Getting into the Christmas Spirit

We braved the cold and survived our own colds... and found a beautiful Christmas tree. We've decorated inside and out. We even elf'ed the boys! (See

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9549646504

for a good laugh.) And it isn't even December yet! Now, if only I could make as much progress on our Christmas shopping...

Goin' to Grandma & Grandpa's...

Last week we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa in their camper. We took a walk, just before sunset (above).... isn't it so sweet?!

Motto to Live By :-)

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave

with the intention of arriving safely

in an attractive and well-preserved body,

but rather to slide in sideways, chocolate in one hand,

latte in the other, body thoroughly used up,

totally worn out and screaming "WAHOO, what a ride!"

Ninja Turtle Halloween

Happy Halloween!

My 4 boys dressed up as the 4 Ninja Turtles this year. Yes, that is Carlos in the back, not JC! Alot of people have been surprised by how tall he is now, and I completely agree. Actually, they all amaze me...

The Most Important Choice

Last week Carlos and Danny prayed to be saved. We've talked about it before, but this was different.

We were driving to Chuck E Cheese’s. On the way, Carlos started asking questions about Jesus and when He would come and we could see Him. I explained that no one knows when He will come but we have to be ready at any time. If we are ready, we will be able to go live in heaven with Jesus. His mood suddenly changed, and he got pouty and upset. Then he said “I’m not going to be able to go! They won’t let me in.” I asked him if he wanted to go to heaven, and he got more upset, saying “Yes, but I have done bad things. They won’t let me in!”

So we talked about asking forgiveness, that Jesus wants us to come to heaven and He doesn’t want to turn away anyone. It is our choice whether to ask for forgiveness. The light started to turn on in his head as he realized he still had a chance. For the first time, he really got it and understood what asking Jesus to live in his heart meant! I offered to help him pray, but he wanted to do it on his own. He prayed out loud in the car, while we were driving to Chuck E Cheese’s. A simple, straight-from-the-heart prayer.

During all of this, Danny, AJ & Brian were quiet and listening in. I knew that AJ and Danny would copy Carlos if I encouraged them to, but I didn’t want to coerce them into an important decision. But about 5 minutes later, (Thank God it is a long drive to Chuck E Cheese’s!), Danny yells from the back seat, “But Mom, I want to pray for Jesus too!” Who could help but smile at those words? He wasn’t ready to pray on his own, so I had him repeat phrases after me, but even then, he ad-libbed a bit and made it his own.

I am so proud of my boys. It was a very profound drive to Chuck E’s! Even though they had heard all of these things before, and they have even prayed for Jesus to live in their hearts before, this time was different. It really meant something to them, and they UNDERSTOOD. I felt such a peace and contentment from that pride in the boys and the choice they had made. Even better, they are proud and excited about that choice too.

Brian is 5 Months Old

These pictures were taken on Sunday, Brian's 5 month birthday. Yes, he is always this happy and adorable!!!

William Tell Overture for Moms

I love videos, jokes and cartoons that remind us to not take motherhood too seriously! Lord knows I need a good laugh every now and then! This is Anita Renfroe, a Christian comedian, who does a hilarious song about all the stuff moms say everyday.

Danny's First Day of School

Danny was in AGONY for the whole last week of summer, because he just couldn't wait for school to start! Even tougher that Carlos started a full week before he did. He just wanted to be a big kid, and still doesn't understand why he can't take a lunchbox like Carlos does. Funny thing is though, about halfway through the morning, he told the teacher "I'm ready to go home now."

Birthday Sleepover

Over Labor Day Weekend, Carlos had a couple friends come for a sleepover in the backyard. Daddy set up the tent, and we roasted hot dogs and had s'mores... and of course, played Superheros! In the top picture, you can see Jeremy and JD in the front, with my 3 boys in the back. Apparently, JC was the "Villain" since Carlos, JD, Jeremy, Danny & AJ tackled and wrestled him to the ground several times... This is just before I headed inside with AJ and Brian, and left JC in the tent with the boys. (Great wife, aren't I?) Look carefully to see JD peeking out in the background. We had Cinnamon Swirl Birthday Cake in the morning for breakfast! Hey, it's a birthday, why not have cake for breakfast?!

Carlos' 1st Day of 1st Grade

This is Carlos on his first day of First Grade. He was so excited, couldn't wait to eat lunch at school! His backpack was SO heavy with all the school supplies. Then, when he got home, all the kids in the neighborhood were there to welcome him home!

Playdate!

I love this picture! It was one of those icky days when the weather kept us inside so the boys set up "camp" in the livingroom. Brian was sitting nearby in his Bumbo chair, so they pulled him close so he could "play" too. :-) The 4 of them had a great time, all playing together. These are the good "mom" moments...

Another Little Harry Potter

My boys love the Harry Potter movies, particularly the flying scenes. This is AJ acting out a game of Quidditch and celebrating catching the Snitch!

Special thanks to my niece Tasha for introducing them to the world of Harry Potter!

Wisconsin Dells

Last week we took a break from it all and went on vacation in the Wisconsin Dells. We stayed at The Atlantis Hotel and for several days we just played in the water. They had 3 or 4 pools, and in indoor waterpark that were perfect for the boys. It was sooooo nice to relax and just play!

Beautiful Baby!!

Well, I am totally in love with this baby, especially this morning! He actually slept from 11 PM until 6 AM today! And he has such perfect beautiful smiles. He is such an easy-going, easy-to-love baby... He can't get any sweeter!

Summer Fun

OK, here is proof that JC is the biggest kid in the family! :-)

With it being SO hot lately, all of the boys needed to cool off a bit (Brian stayed in the air conditioning mostly) so we sent them out to play in the water and they had a blast.

By the way, I know that I like to give JC a hard time, but I wouldn't change him if I could. Our boys are so lucky to have a dad that loves to play with them, and plays as hard as they do!! Guess that makes me lucky too.

My Little Models

The boys had their picture taken last week...

Brian is One Month Old Already!

Check it out... Blue Eyes!

(for now at least...)

JC Turns 35!

Over Memorial Day weekend, we had JC's family over to celebrate some birthdays... JC turned 35, and his nephew Alex turned 19.

Carlos & his cousin Claire

Danny & his cousin Steven

Someone decided to really get into the spirit of the celebration!