Double Digits

Happy Birthday Maddox!

Ten years old...and getting SO tall.

I really think he will pass me in height in the very near future...how is this possible.

He is such a bright, funny, sensitive, inquisitive boy...that can also sing and act (he was Kermit the frog in their school play the Muppets Christmas this year!).

We celebrated on the 20th...with pizza, presents, and cake!

Christian and Uncle Brent...if ever asked about Brent...he will tell you, "He kind of likes to tickle me...alot. Sometimes I tell him, 'cut - it - out Brwent.'" He will also listen to him for whatever reason at meal times...as in, somehow he gets him to try food or eat his food..not complaining, just wish it worked for me!

Ava reading to Christian before we left for the night. She is such a good reader...they're all getting so big and grown up! Ahh.

We love you Maddox, hard to believe you are already in the double digits!

Christian Christmas Program

The 2-5 year olds sang several songs and there were about 6 different speaking parts (one of them was Christian) prior to the big kids church play. It just so happened that the very cute little 2 year old was standing right in front of him with some very spunky and cute pigtails. Christian just couldn't resist the temptation to play with them, hold on to them, fiddle with them, the ENTIRE time he was up there. He would stop, then he reach out to touch them...pause a brief moment, then go ahead and hold on to them...but never to pull them. She obviously noticed, and turned around a couple times to give a look..and say "no"..but really was a very good sport about the whole thing. He did sing the songs, but not nearly as lively as he sings them at home..he was just so distracted. He said his part very clear and good.."the star in the sky, shone ever so bright..when Jesus was born on that blessed night!"

Afterwards, I asked why he was touching Sage's hair so much. He said very innocently, "well, it was in front of me and I wanted to touch it. I thought I could make her hair lay down." He had no idea that everyone had been laughing at him. 

I was maybe a little distracted with watching my own child...but I know they were all so cute up there...and did so good.

Christmas is coming

I "thought" I was going to be prepared for all kinds of things to do prior to Christmas. Well...the thought was nice, but it didn't really happen (there were a few...as in MANY, moments of distraction with the kitchen remodel). Next year. we''ll have a whole new area to use for baking cookies, etc.

Here are a few of the things we DID do though.

We made some goodies for Christian's preschool teachers...salt dough ornaments stamped with their names and some treats to eat, with handmade cards.

We decorated the Christmas tree. This year it was set up downstairs due to the upstairs construction zone. It was minimal decorating..but we had to put up a tree! Noah was particularly fond of the lights..this (putting the bulb in his mouth) was not the normal response to seeing them, but he did like to touch them whenever he got the chance.

Christian put up 90% of the ornaments...he loved it!

Little man sported his "elf" diapers..as Christian called them. 

Christian painted a popsicle stick snowman ornament.

And this picture is here because...Daddy needed a break with his two little fellas..and they just LOVE their Daddy. Christian looks ill in this picture...he just woke up from a nap...and was in need of some snuggling.

And last...Christian on the night of his Christmas program at church.

Beautiful Weekend

This weekend..Ben got to go with the boys (my Dad, Mitch, and Brent) to the Chiefs/Broncos game in KC. They have been pretty fun to watch this year..which I really never thought I'd be able to say. While he was gone, we had a beautiful weekend outside. It was so mild, no wind...just very nice. Saturday, we went to the park..and after church on Sunday, I let the boys play outside before going in to eat. Later we went to Grandma's house and Alyssa and the kids came over too...we had supper together and then went to a church program in the evening. (The Chiefs lost...but I know Ben had a good time with the guys!)

We enjoyed the weekend.

Helping the Homeowner

Mitch bought a house...a large one..and nice..with lots of room (both inside and out!).

It was a gorgeous day. The moving crew arrived shortly after closing Monday morning.

I'm bummed we didn't get a picture of  crew...

it was what I'd call the "A" team :)

Mitch, Mom, Christian, Noah, and me. (Ben came after he got off work..I suppose he contributed too!)

He not only got everything moved in...but we put up and decorated his Christmas tree too!

He has quite the set up in his basement. Maybe not child play stuff...but big kid stuff for sure.

Shuffleboard is my new favorite game :)

Congrats Mitch. If you ever need company..say the word..we'll be over :)

Gpa & Gma H {Thanksgiving Weekend}

I was scheduled to work on Thanksgiving Day...

however, I went in the night before and helped..and ended up staying until 6 am. SO...they were so nice and let me have Thanksgiving Day off :) 

All that to say, because I was scheduled..we planned on spending Thanksgiving with my side here in town. So Ben's family, including Sam and Ruby (his cousin from Germany) came over on Friday morning to see us. 

Grandma H. brought a Pete the Cate book, and character for the book.

Christian LOVED it. 

I love the picture of him and her. I was also impressed Noah sat still long enough for a picture :)

These are our days...

Some days I wonder what it is that I do..as in how does the day seem to disappear?

See how nice they can play...

And then a turn of events...Noah is not what you'd call "graceful".

 I think there was probably a whacking of a piece of train track...and that really would not feel good. Sorry buddy. (This was a matter of seconds..I obviously had my camera out because they WERE playing nicely...and how quickly it changed.)

Bath time is always a good time. They both love them...and they love taking them together.

Lots of laughter goes on in here!

Then there is this guy...

he occupying a very large portion of my day :) 

On the go...climbing, walking, going down stairs, going into bathrooms...splashing in the toilet water (yum), feeding him food, putting him down for a nap, trying to get into areas he shouldn't be...just watching a one year old kind of stuff!

Some days I maybe feel like they aren't productive...

but they are..

just in a different way than what I had in mind.

I have to remind myself of that...especially when the house reflects that all I've done is watched two children. And nothing else!