'Tis the Season!

We have decided that Jadan is our Christmas kid. Not that ALL kids don't just adore Christmas, but there are some kids that live for it...

December 1st came and Jadan told me he was going to be in his room looking for letters from the elves... You see, last year around this time, we had some very special visitors; we never had the fortune of actually seeing the elves, but we know they definitely exist because every day 12 days before Christmas, they left letters for the kids with a clue inside to find a small toy, candy, etc... to remind them that Christmas was coming. They were so diligent (and magical, I might add) that they visited us through our traveling...in a hotel, at Grammy's, etc...

I was thrilled that Jadan remembered and was excited...well, at least the first 52 times he asked about them that same day. Then, I came up with a plan...we should ask the elves when they are coming; we could make them a little elf hotel for them to make their visits more comfortable; we could make them their favorite elf treats...SO, to find out more about these little guys (Jadan says they are probably about Cooper's size!!) we have constructed our very own magic mailbox to communicate with them. We made a fancy mailbox pole out of a wrapping paper tube and then, to our surprise, Santa himself mailed us a tin Christmas mailbox and some magic dust to activate it! HOORAY!!! So far, the kids have sent letters to Santa to

let him know what they would like for Christmas. We haven't heard back yet, but I understand that the elves are very busy!! I'm sure we will find out many more interesting things!!!

The other question Jadan kept asking was "When are we going to get our Christmas tree?!" We wanted to start a family tradition of cutting one down at a tree farm, but it has been hard to coordinate with Danny's busy schedule of work and wrestling practices and meets. So I have heard this poor child ask now for over a week, every day, several times a day, sometimes multiple times in the same conversation!! So, to appease him until we can get our real tree...

I let the kids each decorate one of my little fake trees. They were SO thrilled and did a great job!

Poor Danny!

Danny was all too pleased with himself when he came home from wrestling practice with THIS...

My first thought was, Our boys are definitely NOT wrestling, then I thought...YOU did this on PURPOSE- we were going to do family pictures this weekend!!! I didn't know he dreaded family pictures that much...oh well, there's always next weekend! HAHA!!!

fuNNy eXtrAs!

In case you might be wondering...Shae DID get a haircut. Unplanned, YES! The other day, to my complete shock, I heard her behind me (as I was working on my computer) in the sweetest voice bursting with excitement, "Mommy, I got a haircut!!" After extensive interrogation, Cooper admitted that he and Shae "wanted to cut eachother's hair...Shae went first, and it looked like it hurt, so I changed my mind!" I was surprised by how calm I was; in fact, I almost had to hold back laughter, because I just KNEW this day HAD to be coming! And, really, Cooper did OK. He didn't massacre her hair or cut it down to the scalp...she just has some bangs now (which I actually ADORE!) in addition to a few extra shorter pieces we will have to tie back until it grows out.

AND in other news...

THUMBody found a NEW friend!!!

I have to admit, I think this is just adorable!! But I probably will change my mind if he's still attached heading off to kindergarten. We'll see...for now, it works!!

haPpY biRthDAy, sHae!

I canNOT believe it has been 3 years since we welcomed our baby girl into this world! Shae has been such a joy to our family and I am so grateful for the "balance" she brings to our home! I must admit, I was NOT prepared for all of the DRAMA (thought that would come later? NOPE. girls must be born with it!) but I am SO in LOVE with this girl! And I am thrilled to be her Momma and for

all the exciting years ahead...

3 things I LOVE about Shae...

1.) Her bright, smiling, curious, big blue eyes.

2.) Her constant laughter. (well, mostly constant!)

3.) Her nurturing nature...she loves to be a little mommy and is a sweet sister as well.

baby Shae, proud Daddy and thrilled big brothers!

in 2007...

in 2008...

in 2009 (yes, she is "nursing" her baby here...little mommy!)...

and Sunday, my big 3 year old girl!!

On Friday, we surprised Shae by going to Red Robin (YUUMMmmm!) to celebrate. She opened gifts from each of the boys and Mommy & Daddy.

...then went home to enjoy ice cream cones and a slumber party! Danny set up the projector in Shae's room!!

Sunday, we started her birthday off with our new traditional cinnamon roll birthday breakfast!

...followed by opening up gifts and cards from family. She is one lucky little girl!!

Shae requested a "Sandlot" birthday cake, after her favorite movie of all time (well, 3 years, anyway!) I was stumped for a long time, but came up with this...Jadan totally gave me the idea to use popsicle sticks for a fence! Smart kid! Shae couldNOT take her eyes off of it!!

Happy Birthday, sweet little love! We are so grateful you are a part of our family!!

haPpY biRthDAy, JAdaN!

six years ago today, I became a mother thanks to my amazing little Jadan! It is incredible to reflect on these past years; picturing him as a tiny baby, remembering his milestones, and seeing how he is growing into a wonderful young boy. My life changed forever the day he came into our world; I remember so vividly staring deep into those little brown eyes as I held him for the first time, truly feeling his sweet, tender spirit. He has filled my life with

so much joy and love. I am so very thankful to be his Mom!

six things I LOVE about Jadan:

1.) His genuine, innocent smile.

2.) His curiosity and desire to learn.

3.) His sensitivity to others.

4.) His yearning to do what is right.

5.) His sense of humor.

6.) His ability to love and forgive unconditionally.

Jadan at about 16 months

Jadan's 2nd birthday

Jadan's 3rd birthday

Jadan one year ago

In August, starting kindergarten!

and, finally...this weekend to celebrate, Jadan had a few friends over and Danny took them swimming at the Rec Center. The boys had a really FUN time! After they came back, we all had pizza and birthday cupcakes, and Jadan opened gifts. His little friends we so sweet to get him some really fun toys and games, which all of the kids had a great time playing afterwards! Jadan also got some cool walkie-talkies and a new blanket from us!

Then, today, the celebration continued when we sang "Happy Birthday" to Jadan over his cinnamon roll birthday breakfast!

He was excited to get some really neat gifts from Grammy and Aunt Tara, Uncle Marshal, and Taylor, too!

The day was filled with lots of special phone calls (complete with birthday singing!!) from family, which really meant a lot...and we finished off the day with a visit, new movie (UP!), and wonderful dinner from Aunt DooDoo, Uncle Alan, and Logan! Jadan's 6th birthday was certainly filled with some great memories! We are so incredibly thankful that he is a part of our family; he has touched our lives in so many ways great and small and we are so proud of the wonderful young boy he is growing up to be!! Happy Birthday, Jadan!!

Who You Are

I have had this CD for a couple of years, but recently one song particularly has touched me. I have been wanting to post these lyrics to share, as they truly have brought me strength and comfort on days I struggle as a mom (and there are many!)...

"I know you wonder if you'll ever have a day

When the kids stay calm, the laundry's done, and the dishes are put away

And sometimes you feel like your days are spent and gone

And the question running through your mind is what have I gotten done?

And when you finally have a moment to slow down

At the end of your day

I know Father would say

Believe in what you're doing

Believe in who you are

Hold tight to the truth that you're a daughter of God

Believe in who you're becoming

Believe in who you are

It may seem simple- all the little things you do

But the lives you touch matter so much

And there's no one else like you

And Father needs you to stand tall and faithful

To be all you can be

Oh, if you could see what He sees, you'd...

Believe in what you're doing

Believe in who you are

Hold tight to the truth that you're a daughter of God

Believe in who you're becoming

Believe in who you are

When it's hard to believe in yourself

And you feel like you're beginning to doubt

Remember

He believes in what you're doing

He believes in who you are

Don't lose sight of the truth that you're a daughter of God

That he believs in who you're becoming

He believes in who you are."

Halloween FUN!

Happy Halloween...

from Mickey Mouse, Bones, Rainbow Brite and Twink!!

As previously blogged, I was ecstatic to get Shae this Rainbow Brite costume...

...and thrilled beyond belief when my A.Mazing! mother-in-law sent us this Twink costume she hand-made for Teegan!! He was the cutest little Twink EVER!! So many people stopped us and said..."oh wait! I know who that is! It's...it's...on the tip of my tongue!!!" It was great to totally take people (including myself!) back to the 80s!!! Thanks, again, MOM!

Cooper and Shae just before we went to Jadan's class Halloween party...

We all had a great time at Jadan's class Halloween party! The kindergarten kids all paraded to a couple other classrooms and then came back to enjoy some fun games and snacks!!

Then, on Friday, we went to our Church's "Trunk-or-Treat" activity. It was a little chilly, but we all warmed up with some hot cocoa (and donuts of course!) The kids got buckets full of candy and had a fun time seeing all their friends in costume too! We couldn't resist getting a photo of Mickey and Minnie

Mouse together!!

Saturday afternoon, we went to the High School's "Trick-or-Treat Street" and didn't even have enough time to do ALL the fun things! We'll have to go earlier next year...it was a blast! The kids filled their buckets with candy once again, played all sorts of games including musical chairs, ring toss, and go fish, and went through spooky rooms, too!

Traditional photos before heading off to Trick-or-Treat Street!

Next stop...Aunt DooDoo and Uncle Alan's!!!

...a little nap on the way! Good thing they have all that sugar to help them wake up in a bit!!

time to TRICK-or-TREAT!!