Oh, What Fun!

A week ago, over the Thanksgiving holiday, we were able to do something we've never done before! We went with Gene's sister's family to Ashley National Forest and cut down our first REAL Christmas tree!
What an experience! I didn't know picking out a tree could be so difficult. Gene's sister and her husband had their tree picked out within the first twenty minutes. But not Gene and I.

I just assumed that there would be a light shining down with angelic voices singing pointing out OUR TREE. Not so. It never happened.

We did find our tree, however. It took us until the very end of the outing, of course. And we did get to strap it to the top of van and drive all the way home! AHHH... the memories.

Rice Krispy Easter Eggs

My mom decided to have some fun with all the grandkids. And boy! Was it FUN!

Easter and Family

City Easter Egg Hunt

We went to the city's hunt on Saturday morning. It had been raining earlier in the morning. (I was so happy. I love the rain. And I'm grateful for it every time we are blessed to receive it.) However, by the time our family arrived at the park, the rain had stopped. Our little family was excited to participate. I think they were mostly hoping and wishing we'd win one of the bunnies to be given away.

St.Patrick's Day Parade

Aunt Saddie decided she wanted to have a parade for St. Patrick's Day. We thought it sounded like fun.

We didn't really have anything to make a float or to decorate bikes with, so...We decided to go as the BAND! Because every parade needs a band.

Aryn on cymbals. (She thought they were called "clinks.")

Zoe and our neighbor, playing the recorders. (Let me tell you, these are NOT the most fun instruments to have around the house.)

Tomas, a wee leprechaun, on tamborine.

Our other little neighbor taking her turn with a recorder as well as a maraca.

Asher on clinks.

Isaac with the triangle.

Hazel is the pot of gold at the end of the Rainbow.

The starting line up.

The parade route down to the park!
The grand finish. Everyone LOVES a parade.

My little bit of green for the day! (I tried keeping it discreet for pinches!)

V is for Valentine

It's been a busy week. The next few post posts are about preschool because for the next two weeks it's my turn to teach. They are NOT in chronological order.

Well. I finally got those books finished (except I'm still working on Zoe's. hehehe) I decided to make four and give them to the little preschool girls.

V is for Valentine.

This shows the front and back covers. I made 2 pink and 2 red.

Sweet Vocals. Yummy Variety.

Since we talked about the letter V, I decided to make my books with V words. The other girls (Keri, Brandi, and Kendra) had different words on their pages.

Vanilla cupcakes. Vermilion flowers.

The books turned out cute. But, I am glad they are finished!

We had our Valentine party on Tuesday. Each girl made their own box for trading valentines. (Isn't that what you remember from your own school days?) Zoe is checking out her stash of treats. We covered the lid in super shiny tin foil.

Moms and girls and baby brothers.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Merry Christmas

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19

This scripture is found at the end of the Nativity story. It expresses exactly what I feel...
These pictures were taken last year at Christmas time. I am amazed at how our little family has grown over the past year, particularly Ashy.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope you find peace this Holiday Season.

Holiday Memories

Hot Cocoa, anyone?
The other morning, I was cleaning up the kitchen, and what to my wondering eyes should appear? But, the Littlest sitting in a pile of freshly dumped out hot cocoa mix! MMMmmm that looks good.


On another holiday note:
The kids decided that they wanted to get presents for each other this year, even though they don't have any money.

Gene came up with the wonderful idea of letting them draw names. Then he'd take them down to the DI and let them pick out presents for one another.

Wonderful idea in theory. You see, he took all four of them by himself.

Just imagine... all five of them on ONE tiny aisle of toys, picking out presents for each other. (Without the others seeing, mind you.) Well, every time Isaac would pick something for Zoe, she would come up to him and say, "I saw that. And I don't want it." This happened three times.

Gene got it all figured out, and had a good laugh the rest of the night. He told me about it, and I had a good laugh too. What a good daddy these little angels have!