Christmas 2010

Sam awoke at 4:30 (am people!) to ask me if Santa came yet. We were done opening presents by 6:00 (am people!) (still dark outside)....then began the feat of putting them all together.

and playing with all the goodies....this was followed by the most amazing sunrise!

Even Nature will Cry Out...

Christmas morning sunrise.....

Jesus Christ is Born! Thank you for this magnificent reminder!

Little men

I have been reaping the benefits of my sister's camera!!! It is like I got a present too! These little boys are the shining light in my life....(get ready for mushy)...

I was sitting in church today with one of these guys on my lap and the other right next to me, and I began thinking how much they mean to me. What an incredible gift they are from my Heavenly Father and what an incredible responsibility I feel to raise them to the best of my ability. Yesterday was such a boy day to me in this family. Some days, I just can't wrap my head around what is is like to be a little boy...never sitting still...NEVER!...immediately going for the dirt in my good clothes just to have a laugh...thinking that anything having to do with bodily functions is jolly, roll on your belly funny! But I don't have to understand them, I just have to love them unconditionally and let them know I will always be here for them if they need me. Just like Jesus loves me. Merry Christmas to my little men...I love you!

Photo Jam

My sister got a new camera for her birthday...and I get to reap the benefits with a little family picture photo shoot. She even photo shopped them for me. Here is what we did.

Love them!! Thanks to my sister and Merry Christmas everyone!!

Clothes!

Had. To. Have. This. Sweater. One of my favorite things about having kids is dressing them. I was giddy with excitement over this sweater. Pretty shallow, I know! But look how handsome Sam looks in it. Melt. My. Heart!

Ka-Chow

Luke is 7! Time flies....
My niece really wanted to give him some beads for his birthday. So cute and she also wanted to dress in her super cute girlie dress with matching Hello Kitty necklace and princess hair clip. Poor thing is always surrounded by boys, but she busts out the girlie-ness too.
We also did an obstacle course with old tires since we were "Cars" themed.

My favorite part is the cake....I was looking forward to not only eating this cake all week, but decorating it too. Happy birthday Luke!! You are a shining light in our lives!

Two little Monkeys jumping on the bed...

We recently took a trip to Disneyland and one of the boys favorite things to do is stay in a hotel. Can you see why?

Favorite room

This bathroom is one of my favorite rooms. I love the colors and the little things that make it special.....

I found this first aid kit in my grandparents old boat, so fun!!

I made this plaque for Luke when he was a baby. This is one of my most favorite songs by the Dixie Chicks and the words are just right for boys.

Each of the boys have this saying above their mirrors....reminders to all of us how unique we are and how loved we are by God.

This is Luke and Sam....country boys, dirty boys, loud boys, usually naked boys and best buddies.

One of the other reasons I love this room is because it is quite easy to clean. I absolutley hate cleaning bathrooms, but this one isn't so bad. I always wanted subway tiles and wainscoating and love the pegs in here to hang towels on. I also love the tile on the counters, which is something I usually wouldn't pick; but wanted this to be a really fun room. Coming up: my least favorite room!

Pajama Walks

I love living out in the country...especially on my parents farm. This is the view from my kitchen and I have lots of windows everywhere.

Here is a peak at the house nestled in the walnut trees.

One of our highlights is getting to do anything we want in out jammies...like taking walks, and what country boy doesn't carry a big stick when he is walking!

Perfect picture of grapes that grow and then cutting the cane to dry them into raisins.

Walnuts on the tree.

This is the "middle lane"...and I remember walking and driving grandpa's old truck on it when I was a little girl. Love that my kids can make these memories now too.

Each grandkid has a "road" named after them.

Maggie turns into crazy, psycho dog when we go for walks!

My dad and I rode our bike's the other day, and we saw a couple and a photographer taking pictures in the walnut trees....I think my dad was quietly excited that someone would want to take pictures in his trees. He is very proud of his farm and likes it to look nice, he puts in alot of work so it does look nice and so we can enjoy it!! Thanks dad!!

Summer Time Lazies and SUGAR!!!!!

Sorry for the laps in blogging.....just getting into our summertime lazy days without a list of things to do...and just be: Family vacations which include alot of ice cream and....

the monster-of-all-monster pixie sticks!!!!

Fun at the beach (which was one of the most glorious days ever beachside)...and ...

sleeping in while the boys fend for themselves until I drag myself out of bed...after many requests for breakfast and me saying..in a little bit (that only works so long). FYI, I did not stage this picture, and that is me in that pile, my son was trying to wake me up by taking my picture.