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a few pics of the fun

so christmasy!

Ok, funny story for you;

about 2 weeks ago, maybe 3, Jason came home with flowers for me. He's really great about that, but this particular time, I was in bed with a migraine and couldn't open my eyes to even see them, so I just asked him to put them in some water downstairs. The next day, he asked if I liked the flowers. "yes," I replied, "but they're not very wintry..." (they were daisies and stargazer lilies). Now I can see clearly now, that may have sounded like complaining, but I certainly wasn't complaining about receiving flowers. And maybe I am spoiled because I do receive them often. I appreciated the gesture very much, but some variety maybe, is what I was hinting at. He replied to my statement with, "what flowers are wintry?" To which I replied, "I don't know, ROSES?" Well, that just really stirred the pot, because back in the day when we were dating, I once told Jason that I thought roses were generic flowers and never to buy them for me. My point was, anyone could buy roses for another; but if someone really knows me, they would know what flowers are my favorite, and purchase those instead....you know, really putting some thought into it.

So, low and behold, yesterday, Jason came home with a wrap of flowers.

He smiled at me and said, "guess what kind they are?!", to which I replied,

"I don't know, ROSES?" And then we both cracked up.

Once I opened them and got them settled in their vase, I said,

"WOW, they're SO Christmasy!!"

they really are gorgeous.

My first bundle of roses from my husband of eight years!

Ho Ho Ho

Ok, the blog has been completely neglected lately;

but here's a fun shot of the kids visiting with Santa.

I was actually quite surprised with how this went.
This is the first year that all 3 of them have been willing,

or even desired to sit with him and talk.

they're growing up and I'm sure the time is near when they

will know what's up and not be interested anymore!

So I'm savoring this for one more season.

Merry Christmas!

winter wonderland!

Ben keeps asking me how we can be having all this winter weather when it's really still fall.

I just tell him that's what happens in Iowa. They're enjoying it nonetheless, and they've made a pretty impressive snow tunnel in the front yard.

Of course, evening not complete without enjoying some steamy

hot cocoa with marshmallows afterwards!

and a birthday

Ok, maybe this is backwards, but it always phases me more when our oldest child passes a milestone; rather than when the youngest does; then I know it's coming for the others as well and it just always gets me. I cried when he lost his first tooth, and have been known to be somewhat emotional on his birthdays. Maybe in part because I think back and wow, our life CHANGED when he came along! But I wouldn't trade it; it changed for the better, and it has been wonderful, amazing, and an honor to parent him, Ben, our oldest child. He is a delightful presence and I am often in awe of who he is becoming. Yesterday we celebrated EIGHT years of Ben. Isn't that AMAZING??? Am I really 8 years older than when he came along??

wow! eight years wiser too!!

Happy Birthday to our Ben. We love him so much.

it's the most wonderful time of the year

'tis the season to be decorating for Christmas. No Happy Holidays here!

Anyways, tree and decorations are up and each kid gets a new ornament each year, so here are those as well....