Thanksgiving Pictures

Meet and greet with Turkey and Cranberry
Sometimes you love new foods....
Othertimes, not so much...
And sometimes you just can't get enough
Devouring Black Friday Ads....

Happy Turkey Day!

WOW I can't believe its been so long since I blogged! Things have just been crazy! Sickness, etc



Tomorrow (today) is Thanksgiving. Here is a small list of what I am thankful for this year:



* My marriage. Tuesday the 27th marks 8 years that we have been married. It hasn't' been without its bumps in the road, but we've made it through stronger on the other side. We'll have the whole day Tuesday to ourselves, and I can't wait. :o)



*My children. We had a rough day today, but I look at them and I see how truly blessed we are. I had someone ask me the other day when they found out I was only 26-- "how can you already have 4 kids?" Honestly, I never thought I'd have four, at least not so quickly together. Our family was orchestrated by God, and I certainly wouldn't have it any other way.



*My friends. New and old, there are several times that you have supported me during my weakest times. You know who you are, and I hope you also know you have a very special place in my heart.



*My freedom. There are many families who will be sitting one less place at their table today. I am very thankful and mindful that this freedom doesn't come cheap.





What are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear about it. :o)

Nice Quiet House

Aaron took the kids to AWANA for me tonight. So its just me and Matthew. All is quiet until I got and take him back out of the kitchen. And then he screams and me, and heads that way again. He's ready to explore. :0)

This has been a crazy week, but mostly I just am so thankful that I am seeing a slight improvement in my health!. I know I haven't been taking the meds to long (3 weeks?) And the improvement is ever so slight, but its there.

Is anyone else going to try and have a China-free Christmas this year?
We are. I can't guarantee for what other people have bought for our kids, but we are not buying anything for our kids this year that is made in China. Now, that means they won't be getting many toys, but I'm going to still try and make it fun. So far:

• They will each get one movie (thats pretty much a tradition anyway)
• I'm making each of them a blanket
• We've gotten Connor a computer game
• I'm looking for a work-at-home mom to make Grace and Sadie some baby doll clothes
• Each of the older kids is getting a Hide-and-Seek bag (this may actually go in their stockings, I haven't decided yet)
• Also in their stockings, I met a mama who makes candy- her suckers are completely dye free! So they will be getting this candy instead of chocolate. I know that Connor and Grace especially miss lollipops etc...but so many of the have red dye.

I'm kinda at a loss for Matthew though. I know that he doesn't really know the difference, but I would like to get him at least one fun thing. And then maybe some practical items for him to "open" :0) If anyone has any more ideas, let me know!

Pictures Set 2

Picture Set 1

Good Thursday Morning to ya...

So how was everyone's 4th? What did you do? We went out to my aunts house as usual. :)
Lots of fun, even though it was quite wet. Bluch. I'm so tired of the rain, but the good thing is its keeping temps down. So anywho- I'll post a few pictures from last night in a few. There are a couple good artsy sparkler shots here.

We had a pie eating contest, and set off some firecrackers. And more than enough great food.
However, after we got home, I found out that my uncle's brother and family had been in a wreck right after they left. They left right after us, and traveled the same road we did. My uncle's brother and their 5 year old daughter were taken to the hospital by ambulance. The boys and the mom were ok. A guy ran a stop sign and broadsided them. So keep them in your prayers today, as they deal with all the technicalities of the wreck, plus try to recover. Even though mom and boys are fine, I'm sure they will be very very sore.

Ok, off to post pictures, and start being productive. :)

Grand Finale

Happy 4th!

I probably wont' get on to much tomorrow- so let me take the time to wish you all an early Happy 4th of July. :) We just got back from the town fireworks. They were great! Rude people, but the show was great. :D I got some pretty cool pics. :) And I also will be posting a video of the grand finale. :) I hope you enjoy- and everyone have a safe and happy 4th of July!!!