She is 4 now!

On January 25th, Makenna turned 4 years old. We were in Arizona at the time, so we had the privilege of celebrating with my family. I made her a cake (with my aunt's help) and we had a little party for her (and Brenden since his b-day had been a few weeks prior). They kids had a wonderful time. On the day of her birthday we went to Peter Piper pizza for lunch with a few of the cousins (my cousins' kids) and then we went to Olive Garden for dinner with the family.
One rule in our home was that you could not chew gum until you are 4. Makenna was so excited for this day because then she could FINALLY chew gum. Since then, she puts the gum in her mouth and chews for a few seconds and then decides that she doesn't really like "spicy" gum. I guess it wasn't as grand as she envisioned it!

9 months old!

It is hard to believe that Garrett is 9 months old. That just sounds so old. He is such a joy to us. Oh, I just want to kiss him...ok, I did!
9 month stats:
He is everywhere...crawling that is!
He weighs about 18 lbs
He is wearing mostly 12 month clothes
He is just now starting to be interested in solid foods.
He has NO teeth yet
He smiles all the time!
He really needs a hair cut!

Happy 6th Birthday Brenden!

I am a little late posting this, but last Tuesday my oldest "little" boy turned 6.
Brenden is such a joy to our lives. He loves to learn about new things. He is full of energy. He enjoys cars, trains, animals, playing house with his sisters, playing on the computer (especially math games), playing bowling on the wii, reading or looking at books, and skating around on his rollerblades.
This year for his birthday he decided to have playdates with several friends rather than a party. He chose three friends and had them each (and their siblings) over to play one day this last week. All of the children enjoyed playing together and I was able to visit with their moms, who are also my friends:).
Happy Birthday Brenden!

Just a post...

Oh, I just want to kiss him! I would right now, but he is sleeping!

Christmas program for Lakeview Little Ones


Brenden was a wiseman, Makenna was Mary, and Hallie was a sheep

Advent-part 1

I absolutely love the advent season! This is our second year doing an advent calendar. Our family has really enjoyed all of our activities, but most of them go without photo memories. Here is a list of the things we have done so far...
Decorated our home and tree
Homeschool service project
Out to lunch with friends and BOOK IT coupons!
Blessed friends on their birthdays (2 friends, different days :) )
Baked cookies
Live nativity
Celebrated Hallie's birthday
Reading at the Refuge
Christmas craft (invited neighbor over to join us)
Christmas movies
Baked goodies and delivered them to a college student during finals week (as an encouragement...and a thank you because she babysits for our children)
Made goodies to give as gifts
Out to lunch with friends...picture below
Winter Garden A Glow at the Botanical Gardens

Our family shared this massive burger and tray of fries and tots...so good! We had tons of leftovers...even though Hallie ate her entire "slice" of burger!

Yep, just checked...no other pictures! Bummer. I guess I need to be better about that.

8 months old...already!

8 months sounds so much older than 7 months...I do not know why? Oh, Garrett, I love you so much! You are the most laid back, easy going little boy I have ever known...except maybe your daddy!
I thought that all my kids were easy babies, but Garrett has topped them all. He NEVER cries...and if he does it is for about 5 seconds. He is just so happy and content! Praise God!
8 month stats:
Crawling EVERYWHERE!
Sleeps all night
Eats about every 3 hours
Sits on his own
Smiles and giggles a lot!
Not sure of his weight...probably close to 18 pounds!
My camera is charging right now so I will add pictures later!

Happy 2nd Birthday Hallie!

I cannot believe that two years has gone by! Oh, I remember her birth like it was yesterday...but, I am oh so glad that it was not yesterday! Let's just say that it was bad enough to be remembered after 2 years!
Hallie is such a fun little girl. She is so full of spunk and energy...and determination! She is my climber, which can be nerve-racking for this mother, since she is such a petite little thing. She weighs about 4 pounds more than her 8 month old brother! She has been one of my most difficult children, but she is so sweet and loving. She is starting to get better now that she can communicate better. I love you so much Hallie!



Her brother and sisters wrapped up their toys to give to her...she loved them all over again. I wonder if this would work for Christmas?


She even cleaned up after her own party!