Christmas

This year at Christmas we wanted to do things a little differently. We wanted to really make sure that Jesus stayed the center of Christmas. We didnt want it to be all about getting toys and gifts. We also wanted to teach our children what it means to give, not just receive. First, we told our children they were going to give up some gifts (meaning we were going to buy less gifts-not that we were going to return any) and they were going to give that money away. This year the kids went through the World Vision catalog and picked out some chickens and goats. We also told the grandparents to limit the gifts. :)

ready to go to church

eating gluten free cinnamon cake for breakfast



Connor is carrying a bucket, a puke bucket. On Christmas morning, when we got him up in the morning, he had thrown up all over his bed. So, he carried a bucket around with him just in case. Thankfully he didn't throw up anymore and no one else threw up either.  



Our family picture. Connor has no pants on because he threw up on them also.

Connor wanted balloons for Christmas. I found this tub of water balloons and he was sooo excited.

running around yelling "yay, yay"

Madison had the best reaction to her gifts. When she opened this dress she smiled and said "I love it".

I just love Connor's expression.

She was so surprised! Can you tell she liked her gift?

jumping up and down

Zander loved his gift also. I think this was the biggest reaction we got out of him all day. :)

Ellie trying out her new skates.

Zander playing with his new red monster truck with a remote. (yes, Zander was very specific in what he wanted).

Madison playing with her new stroller, with her new baby, wearing her new hat.

Connor rocking out on his new paper jam guitar. I think he was driving some of the grandparents a little crazy walking around playing it over and over and over..... :)

Grandpa helping Ellie learn how to skate. She caught on really fast.

Family photos

Lindsay G. Photography is awesome! It's hard taking photos of our family since we have 3 little ones who don't really like to cooperate. :) But they LOVE Lindsay so today they tried.  Thank you Lindsay!!

totally Zander :)

yep. that's my Connor :)

Connor does like to pout :)

if only Madison was looking up

isn't she so stinkin' cute?!

finally a picture where we can see her beautiful eyes. :) my Ellie Bellie likes to be silly in photos so she is always squinting.

my boys. LOVE!

yep, that's my Zander

SO blessed!!!!

each personality comes shinning through

Can you tell they are melting?

Even after  20 years, my sweety still makes me laugh like no one else can.
Love you my best friend!

Too bad Zander is laying down. He was ready to relax. :)

LOVE this photo! We are a truly blessed family!

I think these are some of my favorites. They aren't double trouble, they are quadruple trouble. :) (If you have more than 1 boy less than 2 years apart you know what I'm talking about)

Love this one!

Could they be any cuter??

The adventures of Jack

This year we were vistited by a little elf named Jack. He came the week after Thanksgiving and stayed until Christmas Eve. The kids LOVED having him around. The first thing they did every morning was look for Jack. Madison would get out of bed and immediately ask where Jack was.

Well candy is one of the three main food groups for elves and Jack ate a LOT of candy and sweet's at our house. We found him one morning with candy everywhere. He ate 2 bags of skittles, and several smarties. We found them on the stove below and pieces and trash scattered about the kitchen.



He ate 2 chocolate chip cookies



Sometimes he took a break from all the sugar eating

This morning we found him eating a bowl of  Ellie's special fruit loops.

playing Ellie's DS

I think this was the most exciting thing Jack did. Ellie loves playing with legos. She was so excited to see that Jack built this castle, dragon and all.  She showed all her friends what he did and then told them if they wanted one all they had to do was tell their elf. (sorry parents). :)