Here are a couple of pictures from Alil's last morning here. Harrison came down to say goodbye with his "hot" on. We love you lish and Zai and miss you both so much. The picture of the boys in the 3d glasses is for Aunt Sandy and Grandma. They got the movie Fly me to the moon for Harrison. You can play it in 3d. Both boys loved this and actually sat and watched it. Thank you for the movie we love you and hope to see you soon.

My favorite Christmas 08 photos

On Christmas Eve we got to go to Gaylord to spend time with Doug's family. We had a great day and I Love the pictures of his mom and my boys. I love the picture of Sandy and my boys too. I wish we lived in the same town so we could see each other more often. I would be at their house as much as they would let me. I got to do baking with them only once, but I had the best time. This time their whole table was full of goodies to give out to people. My favorite was the potato chips dipped in chocolate..they were awesome. I love you both and hope we live closer someday!

Happy Holidays!

"I love this time of year!"

Yesterday we made sugar cookies. It was so much fun! I think we made close to 50 cookies. Blase was a diligent helper. He loves rolling out the dough and choosing the cookie cutter shapes...even hand making his own. What I mean by that is while the Christmas music is playing, and we are pumping out trees, candy canes etc...Blase is saying,"Mom, can I make mars? How about just one Saturn, a snake?" He is too much. It kept us busy for about two hours, which was good because he got in trouble at church. He didn't have class yesterday and had had to stay in the service....need I say more? I truly thought it would be fine because we watched part of Charlie Brown's Christmas....not so much. He kept asking and not in a whisper,"WHEN CAN I GO TO CLASS?" Doug handled it, and although things like that happen all the time, I was humbled. I guess it didn't matter that my boys had on matching outfits, which never happens because I am the queen of hand me downs. I also fixed their hair! It didn't matter that Doug had on this great pair of new shoes and I really liked my hair and make up. God is continually bringing me back to grace and my need for him. OK, I will get on with the story. Last night Blase and I made frosting and began the decorating process. After dropping a knife and washing his sticky hands Blase began to skip every where he went. Now if you know Blase you will know his skipping is less than graceful...God love him. He goes way to fast and trips and slips and slides crashes into things etc... So now I am getting a little impatient and ask him, "Blase, are you excited about something?"
"Yes....I am so excited about Christmas! I just love this time of year!"
That little phrase instantly made me smile. So to wrap this up, my point is that there is nothing like being a parent and experiencing things through a child. Here I was getting being sinful and getting angry and Blase was having a great time with me. I am so thankful for Christmas, for the birth of a Savior. God blessed me with children to help sanctify me! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

My Boys

My Boys love being outside. Getting theeir pictures taken....not so much. Blase does better than Harrison, if he can do what he wants for the pose. I guess he gets that from me! These are just a couple that didn't made the Christmas card this year. Notice how deep the snow is? I hope it doesn't last through March! Bring your boots Lish......only 2 weeks from today!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can taste the coffee now, because the taste does change when us sisters, and mom drink it together! Aunt Jane too if she comes, Mom said she might. I can't wait.

Who wants a tornado?

Doug was watching the kids tonight while I was doing some things. I come downstairs to Doug watching a Monster Truck competition, and Blase babysitting Harrison. I hear Blase say, "who wants a tornado?" I hear Harrison come running, and with just enough time to grab my camera I catch this..........................................................

Life is so much better with Dad in charge!

Sleighbell Parade Weekend

What a wonderful time we had with mom and Jon. We had such fun and made great memories. The kids had so much fun playing together. Cohen and Harrison are so good and quiet...unlike Halle and Blase who are so loud! Ha. Erica and Jason brought our friend Matt, who is now an adopted uncle to my boys. He is such a nice guy and we had a great time with him. Thanks for all your help with the kids Bro. Saturday we had breakfast with Santa, Michelle, Andy, Aiden and Keagan. It was fun to have them at the parade too. Thank you mom and Pa Jon for being such gracious hosts. The food was yummy, weather was crummy, but being together was a BLAST! I love you all.