The "beaver" is here

Mary has always called fever, a "beaver." 

My G man is down and out.  Join the club huh.  The reason it's remarkable is that David has been home 7 months, and this is the first "beaver" to hit our household.  For a family of four children under 10 THAT is a miracle.  We've had our share of coughs and sniffles, but overall the kids have been very healthy and VERY thankful.  G is fine...he's jumping on the tramp between Motrin doses.  He has no cough or sniffles....just a little ole beaver.

Last week was spirit week at school.  These pics are from "decade day."  Allie wasn't sure what to do, and mamma hasn't really got it together.  She googled "Eighty's decade," and the pics were hilarious.  I think they were a little far fetched, but this is what she came up with herself.  

Our costume closet is pretty full, so we had this one for Mary.  

Is it REALLY 2013???

Number 5

DO NOT WORRY.

It is not another kid.

Exactly one year ago yesterday, I started our fifth yearbook. Yesterday, I FINISHED!

 Front Cover

Back cover.

110 pages. Done.

I may be tootin' my horn, but I'm just so happy I finished!  I stayed caught up until David came home, and then it was November.  I had months to catch up, and I really didn't think it would happen.

This is my favorite "break" from the world.  We all have something that takes us away and gives us a release.  This is mine, and it just happens to produce something to show for it which is an added bonus.  I cannot wait until it arrives. Thank you shutterfly for your 50% off sale right after Christmas!  

Total randomness

Yesterday, I was thinking that I can't believe I will have a ten-year-old next week.  Today, she looked at me like this, and the thought crossed my mind again.  Are ten-year-olds silly?  Mine is.

G has been taking TWD two days a week since the summer.  He's really loving it.  He takes it very seriously!

He is about to test for his third belt, and he's so proud:)  His teacher is THE BEST.  He's Korean. I had David in my lap while Garrett had his lesson, and every time the instructor would say, "YAAAAHHH." David would repeat it, LOUDLY.  

Today was super hero day.  Mary made a cape although she doesn't look too excited about it.  She's had a rough week, and is going through something at school that is stressful for her.  She's cried every night for three nights.  It wouldn't be a big deal to others but it's a HUGE deal to her, and we are trying to pray through it.  

  

I think I squint my nose like when I smile because he's started doing the same thing.  Little booger.

Happy New Year

It was cold and rainy this first day of 2013.  We broke out the bubbles rather than the fireworks. I spent probably 20 minutes trying to teach him to hold the wand OUT in front of him and not right at his lips.  He was so mad because he couldn't get them to work.  FINALLY, he decided to listen....

It was really cold, and the other kids didn't want to stay out. For 6 months, this blog has been ALOT about David, and I'm determined to get the other ones on here, but they are RUNNING from the camera.  They are done! 

His hands are covered in bubbles and FREEZING, but look at that face!

Happy 7 months home little man!

More Christmas...cousin style

I took the kids to my parents while the hubs worked.

We set up the tripod, and MIRACULOUSLY, everyone was smiling and looking at the camera.  David was on the floor screaming, literally in the 10 seconds from pushing the camera button to FLASH! Ha.

That is Hannah:) Isn't she a cutie looking just like my sister.  

The kids love love love being with all of their cousins, and they have so many, a blessing indeed.

My BIL (sister's husband) and my twin brother were in a wreck a week ago.  From the looks of the truck, it is another it is a miracle they weren't badly hurt.  Adam stayed in the hospital overnight mainly because of a bad concussion.  He's not able to work for another week, but is much better.  Thank you Jesus for keeping them safe.

Nana is the commander general.  I really don't know how the lady does it.  She feeds the masses three times a day for days, and she makes it look easy.  Nana, you are a total diva and you know it.  We love you!

Happy New Year to all.  I'm hoping for a MUCH QUIETER 2013.  2012 wore this girl OUT!

And may all your Christmases be white

This was David's first Christmas to officially be a White but it was also the kids' first white Christmas....a very special one indeed!

Several people asked me what David has thought about Christmas.  He has loved the lights more than anything...the simple things usually do impress the small child.  It has been so fun to watch his excitement, but really the last few weeks  what I have enjoyed most is his "ease."  We've seen quite a few changes in his temperament allowing the whole house to enjoy the light hearted David.

We had a great time with Bunny and Pappy a few days before Christmas.  

That is one excited crew.

The drove home just in time to get slammed with an unusual 10 inches of snow (and ice) on Christmas!

Making cookies.

Eating cookies.

We made smores too on Christmas eve before the weather moved in!

Hmm...not sure about the sparkly fire.

Mary was trying to explain what happens on Christmas eve:)

Christmas morning excitement

This little man had a BLAST!

Look at that face.  He's ready.

Pretty excited about his suitcase full of cars.

I don't know if I've ever stayed in jammers all day on Christmas, but we did.  And then the snow started to fall. It fell for several hours.  The last white Christmas we had was in Rochester where the snow fell 2 feet in 24 hours.  For even 1/2 inch to fall in Texas was a BIG deal!  

It was for sure a memorable one.

Just Dance

...Cause it's almost Christmas:)