Christmas Fun

It's crazy to me that Christmas has come and gone. But we sure did enjoy it. I have a TON of pictures to post from various Christmas outings we did and of course Christmas Eve and Day!

In early December my great friend Lauri and her family came up from Houston. This has been a tradition for several years now and is something I so look forward to each year.


On Saturday, we were able to get all 5 kids down for a nap and Dana, Lauri and I went to the mall and had some much needed "girl time". We only went into a few stores and the rest of the time we sat in the food court and just talked, uninterrupted! It was fabulous! We missed you Amanda, it just wasn't the same without you guys here with us!

The Dads with all the kiddos


All the kiddos


Jacob at his school Christmas party. Enjoying his very 'red' cupcake!


Every year I paint an ornament for our tree and my parents tree and put a current picture of the the kids in it. This year, Jacob helped and did a great job.


We went to Northpark mall a few weeks ago and went to see the trains they set up every year. Luke is such a lover of trains and was in heaven the entire time.

Just look at that sweet face....


Jacob enjoyed it too




Sweet, sweet brothers


While we were in East Texas last weekend, we went and rode the Polar Express train ride. It is based on the movie and was done very well. All the kids wear their pajamas, get hot chocolate and a cookie while on the way to the "north pole". It was basically about a 20 minute train ride one way and once we got to the north pole there were elves, Santa and all kinds of little houses set up and decorations to resemble the north pole. Santa then came aboard and went to every train car and gave each child a bell because they believe. It was very, very cute! And the kids had a blast.







Luke giving his ticket to the conductor so he could punch it, just like in the movie.










As you can see we took advantage of the fun, festive activities this time of year and had a blast. I will post more pictures soon from Christmas Eve and Day! Hope all of you had a wonderful and blessed Christmas!

Santa Picture

Well, we did it! We went to see Santa today. And I'm still shocked that we got through it with no tears. Jacob loved every minute of it. Luke on the other hand was clinging to my neck so hard. His arms and legs were wrapped around me and his little head was laying on my shoulder. He wasn't about to get down near that big guy!

So I realized Luke sitting in Santa's lap wasn't going to happen. I was a little sad thinking the picture would be just of Jacob. You know how I like the traditions and the comparison pictures. So I then just tried to stand Luke next to Santa's chair, right near Jacob hoping that would help. At first he wouldn't let go of my hand and would just walk back towards me. THEN, the lady taking the picture somehow distracted him with a stuffed frog, long enough to stand still and smile for the picture...



2008- Jacob- 3 and Luke-11 months


2006- just heartbreaking- 14 months old


2005- sweet boy- 7 weeks old


As you can see I didn't even attempt Jacob's picture in 2007 when he was 2 years old. I knew it wasn't going to happen so I didn't even try. And notice it's the same Santa in each picture. Love our Santa, he's a good one!

Christmas Fun

We've been having fun getting into the Christmas spirit. Jacob had his Christmas program at school Tuesday night and it was so cute. He did so good and was such a big boy. He seemed to have a good time singing and doing all the hand motions. One of these days I'll actually download a video so you can see the action.

Getting ready to leave for the program










Can you tell it was bed time


His teacher, Mrs. Scates




Papa Jim and G-Lana came to see his program




Luke loves carrying around our little snowman. He loves pushing the button and hearing him sing.




Working hard on his gingerbread house




Here's the gingerbread house pics from 2008

Oh Christmas Tree

I was looking through my pictures today and realized how behind I am on updating my blog. We got our Christmas tree last weekend and had lots of fun decorating it with the boys. We got lucky, no ornaments were broken and Luke only got tangled up in the lights once! So not too bad for having two small, very eager helpers! :)

We were originally going to go to a tree farm in Kilgore since we were in town the weekend after Thanksgiving. However, the rainy weather changed our minds. We then thought it would be fun to go to a tree lot here. They bring the trees in so we thought this would feel some what like going to a real tree farm. We got lots of fun pictures but just couldn't pay $120+ for a tree that we were going to put out in the trash in 3 short weeks. Sadly, we then went to Home Depot and got a tree for 1/4 of the price and it looks great!

They had all kinds of wooden cut-outs






The boys had fun running all around


Jacob climbed to the top before I knew it


Helping Daddy reach those high branches


They loved the step ladder




Jacob took this one

40 years

This past Sunday, my parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary! Can you believe it, 40 years! Yes, they were young when they got married, my mom 18 and my dad 21. We threw a surprise party for them this past Saturday. And it was great. We ran into a few obstacles...my dad showing up for the party 1 hour early (he came from the deer lease) and mom saying she was going to come over to Kristina's early to help get "dinner" ready. It was not the easiest keeping this from them. Kristina and I told many lies, we were starting to believe them ourselves! But it was all worth it to see the look on their faces when they walked in the door.

I'm so proud of my parents. Forty years is quite an accomplishment. It's not always been easy, the good times...the bad times...in sickness and in health...for richer and poorer. They sacrificed so much raising us girls and I'm so thankful to them.

Their love, their commitment to one another, their support to each other and their Christ centered marriage is an inspiration to me and so many others. Thank you Mom and Dad for the example you have shown and for the love you have for each other and for us! I love you!

Waiting for their arrival


The happy couple


Kristina and I gave a toast






Opening their gifts


We got them engraved wine glasses


Reading through their "blessing book"