Goodbye 2018

What a wonderful year this has been. Daniel has worked like crazy but fortunately that's tapering off now, so hopefully & prayerfully, 2019 will be slower in that department. The kids are growing and learning everyday. It's such a joy watching them grow into themselves and seeing their personalities bloom. Sometimes I think I'm crazy to have started this homeschooling journey and just want to throw in the towel. But many, many days I realize what a joy, blessing and extreme privilege it is to be a part of their daily lives and to help them grow, not just academically, but emotionally, socially and spiritually as well. Jake has started reading- not full blown books, but words and sentences. I not only was a part of that, but actually taught him! It's really cool and I certainly never expected to be here doing this.

In all the craziness of life, we were able to take some pretty amazing trips this year. Some vacations, some trips to visit people and some work trips, but it was a great year for travel. It's one of my favorite things! It's crazy to think at the beginning of this year, Allie was still using a binky (mostly at bedtime) and were still in the throws of potty training because she just did not want to poop in the potty! But I couldn't just keep her in pull ups 'cause she was great with pee pee. Agghhh, so glad we're past that! Jake was still in pre-school, Maggie still had her top front baby teeth and Will was barely in the double digits and still had lots of baby teeth in his head. What a year it's been! As with tradition, here's our first and last photos of the year:

Will's 11th Birthday!

Here I go again: how in the world have 11 years gone by since this child has entered the world? Since I became a mom?! 11?!! Eleven. Geez Louise. Do you know what's next? Tw-- I can't talk about it... Will, I'm so grateful you're healthy, growing and strong. It's just crazy and bittersweet to keep watching the years tick by. We are so proud of the boy you're growing into. You've really matured a lot this year. You're taking school work more seriously and complaining less, taking the high road more often with your siblings or friends and in general approaching things with a better attitude. You still have growing and learning to do, as all of us did at that age and still do in different ways, but we're so excited to watch you grow and mature. I love you so much little man!!!

By request, we had a pretty low-key day. You wanted donuts for breakfast, pizza for dinner, staying home to play all day and a sleepover with friends. I almost didn't allow the sleepover because I said no parties this year after everyone had big parties last year. But in the end, I thought, not very many parties or sleepovers are gonna happen after 11, so we better give you this chance. And me this chance to enjoy your youth, before you're too cool for everything. :) So anyway, those are the things we did and I think you had a great day!

last night as a 10-year-old

You decided not to have a birthday cake. At first you wanted a homemade ice cream cake like Maggie and Jake had for their birthdays. Then I made some chocolate peppermint cookies for Christmas and you said you wanted those instead. So, I made the donuts into a birthday tower cake, and we sang to you at breakfast. Happy 11th Birthday, little man!!! I love you so much, am glad to call you my son and hope you had a great day!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas 2018!

Merry Christmas everyone!! What a wonderful year this has been. We're so grateful to spend this time of year with family and friends. The kids were so excited for Christmas morning and all the joy it entails. Last night, Will talked to Daniel about all the traditions he was looking forward to...

piling up on mom & dad's bed, reading about Jesus' birth from the Bible: check 

 pictures on the stairs: check

 opening presents, of course, that didn't even need to be stated

 emptying stockings: check

 pancake breakfast and staying in our pj's all day playing with presents: check

I love that lil man! What a wonderful Christmas. I so enjoyed spending it with my wonderful hubs & kiddos. I'm very blessed. Love you all!!! Merry Christmas!

Allie's Christmas Program

Where Allie attends MDO and both she and Jake attended last year have an annual Christmas program where the kids sing and it's adorable. I don't think Allie is very comfortable on stage. In fact, I know it, because I've asked her, lol. I had a hard time getting pictures and video because she kept hiding behind other kids.

I've had the day/time on my calendar for awhile but for some reason I had 11:30 in my mind as the start time. When I arrived, the kids were already on stage- early to my thinking. I saw one of the teachers and she said it started at 11! Oh my gosh, I felt so bad. They were already about halfway through the performance when we arrived about 10 or 12 after. Aghh, I hated missing the first half and felt so bad for my baby girl who was probably looking for us the whole time. Daddy is already out of town and had to miss it, then I missed half too. :( Well, at least I didn't miss the whole thing. I love you my sweet pea baby girl!!!

Christmas Tree

We finally put up our Christmas tree! Some may think it's still plenty early but I like to have it up no later than Thanksgiving weekend (by the end). I put up all the other decor before Thanksgiving this year! But he we are with our annual tradition of hot chocolate and tree trimming.

 Maggie looooves Christmas and decorating, so decorating for Christmas is pretty high on her list of all the things (wonder who she got that from?) She was stoked to put up the tree and worked so diligently on fluffing the branches. Then she'd say "ready up!" and Jake would grab the branch to put on the tree. It was adorable!! Daniel and I fluffed our own branches, until I started on the lights and that was my sole job. I love that girl!!

 Time to put on the ornaments! Will & Allie weren't that into putting up the tree but definitely like adding the ornaments.

Merry Christmas!!!