More Pics from December Craziness!

Girl cousins enjoying Gramma's Disney Christmas toy.

My friend took these pictures at Cam's friends birthday party.  I loved how the pics turned out!

Cait, Cam & Daddy sang "Go Tell it on the Mountain" at church Sunday.

Tulsa Gramma and Grampa came for a quick visit before Christmas.

10 Months!

 Ha!  I forgot to get Lily's 10th month until almost bedtime and this was the result!

So Lily is now 10 months old.  And one day.  She explores everything these days and is very busy.  She loves to stand up and even "lets go" now.  She eats lots of finger foods and still nurses a lot.  She is happy when life is calm and we're not too busy.  She likes to be outside and splash in the tub. She just cut her fifth tooth; her top ones have been hard for her.  She mimics us when we say "Peek-a-boo", "I love you" and "uh-oh".  She also says "mama", "bubba" and just said "dada". It's so hard to believe it's time to start planning a first birthday party!  Yay!

Not the December I had in mind...

So, here it is, December 23rd and I am less prepared for Christmas than I've been in my entire adult life.  I'm not sure what happened this month.  Things seem to be moving along just fine and then BAM!  It's the week before Christmas.  No gifts. No cookies. No cards.  I even forgot to get the kids school pictures done!  AND, Blogger is not my friend any more.  It has become so much more cumbersome to use and I don't like it.  And so, you'll see, my pictures are loaded in the wrong order.  Oh well.  At least I'll try to get a post done in December!



JC & I had a nice time at a Christmas party hosted by one of his co-workers on Friday.  We got dressed up, dropped the kids off with my sister and got out for a couple hours.  Lily wasn't too happy with our decision but it didn't help that she had only napped 45 minutes so far that day.

I made this cookie dough as a hostess gift.  The backside of the sheet said the instructions.  I totally stole the idea.

On the 18th we celebrated Margaret's 33rd birthday with a yummy meal and Christmas lights.  That is always a fun treat for our family!  We love the Yukon lights and Chesapeake's lights.

The Sunday prior, we visited First Christian Church of Carnegie for their Christmas dinner.  It's always so nice to see our friends in Carnegie and spend the weekend with Granny and PawPaw.

Our PE group has added a little class for the elementary kids while the big kids play PE.  It has been a great experience.  They rotate art, sign language, science and more.  Cait made a cute hand print Christmas tree and we exploded vinegar and baking soda bags.

We had a nice little visit with our newest cousin Mavy recently.  He's such a cutie!

We also spent some time with the other cousins while I took their family pictures for Christmas cards.  Fun times!

Other things that December included was Bren and Cam took two trips to Lawton.  So thankful that Bren is a careful driver.  They loved getting the extra time with Granny and PawPaw.  I've heard rumors that Bren is building a fort somewhere in their backyard.  Mom had her annual cookie exchange and it was great fun.

Thanksgiving

December and January are always months in which I ponder the previous year.  This year is no different.

I am so thankful to be a wife to JC.  This year has been tough but we've survived it and we are better because of it.  Our marriage has matured and our love is stronger.

I am also very thankful to be the mommy of these precious children.

Each one is a treasure to me. It is wonderful to see their uniqueness that God has used to create them.

Above, Cait has dressed herself and is showing me her "smile pretty" look.  She has also become a great little sleeper using the Sleep Lady's book (thanks, Les!)  She loves to have all her "lovies and babies" when she goes to bed!

The kids were restless one school day so we just decided to stop and have a tea party for lunch.  It was great fun for all (and even a big boy played along. Shhh, don't tell!)

Lily's learning to explore!

Cait loves her pretty, minky dress from Granny.  Again with the "smile pretty" pose!

Thanksgiving day was a wonderful day.  Granny and PawPaw joined us at my mom's house and we had a most excellent meal!  Granny and I snuck out with Lily for some Black Friday shopping as well.

Lily decided it was time to stand, especially if Legos are involved!

Our weather has been quite mild so we ventured out for a trip to the zoo one Sabbath day.  It was a great family outing.

Cait said, "Swiper, no swiping!"

We did some major decluttering and cleaning and listed our house with a realtor.  We are content to wait for the sale but we are also looking forward to gaining a bedroom in a new house. 

For now we are enjoying our fresh paint and decluttered space.

I am thankful that God's blessings are too many to number. I am thankful for our health and our mental sharpness. I am thankful that I can homeschool these blessings, to spend time teaching and knowing them. I am thankful that, just yesterday, JC celebrated his one year anniversary with a fantastic job that provides for all our needs and more. We look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, whom I am also thankful for!