A Mother's Nightmare

Yesterday my son was GOALIE.

I'm not gonna lie.... I wasn't a fan.

I could feel my blood pressure rise as he stepped out on the ice in that ridiculous equipment.

At least at this age I didn't have to watch pucks coming at his face at warp speed... but that might not be the case in the next couple years. I don't think I have to worry much, Isaac wasn't very happy that he had to stay in the same spot the entire time. You did good though, buddy!

Christmas Morning

I love Christmas morning... everyone loves Christmas morning... but having kids makes it even more exciting!

The kids were so excited to wake us up and open their gifts before we headed out to our Christmas service. This year was a lot of fun!

Uncle Marv serenading the kids before service with his wonderful rendition of "Lord I Lift Your Name On High."

Elijah was so in awe of his Uncle Matt playing the guitar, he couldn't take his eyes off him.

He seriously sat there for awhile. It was so cute.

Brothers.

For our Christmas service we heard the original intent behind the song "The 12 Days of Christmas" and the kids got to join in and help. It was great!

The Bunk Express

Well, tonight was our annual trip on The Bunk Express. The kids were so excited to get their tickets and jump on-board. Here is some great memories made last year...and this year was no different... except for the 4th car seat.

Welcome to the North Pole!

This morning we woke up early and jumped in the car in our PJs to head to the North Pole. We even had a special visit from Santa... Zoey feel immediately in love and couldn't take her eyes off him, it was so cute! Angela did such an incredible job making it so much fun for the kids. I think this definitely needs to be an annual tradition!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breakfast with Santa

Yesterday was Isaac's "Breakfast with Santa" at school and Jacob and I got to attend! It was so much fun seeing Isaac interacting with his friends and his teacher. Kindergarten is so much fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Photo Shoot

Sunday we celebrated Christmas with our extended family on the Bunk side. Every year, without fail, the kids steal the camera and take more pictures than we care to enjoy. I do always love looking at them afterwards to see what they got.... so cute!

Sunday's Christmas Service

the grandkids

We all moaned when we heard my mom say "I want a picture with all my grandkids." The kids were crying, the dads were laughing and the moms were jumping around doing crazy dance moves to get the kids to look at the camera. I didn't get a very good one (my sister did), but to me, these are priceless!

our cleaning lady

Zoey has always loved to clean and now that she's a little older I can take full advantage of my little girl's skills! The other day she came into the office and asked if I could come and see something she did. She had swept and cleaned the entire living room (and did a very good job too) and wasn't even asked. I couldn't believe it. Since she got so much praise and heard me bragging on her to her daddy, she now cleans all the time. I love it! Good job Zo!

3 weeks and counting

{I couldn't get Jacob to look at the camera... but you get the idea.}

It's been 3 weeks Jacob has entered the world and it's been a whirlwind, to say the least. The kids are IN LOVE with their little brother and are constantly kissing him and wanting to hold him. I couldn't be more happy! Yesterday was somewhat peaceful (although that's a very relative term) and I was able to take in the fact that Chris and I have a very full life. Smiles. Smiles. Smiles.

Jacob is such a good baby. He eats good. He sleeps good. He has a great digestive system. He lets the kids fawn all over him with wide eyes. My only complaint: He is already looking too old to me! Time is flying!

Christmas Program 2011

Tonight was the kids' annual school Christmas program. I think Zoey enjoyed it more this year because Isaac was in the audience and she got all the attention (plus her friends were by her side which made it more fun). Zoey did GREAT... Elijah, well, he had a long day and wasn't really digging being in front of everyone. All and all it was another wonderful year!

our 'lil man Judah-bug

 Today was our nephew Judah's baby dedication at church and it was beautiful. That kid is so cute!!!! I love the picture of the kids laying hands on Lance and Jeni... melts my heart. We love you Judah-bug!

Here I Am

Today as we were getting things done around the house, a song came on our stereo... a song that took me back to 2006. I just had Isaac and was completely emotional and overwhelmed, and this song gave me peace and confidence in God. Hearing it today brought a smile to my face... 4 kids later, I am more peaceful and confident in God than I have ever been. He is so faithful!

have you forgotten?

Hebrews 12:5-11 (God's Word Version)

You have forgotten the encouraging words that God speaks to you as his children:

 
   “My child, pay attention when the Lord disciplines you. Don’t give up when he corrects you. The Lord disciplines everyone he loves. He severely disciplines everyone he accepts as his child.” 

 Endure your discipline. God corrects you as a father corrects his children. All children are disciplined by their fathers. If you aren’t disciplined like the other children, you aren’t part of the family. On earth we have fathers who disciplined us, and we respect them. Shouldn’t we place ourselves under the authority of God, the father of spirits, so that we will live? For a short time our fathers disciplined us as they thought best. Yet, God disciplines us for our own good so that we can become holy like him. We don’t enjoy being disciplined. It always seems to cause more pain than joy. But later on, those who learn from that discipline have peace that comes from doing what is right.

Christmas 2011

Christmas 2011

Christmas 2010

Christmas 2009

as our life becomes more complicated, the traditions become more important.

...and the tradition continues... all the way to Home Depot.
We have YET to get an ugly tree (we pick them out pre-wrapped, so we don't know what they look like until we get home... it's a fool-proof way to make the decision take less than an hour)

We spent the night putting up the tree and all most of our Christmas stuff.

Then we attempted the annual kid Christmas picture in front of the tree.

What a trip!

I am finally excited for the holidays!!!