Week 50

I'm so happy to be home with my kids for the holidays.  Work was crazy this past month so I'm enjoying my much needed break.  We plan on doing some baking, taking in a movie or two, and just hanging out before the big day.  It's such a fun time of the year and even more fun when you get to stay home!

Here are last week's pictures-

Day 344- Saturday, 12/10/11
We finally got our tree this weekend, and yep, it's from Home Depot.  They have the best fresh-cut trees for the price.  Tyler hopped right up there to help his dad tie the tree down.  He's getting so big and is so helpful.  It's sad but nice!

Day 345- Sunday, 12/11/11
After we got our tree home yesterday we did a little decorating but there was still a lot of ornaments left to add today.  Tyler helped me trim the top of the tree while the younger boys focused on lower half.  Then after the boys helped I rearranged a bit ;0)  They seem to cluster their favorites which just doesn't look quite right so I had to space things out.

Day 346- Monday, 12/12/11
He can hardly contain his excitement.  This year the boys have a Star Wars Lego advent calendar that they share and today was Brandon's turn to open the 12th window.  He could hardly wait, but the rule is after school and after homework so patience he must have.

Day 347- Tuesday, 12/13/11

This afternoon I did some baking for my co-workers.  I made 9 loaves of pumpkin bread that I'll pass out over the next couple days to wish them a happy holiday season as they all head out on vacation.

Day 348- Wednesday, 12/14/11
The tree is looking a bit lonely with no presents so I'm slowly working on wrapping gifts throughout the week.  Today I actually made some progress and like how much better the tree looks with even just a few gifts in its fold.

Day 349- Thursday, 12/15/11
Here are some happy boys.  Today was their last full day of school before Christmas break and as an added bonus they ALL had very little homework.  Tomorrow is a short day filled mostly with class parties.  They need a break just as much as I do.

Day 350- Friday, 12/16/11
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.  I love my house decorated for the holidays.  Here are a few new additions I acquired at a Party Lite event a couple weeks ago.


That's it for this week.  Hope everyone has a Great Christmas.
See you next Tuesday!

 

Week 49

This is the last week of work before Christmas break and I'm so ready!  Work is getting in the way of my holiday prepping so I'll be happy to have the whole week off before Christmas to tend to last minute details.  The kids really need a break from school too and are looking forward to a nice long 2-week vacation.  We're not going anywhere but that's ok--we're all fine just hanging at home.

Now for last week's pictures-

Day 337- Saturday, 12/3/11

Sharon hosted the first holiday party with a wonderful prime-rib dinner and yummy drinks to kick off the season.  "Cheers to the freakin weekend!"--Rihanna

Day 338- Sunday, 12/4/11

Someone partied a little too hard last night ;0)  We didn't get home until after midnight from our holiday party which is a little late for Brandon.  He slept in this morning and then was really quiet all day until he crashed mid-afternoon.  Wish I had time for a nap, but laundry calls.

Day 339- Monday, 12/5/11

Jack Frost paid a visit last night and was it ever chilly this morning.  It's our first frost of the season which means I now need to get out back and finish my winter pruning.  I wish we had more moisture to go with these cold temps so we could get some snow in the mountains, but so far it's been bone dry.

Day 340- Tuesday, 12/6/11

Justin can sit back and admire his hard work.  After four days of typing he finally has his report all on the computer.  Typing is just as painful as cursive to him, but he did it and now just needs to do some quick edits before he's completely done.  The paper is not due until Friday so he's done a great job pacing himself and working ahead which means no rush and stress in the end.

Day 341- Wednesday, 12/7/11

Tyler was saying goodnight to Bella after the family finished watching Survivor together.  He just got these new pajama bottoms that are in his favorite color and have his favorite dog on them.  The shocking thing for me is that I had to shop in the men's section to find ones that were long enough.  At least they had these fun ones that were perfect for him.

Day 342- Thursday, 12/8/11

After the windy week we had last week all the beautiful fall color is gone and we're left with the winter twigs on our trees.  At least the sky is a pretty color blue and the sun is shining.

Day 343- Friday, 12/9/11

Guess who's excited about Christmas.  I bought this little countdown ornament at Hallmark after seeing how much the boys loved their commercial and Brandon gives us constant updates.  It's so cute how surprised and happy he is each day as the number drops.  Awww. . . to be young again.  I'm glad it's such a magical time for him and his brothers.

That's it for this week!  See you next Tuesday with more Christmas cheer!

 

Week 48

Wow!  Usually things at work wind down just before the holidays, but I'm getting slammed.  It was an exhausting and stressful week last week and this week is looking to be much the same.  Thankfully there are only a couple weeks until more vacation.  I hope I can hold out.  Add all the Christmas stress on top of that and I'm tapped.  Tis the season!  Can't wait until I can just sit back and enjoy it.

Now for last week's pictures-

Day 330- Saturday, 11/26/11

John braved the cold on this gray and dreary day to get our outside lights up.  Most of our neighbors were out doing much of the same so at least he had company and now there are pretty lights to look at while we walk the dog in the dark.  Makes that task much more enjoyable this time of year.

Day 331- Sunday, 11/27/11

While John was decorating outside we were decking the halls inside both Saturday and Sunday.  As you can see our stockings are now hung by the chimney with care.  There is still lots to do--it's a process and who knows when we'll actually get to the tree.  It won't be this weekend but maybe next.

Day 332- Monday, 11/28/11

I got a package in the mail from my mom today ;0)  She made me this quilted table runner for the holidays and it fits nicely under our advent wreath.  She's a crafty one, but this is the first time she has made something for me so it was a nice surprise.

Day 333- Tuesday, 11/29/11

The naughty and nice list has gone up.  Every year we do this to encourage the boys to earn more nice marks than naughty.  Brandon is adding a nice mark to his list after having a super day at school.  He was desperate to cancel out the naughty mark he received earlier.

Day 334- Wednesday, 11/30/11

Don't let the bright sun fool you.  Today was really windy and cold plus Justin does not like to wear a jacket making the picture even more deceiving.  After being on a waiting list for 3 years he finally got into the social skills program at the MIND Institute.  This was his first day and he'll be here every Wednesday afternoon for the next 6 months.

Day 335- Thursday, 12/1/11

How many days until Christmas??  Yikes!  I need to get busy with so many things.  The kids are super excited though and more than willing to pose in Santa hats for my monthly marker.

Day 336- Friday, 12/2/11

I hate the natural light in my house for taking pictures during the winter--it's mostly non-existent.  Anyway, I made this photo book as a Christmas gift for my parents of pictures from our mini reunion this summer, and it came in the mail today.  It turned out really well so I can't wait for them to see it.  Now to get the rest of their gifts together so I can ship their package to Texas!

That's it for this week.  Thanks for stopping by.

 

Week 47

I had a great week at home with my family and now I'm back to work.  At least there are only a few more weeks until another nice long break.  It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and I've been busy getting ready for all the fun and excitement.  Let's kick this season off right!

Here are last week's pictures:

Day 323- Saturday, 11/19/11

John took the boys to a ski expo today and came home with a new pair of skis. Now we just need some good snow in the mountains so he can take them for a spin.

Day 324- Sunday, 11/20/11

This is my favorite time of day when I can snuggle with my youngest and introduce him to a good classic.  It's hard to believe he's never heard of Charlotte's Web.  He thought Charlotte was the girl on the cover and was amazed to discover she's a spider helping a pig.  Brandon is my animal lover so this book is perfect for him and I'm excited to reread the story by his side.

Day 325- Monday, 11/21/11

It's that time of year again--the dreaded family pictures.  Here the boys sit outside the studio waiting on me to view our session.  Thank goodness I reminded them to bring their games along because it was quite a wait.

Day 326- Tuesday, 11/22/11

Today was Brandon's first ever karate testing and he was proud to earn his first stripe.  Justin also tested and is now just one test away from going into a year long review for his black belt.

Day 327- Wednesday, 11/23/11

Mmmm . . . it smells good in here.  I started the baking for our Thanksgiving feast.  These are apple and pumpkin tarts.  The family couldn't decide on either apple or pumpkin pie so I made a few tarts of each which worked perfectly.

Day 328- Thursday, 11/24/11

Happy Thanksgiving!  Hope every had a wonderful holiday.  We were able to have John's brother David and his girlfriend Megan join us for our bountiful meal.  It was nice to have some family in town for a change.

Day 329- Friday, 11/25/11

What a beautiful sunny day!  These are my biking buddies, and we decided to take advantage of the sun while it lasts by going on a nice long ride.  I'm so proud of Brandon who has only been riding a 2-wheeler for a couple weeks now.  We were out riding for a good 40 min and he did great! 

Wait!  Just one more. . .

November's Family Photo

These were the shots taken for our annual family portrait.  We've been doing this every November since Tyler was a baby (and look at him now!).  It's a huge hassle and not something I look forward to, but I'm glad we have them all so I can look back and see how our family has grown and changed from year to year.  This is also the only thing my mother asks for during Christmas and her Dec. birthday so now I can cross one more present off my list ;0) 

OK, that's it!

See you next Tuesday.

 

Week 46

It's nice to be home with my boys this week, for the most part anyway.  I went into work briefly this morning to care for those darn bugs, but I'm back home and won't have to go in again until Friday morning.  I plan to do some baking and maybe watch a movie or two with my boys or try out a new board game.  Anything but work!

Now for last week's pictures:

Day 316- Saturday, 11/12/11

Justin and Brandon are taking a break and resting in the fall leaves while on a bike ride this beautiful autumn day.  They love going on long bike rides which is great motivation for me to get out there and join them.

Day 317- Sunday, 11/13/11

We made a family favorite for dinner tonight--homemade pizza.  The boys have helped make this meal ever since each one was two and there is nothing like it.  I love that they all want to be involved and enjoy the process just as much as the result.

Day 318- Monday, 11/14/11

Walk sits--he thinks they are fun, I think they are torture.  Every time my exercise app on the phone says, "Next up, wall sit." Brandon comes running to join me.  I may hate them but they work.  I've now lost 10 lbs after 8 weeks of counting and burning calories.

Day 319- Tuesday, 11/15/11

I took Bella for an early afternoon walk today since John has karate with the boys tonight, and I have a parent meeting for a new group Justin is joining.  It was kind of nice not to walk her in the dark.  We're enjoying the warm sun and fall color while we can.  It was a very pleasant and peaceful walk. I wish I could take her this early everyday but our usual time is more like 6:30pm after homework, dinner and the sun is done. 

Day 320- Wednesday, 11/16/11

It's cold out and nothing warms the house better than turning on the oven and cooking a nice hot meal.  Oven fried chicken is what's for dinner tonight.

Day 321- Thursday, 11/17/11

Tyler is waiting patiently for his friends to come pick him up for youth group.  I'm glad he enjoys it so much and that he and his friends have a safe place to hang out together.

Day 322- Friday, 11/18/11

It's Friday! and as I loaded up my car to head home I turned around and saw this beautiful rainbow.  What a wonderful way to start to my much needed vacation.  I'll gladly follow this rainbow all the way home.

That's all for this week

Have a happy Thanksgiving and see you next Tuesday!

Week 45

I need to make this quick.  It's a really busy week with a lot of exciting things happening at work on top of a huge meeting that I'm organizing Thursday so lots of stress and little time.  Ack!  Thank goodness Thanksgiving break is next week so I can recharge and regroup.

Now for last week's pictures:

Day 309- Saturday, 11/5/11

Today was the school's harvest festival and I had to include 3 pictures to capture my 3 boys enjoying the event.  Tyler was actually working at the hot dog booth with his friends to help earn money for their 8th grade trip this spring while Justin and Brandon played "minute to win it" games for prizes.

Day 310- Sunday, 11/6/11

Here's my Lego builder letting his creativity shine through.  Today he made Mario and Luigi characters.  I'm not sure where he gets his ideas from, but I love that he runs with them and makes whatever is in his little head come to life through random Lego pieces his brothers have discarded.

Day 311- Monday, 11/7/11

Seems like I'm always taking a picture of Justin doing homework but that's because this is his life right now!  The 5th grade workload is brutal--not hard just a lot.  He always has way more to do than his brothers and ends up with very little free time :0(

Day 312- Tuesday, 11/8/11

Finally!  It's here.  Tyler has been saving his birthday money since Sept. just to buy this new game that was released today.  I made him do his homework first and then took him to the store to pick up a copy.  He had a fun afternoon since many of his friends had the same idea, and they all got to play the new game together.

Day 313- Wednesday, 11/9/11

Hooray! It's boot season again, and the weather has been just right for it lately.  I got these on clearance last year and am looking for a lighter tan pair to add to my collection this year.

Day 314- Thursday, 11/10/11

It's been pretty chilly in the house these days, and we don't get a lot of natural light so Bella finds what little patch of sun she can to nap in.  We rarely see her nap here otherwise.  Maybe I should turn the heater on--nah, not just yet!

Day 315- Friday, 11/11/11

The kids and I are home for Veteran's day and lucky me gets to clean the office and put away Halloween decorations for my day off.  Oh well, at least I got it done and can enjoy the rest of my weekend.

That's it for this week.  Hope I make to next.

Thanks for stopping by.