A little Christmas Elf

was up until 2 am doing a pile of dishes last night. Thanks little elf!

Don't wrap him!!

Our kids drew names this year, so they could buy a gift for one of their siblings. Sydnee has Gabe to buy for and today it was her turn to go into mom and dad's room to wrap his gift. David says, "Syd, go ahead and wrap Gabe's". Luke overheard and frantically ran into the kitchen saying, "no! Don't do that! I like him too much, don't wrap him!" He was so worried Sydnee was going to wrap his baby brother! We had a really good laugh about that. I asked Luke if he thought Gabe would like being wrapped and he assured me that he wouldn't at all because "he's very little still".

DIY

I just had to share a picture of my newly painted secretary desk. It was a natural wood color when we got it 6 years ago, but since then we've gotten new furniture and my mom gave me the idea to paint it black. It turned out so nice! So now my creativity quota has been met for the year! hee hee.

sweet tooth?

the kids had fun making gingerbread people tonight. Aren't they cute?

terms of endearment

Today when Maddy and Ben got off the bus and came inside, Luke ran to the porch and greeted Maddy with, "Hi sweet cheeks, how was your day?"
Too funny!

he rolls!

Gabe reached a new milestone on Monday, he rolled from front to back! This is quite an accomplishment when you weigh 17.5 pounds. Here's the pictures I took, I was so glad I had the camera out!!

tiny dancer

Here's Maddy at her dance open house. She was too fun to watch, and yes, her mommy shed a few tears watching her.

a special gift

My Grandpa passed away back in July. Last year my Grandma told me that Grandpa was making some nativity scenes for family members. Truthfully, I was really looking forward to receiving one, but never did. As Christmas was approaching this year I couldn't help but think about it and mentioned it to my parents. When my dad was out at the farm yesterday helping Grandma he saw some of the wood Grandpa had used to build these with and asked her if she knew if there were any more, because Em really wanted one but didn't get one. Grandma was shocked that I hadn't received one, but she said that last week she found two in a box, and sent one to me with my dad last night. I am a sentimental person, and as simple as this nativity is, it means so much to me. It's like one last gift from my Grandpa. I miss him.

How do you use your chopsticks?

Obviously not to eat your food with!

random cuteness

The other night Maddy was having the most terrible time falling asleep. She came downstairs maybe 3 or 4 times to tell me she "just can't get comfortable!" This is how I found her once she finally was asleep. Too funny!



This is Luke, my future coffee lover. Obviously NOT pleased about me taking his picture so early in the morning.



And finally, just a sweet picture of my two little boys.

hippity hop to the barber shop...

...to mommy's barber shop, that is. Gabe had his first haircut last night at 16 weeks, 5 days. His hair was getting super long, and I felt like it had to be bugging him when it was in his eyes. I have never cut any of my kids' hair this early! He was born with a head full of it and it is still growing like a weed.
Here are a couple of before pictures:




And the finished product! Such a big boy!

Bumbo Baby

Merry Christmas Gabe!
I found a Bumbo seat for him on Craigslist for a great price, and wanted to give it to him now so he could use it. He is still a little unsure of it, and gets tired holding up his head for too long, but I managed to get a smile or two out of him when he was in it the first time! Notice the wet shirt, I think it's time to break out the bibs!

let it snow

pretty!

Chirp chirp...

I've been quiet lately, the crickets are chirping here at my blog! We've had sick kiddos the past 2 weeks or so and it stinks. I guess this time of year is good for that and with 5 kids it takes a couple of weeks for any virus to run it's course. Maddy got it the worst, I think. Poor thing isn't coughing like the boys did but had a terrible ear "confection" (per Luke) and yucky infected eyes too. She's missed 4 days of school and has caught up on a lot of tv watching. :P
I am one of those moms who isn't super strict on the amount of tv watching that goes on here. There are times during the day that their favorite shows are on and I let them watch. They get bored after a half hour or an hour and usually go on to play w/ toys. They're smart kids, I'm not worried about them turning their brains to mush by any means.
Speaking of smart kids, we had conferences for Ben and Maddy this week. Ben and Syd both got all As on their report cards, David and I are crazy proud of them. Maddy's teacher couldn't believe how smart she is, especially since she's one of the youngest in her class. She's in the top reading group in her class. That's my girl!
Since it is Thursday, and Thankful Thursday at that, here is my list of things I am thankful for today:

1. Lotion kleenex, and lots of it
2. Clorox wipes, for germs and dirty little fingerprints everywhere
3. little boys who take long naps simultaneously

Only 3? Yes, but I did 30 a couple of weeks ago. Have a good day everyone!

wordless wednesday

WHERE did you get him?

You never know what Luke's going to say when you ask him a question, apparently. Yesterday night we took Maddy to her dance class, and I had the two little boys with me when we dropped her off. My mom (who was working) comes up to Gabe's carseat and says, "well, who is this?" And Luke, who is always ready to help anyone who may not know something, says, "this is Gabe, and we bought him from China." I am sure my mouth dropped to the floor! Where does this kid come up with these things?

Monday Monday....

So it's Monday, and sometimes I feel like I actually like Monday. Sometimes I don't like Monday, but more and more it is becoming one of my favorite days. Maybe because we can get back into our "routine", (and I use that word very loosely), because on weekends things get a little wacky around here. I like wacky, but it is nice to get back to a sense of normalcy.

Ben is sick, fever of 101, poor guy. Been coughing up a storm and looks/feels awful. I am praying that none of the others catch the bug, which I know is a pipe dream, but a girl can dream. I guess that is what comes with having lots of kids. He started indoor soccer this past weekend, which is really fun for him.
Gabe is as cute as ever. I think, "I could eat him up" several times a day.
Luke is still in the middle of his regression from potty training. I feel as if I have used up all of my tricks and my bag is empty. Any tips, anyone??? Other than that he provides us with plenty of entertainment around here. (see pumpkin cake picture below)
Maddy is LOVING school. My sweet angel girl. Today she heard Gabe crying while I was getting him dressed and the next minute there she is with his binkie. I didn't even have to ask. She is just a peach.
Syd is a cheerleader now. She loves it and I am glad she is able to try out all of these new things now that she's in middle school. She cleaned her room this weekend. I think our dumpster is full of all the junk she threw away. :)

Tonight we're having ravioli w/ marinara sauce. Easy. That's my kind of meal! I will pick up a loaf of crusty bread on my way home from Maddy's dance class tonight to serve w/ dinner.

I finished a book this weekend and now I am really wanting to pick up my knitting needles and yarn and start a blanket for Gabe. I have only ever made scarves, but one can only use so many scarves...know what I mean? I found the most adorable, blue, soft yarn at Michaels a month ago. I checked out two "knitting for kids" books from the library a couple of weeks ago in the hopes that I could get the hang of this. Wish me luck!

alright, who did it?

I made a pumpkin spice cake while dinner was cooking tonight, and I think someone was hungry.

halloween fun

We have a tradition on Halloween of going out to Pizza Hut and then to a church carnival on halloween night. This was the second year we let the kids actually dress up and participate in halloween stuff and they had so much fun. We have had pizza a lot lately so we decided to go to the kids' FAVORITE restaurant ever, Old Country Buffet. ha ha. No kidding, they never met a buffet they didn't like. So it worked out that on halloween all kids who are dressed up get to eat for FREE!! David and I looked at each other and said, "new tradition!" Can't beat that price with a stick!
David's mom joined us for dinner, as did my neice Sofie and my sister in law Teresa. Fun was had by all, and here's the picture to prove it!



Sydnee was a fairy, Ben was a nerd, Maddy was a butterfly, Luke was a dragon, Gabe was a hot dog and Sofia was a sweet little ballerina.

What's for dinner?

I think we're going to have Maple Mustard Chicken w/ pasta. It is really yummy, so I thought I would share the recipe. I got it from Family Fun Magazine, of all places. I am a recipe addict, I read magazines from back to front, because usually recipes are in the back. I do love to cook, but since Gabe was born I have been really struggling with meal planning and finding time to make the meals I used to love cooking. The time factor is a biggie. We have eaten a lot of take out type food in the past few months, unfortunately. The other problem I have is when I go to the store to shop for groceries, I inevitably forget one or two things. Can I just say how glad I am for the little grocery store 3 blocks away? :)

side note: I double this recipe

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
3 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
1 cup chicken stock
3/4 cup roasted red peppers, diced
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 pound snow peas, stemmed and lightly steamed
1/2 pound penne, cooked
1. Make a marinade for the chicken by heating 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic in the oil for just 30 seconds. Add the herbs and vinegar and cook for 30 seconds more. Pour the mixture into a small bowl to cool, then whisk in the maple syrup and mustard.

2. Place the chicken in a glass baking dish and pour in the marinade. Turn the meat once to coat it. Cover the bowl and chill the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight.

3. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, remove the chicken from the glass dish, saving the marinade, and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté it for 2 minutes on each side to seal in the juices. Reduce the heat to medium and continue heating the chicken until it is cooked through and browned, about 6 minutes.

4. Then transfer the chicken to a cutting board and cut it into bite-size cubes. Next you will be using the cooking juices that have browned in the skillet to make a glaze, a procedure that's called deglazing the pan. Start by adding 1/2 cup of the chicken stock to the skillet and simmering it until it reduces by half. Add the remaining chicken stock and the reserved marinade and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue cooking at a simmer until the liquid has thickened, 5 or more minutes.

5. Combine the chicken cubes, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, snow peas, and cooked penne in a large bowl. Pour in the sauce and toss the pasta to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Makes 4 servings.

potty talk...read at your own risk

I will spare some of the disgusting details, but I feel we had a major potty breakthrough today with Luke. He was potty trained about a month and a half ago and the #2 part finally was trained around birthday time. He went to Build a Bear to get a new bear (actually he picked a turtle), and I thought we were home free. Not so much. We have had major regression in the past 2 weeks, with many accidents of the most disgusting nature. I can't even tell you how many pairs of underwear I threw out over the course of 2 weeks. I can tell you that we were running VERY low on the underwear stock, so much so that he had to wear a diaper today because I am a bit behind on laundry and the 3 or so pairs he has left were dirty. And the pull ups were all gone.
Well, bribery is sometimes the only way to get through a situation like this, in my humble opinion, so at the store today we picked out the most awesome package of Power Ranger underwear a 3 year old little boy could ever want. The catch? He has to go #2 in the TOILET to be able to wear the awesome undies. He held that package of underwear through the whole store. He even opened them and touched them, talking about how much he likes them. Guess what 3 year old boy did when we got home? #2...IN THE TOILET!!!
I hear a little voice call me from the bathroom, "mommy, I p@@ped!!"
I reply, a bit warily, (can you blame me?) "WHERE??"
The 3 yo, "in the to-let"
Me...screaming and laughing and jumping around. You'd have thought I won the lottery!
We immediately called daddy to share the fantastic news and grabbed the new, awesome undies and picked his favorites to put them on. We are saving the other 2 pair for the next 2 times he goes in the potty.
Ahhh...victory. At least for today.

this sums it up...

After I posted my thankful list I turned on my Jeremy Camp cd and this song came on. It sums up my thankfulness.

Beyond Measure
by Jeremy Camp

The fog has finally cleared to see, the beautiful life You've given me. To feel the breeze of my newborn's gentle breath. With one to walk hand in hand, to share this life that you have planned. It's like a storybook with dreams that are meant to see. Every next step is an extraordinary scene.

I know that I've been given more than beyond measure. I come alive when I see beyond my fears. I know that I've been given more than earthly treasure. I come alive when I've broken down and given You control.

I've faced a great tragedy, but have seen the works of what You bring. A display of faith that You give. I don't know if I will ever understand the depth of what it is You've done inside, but I know that I won't find any worth apart from You. Everything that I have has been given so unselfishly and shown that even when I don't deserve, You always show the fullness of Your love.

Thankful Thursday

Well, I'm 30! Today is my birthday and I really don't feel any older or different. I still have to change poopy diapers and get spit up on and settle arguments between the kids. :) I must say that it is VERY strange being 30, my 20s seemed to go on forever, and I loved them! I know my 30s hold many wonderful moments too, so I thought it would be appropriate, on Thankful Thursday, to list the top 30 things I am thankful for. So, goodbye 20s, hello to a new decade!

I am thankful...

1. for God. for all of the things on this list and so much more.
2. for David, my wonderful husband of almost 12 years, whom I have shared half of my life with so far!
3. that my hubby puts up with all of my grumpy moods, etc.
4. that he also is a wonderful father to our beautiful children. I couldn't ask for more!
5. for our beautiful firstborn daughter, Sydnee. She is growing up so fast it is breathtaking.
6. for our awesome firstborn son, Benjamin. He has grown so much this year, emotionally and physically.
7. for our magnificent middle child, Madyson. She is the sunshine in my day.
8. for our spunky and loving son, Luke. His hugs and kisses melt my heart.
9. for our youngest son, Gabriel. He is the gift of a lifetime, so full of love and peace.
10. for the tears I am crying now, because I am so grateful for all of the above. I have been given so much.
11. for the home we all share, it is warm and full. Like the Toby Mac song, love is in the house and the house is packed.
12. for the food on our table each day. We are never hungry.
13. for the cars we drive so we can fill our days with fun things to do.
14. for the crazy, busy days that I find myself complaining about. Because it means we have ways to touch others and be touched as well.
15. that I have a wonderful dad and mom. They are always so willing to lend an ear or a hand, they love and support us so much and love our kids to pieces.
16. for my in laws who are so supportive and generous. They adore our kids too...our children are so blessed to have two sets of amazing grandparents.
17. for the legacy of love and commitment my grandparents set for all of my family. My Grandma is an inspiration to me, and I miss my Grandpa so much. I am blessed to have the wonderful memories I have of him, and that 4 of my 5 children knew him.
18. that my Grandma prays for me and can be an active part in our lives. She is amazing.
19. that I was there when my Grandpa went to be with Jesus this past summer. What a privilege.
20. for my siblings, that even though we lead different lives that we can still support and love each other.
21. that I have friends I can lean on and count on.
22. for the hard times we've been through these past 10 years. I can say that I have learned so much through them.
23. for God's grace and mercy, even when I don't deserve it.
24. for my health.
25. for my family's health.
26. that I can laugh every day at the little things that happen. There have been so many times when it was hard to do that.
27. that I can stay home and raise our children. I couldn't imagine not being here for every milestone and special moment.
28. that David has a job he LOVES and is so good at. He works hard for us and I appreciate that so much.
29. for the little wrinkles that are forming on my face. I have earned them and will learn to embrace them. hee hee.
30. that I can look ahead to my 30s and anticipate even more memories and learning and awesome experiences.

wordless wednesday

mmmm....coffee

I have so much to do today (as every day). Gabe just went down for his first morning (cat)nap and instead of racing around doing the things I need to do I am sipping my coffee which is hot and hazelnutty and creamy and delicious. I am also eating a piece of leftover french toast. I think about it and realize that these moments of sipping hot fresh coffee that hasn't been microwaved 10 times over the course of a morning are so wonderful. Worth every bit of procrastinating my daily duties for just 10 minutes. It's the little things that make me so happy, really.

for the love of muffy

Our sweet fluffy kitty Muffy has a bladder infection. Gross, I know. Even grosser? (more gross, ??) Giving a cat antibiotics. I have had kids spit medicine on me, many times. Lots of those medicines have nasty tastes/smells. But seriously, cat medicine smells rancid. Our cat is a champion spitter. When I took her to the vet Friday and picked her up later that afternoon the vet tech demonstrated giving Muffy her liquid anitibiotics. She wrapped her in a towel and (without any of my help) tipped my cat's head up and sqeezed it right into her mouth, no spitting, no clawing, no fuss. I was ready for the challenge! That night I confidently called Muffy, wrapped her in a towel and sat on the floor trying to do exactly what the girl at the vet's office did. Let's just say I didn't have the same luck. I have been clawed and spit on each of the three times I have given her the medicine. And this will have to go on for 10 days! Yuck.

apple picking

Last weekend we took the kids to a local apple orchard to pick a bushel of apples. It was an overcast, chilly day, but they had so much fun! Picking apples is something we do as a family every year. It's easy for the kids and they love to eat as many apples as they possibly can before our bags are full! This year I got some really nice pictures of them while they were climbing trees and munching apples, then a rare picture of all 5 together sitting among the pumpkins...and 4 of the 5 were actually smiling! Thank God for small miracles!

look at that face

little Gabe



isn't he just the cutest?

backing up a bit...

I thought I would put a few pictures of Maddy and Luke's birthdays on here as they both had birthdays a couple of weeks ago. Maddy had a "unicorn/rainbow/princess" birthday party (in that order). She had 8 little girls come to her party at the dance studio for some princess dancing, crafting and cupcakes. They all dressed up as princess-y as possible and were met at the front door with fairy dust and a crown. It was just as sparkly and girly as possible and I think I may have enjoyed it as much or more than the little girls! :) My baby girl is 5 now, where has the time gone?




Luke had his pirate 3 year old birthday party the night of his birthday. We had family over: both sets of grandparents, my grandma, my sister in law and niece and of course all seven of us were here. It was a fun night with spaghetti (Luke's favorite) and cupcakes, and a cake that I attempted to make into a treasure chest. It didn't look like a treasure chest. The fun began when David had the kids outside waiting for everyone to arrive and Grampy and my Grandma showed up in pirate costume! It was SO funny! We had stick on tattoos for those who wanted them (Luke's is still on his arm after 2 weeks, those are some quality tattoos!) After dinner and many pirate-y conversations he opened presents and got some really fun things. It was definitely a night to remember!

Jumping on the blog bandwagon!

There are a few blogs of friends that I enjoy visiting on a regular basis, and I just love reading about what is going on in their lives. I have been thinking about starting my own blog for a while now and decided to give it a try! I have never been a faithful journal writer, but seeing how fast my kids are growing up makes me want to record the little moments during our days that I don't ever want to forget! So here goes!!