He's Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

Well, Andray was the first person up in our household this morning and to say that he was "excited" to find that Chucky our Elf had returned for the Christmas season is an understatement!

Last night the big kids prayed that Chucky would return...

Well, Santa answered their prayers...HE'S BACK!

It's now official, the kids have to be on their BEST behavior if they want Christmas presents this year.

Chucky is watching!

 Putting up the Christmas tree and decorations today...having fun.

Remembering a Small Town Hero...

Our deepest sympathies to the Tommy Decker family and Jake's oldest sister Sarah and her husband Eric as the Cold Spring Police Department remembers their fallen brother/hero today.

One year ago today Tommy gave the ultimate sacrifice...his life...to protect our surrounding community.

Thank you Eric and all those who work and fight to protect our freedoms.

Your memory lives on forever Tommy...God bless all those struggling with his loss.

Lots To Be Thankful For...

2013 - what an incredibly exciting, scary, happy, stressful and life-changing year for our family.

I am overwhelmed with thankfulness and relief that everything has worked out for us.

Without a doubt Carrine completes our family.

She has been an absolute joy since she joined our family in March.

I don't know if it's because this is the third time around for Jake and I, but the infant stage with CC has been much more enjoyable. As parents we are more confident and laid back this time around.

Makes it fun sharing CC with Andray and Roz as well - they adore their baby sister and they have been great helpers.

I'd have to say CC is thankful for her baby food and her bottle - she loves to eat ;)

I am grateful for the "little" things in life and for good health.

I am so thankful that Andray loves school.

He has so much confidence and has "come out of his shell."

Kindergarten is scary not only for the child, but also the parents (especially the first time around).

Without a doubt, Jake and I chose the right school for him at St. Mary's.

Andray is thankful for "Evrewun and My Babe" 

(aka - Everyone he knows and his Baby Carrine)

Roslyn said she is thankful for everyone in her family and Pre-school.

I'm thankful for all the extra time I get to spend with her at home this year.

Trying to cherish every moment (while I continue to pray for patience every day!)

I am thankful for my husband Jake who worked very hard to complete his master's degree this past year.

I am thankful for forgiveness and an even stronger marriage.

I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for Jake.

I am thankful that Jake continues to make me laugh every day.

Laughter really is the best medicine for the soul.

Only Jake would be witty enough to use my blow dryer to thaw out the Papa Murphy's pizza before baking!

I believe Jake said..."You might be a Red Neck if..."  :)

I am thankful for family...

..and thankful for hope.

...and thankful for every year I get with my Gram.

So glad both her hip replacement surgeries were successful this year and that she's still able to live out on the farm. She's my inspiration.

I am thankful for this incredible opportunity to be home with the kids this year.

Change is scary and challenging and humbling - but all the sacrifices we have made are worth it.

All the stars lined up perfectly for me to stay home this year and I am grateful.

God has a plan and it really is HIS plan.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone...we are so fortunate to be in good health and to have great family and friends.

Learning Something New Every Day...

These two little ladies teach me something new every day.

Roslyn loves to play "school" and do art projects during the day.

This four-year-old continues to amaze me.

Her wit, spunk and smile keep me going every day!

Today was a puzzle day.

To quote my niece Skyler..."It was a tough puzzle day."

But Roz persevered with not much help from me and man was she proud when all 3 puzzles were complete!

Before nap time I walked into the girls' room to find Roz in Carrine's crib with her.

 Roz was adamant about reading CC her bedtime story this afternoon. 

 It has been amazing watching Roslyn's reading ability improve this fall.

Watching these two grow as sisters the past 8 months has been pretty neat.

So far no jealousy or resentment from Roslyn or Andray in regards to Carrine.

It has been an incredibly smooth adjustment for the kids.

Complete sibling love and fun - awesome to witness.

Happy 7th Birthday Isabel Lucia!

Happy 7th Birthday to our beautiful niece Isabel Lucia!

We love you!

Chompers Are In...Just In Time for a Turkey Dinner!

 

Carrine's bottom 2 teeth are officially in!

Just in time for Turkey Day!

 

She's been a trooper so far with teething.

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, can't say enough how thankful Jake and I are for the addition of Carrine. She's healthy and happy. Couldn't have asked for a better baby!

Roslyn's 1st Fieldtrip in the Books....

Well, today Roslyn got to go on her first official pre-school field trip.

Talk about a dream field trip for her.

Got to visit Crafts Direct to do a project then off to McDonalds for lunch!

Last week Roz told me she didn't want me to come and meet her for lunch on her field trip.

I thought..."What 4 year old doesn't want their mom to come on a field trip with them?"

Without question Roslyn is our most independent child right now.

But wow, I didn't think I'd be chopped liver until Roz turned 14, not 4!

This morning, however, I explained to Roz that CC and I wanted to at least see her get off the bus and sit with her at lunch and she was just fine with that.

She got to pair up with a Kindergartner for the morning and let me tell you, Roz thought she was HOT STUFF!

Roz getting off the bus - can you tell she was just a tad excited?

So proud of our pre-schooler...she just LOVES school.

Thanksgiving Gatherings Begin...

Baby's first holidays are so special.

Carrine got to celebrate her first of three Thanksgiving Celebrations last week in RWF.

Again, so thankful for all three of my children and their health.

"CC" has been an incredible addition to our family.

Pretty pumped again, all three kids got to wear this

"Baby's 1st Thanksgiving" outfit.

Can't imagine life without our Baby Carrine!

Carrine got to spend a lot of QT with Auntie Megan last weekend.

Beyond thankful for my Dad and my Gram.

Gram got to hold Baby Carrine and Baby Ben quite a bit.

She puts the "great" in Grandma!

 

 

My Rozzy Ann...my first baby girl...my mini me.

After lunch Mom and I took some of the great grankids for a Gator ride.

At one time, there were 11 people on the Gator!

Aaron said..."Try for 14 people!"

Too fun.

Roslyn got to spend some QT with her Godfather Aaron.

Aaron loves to rough up the grandkids.

This is the best part of family holidays...celebrating with the kids.

Wish we could see Isabel and Amelia more, but thankful for the times that we do get to spend together.

With all the holidays approaching, we think of our friends and family members who have lost special people this year. Jake continues to tell me every day..."Today is a GIFT...tomorrow isn't promised to anyone of us."

God is good...we are thankful.

Happy Birthday Grandma Sandy!

Happy Birthday Grandma Sandy - thanks for being the best mom and grandma any child could ask for. Hope you have a great day!

A Day For Honor and Respect...

 

 

A very Happy (belated) Veteran's Day to all men and women who serve to protect our country's freedoms.

Especially to my Dad...my Hero.

 

So glad I was able to bring the kids to Dad's Veteran's Day program at school yesterday.

Our big kids will never forget watching their Papa Larry "carry the flag!"

Lots of hugs for Papa Larry yesterday.

Carrine was decked out in her Stars & Stripes, as well as her Army Camo for Papa Larry.

Never gets old watching Dad carry the flag...very proud of him!

 

 

After the program Dad was able to spend some time with us before we headed back home.

Dad was glad that some of his grandkids were there.

Love you Mom and Dad...thanks for a great weekend at home.

God bless all service men and women.