Day 333/365 ~ 2012

Matthew couldn't wait to get started on his workshop and was all set up before school started.
After some printed lessons/exercises on how to use tools, First project:  taking apart a seal-a-meal.
Learning how things work is fascinating to Matthew.
And to some other little people in the house as well....

Day 332/365 ~ 2012

Wonderful care packages were put together by our very special friends, Jeannie & Carl.
A tool kit/workshop for Matthew.



REAL fatigues for our resident "Army Guy."



Lots of fun baking treats and a weaving activity for the Bug.

Such excitement over very thoughtful gifts perfectly chosen for each of the kids' interests & personalities.

Day 331/365 ~ 2012

I had Gracie girl with us today. 
A little snapshot before heading out for some errands and lunch.
I do so love this little ones.

Day 330/365 ~ 2012

North Pole Breakfast 2012!
Our Elf Jingle arrived today!



The kids were SO excited to see Jingle sitting on our chandelier....



Christmas Jammies and their special ornaments for the year were waiting for them in their packages.

Day 329/365 ~ 2012

Again, not taken on this particular day, but a big part of our life right now.
Weekly OT for our little man with our fantastic therapist.

Day 328/365 ~ 2012

Little Bugaboo dressed for the season.
This photo wasn't really taken on this day (I was actually doing a 15 hour shopping marathon with mom) but wanted this in our project life book.
One of the funny things about her personality is her dainty little posing with her hands.
It just makes me smile.

Day 327/365 ~ 2012

Thanksgiving.

 Much to be Thankful for.

 

We had a lovely Thanksgiving Day.

 



Thankful for family present with us...







And for family present in our hearts...



 

Thankful for plenty to eat...





And fun family traditions...

 

Much to be thankful for.

Day 324/365~2012

I woke up early to find Matthew enjoying the Christmas lights in the quiet house as everyone slept.
Probably one of my favorite images of Matthew. 
The magic of Christmas.

Day 323/365 ~ 2012

Because of our upcoming schedule we put up the Christmas tree early.
Katie couldn't wait for the magical moment.
Putting the star on top.

Day 322/365 ~ 2012

Reindeer Antlers + Christmas Tree Box =  fun.
(Even when you're 9!) :)

Day 321/365 ~ 2012

Preschool Thanksgiving Feast.
The sight of my little pilgrim giving thanks was just too precious.



One of my favorite days in the preschool year.
I'm sad to see this tradition pass.
I was very thankful to get to be a part of this special day.

Day 317/365 ~ 2012

Ribbons for sale!
Andrew and Kaitlin set up shop one morning before school.
Selling gift wrap ribbons.
The box to the left is a highly optimistic money box.
I was swindled into buying the fluffy green bow for $1.
Andrew sat and manned his station for quite a while...after my purchase I wasn't sure who else he thought would come by, but he was so cute patiently sitting in that chair.

Day 316/365 ~ 2012

Mama's little helper.
I can't get the cleaning or baking supplies out without this little one on my heels ready to "help."
This little pink sponge is her own special cleaning tool.
While I clean, Kaitlin "cleans" too.  :)

Day 315/365 ~ 2012

Happy 39th to the love of my life.
Dots Doughnuts.
A chilly birthday walk by lacamas lake.
Lunch at Twilight Pizza.
Steak dinner.
Apple crisp pie with vanilla icecream.
Happy to have an opportunity to show some love to this fantastic husband/father.

Day 314/365 ~ 2012

"If I were president...I would give people money and jobs."
~ Andrew Age 7

Day 313/365 ~ 2012

Kaitlin's outfit begs the question,
How much animal print is too much?

Day 309/365 ~ 2012

Christmas card picture day!!!
Is it just us, or is it horrible for everyone?
I was so happy to check this off the list and come home and order cards.
I don't want to ruin the surprise of our card photo, but Dan and I took a couple of us too.
I just love Dan's smile.  It's really his smiling eyes that I love.



I've reached the point where I don't like my photo taken.
I've never been photogenic. (No false humility, between my crooked smile and droopy eye I'm really not and that's okay).
But adding the little differences I'm noticing in my face (why do we see this more in photos than real life?) and I'm finding that I am much more comfortable behind the lens.  But I want the kids to have photos of me too.



I was setting the exposure and Dan was being a character. That's my guy.



We attempted a tripod with Matthew pushing the button and while there are things I don't like about our pose, it's nice to have a photo of us.  We don't have them taken very often.  I'll share the rest closer to Christmas!!!  :)   

Day 308/365 ~ 2012

10am soccer game
Noon End of season soccer party
4:30 Basketball practice, followed by a game
6:00 Michelle & Isaiah's Birthday celebration

Life is busy (but fun) these days!

 Andrew is playing Basketball with some of his church friends.  What fun for him (and us!)  They couldn't be cuter and it's fun to see their individual personalities on the court.  Andrew rolled his ankle so was having a bit of a challenging time playing, but he still had fun and was happy that Aunt michelle & Uncle mike and cousins were there to watch!  (Andrew is SO accident prone right now!  I honestly think he has been to the nurse at least ten times since the beginning of the year.  Even his teacher commented on it!)



Dan had fun with his nephews.  Noah has my Dad's coloring.  Such a darling little guy.



Couldn't pass up this great expression.
Michelle liked her gift. :)



I've been SO excited to give it to her.
Truth be told, I'd like to have kept it for myself! :)



Isaiah is a decade old. Unbelievable.
He is such a sweet, sweet boy.
I clearly remember the excitement on the day of his birth and seeing him for the first time.
Mom and I went to get a birthday cake for him and stood in the bakery trying to figure out how to spell "Isaiah" (it was so funny) and we spelled it wrong! :)



We enjoyed a delicious ham dinner and topped it off with a spice cake.
Happy Birthday Isaiah & Michelle!
I love you both!