Create! Create!

(ok-all the pictures are backwards because all I can see is the code. Someone please tell me how to view the photos while Im editing!)

We're been busy around here enjoying the Christmas season--as Im sure most of you are, too.
The kids had a cookie decorating party today at The Coolong's house. It was SO fun! There were SEVENTEEN children there and it went very well..not too crazy at all. Of course, the house is totally accommodating and Crystin and her mom set everything up perfectly ahead of time. Here are some pictures from the cookie decorating. Afterwards they ate snacks, played outside, played inside, and all around. The moms had a good time chatting and keeping after every one's kiddies, where thoroughly enjoying cookies and chocolates and coffee. Im so thankful for my friends and for my children to know these wonderful families!




We made gingerbread houses earlier in the week..it was A lOT of work compared to buying the kit, but it was very fun.





And lastly, here are some of the things Ive been making.
The bear shirt for Vara is my attempt at the freezer paper craft. It was fun but more work because I dont have a printer, so I had to draw the bear and I bought WAX paper by accident..so I had to tape it in place and carefully paint the stencil on. Whew...but Im pleased with it and she loves to wear it.
The quilt is for little Beck. I made Vara one for her first christmas, and now he gets one, too. This is a Wonky Log Cabin design. Its the funnest thing Ive ever made. (I still have to bind it) There's a great tutorial on how to make this improvisational quilt at www.tallgrassprairiestudio.blogspot.com if you are interested in trying it for yourself.
The baby legs are SO EASY! and way cheap compared to buying the original. Beck is getting two for his stocking and the other is for a dear friend of mine who had a new baby girl..... :)

christmas photos

I attemted my own photo shoot with the kids...yes, bribary was involved. They did pretty good for me. I do not claim to be a photographer, but do I like to make our own cards. Enjoy!

Oh Christmas Tree...

Sunday night Mark went out with the kids to pick this year's adorned tree. I was happy for their time together. They stopped for hot cocoa at 7.11 and ended at Taylor's where the trees run about $16, a bargain when attempting efficiancy this year.

Im realizing that trying to incorporate holiday traditions while managing three kids can be daunting!
Onlt two broken glass ornaments, not bad at all. We invited our friend Jonathan over to help decorate, but instead he served us by cleaning the kitchen. So it was a great evening..dishes done and all!






After the trimming...(look at Beck working to get the ornaments)

Soccer

Being a soccer mom is pretty fun. I love seeing the kids in their cute uniforms and the looks on their faces as they play, "am I doing what I should be doing?". Reid has made new friends and gained an idea of team work and disciplines. In the beginning of the season, he had trouble playing after he would fall...pride. :)
But he got over it and joined his team after about two games. I only wish I had video of when he ran to us crying from embarrassment in the middle of the game, or when he would just decide to leave the field while the game was on.
Mark and I are so proud of him. We look forward to next season and hopefully Vara will play, too.

Here are some of the team with Coach Cindy. It was really cold outside.



GO DRAGONFLIES!!!

New Post

This is a bit long, but dont worry, its mostly just pictures. I cant remeber too much of the past couple months..my brain seems to have left me. The pics are of course out of order, but you'll get the idea. Life is busy and wonderful! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
(TAG post below)

At the Pumpkin Patch





At the Botanical Gardens




Mark got his hair cut! Most people didnt recognize him at first.


We've been enjoying our fire pit outback..homemade by Mark! Beck would hang in the swing to keep away from the smoke. And, Im not sure why Reid and Var are dancing, but I thought it was pretty funny..




Pumpkin Carving and Halloween.
We went to a friends birthday and trick-or-treated with them after. I loved Austin's costume. Reid was a Knight--God's Might Warrror! or something. Var wanted to be a "cowboy-girl", but she ended up looking more like a pioneer woman.
Carving pumpkins was fun. The kids help clean them and then they drew their design before going to bed. Reid had a huge spider. Vara drew lines on Beck's and I did an owl on a branch for Vara's.







We spent every saturday morning at the soccer field. It was a blast. I think I have more pictures and footage I can post another time.



We were given a drumset! (Im actually happy about this) And, no, its not in our living room. We made the downstairs room into a music room. The kids enjoy it often.

Tag!

Ive been wanting to post again, but havent...so this is forcing me.
Here's my fifth pic from my fifth file...

Aww! This is Reid at age two. This file was an import file..thats why it goes way back. I havent seen this in a while!
I tag Amy, Courtney, Katie Thomas, Kimmy, and Leslie Alkire

Do the same. 5th folder, 5th picture.

Hooray!

I am so happy to be on here again! I just figured out how to upload photos to this laptop(thanks matt and kimmy!!) Heres a quick update for all you EAGER readers!

Ok-Beck. Lets just say he's big. I mean, he's really big. Everyone we see thinks he's 6-7 months old. He will be 4 months tomorrow. Of course we think he is great and we are loving him and kissing him maybe too much! He is rolling over now, has been for a few weeks, and he's scooting all around. He loves to watch us and likes a quick tickle. The kids are great with him and love to read him books and sing to him. They call him Becka-Becka..hmm, a little girly but thats how it is.
..we got his swing up and the kids enjoy this daily

Reid is great and crazier than ever. We are working on the sillies: learning when it appropriate and when its not. The Lord has been kind to teach us and show me how I can care for him. He's really into spelling lately. We are always talking about how to spell this or that and he is eager to read simple words, too. He started soccer a few weeks ago, and here's a pic of his first night of practice. It has been really fun and so cute to watch all those little kids running around. He had his first game last saturday and it was a blast. Today, we are going to make some "monkey cookies"(banana carob cookies) for tomorrow's snack after the game. Very exciting!!


Vara is doing well and her achievements are racking up. She is a huge help to me. She loves to help cook and clean and care for Beck. She is potty trained woo-hoo! Its been so sweet seeing Reid help her and cheer her on. Sometimes, he'll sit with her and read books, for what seems like forever, and then run to tell me she went! This seems silly to think about, but it's very exciting news around here! She also loves to play with her kitchen and tea set. Playing "store" with Reid is a new favorite. She loves to learn and do whatever Reid does--or says!


Mark and I are doing well. Here's to great husbands! Im so thankful for God's grace to us. It overwhelming to spell out all He's doing in our hearts. He is so good and generous to us!
Things are super busy with the three little ones and the holidays and new babies coming. Im having fun starting my projects..craft night girls??

Ok--in closing, here's a video from this morning of Vara reading to us. Have a great day everyone!