Papa Ron's visit!

Papa Ron visited us this week and we had fun! He helped with homework, wrestled with us, and spoiled us rotten! It rained some while he was here but the sun came out toward the end of the week. I wish I'd gotten more pictures, sorry!

Mother-Son Dessert

We celebrated Valentine's Day a bit early by attending the annual Mother-Son dessert at church. I had two dates this year since Cameron has been attending the boys group this year! They'd learned a few manners like pulling my chair out for me, serving me dessert first and showering me with homeade gifts. They video tape the boys each saying something they love about their mom. Ethan said, "I love my mom because she helps me with my homework." Cameron said, "I love my mom because she tucks me in every night." Ahh...the things we grumble about that make a difference to them! Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Hug someone you love today!

Hugs

Ashton has a new ritual at bedtime. He lays down, holds his arms out and says, "hugs," and then waits for me to give him one. Very precious. I tried to capture in a photo.

4 Day Weekend To-Do List

Pack Ethan for Winter Camp for two days. He's going with his best friend, Brian. He's attending a camp in Forest Fall, CA. He'll need a sleeping bag and warm clothes if there's snow. (check)








Prepare for Cameron's first sleep over. He's invited two friends, Troy and Teddy. Check with moms to make sure they're clear for the overnight. Borrow tent from Troy's mom and figure out where to set it up. Shop for snacks and pick up a movie. Remove all Cameron's post-its. (where does he get THAT from anyway?) Put batteries in the flashlight.(check)







Get ready for new kitchen floor. Move small table out, and clear off refrigerator. Sweep old floor. Take out any snacks or beverages needed for the day and store in cooler. (check)
Have a great weekend and don't forget to breathe.

Ashton's Big Day!

We took the camera with us as we celebrated Ashton's 4th birthday. It was such a great day!



It started with pancakes on the birthday plate.





Playing Indiana Jones on the computer.





Enjoying a book at the library






Watching a new Dora movie from the library.






Watching Mommy decorate my zoo train cake.










Doesn't it look yummy?





Waiting for the party to begin!











McDonald's double cheeseburger and french fries!









Riding the carousel at the mall.










Birthday cake and ice cream!

Christmas Day

Christmas morning started early and was worth it! The boys were thrilled with the wii music they received! Ashton liked his train table which I was thrilled about myself! A full day of play for sure. We chowed on some monkey bread mid-morning and stayed in our pj's all day! Yeah!

Christmas Eve

I just took over 100 pictures in 24 hours! From Christmas eve morning to later Christmas day, I was always taking pictures. Here is a Christmas eve overview:

Cameron started the day with a craft. He made a Christmas shirt with fabric paints.

I also finished painting the train table that we were giving Ashton and gluing together houses for it. We went to the early service at church and then headed home for opening some presents.
The boys put on their matching pajamas and they could hardly wait. Enough pictures already, let's get busy!















Chocolate fondue completes the night! Yum....Now off to bed to be ready for tomorrow's fun!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

We're celebrating being done with school, work and gearing up for lots of eating, more baking, togetherness,and FUN! Packages have been sent, cookies made and Christmas pillows straightened(again)! Yeah, we love the holidays! I even got a bit festive last week and painted my toes in candy cane colors! Hope everyone has a fun week, love to all!

I Can Fly!

Caught ya!

Cameron's gallery

Cameron has created a gallery of priceless artwork in this room. His goal: to cover every inch of open wall space with his masterpieces. I had him give us a tour of his "gallery" so you could get a taste of his work. I ran out of memory at one point so I did a second video to capture the end.

Our Thanksgiving

We went to Hesperia and enjoyed a nice meal and visiting with Derrik's aunt, uncle and cousins. I have been blessed not to cook a turkey or host Thanksgiving for the last few years and I love it!












The boys had fun with a cousins daughter (second cousin?) Noa. There was a stuffed horse there that kept the boys busy for the longest time!



We came home with a few leftovers and Friday began decorating the house for Christmas. For dinner, we had our own Thanksgiving! I'll post more on the decorations and decorating committee later! :)

Wanna play?

Ah, my patient husband. One day, when the boys are grown and gone, you can read to your hearts content. Until then, there's a little boy sitting on your head that wants to PLAY!

Bridge Smashing

The older boys are a part of a Wednesday night boys 'club' at church. They occasionally have projects to do and participate in competitions. Well, this time it's bridges out of popcicle sticks. They had to construct a bridge and then it would be tested against weight to see how much power it could stand without breaking. Ethan's broke under 126 pounds. Cameron decided not to smash his - he's enjoyed creating it and didn't want to see it smashed.