happy birthday

My baby turns five today. I really can't believe it.  How did this sweet little bundle grow to be 5-years-old already? I feel like this has been the fastest five years of my life, and the best five years too.  Five seems like such a big deal.  It seems like more of a milestone than any other age, so far.  He is old enough for school now and that nearly breaks my heart. I am so excited for him because I know he is going to take the world by storm.  He is social and life-loving and ready for the next step.  I'm not.  I was looking through pictures of him throughout the years and remembering little things about him.  How he sounded, acted, what his favorite food, toy, thing was at that certain time. It was bitter-sweet.  I truly have loved every age.  I love how he is now.  It hit me the other day like a ton of bricks--there is no baby left in him, no toddler left, no tiny little kid; he is a little boy.  He has a personality all his own, his own ideas, his own quirks, his own vocabulary.  He is his own little person.  I love this stage.  I love our funny conversations, his tender heart, his smile that takes up his entire face, his energy that cannot be contained, his heartfelt prayers, his kisses and hugs, his perfection.   He is my prayer baby and I am so grateful for the light he brings into my life.  I love him more than can ever be expressed in words and I would do anything for him.  My baby is five.







Happy Birthday to my sweet little man.

he's not shy

Santa, I really want a cool train for my little brother. He wants one so bad, but I think he is too scared to come up here and tell you.  And my Daddy needs a new brace because sometimes his hurts him.  Can you bring my daddy a new brace?  oh, and um....I don't know what mommy wants because she never told me anything, but can you bring her something special? I bet you know what she wants.  Oh yeah, and I really want a cars racetrack too.  Please?  Thanks Santa! I have been trying to be a good boy.

                                          Seriously? He is so sweet I can hardly take it.

good morning sunshine

Best. Bedhead. Ever.

little hands and feet

The boys made little reindeer the other day--another pinterest idea.  We traced their little feet and hands.  They picked out the eye size and nose color--red of course!  Kaden drew those little circles for ears and put a cute red smiley mouth on his.  They were so proud of their creations. We put cardboard on the back to make them durable, since they have decided these bad boys are toys. The little Rudolphs are going to look so small someday...

i don't come up with my own ideas

I actually hesitated to start a pinterest account because I knew it would suck me in. I think I have a bit of an addictive personality and knew that it might be trouble for me.  I finally decided to give it a try and I am glad that I did.  I really love it and it's given me so many good ideas, from teaching my kids, to decorating, to future plans for our yard and unfinished basement.  I tend to be a person with grand ideas, big goals, and a lot of "oh wow, that is a great idea, I should try it..." and then I never actually follow through, at least not 100% .  I have suprised myself with this one though.  I have actually made a lot of things, done fun activities with my kids, cooked new things, and been inspired.  Despite the fact that the ideas come from someone else, it's an opportunity to still be creative in making the idea my own. 

I saw these cute trees and knew I wanted to make them.  I was going to go with a more natural look, but last minute changed my mind.  I just love things that sparkle at Christmas time.  I ended up making them for a fun party I went to.  We each made multiples of a certain thing then exchanged with each other.  I only burned myself with the glue gun a few times. I don't have a picture of mine, but they look so pretty on my entry table next to the soft white lights.

This wreath was really simple.  It's just a wire coat hanger with ornaments srtung on.  It looks so pretty in my kitchen window.

My Christmas tree skirt is my favorite.  I saw this and instantly fell in love and knew I had to make it.  It was time consuming but very easy.  We have a live tree this year, in a bucket, which we will plant in our yard.  I think the skirt will look even better when it isn't wrapped around a bucket. It will be much better lying flat on the floor, bunched up a little. I love the simplicity of the fabric combined with the ruffles.  It makes me happy to look at it, and a little proud of myself that it actually worked out.

"i can't put my arms down!"

Watching the boys run around outside while I cleared the driveway had me smiling from ear to ear.  They were bundled up like little Eskimos.  Beckham doesn't quite fit into Kaden's snow clothes from a few years ago; it is the most adorable thing in the world.  He waddled along, so happy to be out and playing with his big brother.  He is getting the hang of walking in his boots and oversized snow pants and coat.  These little guys are so excited about the snow. I remember how much I loved playing outside, staying out until I was soaked to the bone and freezing, but not minding one bit because it was so much fun.  Now, the second I start to get a chill I am running in for the fireplace and hot cider or cocoa.

he might just be on the naughty list

His life sure is rough! (and because of it, mine can be too..)