Holiday with Grandma Lori

I had to work today but after work Grandma Lori came to visit, enjoy the holidays, eat a turkey dinner and stay the night with us.

Everything started off well.  I got dinner done in record time, thanks to cooking the pies the night before.

Grandma enjoyed snuggles on the couch with the kids.  Of course she brought gifts.  Everyone was tucked into bed and snoozing peacefully. Then the normal nighttime escapades began.  Kate was up 2 or 3 times, Gavin was up 3 or 4 times.  By midnight Lori had taken to the couch to try and catch a few zzz's.

When we woke in the morning, she couldn't believe how many times a night these kids still wake up.  I love my "babies" dearly.  But I would more than welcome the day that they all sleep through the night!!!

Holiday Pics-Portrait Innovation 2014

Our annual Christmas PJ pic was tonight.  I am convinced that each year it gets better and better.  There is always 1 or 2 that don't cooperate.  But this beats some of the years when they have been all out screaming/crying.  I took the opportunity to get some updated pics of the kiddos too.  Not the best ever, but they will do to hand out at Christmas!

Happy 85th Birthday Grandma Jean!

Grandma Jean was very good at avoiding the camera at her party today.  But her grand-kids couldn't hide from this little mama. :) As always, the food was great.  The company was good. Grandma announced that this was the first birthday party she has ever had.  Wow!  What a selfless woman.

I so wish that we lived closer to my in-laws.  These kiddos love their family.  But with mine here and his their, there just doesn't seem to  be a good compromise.  Add in that work is here and that pretty much seals the deal.  Wish we got to see these cuties more often!  That is the good thing about the holidays though.  Lots of love, family and good cheer!

Smiles All Around

I hate to admit this but since I believe in brutal honesty...here it comes!

Steve works long hours on the weekend usually leaving me home with the kids.

Many days I feel as though I am in survival mode.

I love my children with all my heart but I find myself having to take a step back, take a deep breath, the approach things from a different angle to make things run smoothly.

Many weekends, I can't wait for him to come home not just because we love to see them but because I would love just pee without an entourage or actually take one bite of my food.

Today want not one of those days.

God must have known I needed an breather.

My kids were all smiles.

They played nicely with one another and actually listened to me when I did have to reprimand.

Thank you Jesus. My heart is full of joy. I am looking forward to a fun filled family day tomorrow!

Stories With Daddy

Each night before bed, we read three books.  Gavin asked for "The Little Blue Engine That Could," tonight.  Grooooooooooooooooooooooooan.  All of you parents out there know why.  This is the FOREVER LONG book.

Well Steve decided he would ad lib a bit tonight to speed things along.  Tonight rendition included: Nigerians, dancing girls and a train that gets repeatedly slapped in the face.  LOL.  I didn't get a picture because I was laughing so hard I was crying.  I can't wait to hear the boys' rendition of tonight's story to daycare tomorrow.  Only my husband...

Jammin' Fools

Anyone that knows these kiddos, knows of their love for music.  Tonight we watched most of a 50 music video collection on youtube of Pentatonix's greatest hits.  Love this group, but more importantly, love watching the joy in my children as they listen to the music.  They also do a hilarious rendition of the Frozen hit, "Let It Go."  Check it out!

Newman Thanksgiving

We headed to Grandma Dixie's tonight for the Newman Thanksgiving.  These kids are so blessed to have so many grandparents that love and adore them.  As stressful as the holidays can be, I am always reminded of this during this time of year.