Still getting older.

Chris' birthday cake. We were all wanting to skip dinner to dig in to that guy! Happy birthday to the best father and husband a girl could hope for! (this picture makes me laugh. It looks like Mark knows he isn't getting any and is less than pleased at the prospect.)

 

 

For Chris' birthday, Mark decided to let me capture a picture of him sitting in the boppy smiling. Precious boy. Now, if he would only sleep. :) 

December 4 project

Joyous.

 

The picture quality of my iphone in a pitch black room is poor...but, on his 6 month birthday, Mark decided pulling up and cruising would be a fun thing to add to his resume (!!!). He is giddy with delight at his new vantage point, especially playing with the learning table. I am less than giddy when I go in multiple times in the early evening helping him learn to get back down. :) Growing up before my eyes...

 

More catchup

 

At Adam's birthday party. Ryan with his sweet, bestest bud, Henry. Love these two!

 

Anna-Kate and Adam. She insisted upon wearing a "pretty party dress" instead of something more practical for a home depot party. Lol.

Love this close up of Anna-Kate with the tiger. Loved the precious time together (when I could actually pull it together and get out of the house...)

Christmas movie

Today's 25 days of blogging December is...my favorite holiday movie. Personally, I have a special place for "It's a wonderful life", but my favorite is "White Christmas". I love the music, the dancing...love it.

However, I want to remember a little thing, that wouldnt even be a blip on some people's radar, but is a big deal for me. Last week, (on a school night!) "Frosty the Snowman" came on tv at 8. Our kids were already tucked into bed, and my to-do list, let me assure you, is quite extensive. I decided to forget my list and schedule and went and got the big three out of bed, told them to grab their blankets and follow me. We all piled in our bed to watch Frosty together. It was only 30 minutes, but they.loved.it. It was so nothing for me to do, but it was the biggest deal to them. Made me realize how little effort it takes to make a huge impact for them. Such a fun little memory as we all sang along. Just today, Frosty came on the radio and Anna-Kate said, "remember when we got to stay up late and watch that? I love that!".

Little memories.

Dates

We spent the summer mostly at home. Between recovering from a C-section and learning to balance 4 munchkins, I was hard pressed to leave my four walls with all of them. :) I did try really hard to go out and do special individual things with the kids a few times. I love the insight into their thoughts when they are alone with me.

 

 

Anna-Kate was an awesome helper to me. I dreaded the start of school wondering how I would do carpool and get on without her help. She loved to feed Mark (though, to be fair, after this picture was taken she said, "OK, I'm done with him now").

 

 

While the big kids were in Macon Jack got special time with Mommy and Daddy. We went out to dinner with him and Mark and he didn't know what to do with all of the attention. :) (that's a lemon he's sucking on...)

Ryan and I had a date in when Chris took Jack and Anna-Kate out. We had corndogs and grapes on the couch (!!) and watched old Adam West Batman reruns. He thought that was the best thing ever!

Anna-Kate and I at her most requested restaraunt...Waffle House. Sigh. At least she's a cheap date! :)

A new leaf

So, ever gotten to the point that you are so behind with something that it is overwhelming to contemplate starting? Ya. Me too. Well, here I am, ready to re-start the blog. I'm *planning towards* blogging every day in December and hoping that will give me the ol' ooomph I need. I know, you're welcome, (mom) all of one's of readers.

As shameful as it is, I am going to back-blog the fall events that I've missed...there have been quite a few. :) My attempt is to blow up your google readers. Ha! So, here goes life in our house from late summer through the fall...

The boys had their first days of school....

Jack was so excited to go to school that this was the best picture I could get. You can see his feet blurring from moving towards his teacher. No tears, or even "bye mama" from this guy! He goes twice a week (and wishes it was every day!)

Ryan was also excited to go to preschool. He was thankful for Lydia to be in his class. Ryan goes all 5 days, 9-1.

Saying goodbye!

 

Obligatory front door pictures. :)

December blogging

December 1 blog challenge...my view today. Mark is 6 months old today! He is sitting, crawling and pulling up. I think he's been so unhappy because he wanted to be able to sit up and see and try and keep up with the big kids! Happy half birthday, sweet Mark!