Is there a problem?

Gracie heard me go out to the garage to take out some bottles to be recycled. She likes to follow me out there so she can go sit on the tractors. Sure enough, out she scoots and climbs up on her brothers tractor. It wasn't until I went to pick her up that I noticed a little problem. What is it you ask? Well, apparently she is a "crafty" kind of girl who now knows where I keep my ink pads. She was more than willing to pose for some pictures and for the first time she now says "cheese" when I snap away. How cute is that!

Christmas card photos

Can preparing for Christmas be a stressful time? Decorating, I can manage. Shopping, are you kidding, that's a blast. Baking, I always say it's my time to connect with traditions, reflect and put my love in it. Taking the photo to go on the Christmas card...Drives me insane!!! This year I thought I would be smart and schedule the kids in with a professional so I would be out of the loop. That should work right? Wrong. My normally happy baby girl was not having any of that and cried the entire time. What few pictures they managed she was so red and puffy that it just wasn't going to work out. So with dread I knew what the next step would involve. Me in the front yard, camera in hand trying not to yell or get visibly frustrated. So, with upbeat optimism, combed hair and clean shirts we gave it a go. Three attempts and one hundred and thirty pictures later (yes, I said 130), here is the product of my labor. Needless to say, these are the ones that didn't make the cut. Enjoy.

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. This year was special in that good friends were able to join us. They do so much for us and our kids that it was nice to welcome them into our home and celebrate with great food and reflect on our many blessings.

The kids had fun being creative by making pilgrim hat cookies and eating their creations. It was a great day and our thoughts were with our loved ones who were far away.

On this day and always, I am thankful for my three beautiful children and my loving husband.

Trick-or-Treat

Here's my cuties. Larry and I always get a laugh every year and play a game at which of our kids will cry while getting ready to go trick-or-treating. They haven't let us down yet and this year it was Gracie's turn. Although she was teething and a little tired things finally got underway. I love watching their little faces at the sheer delight in receiving candy all for ringing a doorbell. Josh turned to us after leaving the doorstep of a house with a big smile on his face and said "it worked, it worked, they gave me candy! This year I made Benjamin's Sponge Bob costume with the help of a friend who sketched and painted the face. I'm thrilled at how well it turned out. Hope you all had a fun time tonight. Don't eat too much candy.

Career Day

This is red ribbon week at school for the DARE program. Every day the kids wear something different to emphasize the DARE message of the day. Anyway, today is "Too Cool to do Drugs" Career Day. As you may know, Benjamin has known he wants to be a farmer from a very young age. This morning we decided to put a different spin on things and dress like a farmer going to a business meeting. He was real proud of his look.

Looking at One.

I can't believe my little girl has turned one. I'm a little sad at how quickly the year has gone by. I began planning her birthday party a few months ago. As the mom of two boys, it was something I was looking forward to for awhile. Our theme was a ladybug tea party which meant no boys allowed. Her brothers shed a few tears but eventually understood mom's need for a "girly" party. No John Deere decorations allowed.

Gracie loved getting dressed up and wasn't to keen on wearing her crown until she was distracted by her cupcake. The decorations were fun to make and I saved some of the tissue paper pom poms to hang in her room.

My mom was a big help in getting set up (thank-you) a lot of love went into the planning and cooking, which I love to do.

Through this past year, my heart has grown. I have watched the love and amazement two boys can have for their sister. And I have watched a grown man fall in love with his beautiful girl. Happy Birthday Gracie.