do it yourself!

I don't know why it is, but my kids LOVE to take self -portraits. It's always a guessing game to see who's picture is going to turn up when I download. Almost always there will be one from Josh -- he's notorious for self-pictures and videos too. I've sat through many a video of my bathroom walls when Josh had snuck the camera in there. I guess it's a good thing that it's a relatively cheap camera and quite easy to use (obviously!). Here's a few of those incriminating pictures.

I finally finished a blanket for josh -- man I have so much to learn. It was tons easier when I was with my mom and she helped me through... plus she has quilting frames which makes a neater looking blanket. Oh well, luckily Josh doesn't care that the seams are really uneven and that the ties are all "kaddywompass". I love, love, love to do this kind of thing so hopefully I'll get better as I do more of them.

Anne's first concert

Last night was Anne's first choir concert... I'm such a sappy mom because I got all choked up when she got on stage- I can't help it! I cry at graduations and weddings, and sometimes even commercials... that's just who I am. She just looked so cute up there singing her little heart out! Coleson was more interested in telling me all the things he was learning about macaroni penguins (his favorite because they're NOT macaroni and cheese) and how certain whales are really dolphins - and how he couldn't understand what they were singing (what is "oy"??). I gotta say though, her choir teacher was smart - she made the concert short and sweet -- the BEST kind ever! I was thankful because my kids, as much as they love their sister, were ready to leave before it even started.

I am so thankful it's friday! Tomorrow is chore day and get ready for sunday - day; now I understand why my mom loved it when saturday rolled around and we had to do our chores... that clean house, smelling all pine-sol"ish" and endust"y", it was nice to come home to after church on sunday.... well, that and the smell of the roast cooking in the oven! ahhh memories!

family, food and the new year

Here it is 2009 - amazing to me.  I really wonder where 2008 went - it was so busy with a new baby, and a handicapped one at that, and adjusting to a large family...and all that goes along with that.  I don't usually fall into the "resolution" category when a new year starts, it becomes more of a reflection time for me = I really had an amazing and wonderful year - even if it did fly by at lightning fast speed.  My beautiful Anne, nearly 12 will be going into to mutual and is growing into such a sweet young lady.  I just am so thankful for how much she helps me out.  Michael is developing into a young man and, even though he's only 10, calls himself a "pre-teen"...I think I'm in trouble there.  Sydnee is so infatuated with High school musical (1, 2 and/or 3) that I swear if I hear "get your head in the game" one more time I will literally pull my own eardrums out and throw them at her :D.  Coleson is just mr. independent and so artistic and sweet - I absolutely LOVE his spontaneous laughter.  he sees the funny in things that other's might miss - he amazes me!  Joshua is the largest child I have - at 5 years old he already towers over his 8 1/2 year old sister.  He is the "ham-bone" and loves to be silly... Then, last but certainly not least, is my amazing little Jacob.  How I earned such a spirit is beyond my comprehension - he is a very different person than my other children and I will be forever grateful for my abilities as I see him struggle to do what I've always taken for granted. He makes me a better person, without a doubt.  

I am so thankful for my blessings!  I'm thankful that the Lord has carried me through so many hard times and taught me to trust in Him. I am without a doubt, absolutely, positively, beyond measure - thankful and grateful for my husband, Marshall.  We've been married for 13 years but I feel the strength in our marriage - like we've been together for 50.  He strengthens me, lifts and supports me, and is there for me 100%.  He has helped me see the beauty in marriage and family - and for that I will be eternally thankful.  I truly love him so much.  I love my children - I never realized a human had the capacity to love this much.... Ok, I know, it's super cheesy and "drama", but this is what I do when a new year rolls around....  so now you know what to expect January 1, 2010!!