Family Photos 2014

Well Kids,

You brought your A game to family photos this year in a way I didn't imagine possible.  

My love for the three of you grew exponentially.  

You smiled for the camera, you got along, you were cooperative.

Daddy and I were so grateful.

We can't thank Heather Hunt enough for these beautiful images.

xoxo

mom

What to do when you over-schedule yourself.... EVERY.TIME.

Kiddos,

I am pretty sure you will find time and time again, that I try to control our weekend.  

I try to "hold space" (a concept crafted by the author of Momastery).  

The thing is, I am pretty good at saying no- this is not new information to you.  

When it comes to fitting things in for all of you, and trying to make it work, I don't say no.  I

 say, "ummm, sure, we can find a way to do that."   

Then it is 1 am on Thursday and I am making a spreadsheet to make sure everyone

 will be in the right place, at the right time, and actually have a ride both ways.  

Those weekends SUUUUUUCCCCKKKK!!  

This was one of those weekends.

I actually scheduled 1 hour to get and decorate a Christmas tree.

If that doesn't say "spirit of Christmas" I am not sure what will.

So, this weekend included:

 a holiday boutique and cocktail party

2 hip hop practices and a competition (3 separate events- 6 rides)

3 basketball games (again, 6 rides)

a new physical therapist for you Anna 2 cities away

a cousin sleepover, holiday parade and dinner

We made it through the weekend, 

and as  I sat down with my calendar for this week/weekend, 

I see that I haven't learned.

We will do it again this coming weekend.

EFFFFF

When will I learn kids? 

Anyway, here are the pics.

Our tree- a work in progress.

 St. Nick's day.........seriously, who thought of this day?

 Basketball o rama

 The RWC holiday parade and dinner

Finally some holiday spirit at our house.

 Hip hop hoooray, ho, hey.... (Every time.  Every time I hear this in my head)

House Projects Part II

This whole project started with one chair.

One chair started the need for 

Two bookcases 

Which then meant a new rug

Then new lamps and baskets

Reframed artwork

The chair that started it all. 

A recliner no less.

Then a new throw 

Then new decorative accessories

Then, it meant the dining room got the first new rug we bought, and it looks so much cleaner!

 Wouldn't a deep purple curtain look dreamy in this space?
Something like this?

Well kids, that is it for this round of house projects.
Next up, I have my eye on my bedroom.
A little paint? Different curtains?
xoxo
mom

When Daddy's away, we do house projects and call them fun surprises!

Kids,

We did it!  You guys did an amazing job at NOT spilling the beans, and I am so happy about it!!

We did two little house projects while daddy was away. By little I mean, we redid two rooms completely.

The first was the dining room. I recovered all the chairs (MYSELF) and then wound up replacing the rug, and now have my eyes on some darling curtains.

Next up was the big project.

We redid the family room, top to bottom!

As a reminder, this is the family room before- how sad is this?

Here is the after!

Obviously not the final final since you can see the old rug rolled up and we have added a few more accessories since then, but I am happy as a clam.

These shelves have changed our lives. 

Things are moved around a bit to hold our Christmas Advent books, but 

I love that Hudson's diapers and shoes are tucked in one of these baskets and the other is full of ALL the Wii stuff we own.  All of it:)

More pictures to come soon kiddos.

Good work.

xoxo

mom

Thankful

Kiddos,

We didn't have a traditional Thanksgiving this year, but it was fantastic.

You made super art projects at school to show your gratitude 

(year 2 without my name on a project, but who is counting)

Yes, Dad's company made the list. Blankie-check. Grandma made it twice.

 Anna, your class did the most darling play.

We started the actual Thanksgiving day with a great family breakfast. 

Hudson, you had hot cocoa in your mug and were happy as a clam.

Then we went for a great walk at the Sawyer Camp Trail.

  

 It was a perfect day.  Absolutely beautiful.

Then we dropped the three of you at Grandmas and headed off to the niner game.

 The best part is that I got to have a date with this cutie pie.

I am profoundly grateful for all of you.

You make each day special in an unexpected way.

xoxo

mom