Getting into the Christmas spirit

This is one of those post that is more for me than anyone reading, but hopefully it helps bring back the spirit of Christmas to anyone who made need it. (I'm not too sure if that made sense but hopefully you understood what I meant.) So today I was in the car and I was listening to Christmas music, I know what you're thinking: too soon, right? Anyway the song " O Holy Night" started to play and I really listened to the words and re-fell in love with this song. My reason for this blog is to tell everyone, including myself, that this year is the year to get into the Christmas spirit. I don't mean Santa Clause and presents, although that is a huge part and a part I love. I mean the "true" part of Christmas, the spirit of giving and kindness, the story of Christ being born, that is the meaning and the most important part of the holiday season. I know so many people who are having a hard time right now. This past year has been hard both with finances and emotionally for so many of us. Still there is a lot to be thankful for and a good time to be had this season. Back to my start of this blog... the song, O Holy Night. "O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth... Fall on your knees! Oh hear the angel voices! O night divine, the night when Christ was born... The King of Kings lay thus lowly manger; In all our trials born to be our friends. He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger... Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace... With all our hearts we praise His holy name." Read these words and take them to heart please. I know with out a doubt that Christ was born, and He knows are needs, even the needs we don't realize we may need! During this hard time remember each other, be kind, be a friend, even to strangers, and follow what Christ taught, and love one another. This time in so many of our lives might be the hardest but it, in a very humbling way, might soften our hearts and clear our minds to what is important in this life, and this hard time might turn into the very best time. I look forward to this holiday season and the ups and the downs that will come with it.

Shelby's Birthday Party

Shelby turned 5, I can't believe she is five already. Time goes by way too fast, but at the same time its hard to remember what it was like without her. Shelby has a fun personality, she is such a great friend to everyone. Her teacher tells me how sweet she is to all the kids in her class. She is really smart and loves kindergarten. Shelby is a great little girl and she loves to please me, her dad, and her teachers... of course there is another side. At times I have the most stubborn, sassy, attitude like a 15 year old, full of drama, screaming crying little girl. I know most people don't find this side of kids all that fun or cute, me, on the other hand, I like this side of her. Not only does this "lovely" side of my daughter keep me on my toes, but it makes for fun stories and, as you can tell, I love to get these moments on camera as much as possible. Also I know that I have a daughter who will not back down from what she wants or doesn't want, her strong personality I know will only help her in life. Shelby you are a little girl who can light up a whole room, you make me so happy and I love every side of you, Happy Birthday Missy Moo, who is made out of chocolate milk!

We had a "small" party for her. She really wanted to invite her friends from school, I thought why not? After talking to her teacher I was not surprised to find out that Shelby is truely friends with her whole class. I thought about it and what the heck, whats 20 kids? Of course we also invited her friends we see and play with that don't go to her school too. (I'm sorry to all my friends from Orange County I had to stop somewhere, and at least nobody had to drive a hour for a birthday party!) I forgot to do a final head count, but I know I had somewhere between 30 & 35 kids!

We started decorating cupcakes! This is Bella and River, they are in the same preschool class, and both of them talk about each other nonstop.

After cupcakes, all the kids had their own piece of "wraping paper" to paint and take home. I had paint, glue, glitter, the works for them to create with. Check out River's feet they are covered with glue, paint, and glitter!



Any one surprised? This crying moment did not last long but I love to get her "true" side on camera as much as possible.

After the party was over a few friends stayed and played while I cleaned up. Jacob pushes the kids, "to infinity and beyond!!!", I can hardly watch sometimes he swings them way to high, but, knock on wood, nobody has been hurt and the kids love it.

After dinner we took baths and got all the paint off and then it was present time! There was so many gifts I was shocked, good thing she had her best friend, Alexis, there to help.

Did Christmas come early?

June Lily is 6 months!

My little baby is far from "little"! Today she went for her six month check up. She weighed 17.2 pounds and was 26 1/4 inches long. That puts her is the 75% for both. Her head... wow! 90%, she is going to be very smart! The doctor said usually "big" heads run in the family, I then remember River's head was in the 90% for a while and the doctor messured my head and turns out my head is about 90% for female adults, too funny!



June loves to sit and pet, or pull, on Lucy. She is soooo sweet to June, she just sits by her and is so calm around her. Addison, our other dog, a whole other storie. Don't be suprised when you see a post, " Free dog to a good home!"

June likes to drink out of a sippy cup and "bitter biscuits" are the best thing in the whole world. She smiles so much, and screams at you if you don't open the package fast enough, when she sees her " cookie". My big girl is also starting to crawl!

Halloween ( better late than never)

Halloween was tons of fun this year. We did are usual tradition: chili dinner at my sister Michelle's house, got the kids dressed up and tried to get a group photo, then we were off to "trick or treat." This picture of Shelby was taken at the end of the night, anyone suprised?

This is are new baby sitter for June!