Decking Our Halls

Logan has been begging to put the tree up so we thought tonight sounded like a great night.  The boys first helped Daddy get the outdoor lights up while it was nice outside then we tackled the tree.

I decided that rather than have to worry about Gavin and yell at him every 5 minutes for pulling over the tree or breaking ornaments, we put up our artificial tree and NOT ONE BREAKABLE ORNAMENT.  It was a good decision.  Less than 2 hours after the tree went up, he has already pulled it over twice.  Oh the life of raising toddlers!

It may not be the most beautiful tree on the block but it is ours...and the boys were so proud.

Thanksgiving 2013 {Grandma Lori's}

We made the long trek to Coffeyville today to see Grandma Lori.  Oh how Mommy hates that drive.  Thankfully, Katelyn slept all the way so it was only the boys that needed entertaining.  Grandma had surgery on her knee a few weeks ago so rather than cooking we treated her to lunch out.  Uncle Charley surprised us and showed up too!  It had been a few years since we had seen him so that was a special treat.

My kids are worn out, I am a bit tired too. My heart is full but my body is weak!  Thank goodness this is the end of Thanksgiving for this year...

Thanksgiving 2013 {Papa's}

For Thanksgiving with Papa and Lisa we had a non-traditional Mexican feast!  Mommy was highly disappointed(I didn't even get halfway through my meal before being so stuffed I couldn't take another bite).  Everyone has been very accommodating to us this year and everyone came to our house again today.  We had a houseful as Alyssa & Grant came too!  The boys were ready for bed after we ran them ragged all evening.

Thanksgiving 2013 {Norris Farm}

After brunch with Mom and Kate, we ran up to Wellington to Aunt Helen and Uncle Toms's house.  Usually I boycot going to more than one get together on the same day but we figured it was early enough that the kids would do ok.  Gavin napped on the way and was ready to go as soon as we got there.

The weather was beautiful.  There were no other little kids there this year but my boys still had a great time. Daddy drove them around on the Gator and they had fun climbing on all the farm equipment.  We didn't stay late but long enough to wear them all out!

Thanksgiving 2013 {Nana's}

Ugh...I miss my brother all the time but I really miss him during the holidays.  There, I said it!  Kate and I have an idea for Christmas that will make him more included(stay tuned).

Everyone came to our house today for a non-traditional Thanksgiving brunch!  We needed a break from turkey and potatoes.  We had waffles, bacon, egg, egg casserole, fruit and oatmeal...YUM!  We cleaned up every last bit of it too.  The weather is gorgeous.  We are getting ready to leave and head out to the farm.  Here we go again!

First Fluff

She looks so thrilled...LOL.  I put sister in cloth for the first time today!  They are still a bit big, but I know it won't be long and they will be fitting her just right.  She is growing too fast!

Home Bodies

I don't know that the kids are tired but all go, go, going sure wears the Mommy out!  We stayed in our jammies for the majority of the day today but did eventually manage to get dressed.  You'll have days like that.  Our little princess is smiling and giggling all the time now and the boys love to see you can get her to laugh.  It is adorable...

Thanksgiving 2013 {Nena & Papa's}

Today we made the trek to Haven for Nena & Papa's get together.  Though we did get to see Grandma Jean, Aunt Leslie and Shannon, the cousins were with their daddy and were very missed.  Nena always makes such yummy turkey!  Mommy had two platefuls and nearly made herself sick...

After lunch, Papa and Daddy had fun in the garage pushing the boys back and forth on this little 4-wheeler. Their facial expressions were PRICELESS!

Thanksgiving 2013 {Newmans}

Well I forgot the camera...epic fail.  I guess that's what happens sometimes when you have Mommy Brain!  We went to my Uncle's house for the Newman Thanksgiving tonight.  The kiddos got to see Ethi's kids(who are growing like weeds, seriously I don't know what she is feeding them!) and of course the rest of the family.  Dinner was great but due to screaming children demanding my attention I didn't eat too much.  It is probably a good thing as I am trying to break in my new body minus gallbladder digestive system slowly!  The wind was nuts, it was 22 degrees outside and oh yeah, welcome winter!  We are very thankful though to get to share time with these special people.  We are missing uncle AJ already.  This time of year without all the family here is difficult.

Avoiding Cabin Fever

Well here it is...real as it can get: I could never be a stay at home mom, fulltime.  There, I said it.  Our friends are all sick or their mommies are out of town which = no play dates.  It is 16 degrees outside which = no playing outside.  All this lack of activity = kiddos that are not tired, not well stimulated and a worn down/run down Mommy.

I have found myself talking to them harshly, sometimes using words they would not normally hear out of my mouth and all I can do is pray for God's grace to come over me and TAKE OVER.  Our holiday celebrations start tomorrow.  Although usually I dread the running around, this year I can't wait to get out of the house and see some real people...ADULT people.

There ya have it.  Kuddos to all you SAHMs.  You rock.

Caught on Camera

Katelyn's head is growing, growing, growing!  She is really enjoying her play mat, although due to her excessive vomiting we haven't done a ton of tummy time.  The boys were being sweet down on the floor tonight and I snuck a couple of pics in.  Look at the last one.  Both these boys lay EXACTLY the same way, even down to the position of their arms! LOL.

Sweet Girl

My sweet Katelyn has been a fussy girl today.  It has been the day of 5 min naps.  She is not happy unless she is snuggled in my arms or the Moby wrap.  These days are fleeting, I know.  I am thoroughly enjoying her soft skin, sweet breath and tiny size.  They grow so fast!