February is Here

Most of the kids were interested in the big game, but it didn't go our way:

My measly attempt at Valentine's Day decor. Not much to do when so much is packed in boxes.

And look at this! Time to roof this thing. 

Our Last Christmas

We are all ready for Christmas here. The shopping is done, sweet treats are being enjoyed, and the children are ready for winter break from school. We all know that next year at this time we will be moved into our new home. That's exciting! But I'm a little anxious about what it will feel like. We've had eight wonderful Christmas seasons at this house. Will any of our traditions change because the space will be different? New decor in new rooms. More space for gift giving and sharing in a larger living room. Bigger kitchen for, hopefully, much more cooking and baking of our holiday favorites. This house has hindered us from doing some things as the space has gotten smaller and smaller. I hope we will still feel the coziness, though, in the next one.

Making Reindeer food by mixing oats and glitter together. Oats for the deer to eat and glitter to shine the way in the moonlight to welcome them to the yard!

Bags of Reindeer food, missing the antlers still. 

Lights hanging in the kids hallway using 3M Command Hooks

Our elf with a note to deliver to Santa. Boys were fighting and the older wrote "He Have Been Naughty" about the younger. We have a tattling problem currently :(

Our zip lining elf. Probably our most creative so far, done by the 11-year-old.

Our annual trip to Rhema to see their two million-lights display. We have done this for 14 years and is one of our traditions everyone looks forward to.

Great pic of the older girls, tween and teen.

We were able to take a trip on the Polar Express this year! The older girls had traveled a few years ago with my parents in Branson. This was a first for our area and could become something we do every Christmas. The train was beautiful and the cast members were very into their parts. We enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies while riding through the woods/town.

The train conductor came by and punched the kids tickets with their initial.

He asked them to catch the falling stars.....

And then throw them into the air!

Santa came by and spoke to the boys, by name! That was a surprise!! They each received a bell, just as in the book.

The Month of July.....and Disney!

Sad to see July gone. Summer is officially over for us. We begin school in one week. A few highlights from the past month:

Drillers game with DrH's office

After-game (win!) fireworks

Blue Whale on Route 66

Arcade time

Fourth fireworks

Watching Papa feed the chickens

Teenage pool party (they're on their phones!)

14th birthday for daughter

Pinata for the big kids

Another daughter swim party & tie-dye shirts :)

Learned to swim!

New fur baby!

New fur baby # 2!

Weekend at the lake

Red to blond ombre. (I never color my hair!)

Since there were no big trips this summer, we are counting down the days now to Disney World! We are all so excited! Leaving baby behind; she would be a handicap. Next time for her. I have done so much planning for this ~ posting my Disney planner next :)

I am the resurrection and the life. ~ John 11:25

HAPPY EASTER!

Here Comes Another One

Wow, didn't do so great on my 2013 resolutions that I had planned. It's crazy, and sad, how time gets away from us. I so want to feel more productive this year and not have regrets of wasting the time that is given to me. Three words came to mind when thinking of what I want this next year to be like: purposeful, patient, and present. There are many things I would like to implement or accomplish (from last year!) ~ PURPOSEFUL. I need to learn how to be more patient with others, mostly my family ~ PATIENT. Doing these two things will help me feel more present in my life and enjoy what I have right now ~ PRESENT. I am grateful for what has been given to me and look forward to what is in store this coming year! Happy New Year!

Psalm 118:24 ~ This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

December so far....

Cool guy dental check-up

Last nice fall-like day

Tree aglow

Working men warming by the fire

Gingerbread Party with co-op

Shooting at Bass Pro

Crying baby Santa visit

Santa got up out of his chair and brought the girls (13 & 10) in for this pic. They were so embarrassed. It was great!

First winter snow/ice (18*)

Lights at Rhema