Christmas Joy

 Christmas is here, Glory to the newborn King!

Our month has been busy.  I enjoy all the traditions and activities that come along during Christmas time, but I'm also looking forward to the slower, quieter days that follow with the New Year.

I don't want to forget -

Taking the girls to school for their annual Breakfast with Santa.

Abigail didn't want her picture with Santa this year but after her 3rd grade teacher offered up 5 paw prints to do it, she was game.

We got our Christmas tree a little earlier than usual.  The man told us these trees last up to 8 weeks, J came home and said well we only need it to last 3 of the 8.  And so far it's held up well, not too dead yet. 

Beverly sent the girls a computer advent.  Each day they unlock another part of the Christmas town.  They've had fun doing the new days activity.  I love the snowman they created to represent themselves.

I bought a bunch of felt heart ornaments last year after Christmas and this year made them into a banner to hang over the fireplace.  I think next year I want to make a paper banner that says "joy to the world" or " the Lord has come" or something.  My stocking might hide it so maybe I'll divide it and put half the saying on each side of the fireplace on a bookshelf.

I also want to remember how and where Ash sets up her own nativity scene.  This year she's kept it right in front of the fireplace.

The first graders and Kindergartners put on a Christmas program, they did How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  Ash had a speaking part she said, "and the Grinch with his Grinch feet, ice-cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling."

It was a very cute program!  

Abigail is in the school choir this year.  The choir also was a part and sang a couple song in the beginning.  Christmas Feud was Abigail's favorite song.  You can actually still catch her singing it around the house.

We had a little snow.  Thankfully it came on a Saturday and the girls played in it all day long.  We're really hoping we get a white Christmas this year!

One of my favorite Sundays of the year is the Children's Christmas Program at church.  I love listening to our children sing praises to our King.  And the story they tell is so important, how a baby came to bring light to the world.

A favorite tradition of mine is getting together with my sweet friends (friends that God put in my life so many years ago) for our annual cookie decorating party.  I am so thankful for these beautiful, Christian women and I love that our children are growing up as friends too.

The talk around the house has been about Beyblades.  After Luke introduced the girls to them that's all they've thought about.  The girls were so thrilled to get beyblades from the boys.  I always get a little chocked up thinking about the special relationship these 5 have.  They consider each other family.  And I do too.

School days were busy.  Especially that last week.  The girls came home with many cute projects. Abigail had a gingerbread decorating afternoon with all the 4th graders.  Ash had a pajama day - filled with watching Polar Express, eating popcorn balls, and doing a book exchange.  Abigail was given an award at the assembly for respecting others.  Her class had a pancake breakfast and watched Home Alone.

One evening we drove over to see some Christmas lights we had heard about.  It was the best lights we've ever seen.  Christmas lights to music is very cool.

We celebrated Christmas with my sister yesterday.  The time with her and her family was nice and I was so happy to see them!  But it's sad to think that after spending 33 Christmases with my sister this year we wont be together. Maybe that's why I've been so teary today.  I cried as Jason said goodbye and told him I didn't know why I was crying but as I write it out now I know.  

I understand how it has come to be this way but it still is hard and makes me sad.

I don't want to leave on a sad note because I do see joy all around me - like the joy of watching my 2 girls together. 

Merry Christmas!

Cowgirls and Indians!

I knew after Ash got her cowboy boots for her birthday that she'd make a cute cowgirl for Halloween.  Abigail wanted to be a nerd but I convinced her that she'd make a great Indian girl so she's saving being a nerd for next year.

The only costume I had to work on was Abigail's.  Thanks Melissa for helping me gather all the supplies and thanks mom for helping me pull it all together.  Abigail was worried there for a bit but was happy with it after seeing it all pulled together.  And a happy 9 year old makes for a happy momma!

Halloween day was super busy.  There was a costume parade at their school and then class parties to attend.  Thankfully the kids get out of school early on Wednesdays, so there was time to come home for a little bit of down time before heading out to get take some pictures. 

 Of course we also needed one of all 5 kids too!

After pictures we took the kids to trick or treat at one of our favorite neighbors, Tanda.  It was so nice to see her, we sure do miss her living right next to us!

Then it was dinner and time to head out!  The weather was perfect.  The kids were oh so excited.  They started off running from house to house.  Now that the kids are older were able to cover a whole lot more ground.  When we got back the first thing the girls did was dump out all their candy and count it, they each had over 100 pieces.  I'd say it was another successful year of trick or treating!

Our little girl turned 7 over the weekend!

Seven!

We had fun celebrating her and all the love and joy she brings to our family.

Ash is currently into horse.  Recently she has been turning everything into a horse, her bike, the scooter and even the bar stools.  You might say she's horse crazy!  The only thing she asked for this year was a fur real pony.  Well actually she first asked for a real miniature pony that could live in the backyard with Jake, but after many conversations about how that wasn't going to be possible she settled on hoping for a fur real pony instead.

 And she loves her new pony!

I always say Ash is the greatest anniversary gift I ever got.  I don't mind sharing my special day with her, it just makes the day that much more special.  My mom brought some pictures to the party that she finally got developed, the roll of film had been riding around with her in the suburban for 7 years!  

It was fun looking through the pictures, here we are on our 4th anniversary.

And look at our little family now, here we are 7 years later on our 11th anniversary!

Ashy's party didn't start until dinner.  My mom, sister and grandparents came over for kabobs.  The boys joined us for cupcakes.  The kids played horseshoes and took a few whacks at the pinata.  We sang happy birthday and opened presents.  Ash got a lot of nice gifts, many were horse related!  

She was one happy and tired girl when bedtime finally came.

 What a great day!

Ashlynn Faith

She's about to turn 7 year old.
7!
Crazy!

That means she's my big first grader, going to school all day.  This has been a huge adjustment for her.  She's always been a home body, a fan of staying in her jammies all day, and content at creating her own little world to play in by herself.

So, sending her off to school has been real tough.  I tear up almost every morning as I see her outstretched arm waving good bye to me.  Before we get to that point, she's spent the morning asking if she can just stay home, or wants to know how many more days until her next day off. Or she tells me she doesn't feel good and asks if she can call me during the day if she needs to come home.

I tell her that school is her new job.  That going and learning is important.  That not everything in life is easy or always super enjoyable or constantly fun, but I assure her that the pay off is great.  I remind her that I'm always here, that I'm praying for her today and that Jesus, the one who loves her so much, is with her always and is there to help her.

But if I was being completely honest this is what my momma's heart really wants to do ... all I want to do is hold her tight and never let her go, keep her all to myself and protect her from any doubts, struggles or uneasiness. 


It is so hard to send your child off when they are so unhappy about going.  Thank you Lord for the progress we've made so far.

Ash  -
You're a stand out kid.
Ever since you were little you've been very independent.  Capable of doing things all on your own.  You figuring out how something works, how to open it, use it, or get it, all by yourself.  I have vivid memories of you telling me, "i do it myself!".  Wow, I had no idea that meant you'd always be so independent. 
Just the other night you went out to climb in the front tree and as i peeked out at you and I saw you'd come up with a way to make your own swing.
You love to draw, I have many of your self portraits.  You are constantly making things with paper, currently you have a countdown to your birthday hanging on her wall with a box on each sheet of paper that you can put a check mark in when the day is done.
You love like crazy.  If you're into monkeys then you're totally crazy about them, if it's horses then you're all about horses.  Recently you've been turning everything into your 'horse', a scooter, bike, even a bar stool.  You have quite the imagination!  I love to hear what your thinking!
You love to laugh and you can get laughing so hard you cry.  You have quick one liners and are very clever in your responses to people.  You bring a smile to face all the time.
I am so happy to be your mom.  You make me very proud.  
I pray over you every night and thank God for giving me such an amazing girl.  I also pray you always lean on Him, that your love for Him grows daily and that you use your life to bring Him glory and honor.

We love you Ash!

A new year

Just look at this girl, her smile is a direct link to her heart.

So I now have a 4th grader.

Crazy!

She is so excited to be in 4th grade.

(I loved 4th grade because it was the year I learned about Idaho history and my dad was the 'trapper' at our 4th grade rendezvous.)

This year she finally got the teacher that Cody had 

and her and her best friend, Jaclyn, are in the same class again!

(they've been in the same class every year since kindergarten)

Her teacher told them that they are now considered big kids of the school and Abigail told me she always considered herself a big kid.

It's going to be a great year! 

Look at this girl, when did she grow up on me?  Isn't she beautiful!

Ash has a new teacher to the school this year.

She recognized a few names of the kids in her class.

She has already made 2 new friends but is really missing her best friend, Dryson, from kindergarten last year.

When we went to the back to school night the teacher let them pick where they'd like sit.  The desks were moved together in groups of 5.  Ash picked the desk that hung out by itself.  I thought it was so that she wouldn't have to sit by anyone but the next day she told me she chose it because she's the leader.  That's my Ash! 

She's had a few moments where all the changes have upset her a bit but I told her it would just take some time to get use to and soon it would start to feel like normal.

It is hard to go through changes, my momma's heart is having a hard time with it all too.

I'm sure, even months from now, I'll still be tearing up every time I see them walk away from me.

But I know the Lord is always with them and that comforts me.

Psalm 46:7

The Lord Almighty is with us ...

 Hurry home girls!

Toothless Wonder(s)

My youngest child has done it again.

She always seems to amaze me.

This time it is with teeth.

She has pulled out 2 of her teeth all on her own and they weren't just hanging in their by a thread when she decided to do this, it took some work but she was determined and got it done.

I love her new gappy grin.

I started this post yesterday but was needing to snap a picture of the said gappy grin girl

and guess what happened right after I got my pic of Ash?

Abigail pulled out her tooth,

a loose tooth she didn't even know she had until the dentist told her on Wednesday.

My girls, the amazing tooth puller outers!

Then as the evening continued, Ryan pulled out his tooth too!

2012 Grad

Today was Ashy's Kindergarten Graduation.

It was a cute little graduation, they sang a couple of songs and then walked up to get their diplomas as the teacher announced what it is they want to be when they grow up.  Ash - a hair dresser, monkey scientist and makeup artist.

We're so proud of you Ash and we can't believe you're now a 1st grader!

I'm so glad my sister and the kids came. 

 I love this family photo and just had to post it!  Thanks for cooperating for a picture you guys!

And here we are loving on our Ash.

Now I can't even talk about how big this girl has gotten or how hard the thought of kissing her goodbye 5 days a week is going to be come fall.  So lets not.  Instead, I'm going to hope summer lingers around so that we have plenty of time to soak up all its fun!

Ticket Please

The girls participated in their school's first carnival.

You could enter into the art contest and/or a cake decorating contest.

Ash chose art and drew a self portrait.

Abigail picked the cake and decorated it as an American flag.

I was proud of both of them for getting involved.

Friday after school Melissa and I walked to pick up the kids.  We hadn't seen Ashy's picture up and so we went looking for it, hoping it had actually made it into the contest.  Then all of sudden I saw it, up on the wall with a 2nd place red ribbon attached!  Oh I was beaming with pride.  I actually teared up I was so happy for Ash.  Way to go girl, we love your picture and we love you!

That night was the carnival.  We showed up early, bought our tickets, ate a hot dog and then headed off to play.  It reminded me of my school carnivals, it's fun taking your kids to do things you did as a kid, that's one of my favorite things as a parent.  We did the cake walk, ring toss, bingo, fishing, sponge toss, pinko, duck pond and face painting.

We didn't win a cake or a big plate of goodies or a pop but we had lots of fun being together and brought home a load of small prizes and suckers.

Photo Download

I finally downloaded pictures off my camera this morning.

I had fun uploading them to PicMonkey and applying different effects to them.  Now when they get the ability to do collages, I will super duper love them.

When Beverly was here we went out to Swan Falls, look at that backdrop.

Ashy got a new bike, she's on an 18in now.  That girl sure is growing up.

Look at what I walked down to one evening.  Isn't Ash so sweet.  She informed me that one of the candy bars was for me and one for her.  We're both chocolate lovers, I love that!

Ash saw my camera out and wanted to take my picture, here's where she placed me and Jake.

My Ashlynn.

sizzlin weekend

  oh the weather was so nice this weekend.

i loved every hot minute of it.

saturday was the first time i wore shorts this year! and it was a cute colored pair too.

we sat in the warm sun and watched abigail's soccer game, it's funny to think that just last weekend I packed gloves and blankets to her game.

she had team pictures before the game. 

 the only picture i got was of her sitting under a tree, hiding from the sun after an hour of running around in it.

 the girls and i ran around shopping with annie and sissy

lunchables were dinner

sunday was church and over to mom's for lunch

then i took the girls to get new swimsuits

 we came home and played in the water.  the girls ended up making a 'pool'.  they took the hose over to the sidewalk and let the water somewhat pool up around them as they lay their heads on their noodles. 

after dinner we took jake to swim in the ditch

and then played at the school with the boys.

Everything Friday

Instagram finally came to the android market!  Hooray!  

I love watching  Abigail play soccer and Ash play in the dirt.

I've started reading Kisses from Katie. 

 I felt the call to missions, when I was in high school I wanted to become a nurse and then work on the Mercy Ships. Now I see my calling to be here at home, in my church but maybe one day somewhere else.

My conversation with Abigail over breakfast

Abigail: Mom, I can't decide, should I teach at a regular school or at a christian school?

Me: Yeah you could do either.  A christian school would be great but at a regular school you could be the light of Jesus to some kid that has never seen it before.

Abigail:  You're right mom, I'll teach at a regular school.

Ash: I want to live in the jungle, can I mom?  Yes Ash, you can be whatever you want.

Me:  Abigail I see you teaching children in Africa about the love of Jesus, Ash living in the jungle near by studying monkeys, and me coming to visit and never leaving.

Jason's mom is coming for a visit, we are all so excited.  She'll be here to celebrate Easter with us and Abigail's 9th! birthday.  It's going to be a full weekend.  I'm looking forward to it!

I'm about to be the mother of a 9 year old.  How did that happen so fast?  

Just look at her.  My sweet{heart}.

 My tulips are blooming, actually everything is, I'm so happy spring is here.

My new favorite show is Duck Dynasty.  I laugh out loud every Wednesday night!

I finally (seriously I've been talking and thinking about pillows for a long time, it was such a hard decision) decided on which pillows I wanted to buy for the back living room couch.  I'm so happy with the ones I ordered!  I love the colors, the floral, the green stripe, and they're pink!  I got them off Esty, from the shop Pick Fair. 

Oh and I almost forgot to mention all that's going with Ash.  She is on her 3rd round of antibiotics for strep.  And now Abigail has strep too.  The doctors think Ash is a strep carrier.  If this round doesn't clear up the strep we'll talk about having her tonsils removed.

So, tonight we're probably going to order pizza.  Dye some Easter eggs with Grandmama and enjoy the start of Jason's 9 day vacation.  What are your Friday night plans?