Some Christmas highlights...

In a way, this Christmas was the best one I've had (I guess I should say as an adult...) The boys were oh so excited, that feeling that my completed family is all with me and healthy on such a special morning....All 7 of our stocking were filled (two cats) and presents galore! We were able to continue our traditions that our little family is making, our book tree (kid's little tree by their rooms full of books on Christmas morning), hot chocolate and little quiches while we open presents, we opened one at a time so we could savor every moment that Christmas morning brings....we are truly blessed in lots of ways. .

All of us gathered around the tree...

I got this for awesome foot stool for Scott to go in his guy's room...the kids were using it to spin around and do tricks..imagine that....I also surprised Scott with a deer mount...is that what you call them? It's one of those heads of a deer that has been mounted, then hung on the wall...it was a special one where the rack was turned backwards, I guess it's rare, so he was just so excited..I never in my wildest dreams, being the city gal I am, thought that I'd have a deer attached to my wall in my house!!! But, I guess living in Texas for almost 4 years has certainly got to me!!! And the scary thing is, I'm really excited for it to get hung!!!

Barrett, he's my handful, or should I say handfuls!! He has the most energy of any little kid I know, with the mix of a class clown, he'll do anything for a laugh...Not sure if this is a good combination or not, ...it will be interesting to see where this takes him in life.....

All my everythings Christmas morning...by the tree.....

This is Barrett's favorite gift...Daddy picked them out...Scott insisted on "helping" Santa pick out the gifts this year...it was a ton of fun shopping for them together..and fun to see what he picked for the kids...I will say he was very successful as the kids LOVED everything Daddy picked out, oh, I mean Santa. 

Scott also wanted to throw in one of his Christmas family's traditions which is to fry fresh oysters..He went to a speciality store in town, got the supplies he needed..it was pretty impressive...the kids helped him get the meat out of the shell, which they had a  ball, they turned out super duper delicious...for sure we'll make it a part of our future Christmases . 

Brandt putting out the reindeer seed, aka: deer food (another new tradition)...AND while I was stuffing the stockings I walked past the front door, when I heard a very strange sound from outside, it wasn't Santa either...as I looked out I saw some type of animal eating the deer food the kids had just put out...Scott was even unsure what type of animal it was but it was either, a fox or a coyote, a fox  ,I'd hope.....it was amazing, he was just about 10 feet away from where we were standing, inside of course...I took pictures, but they didn't really turn out in the dim light.. It was perfect as he was wondering how we were going to make it look like the reindeer ate the food, needless to say, we didn't have to worry about it...

Santa had requested brownies instead of cookies this year....All in all, it was such a fun family holiday...next year will be even more fun, I expect..and we will be in our "real" house, as the boys call it..for THAT I'm already excited for next year!!! It was strange having a holiday in "the lady's house" (boys call it once again)...but we made the best of it...and it worked!!!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our family to yours...

'Twas the night before Christmas....

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, there were THREE little boy creatures roaming and running ALL through the house and making alot of noise from the excitement....Merry Christmas, blogging world , and to all a Good night!!

Cookies for Chester

Who is Chester do you ask? He's the pet raccoon that lives at Jenn's house..I'm not really sure what happened to the cookies, but they turned out HORRIBLE!!! and I had tripled the recipe..I think I used oleo (like Crisco) but I was suppose to use margarine..at least this is what I think happened, but it might have to do with the fact that I'm usually interrupted a million times from little kids while I'm trying hard to concentrate on reading the recipe..I seem to always lose my spot and can't remember what the last ingredient was I put in?...does that happen to you???Anyway, it was a great way to past a few hours with the boys as they love to help..and we put the whole entire bunch out in the yard, thinking Chester would love them for Christmas..Jenn, you better watch out..I think Chester is going to move to our house!! They were all gone the next day..but I guess the abundant deer we have roaming the neighborhood could of got a hold of them too..Maybe they both did..a little wild animal xmas party..so glad I could supply the treats!!!

Well, I did mention that the boys like to help..Actually Brandt is getting to be a big help, he rolled the balls and used the fork to make the "tracks" as he called it..and let's just say with Barrett, maybe next Christmas..his "help" will be a little more welcomed..he balls looked more like turds, gee..can you pick the one that Barrett did??? hhhhmmmm????

Pj party....

Last weekend we had our annual Mommy/Kid Christmas party...this year with a twist...after everyone of course had a new cute holiday outfit lined up..one of our girlfriends that was feeling bloated and not wanting to dress up decided we should change it to a pj party or lounge wear for the attire...I was highly disappointed at first as I had missed two VERY fun ADULT traditional parties ( a chili party and a casino party) the weekend before as I was puking up my guts in ever parking lot I could find in San Antonio..flu bug from the kids I guess..my stomach was concave for a few days..(not anymore thanks to the zillion xmas cookies I've had)...But much to my dismay, it was a blast just being able to be to comfy..it might have to be a tradition?..it was chaos at it's best,..but such a fun time for all...Lots of the kids in jammies, many showing their "goods"....Barrett hit the jackpot with his dinosaurs gifts..he was so excited...
Tami and I by the tree..where's my glass of wine? no worries, just takin' a break...

Brandt got this science kit and he was in heaven..he bugged me constantly the next day to open it up..the first thing we had to do was the volcano!! Thanks Megan, he loves it!!! It's always so fun to get with this bunch, such wonderful girls that fill my soul.....

Fit for a Queen....

I've been looking for awhile for some chairs for our living room, and wouldn't you know it, while I was out Christmas shopping, I found these...for me...LOVE them..I really need 4 but my idea is to have 2 of them in different fabric..but now I'm thinking maybe use the same fabric that is on these..but mix it up, maybe but the brown on the body and the flowers on the top piece??? I don't know yet, I still have time to think and order the other two, as their really isn't a spot for them in our rental house anyway...They are tall!!! Which will look great in the living room, as the ceilings are very highand detailed...The boys call them "Mommy's Queen chairs"..which we do know I am the Queen, a very nice, but still a Queen...only because I'm way out numbered with boy things in my household....

Lock up your daughters....

I just got to tell you if you feel sorry for me cause you think I wish I had a daughter...please don't..well, deep down I really do, but don't tell my husband that..and IF I wasn't so old, I would for sure want another baby...and I will add that Boden has only slept through the night ONE time in his 5 months on this earth..he did actually have a 2 week stretch of 8-4 am, but that is long gone...AND yes, I'm walking around half the time in a zombie state, grumpy, forgetful, grumpy and I might add grumpy...I STILL would love another..THAT is how much I'm love with this little guy...I guess he's making it pretty sweet as he knows it's the last...

They have THE cutest little clothes and things for boys these days...!! This "Lock up your daughters"..is my absolute fav and he's got this little bib that says, "Chicks dig me" that was a big hit at the big boy's Christmas program!!!...And I'm a sucker for anything skull..as you already know..and just look at his pants with "rock stars" on them!!!

Then we got the guitar playing blankie, and the boyz rock bib!!! that is metallic...he's probably going to kill me when he looks back at these photos someday..but Mama sure is happy dressing him....oh, and it's highly acceptable for boys to have rhinestones on their clothing these days too..

We went out for dinner last night, where we decided to sit outside, it got a little chilly...Scott was holding him, and his height while sitting on your lap is eye level..we'll all of a sudden I look over as he's turning red and screaming his head off, he had reached out, helped himself to a little bit of corn bread while we weren't looking..as he was crying and spitting it out all over, I realized what had happened..well, normally that wouldn't be that bad as he IS 5 months and food is right around the corner, but this particular restaurant makes their cornbread with jalapenos!!! I think his taste buds have now fully awakened!!!
After we got it all together..we ended up having a great family night and we all tucked in early last night..it was so nice to relax and not have to rush to the next Christmas function..we're looking forward to lots of family time this week and lots of relaxing too...well, as much relaxing as you can get with three kiddos ages 4 and under!!!

BBBbbbbbbbrrrrrrrrrrr.RRRR.....little bundle.

We've had some chilly days in the Hill country and today was no exception...We do the hats, mittens, heavy coats, ..and all..but thank goodness it's only for a day or two and then we'll have a nice 70 degree day..it's kind of fun having a little cold snap as it makes it more "Christmasey"..but I will say I've become a little spoiled with the weather down here compared to Kansas..I do miss the snow, but only for a thought or two..or maybe a picture or two.This is little Boden all bundled up on the way to take the big boys to school today....He's suddenly lost his "newbornish" look and has turned into a baby!!! I must say, I was a little sad this morning taking out his 0-3 months clothes out of his closet, as I decided to do a little organizing between the wrapping party I was having with myself....He was wondering what was up with all the layering!!! I got lots of comments about this little # today.. I guess you just don't see things like this down here...I had saved it from our Kansas winters where we used it daily .....Our little bundle..growing so fast... so fun...

Our piano playing cat...

The house we are renting has a rather grand entryway with a beautiful piano..When we first moved in..I heard the piano playing all of a sudden...ALL the kids were next to me as well as Scott..and I thought..what the H....is this place haunted?? Does she have it set on one of those timers that the piano will play by itself.. at a certain time, THAT will drive me crazy...I tiptoed out into the hall..and you guessed it... There's Bella, playing the piano..she's actually pretty good...I'm kidding..but she LOVES it..she must like hearing herself play..just more entertainment around our household..maybe I should give her lessons?

Mrs. Peacock

Get it..Mrs. Peacock..like in the "Clue" game...that's me..I LOVE Peacocks...I think they are just the most beautiful bird and I love the colors, they are all my favorites..My girlfriend, Kimber, sent me this beautiful Peacock ornament last year for Christmas , I thought how perfect,..A Peacock Christmas tree!! This will be the theme for my "good tree",( meaning Mommy's tree)...and how perfect for this year..as the rental house, is oh so boring..NO color on the walls, which to me is like white sheets..which is fine..but if you know me, I'm more of a colorful person...Anyway..so here it is..my Peacock themed tree...Oh, excuse me..yes, she does have a BLUE mirror on the wall in the background..I'm sorry to say that's not ours..(thank goodness!!)...Turquoise, limeish green, bronzey, silver, and a hint of purple...
It all came together...More beautifully than I expected...Did I tell you that we have talked about getting some peacocks for our property?..I need to check into it first..make sure they won't peek my kids to death or give them any diseases..but how cool would that be to have little baby Peacocks waddling around...I could save their feathers for my decorating needs!!! Scott even agreed to it..I think because I've been asking for another kitty and well, he's not really a cat guy..or at least he wants us to think that...
I stuck Peacock feathers in the tree all over..for some "height"...

I thought I was being so utterly original..and literally screamed in delight when I found these ornaments but was a little disappointed that it wasn't as a unique,creative idea as I had thought!!!

I still need to make my bows, but keep forgetting my bow maker when I go over to the house...but it will be complete before xmas..I still have 9 days to go....

More Cheer...

Another tradition that the boys look forward to each year is their little playmate, Morgan's gingerbread party. Her birthday is right around Christmas so it's extra special for her..Their Mommy is a great hostess and a wonderful friend and it's always such a joy playing at her house...Barrett and Morgan
Brandt and Morgan

Barrett...making his gingerbread house...yes, he double dips...

Brandt is getting pretty good at this...actually Mommy had Boden in her arms this time , so I couldn't help like last time..but I see he's got it much under control...What wonderful friends we've been blessed with and it's such a great time to spend time with them and personally wish them all a Merry Christmas...

Santa...

Last week was a fun filled busy with a-kid-party-week... This is one time of the year that there is no such thing as "over scheduling", to us...I think it's so fun to take the time to see friends and neighbors that we don't get to see often enough..and the kids are just bursting with energy and excitement that the season brings, that it's so nice to have a party to burn off some of that energy!!...This was one of our favorites on Sunday. Our friends Marlynne and Amy host this wonderful party for the whole family. Everyone brings a plate of cookies and a toy (your child's age) which is donated to a local charity..Then always at 2:30 sharp, Santa comes to visit...and the kids go crazy with excitement..it's a great tradition that our kids look forward to each year and boy does it bet waiting in the long lines to see Santa..

AAaaahh...let me think about that....

Santa come to our neighborhood this past weekend..Oh, should I mention we had a 85 degree day this week, pure heaven, AND we had a light dusting of snow the VERY next day...which the boys were freaking out how cool they thought it was..it was so cute watching their excitement...

Brandt has asked for Star Wars characters and the Star Wars movie...I have no idea how he knows about Star Wars..the only thing I can think of is that one of the "coolest" boys in the class LOVES Star Wars, so if Jaden thinks it's cool, then he does too...

Barrett asked Santa for a "Transformer shooter"..I have no idea what that is but I used my best educated guess when shopping and just got a transformer that shoots stuff, duh Mommy..

I was pretty proud that between the two big boys they only asked for three things, awhh, how sweet and polite is that..Boden was just amazed at the wrapper on the candy cane...

Our giggly..little peanut...

I'm just posting this for all the girls that come up to me and ask "How is it with three"..We'll after watching this video, this may be your deciding factor..and for my friends that don't think they are ready for kids yet, WHAT are you waiting for...This little guy is pure joyment for our family and gosh, do we love this little guy...He's almost 5 months in this video....

Let the season begin....

We started with many of the holiday activities that we have on the calendar...The kids and I went to our country club and made gingerbread houses..it's so nice not to have to clean up the mess. It's so fun watching what design they come up with each year as it improves greatly as each year goes by...Poor Barrett, he looks ok in this picture, but he started the morning with getting sick all over the kitchen..we thought he just drank "old" milk that he tends to hoard under his covers..but as the day progressed and their were several complaints of an "icky" tummy it was official that he does have some kind of flu bug as the poor kitchen floor got it again late this afternoon....
We've been working on our tree as we are way behind this year as we had to moved into our rental house while the repairs are being done to our "real" home..The kids seem to be settled but it's a little weird putting up our tree in someone else's home..actually it's kind of creepy..I just put all of our unpacked boxes in the garage as I feel like they will be there when the holidays are over, and we need to have some very good fun to make up for the hard aches we had this Fall....

I'm just way behind on everything which I guess happens when you throw a 3rd child into the mix PLUS an unexpected move AND the I've spent so much "extra" time with our rental..the 3 of the 4 potties didn't work, the heater doesn't work, more than 1/2 the ceiling light bulbs were out, a leak from the well, the carpets had so much dog hair on them that it seems like she shaved her dog in the house!!!, really there are more things, but you get the drift...and I do so apologize for not being for being a not so frequent blogger or commenter...we decided not to move the computer to the temporary house so as now the access isn't readily available..but I'll try to make up for it soon..I really haven't forgotten about you..