sunday snapshot: it's beginning to look alot like Christmas

       




today is a little random for the post. I hadn't taken any pictures to post. Honestly, hadn't planned on participating this week. I've been doing a lot of baking lately. Just haven't been taking lots of pictures of it! ;) 

so this afternoon my husband volunteered to go to the grocery for me. (a true sign of affection to me, as it's my most dreadful chore.) Plus, I was making white chocolate raspberry cheesecake, so I was a little tied up.... mmm..

Then he showed back up from the store with tons of groceries, and, red tulips. Christmas red tulips. Huh, guess I could take some pictures of these, they're gorgeous! And we sure don't see many tulips in December. At least in the midwest, where we're in freezing temps and snow-covered everything about now. 

Then I realized how Christmasy they look. Red and all. :) They go with the rest of the decor around the house.... so there's a few shots of that too! Merry Christmas!

Sunday Snapshot: the Mischievous one

We had 2 consecutive snow days this week, due to a snow storm that was well-forecasted, so I was able to prepare and plan ahead a bit. I stocked up on goodies to do some fun holiday baking, including making treats to take to several neighbors with our Merry Christmas wishes....

Well, it was a long 2 days, and the kids had helped intermittently, but I was left alone with Emily in the kitchen by now.... the least helpful one of all to finish things up. Go figure! I had gotten out all the fixin's to decorate and package the goodies before I sent them on their way, and sure enough, Emily helped herself to the ribbon. Of course, I let her, because it then worked to keep her entertained as I packaged, etc...

Just settin' the stage for ya!!

first snow day

We are in a blizzard and school got cancelled today! It's awesome!

After Jason spent about 2 hours snowblowing/shoveling the drive, we decided to take emily out for her first experience with snow.

I knew she wouldn't be ok with watching the big kids from the window, so I got her snowpants (big enough to wear again next year) and boots and bundled her with the rest of them. And out we went. 

It was blowing quite a bit, so that was less than perfect, but she almost immediately got annoyed with her mittens. So she took one off, grabbed a handful of snow (brrrr) and then dropped it and said "done." It was so funny! She wanted to come inside after that. She lasted all of 5 minutes outside! 

Sunday Snapshot: Matthew

Matthew is our second-born. A middle child. He's the little brother of Ben. And the big brother of two little girls. He was THE. easiest. baby. Super mellow then, and now.

He loves sports.

And music. He's got great rhythm. Rocks at Guitar Hero and the like. Though he doesn't just play; he plays AND dances while he's doin' it. :)

He often seems to be in his own little world. Marches to the beat of his own drum.....that's for sure.

He's tenderhearted. Caring. Joyful.

Sometimes stubborn.

Funny.

He adores his big brother. Luckily, feeling's mutual. They're tight.

Our Peach. (or as Emily has re-nicknamed him, Matt-man)

Benjamin James

10 years ago today, I became a parent. 

My world was absolutely rocked. 

I was naive, clueless and oblivious.

at 7:36 p.m., a 21 inch, 7 pound, 11 ounce baby changed my life forever.

and I am so glad.

Ben has become a sports-crazy, video-game playing kid that I love being a mom to.

He is very kind. Pretty quiet. Loves to read. Loves his siblings. Great big brother.

Joy to be around.

We have both grown so, so much in these 10 years. I can hardly imagine the next ten.

Happy 10th Birthday Ben. 

We love you.