited to spend time with them and get a little glimpse into their life.

We spent the rest of the afternoon taking in DC, enjoying the beautiful weather, walking many miles and cherishing the time we had with friends.

The kids were excited that we were going to see the White House so we took a couple pictures just for them.

It really is amazing to see all of these monuments in person.

We walked through the World War 2 Memorial.

Then we visited the Vietnam Memorial. It was humbling to see this wall with all the names of those who gave their life in this war.

We then walked to the Lincoln Memorial which was just massive. Look at the size of it compared to the people in front.

I am so grateful for the foundation of faith that our country was built on.

We finished with the Korean Memorial.

We then decided to take in one of the Smithsonian Museums. Our friends recommended the Air and Space one. When we got there the protesters that were in Baltimore were also in DC and they just happened to pick this museum to stand in front of so we were out of luck. They had shut down the museum. Next we decided to go into the building of the Archives of the United States of America. Well when we got to this building there was a line wrapped around the block to get in. So we were really feeling like we were striking out. We decided to sit on the step and find a good Sushi restaurant for dinner. There was on Dupont Circle so we got on the transit system and after a couple switches made our way to Dupont Circle. Well we had our 3rd strike out when we found the restaurant but it wasn't looking like a place we wanted to try so we started walking and checking out menus.

This is the magical little place that we just happened across. I just can't believe I forgot to take a picture but this is pretty much what it looked like the evening we were there. The weather was beautiful as we sat on this quaint little patio. The food was amazing and so were our conversation. There is something about skipping through the small talk and going straight to the heart with people that you have done life with. It was an evening of laughs and tears. It was a perfect way to end our day and a night Eric and I will always treasure.

On Saturday night we drove to Maryland where Greg and Laurie are living. Greg is in a 9 month program with Sovereign Grace Ministries. They have stepped out in faith and are feeling like God is leading them to church plant. We were able to see where they live, meet their new friends, see where Greg spends his days in classes and worship with them. I can't even put into words how refreshed and filled we felt after walking out of their church. God's presence was evident. We finished our day with lunch with them and a little dessert at a fun cupcake shop. We then headed back to Baltimore to board our plane and make our way back to our 4 little blessings.

Like I said, it was a picture perfect weekend. I was able to have a very relaxing day, a little time to myself, some shopping, quality time and conversation with my husband, good food, fun, beautiful weather, amazing sites, a sweet time with friends and feeling filled and refreshed spiritually.

Pumpkinland

2011-10-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

Eric and I were heading out of town for the weekend and the kids were staying with Papa and Grammy. We made a quick stop at Pumpkinland on our way to their house. Our fall isn't complete without our annual trip to Pumpkinland. The kids were excited to have Max get a little taste of the fun they look forward to every year.

I am pretty sure my days of everyone looking at the camera with a normal look on their face just might be over. With each addition it gets a little harder. That is just fine we may catch one of those pictures here or there but it just says this is our life. It is busy and full but we are loving every minute of it! As you can see the wind was not in our favor either.

I love my boys .... they keep me on my toes.

Catching Max's first encounter with a pumpkin.

Once again the boys shout out .... seriously again mom, I need to sit still ... in this picture. It is one of our traditional pictures we take every year at Pumpkinland so yes I took it crazy faces and all. I love Shane's eyes in this picture.

The kids each did their measurement. It seems like just yesterday the girls were as big as Max standing to find out "How Tall Are You This Fall?"

The boys were next. It was so fun to see Max next to his brother this year.

We then made our way out to Animal Land.

This is Alexa's favorite part of Pumpkinland. She is such an animal lover.

Shane had fun hanging out with the kitties too.

Shane loved showing his brother the ropes at the corn maze. Usually the kids have a ton of time to play and run in the kids maze but we didn't have a ton of time this year since I had a plane to catch.

This is Shane's favorite part of our visit. What boy wouldn't love to run through the corn stalks.

Next we headed out to the pumpkin patch.

The girls had fun showing Max all the pumpkins.

Max was pretty proud of the pumpkin he found!

No time to stick around in Max's world ... he is off.

What a fun little stop at Pumpkinland!

We can't wait for next year!

A School Update

2011-10-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

We have been in school about a month and a half now and everyone is starting to settle into the routine of school.

I am so thankful for the way that Alexa has settled in so quickly this year. Her first two days she had a few tears and a nervous stomach so she took her breakfast to school. But every since she has been excited about school and loved every minute of it. This is the fastest she has settled into. I feel like her teacher is a total gift from God. She is gentle and nurturing and yet runs a very calm and structured classroom. She is a great teacher and Alexa feels like when she teaches she makes it easy for her to understand. I am thankful for Alexa's determination and drive and also thankful for the way she continues to grow in figuring out how this strength can also be her weakness and finding ways to let go and rely on God.

Emma has settled in to school in true Emma fashion. She is loving her teachers and everything about 2nd grade. She is having so much fun with her friends and loving life as a 2nd grader. Our only struggles come with her clothes :)! She is our fashion queen and has a definite opinion about what she wants to wear. If we have our clothes picked out the night before everything is smooth sailing as far as Emma is concerned. I am so thankful for her fun loving personality and the way she just loves and embraces life and everything that comes her way.

Mr Shane had his mom a little worried about how this year was going to go for him. He is by far my most social and active child. He talks more than both of his sisters and really just loves to have fun. He really doesn't have a ton of interest in anything academic and so I was a little worried about how life as a Kindergartner would unfold. After the first day he ran up to me with a huge smile on his face and said, "I only went to time out once today mom!" He was quite proud of his accomplishment. He quickly learned that we didn't feel that was acceptable and one time in time out was one time too many. I know he was trying hard to be good, he was actually exhausted and would often go to bed between 6:30 and 7 and on his two days off would take a couple hour nap. I know he was expending a lot of energy on trying to control his busy social little self. I also know his teacher runs a tight ship which is really what he needs. He needs to know where his boundaries are or he will keep trying to extend them :)! Well the first two weeks were let's just call it the adjustment period. He had timeouts most days those first 2 weeks but then things just flipped and he hasn't had a time out since. He runs full blast to me everyday when I pick him up and is very proud to tell me "no time outs!" He is starting to show more and more interest in the academic side of school and he loves being at school with sisters and of course eating in the lunchroom and recess are the highlights of school for him.

Max was very sad the first couple weeks. He would cry when the kids would get out of the van in the morning and leave him behind. He would wander around the house and call all the kids names looking for them. After about 2 weeks he realized this was the new norm. He loves the days that Shane stays in the car with him so this will be another adjustment after Christmas when Shane goes every day. I do think he is loving his time with his mommy and it is nice to have this time to invest and continue to bond with him. He is definitely a 2 year old in every sense of the word so is keeping his mom busy. He loves it when friends come to play. I love it that Max squeals with delight and starts calling the kids names as we pull into school!

When The Sun Starts To Go Down

2011-10-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

Another perk to our new house is living right next to Hole 1 on the golf course.

These pictures are from our deck. We have a beautiful view I am just not sure the golfers like it when my 2 year old is yelling "Hi" to them while they are putting.

Shane love his one on one time with Eric and he especially loves when they get to get their clubs out.

Shane thinks it is great that they can jump on the course and hit a few balls after the last golfers go through before the sun goes down.

S'more Fun

2011-10-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

One of the things we love about our new house is the fire pit that we get to enjoy. I am sure we will build many memories with s'mores by the fire with the kids and Eric and I will enjoy nice, quiet fall evenings chatting by the fire after the kids go down.

The kids were very excited to have Max experience s'mores for the first time. I love being able to experience all of these firsts with Max but what is even more special is watching it all through the eyes of our other kids. They can't wait to see his reaction to certain things.

Eric is our go to "roasting" man!

He seems to roast them to perfection every time.

Max found his way to the marshmallows while he was waiting! That is a big bite buddy!

Wouldn't you know it he stuffed the whole thing in and tried to say "mmmmmmmmmmm" with a mouth full. The kids got a good giggle out of their little brother.

Shane got the first bite! Man isn't he just a picture of a good, carefree fall Saturday evening! A s'more in hand, a twinkle in his eye and hair sticking up all over!

I love that look on his face!

Alexa was doing a little rock balancing while enjoying her s'more.

Not only do we get to enjoy a fun family evening by the fire but we get a beautiful backdrop to go with it! I could get used to nights like tonight!

Emma shared her s'more with Max and she couldn't get it to his mouth fast enough. I am not sure she got too many bites.

It didn't take long and Max decided he would rather be in control of the s'more.

He very generously shares with his sister. I love the marshmallow that found it's way all over his shirt. Emma was trying not to laugh as he kept trying to feed and kiss her. He was pretty happy with the new yummy treat she introduced him too!

When all was said and done he was one very sticky .....

but happy little boy!

I am pretty sure we all agreed that it was a fun family night! We look forward to more fall evenings around the fire pit!

Wishing This Weather Would Stay A Little Longer

2011-09-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

I can't remember a fall that we have lived outside as much as we have this fall. The kids grab a snack and then spend their time after school outside until supper and then try to squeeze a little more time in before bath time.

Our old driveway had a huge incline that balls and chalk would roll down right to the road. It made me nervous to be out there with the kids especially with Max this spring and summer. All that to say this was Max's first adventure with sidewalk chalk.

Two hands work better than one!

As you can see he thought it was pretty fun!

The big kids divided up the drive way and went to work on their own masterpiece!

I love Shane with his helmet on. Well at least you know we encourage safety here even when we are doing sidewalk chalk!

We tried to do homework outside so we could enjoy the weather. The kids often would practice their spelling words in the driveway!

We live on a very quiet cul de sac so the kids have a ton of room to ride their bikes! Max loves to be pulled around. His siblings often fight over who gets to pull him. It was Alexa's turn but not without a cost ..... it is a bit of work when you are too big for the trike.

Emma just enjoying the day!

Shane is getting too big for his bike so check out his sweet ride. Yes, he hopped on the purple princess bike and spends most of his time on it. He just doesn't want me to take a picture of him on it!

Max loves bike helmets and buckles which equals a dangerous combination. He would get so focused on trying to get his straps buckled.

And just plane mad when it didn't work!

But when he got it it was time to celebrate! As you can see there was no holding back from celebrating from this little boy!

We hope we get some more days just to enjoy everything outside has to offer. I know as the kids get old and are busy with after school activities I will look back and cherish the time we had after school on the driveway!

Two Little Eyes

2011-09-25T19:46:00.000-07:00

There are two little eyes that are always watching and copying!

Apple Hunting

2011-09-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

We have had a beautiful fall. It has been unseasonably warm. Our day at the Apple Orchard was no exception. I love the sunlight streaming through the trees on this picture. I would like to say I had something to do with it with my camera settings but it was just one of those beautiful days that was captured on my camera.

The Apple Orchard is another place that we like to make an annual visit to. It was a little crazy this year not having a preschooler that had a field trip to the Apple Orchard. I think for the last 5 - 6 years I have been on a field trip to the Apple Orchard. It was a big "awe ... where did the time go"moment for me when we drove up. I know before I blink it will be Max's turn.

Our first stop was to look at the animals. I love Max peeking through the fence and taking it all in!

The big kids decided to climb the fence instead.

Guess who wanted to be just like his big brother and sisters?

I love the expression you can see in his profile. This little boy finds so much joy in life.

I love Emma's cute little stance here checking out the chickens!

Max was trying to get the goats attention by squealing at the top of his lungs!

Emma just reached on in.

The kids then made their way over to the hay!

Max wasn't quite sure what to think of the hay and being so high off the ground! It didn't take him long to figure out it was pretty fun but a little poky!

I love watching the kids run and jump. They look so carefree and like they are soaking up life.

Shane quickly learned that Crocs were not the shoe of choice in the hay!

Max was off running through the apple orchard as fast as his little legs could carry him. To think he was an ocean away just a year ago ... amazing! He has a whole new world right before him and let me tell you he embraces it with his whole being.

A not so shiny red apple stopped him in his tracks.

Apples were hard to come by this year. The orchard said it was one of their worst years of apple production. Emma spotted one way in the top of the tree.

My brown-eyed girl.

Shane found a couple too!

This picture is a picture of Emma's relationship with her little brother. She does life with him. She slows him down and engages him in things around him. She will sit and talk with him. I often find him snuggled in a corner in his room with her reading books to him. She will play school with him and teach him new words. She is gentle and loving and he knows he has her wrapped around his little finger.

There are times that she just steps back and lets him do his thing but he often turns around and heads back her direction.

A quick stop at the train before we wrap up our time at the Apple Orchard.

We of course can't leave the Apple Orchard with out a couple of their apple turnovers. YUMMY!

Homecoming Parade

2011-09-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

There was a buzz in the air on Friday as the kids were anticipating Homecoming and all the activities that go with it. One of the big events was the parade that the kids march in.

They talked all week about the theme their class was doing. Each class represented a state. Shane's class came through first.

There is my proud little kindergartner as Uncle Sam. They were representing New York so the girls dressed up as the Statue Of Liberty and the boys were dressed as Uncle Sam.

They all waved their American Flags proudly.

One last wave before he was out of sight!

Next came Emma's class who were ready to hit the beach.

The represented California so all wore beach attire and carried items they would take to the beach! Emma got to carry the music for her class.

One last big grin from my beach beauty!

Next the cowboys and cowgirls made their way through the parade.

Alexa's class represented Texas had had quite the chant with their howdies and yee haws!

Round em up 3rd graders!

Each of the classes came through and then there were various floats and businesses in town that made their way way through the parade route throwing candy. Shane was a little sad to miss this part this year now that he was in the parade. He always loved going to the parade and getting all the fun candy and treats that everyone threw out. As the football players and cheerleaders rode through on floats I couldn't help think this just might be right around the corner as fast as I feel like these years are going. Could they please slow down a little.

After the parade we made our way into school for the Family Fun Festival. The kids had fun playing all the different games. It is getting a little easier to maneuver through the craziness now that we have done it a couple years.

Shane thought it was so much fun to play the games but also to see his classmates all over.

Emma won the cake walk and look at these fun yummy brownie pops she picked out. There were numerous parents and teachers that commented to her that they were so her. I love that others see my Emma for who she is and her love and excitement for life!

We finished the day with fun on the inflatables.

The weather was a little chilly so we decided not to go the football game. I am sure as the kids get older and they start asking the tail gate party and football game will be added to our Homecoming fun!

Bath Time Is Better With A Friend

2011-09-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

Once a month we do date night swap with our good friends. Our kids love spending time together and we both love having a night of free child care once a month.

It has been so much fun to walk through this journey of adoption with the Heinz family and to see our little Asian cuties together. They are a little over a month apart so it will be so fun to see them grow up together.

These two are way too cute together.

Bath time is just a little more fun with a friend!

Saying Goodbye To Grammy Sue

2011-09-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

Grammy Sue is a missionary in Africa for 8 months of the year and for the other 4 months we get to have her close by.

She is just a bike ride away from our new house. The kids love spending time with her weather running errands, going to the park, sitting on her lap, taking a walk, riding bikes together, doing art, having a picnic or just hanging out!

Once in a while you need to take a crazy picture with grammy! We will miss her when she is away but will look forward to her return!

Boys And Bedtime Stories

2011-09-15T18:29:00.000-07:00

This is what boys read about when it is time for bedtime stories .........

SHARKS!

Brothers

2011-09-14T22:13:00.000-07:00

The pictures speak for themselves! They have a bond ..... they are brothers!

Life Light

2011-09-09T20:06:00.000-07:00

We had a very busy Labor Day weekend as we were moving, unpacking and settling. Amidst the business it was nice to take a break and spend some time at Life Light. Life Light is a weekend festival of Christian Artists that is free. There are always amazing artists and it is amazing to be out in the middle of the field lifting the Lord's name up with thousands of people.

Thanks to Eric's mom Eric and I were able to go out on Saturday night after a full day of moving to the late concert and enjoy Third Day. It was nice to get away and SIT with Eric and enjoy some amazing music.

Look at all the people. We kept close tabs on our little busy, social 2 year old.

We had a great time hanging out as a family.

Max saying "cheese!"

The kids had fun dancing and enjoying the music. We are so thankful we were able to enjoy another year as a family at Life Light!

The End Of A Big Chapter .... The Start Of Another

2011-09-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend one chapter of our life ends and another begins. We are saying goodbye to life as we know it at 7008 S Hughes Ave.

After adding Max we starting to bust out of the 4 walls of our house. We have a great opportunity to rent our friends house for the next 18 months which will almost double our space. All of us were very excited about the new house, all the room and the location. The neighborhood is beautiful we will be living on a very quiet cul de sac. Our drive to school is exactly 3 minutes. In all the excitement I wasn't prepared for all the emotions that surfaced on the weekend we said goodbye to this chapter of our life.

We have lived a lot of life in this house. A little over 8 years ago we moved into this house. It is the house that held Eric's office at the beginning stages of DocuTAP when it was just him and he was treading new water as a business owner. We brought three babies home in this house. I will have memories of hours I held my sweet babies in this house and watched them blossom and grow. We walked through some of the busiest times with 3 little ones who were all within 36 months. There were also hours spent at the kitchen table as we worked on paperwork and signed paper after paper to bring our sweet Max home. I will never forget sitting on our couch and seeing his face for the first time. There were also no words to adequately explain what it felt like to travel across the world and finally walk through our front door with him. We walked through ups and downs in marriage, in business, with friends and family. We walked through births and deaths and all the emotions that come on every side of them. There is a lot that happened with in these 4 walls .... you know, all the things that happen on the journey called life!

So as we continue on this journey called life we are excited to see what this new chapter of life brings within our new four walls. There will be more life lived. There will new joys and sorrows. There will be new memories made.

The beauty in this transition is knowing that even though we left a house that we have lived a lot of life in ... we will forever have all the memories that we created as a family. It makes me want to be more purposeful in the things we do and say within our 4 walls that will go with us no matter where we are. I can't wait to see what this new chapter holds.

Letting Them Fly

2011-08-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

Summer to fall is not a transition I look forward to! There is something so wonderful about not having a schedule or agenda and soaking up our summer days together. I love having all four of my kids together. They are still at a age where they are not begging to be in activities, at camps or with friends. They love being outside, playing with each other, going for walks or bike rides, swimming, parks, picnics and backyard fun! This summer we did just that. We didn't do any outside extra activities but instead just enjoyed our time together. But it was inevitable the date on the calendar would come. The kids do love school and were excited to see friends, meet their teachers, play and learn. Even though it is hard for this mommy to see them growing up so fast I do love seeing them grow in so many ways through out the year. I know God has blessed me with these little ones for such a time as this. In a Bible Study I am doing the leader said, "God doesn't call us to possess our children but instead to steward them!" Wow, yes they are not my possessions but instead God has given me a pretty amazing responsibility to steward them and to point them to Him. Little by little we love, train, teach, model and pray like crazy as we let them fly!

I can't believe Alexa is going to be in 3rd grade this year. I remember thinking when I taught 3rd grade that they all came in so little and innocent and leave 3rd grade at a totally different spot. They move out of that little kid I love school to more the big kid attitude. I am not sure I am ready for all of that. I can't believe we are so close to a new "maturity" level! Alexa is ready and excited to be a 3rd grader and I am excited to see how she will grow and be stretched this year!

I can't believe my Emma is already a 2nd grader. I still go back and look at pictures of my girls when they were 3 and 5 and heading to preschool. Emma gets a preview into 2nd grade because of all the fun things her sister did so she can't wait!

I can't believe my baby is off to Kindergarten this year. It is going to feel very strange dropping 3 off this year. The kids told me it was a good thing I have Max yet! Shane is more than excited for Kindergarten. He is so excited to be at the big school with his sister, recess and hot lunch. I am praying he will think all the learning is fun too. Shane will go full days on Monday, Wednesday and Friday until Christmas and then after Christmas will go five days. I am so glad that Max and I will have him home yet for two days! We are going to be soaking up our time.

I've started the tradition of giving them something to put on their backpack at the beginning of the year to remind them of something. The girls got little frogs this year to remember to Full Rely On God!

Shane was very excited to get his first backpack accessory. He got a little light to remind him to always be a light for Christ in everything he does!

Their back packs are ready and so are they!

It is tradition at our house that daddy drives them to school on their first day. I of course can't be left out and meet them there with my camera. It is also tradition that they go out for breakfast so this year that meant that 3 kids were up, ready, pictures taken and out the door by 7! The kids love their first day of school traditions with their daddy! As I took the picture Eric said, "Wow, this year I don't even have to bend over for the picture" : ( I think that means they are getting growing up!

Max was quite sad when everyone walked out of the door with daddy without him. I think it is going to be a sad day for this little boy today! He isn't going to know what hit him since his 3 siblings that dote on him are going to be gone today!

Shane is very excited to have Mrs. Wynja this year. She was Emma's Kindergarten teacher so he thinks that is fun! She is a great teacher and I know she will be a great match for Shane. She is loving and yet she is firm. He does best when he knows where his boundaries lie. I will say I never really worried about my girls and their behavior when they went to school but Shane .... he may give me a run for my money! This sitting still and not talking to your neighbor thing just may do him in! He is my most active and social child ... not the best combo for seat work at school.

Look at all those blue eyes!!!! Emma is super excited about her year. She had Mrs. Odens (on the left) last year but just weeks into school she went on bed rest and remained on bed rest her whole pregnancy.

Emma had been pretty bummed because she couldn't wait to have her since her sister had her in 1st grade. She was over the moon excited that she got her again. Her teachers team teach so she thought it was fun she gets two teachers. She also knew who Mrs. VanZee (on the right) was and thought she had the best teachers ever! She is very excited about her year.

Oh man, this picture breaks this mom's heart. I got a text from Eric when they were at breakfast that Alexa was in tears and nervous about school. Alexa is my perfectionist and carries a ton of anxiety at the beginning of a new school year. I am glad she communicates how she is feeling and we talk and pray about it but it doesn't make it easy to watch. It is hard to know how to help her and I know some of it is who she is. It is one of those situations where her strengths are her greatest weakness. Alexa usually takes a month or so to settle in but she has never been this anxious on the first day of school. It was hard to kiss her goodbye and walk away! I know she will be fine. I know she is in good hands. I know this is all part of letting her fly ... it just doesn't make it easy!

Alexa was super excited about her teacher. She was actually my brother's jr high teacher ... I know crazy ... she looks like she is 30. I have heard amazing things about Mrs. Neimeyer and feel like she will be a perfect match for Alexa! I am praying she settles in soon.

My baby is off for his big first day of kindergarten!

As I said good bye and wiped some tears. My good friend said, "Give me your camera I need to take a picture of all that is left :( I know I will be fine and we will settle in. We will get into a routine and I know I will cherish my time with Max and we will love having our time with Shane on his days off. We will embrace this new year and all it has to offer. I can't wait to see how my kids fly just a little higher and further this year.

Summer Lake Lovin'

2011-08-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

There is so much to love about the lake!

Max dug right in and embraced everything the lake had to offer this summer.

As I said .... he literally dug right in. He quickly became a fan of the sand .... he just couldn't get it figured out that it was something that shouldn't be eaten.

It is always fun no matter how old you get to play kitchen with the sand and water.

There were always cakes in the oven and soups simmering on the rocks.

There were often breaks from playing in the sand to do things like rowing around on the wake board.

Or having fun just tossing a ball around or trying to float on it!

Swinging was one of Max's favorite things to do. He had some siblings that were eager to give him a push and if papa was around he always found himself in his favorite swing being spun in circles.

And this exchange between these two doesn't even need words.

The big kids found their way out to the raft weather the sun was out or not!

Frog hunting is another fun adventure at the lake.

Max seemed to find his way into the water from the sand every time.

It was always fun driving the boat with daddy!

Or just enjoying the view!

The kids never seemed to get sick of the water!

And sand and water equals hours of fun!

Seeing these two brothers together this summer was so much fun!

The one thing that will never grow old and will always be welcomed every evening are the beautiful sunsets.

We feel so blessed to have an amazing place to have fun, enjoy family, soak in God's creation and build memories. We are BLESSED!

A Favorite Summer Hangout

2011-08-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

Wild Water West is one of our favorite hang out spot in the summer. Not only do the kids love all the water fun but many of our friends have season passes so we spend many of our hot days together having fun. I do have to say this year looked a little different on my end. Last year the kids were all great swimmers so they could swim by themselves. Alexa and Emma could go down the big slides themselves and we all enjoyed the wave pool and lazy river together. There was plenty of time to chill with friends and catch up on life.

Well this year this little man kept me on my toes. There was very little sitting this summer ... I spent most of the summer running after this little cutie. I know this stage will pass and as busy as it was I love this age and everything Max is seeing through his little eyes and experiencing for the first time. It helps that his little personality is so out there that there is no guessing how much fun he is having in life.

Max LOVED the water and there was NO fear. He came at it full force and usually with his mouth wide open!

The kids spent a ton of time at the Pirate Ship. It didn't take long and Max was going down the big slides with his brother and sisters. Forget the baby slides ... the bigger the better.

There was plenty of fun to be had especially when their friends were around.

Emma loved spending time on the pirate ship too!

Max seemed to think all the slides were fun!

The kids loved it when their cousins came to spend a day with them. It is always fun to get treats on special days.

Shane is what we call at our house "the snack king." He loves snacks and seems to be an empty pit where snacks are concerned. There are plenty of treats offered at Wild Water West but to the kids disappointment they only get treats once in a while. You can't take food into the park so we pack our lunch and head out to the parking lot. I wish I would have taken a picture of our set up. My friends and I got a system down of parking close to each other and having a rather large picnic in the parking lot with all of our kids. I am sure our parking lot picnics will be memories the kids will remember in years to come.

The kids loved just swimming around in the pool and climbing on the animals.

The girls love being big enough to go down the slides by themselves.

What a finish Emma!

Everyone loved it when daddy came along because that meant we all got to go on the big slide. This was Max's first time down the big slide. I wasn't sure what he thought of it but in a matter of minutes he was screaming with excitement!

When daddy comes it also usually means that we get treats!

We had such a great summer and logged many hours at one of our favorite hangout spots!