Christmas Morning!

It was an EARLY morning around here!  

A certain someone started checking the clock at 2am.  Yep, 2am.  

Every hour or so after that he asked if we could get up.  

Lots of gifts to unwrap and plenty of fun all morning long!

 Everyone got scooters from Santa!

 Poor Mason did NOT want to wake up!

 Once he did wake up he was able to get excited about his new toothpaste!

 Natalie loves anything to do with cats :)

 I got a new lens for my camera!

Our budding artist!  She loves to paint and draw! 

Mason was allowed to use the chalkboard side :)

Our family gift this year was an iPad from Grammy.  It is going to be a huge asset to our homeschooling and we can't wait to put it to use when school starts back!

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas!

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Thanksgiving Dinner

So it looks like we'll be home alone for Thanksgiving this year.  

My dear friend Judy mentioned a deal yesterday, and at first I thought 

"nah, we shouldn't do that on Thanksgiving!"

My next thought was "Ben will never go for it".

But, I decided that it's a wonderful idea, and Ben agreed!

So, this is what we'll be doing for Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Stuff

I seriously cannot believe that it's almost Thanksgiving!  Less than two weeks away!!!

Yikes!

Other than the freak snowstorm a few weekends ago, it's been unusually warm here.  

That means it doesn't feel like Thanksgiving time much at all!

But, I've been loading up my pinterest boards with yummy recipes and craft ideas for the kids...

 

Sweet Potato Cupcakes!!!!

Isn't this shirt so cute?? I hope I can find time to make it!

Source: marthastewart.com via Cheng on Pinterest

I did something similar to this one year and it turned out so nice--maybe I'll try it again!

On My Toes

I love this little boy so much!  

He has been so very different that the other two kids.  

You never know what he'll get into next (found him with a bag of Oreos--pictured above).

Today I took the kids to a park and Mason fell about 7 feet off of a playground, landing on his arm/side.  Only by God's protection did he not break that arm, or anything else.  

After deciding that a trip to the ER would be a bit much, I rushed to the doctor's office.  

Fortunately he is fine, but going to be sore.  

Funny thing the doctor said--he's a boy and there will always be a battle between logic and hormones.  The hormones will almost always win.

Happy Birthday Grace!!

Today our sweet Gracie Lou is 11 years old!!   

I really don't know how in the world that is possible??

Over the past 2 months we've gotten to spend a lot of time with Grace and it has made

me so happy to see what a beautiful, sweet girl she has grown into.  

  I can honestly say that I have never 

been around a more polite, obedient child than Gracie Lou.  

She is such a good role model for Natalie and will be one for Elizabeth, too.

One of the toughest things in my life has been to watch her grow

up from so far away.  I would have given anything to have these two 

spend their days together.

Happy Birthday Gracie Lou!!!!  

We love you so much and miss you tons!!

Please stop growing so fast.  I am NOT ready for you to turn 12!!!!

Perfect Play Dough

Source: None via Millicent on Pinterest

I have NEVER had success when making homemade play dough with the kids.  

Until I came across this recipe on Pinterest (my newest addiction).  

It is definitely the perfect recipe!!!  Easy, fast, and just like the "real" stuff!!  

We could even use our own "dye-free" colorings!

Now Here's An Idea!

Source: wearethatfamily.com via Emily on Pinterest

MS Day 2

I have so much to catch up on!  I'm going to pick up where I left off--back in MS!

We visited with my dad's brother and his wife (Uncle Ed and Aunt Brenda) at their place in Gulfport.  

The kids always have so much fun there, especially looking at Uncle Ed's "toys"!

Brenda always cooks an amazing meal and we enjoy visiting with them so much.  

Since Daddy has gone, it's been nice to have that special person for the kids to look forward to spending time with!

Thank you for having us over Uncle Ed and Aunt Brenda!

 The dogs checking Mason out--I think they were really interested in that possum!

 Mason liked the green truck.  I remember Uncle Ed driving this when I was a kid!

 See, I told you he has cool stuff!

 These two will find dirt to play in wherever they go!

 Gracie Lou and one of the dogs

 Elizabeth "walking"

Me, Suzanne, and Uncle Ed

Brenda, how come we never have a picture with you?  Next time!

The Country

So a few years ago my aunt (and my mom, too?) started "collecting" farm animals.  

It has been great fun for the kids when we visit--they love going out to "the country" to help feed the crew (and play in the sand!).

The kids always have such a good time with Granny.  She keeps things fun! 

Here are a few pictures from our first day at the farm.  

Natalie was a bit nervous around the giant pigs--she was afraid they were going to touch her with their nose!  Wyatt loved everything, and Mason loved the dirt!

 Mason liked the little goat!

 Nolan and his tractor!

 Riding with Granny---I think they were going to look for cows?

 Cousin Aaryn!

 Mason and Elizabeth--she loves the dirt as much as the others!

MS Day 1

So the kids and I packed up and flew to MS last week.  We had a very eventful trip down and we're thankful that we actually got here!  Our luggage didn't make it until the next day and since we were also very tired, we spent our first full day just hanging out and letting the kids play!  The weather has been gorgeous!!!  I expected a whole lot of heat and humidity but we were suprised with wonderful temps and low humidity!!

Taking blankets in the yard is a lot of fun!

 The kids are having so much fun.  They always just pick up right where they left off and play so well!