Reid's First sleepover

Reid stayed at Titus' house last saturday. I was really excited about this milestone--first sleep over!! He did great and didnt ask to come home in the middle of the night or anything.

They started the afternoon with a pool party. Camped that night in a tent in the living room. Woke to morning cartoons and waffles.
Reid said his favorite part was sleeping in the tent.

I am thankful for such a great little friend for Reid.
(im just realizing I am posting again about Reid and Titus...)

rambles about Reid

Reid, Reid...getting too big. He loves the Blackburn boys and asks to go to their house about everyday. I think it might also be because Beth gives him Nutella(notice the smudge on his face?) :)

I love him. He is so sweet to Beck and loves to make him laugh. I heard them "talking" in the room this morning and it made my heart melt to think of their bond that is growing.
Yesterday, I was talking to him about boasting (something we are working on) and he listen intently as Vara chimed in to say, "Just pray to God..that He will change your heart. God died on the cross for your sins....buddy." (she's a little mama)
This afternoon, after the two younger ones were down for naps, Reid began packing for a trip. He broke up wood on a plate for fire, got the sprinkler for his gun, a butter knife(which I replaced with a wooden toy knife) for hunting, and had me cut some bread for his sandwich. He hugged me and told me he loved me. He was to be gone forever. I told him I will pray for his safety and that Id miss him so much. He closed his eyes and agreed.
After I went back to my room to put laundry away, he came in slowly and was excited to tell me about his trip. He said "Im baaack. It was GREAT! A big bear ate my sandwich and I killed him with a bomb. Mom, what's a bomb?"

I am glad to be able to jot this down so I will remember. Thanks for reading.

stuff

I found a new way to recylce Vara's old clothing. Some I give away and some I donate, but some I still want to see. So, I made an old shirt into a doll's dress. I plan on doing more when I have a chance.
In the first picture, I simply cut off the sides and sleeves to create an A line dress.
Then, sew together leaving a gap to sew in a sleeve on each side. I trimmed Vara's shirt sleeves down to size(length only) and gathered to fit into the doll's arm hole.
Last, attach the sleeves.
The shoulder of the shirt happened to make a perfect little bonnet, (no sewing required). There you have it!
**This is a horrible tutorial, but is posted upon request :)


Big boy, Big table..Here's Beck getting so big. He sometimes joins us at the table and gnaws on a carrot. He isn't eating solids yet, but likes this for teething. Also pictured is my new dining table. Ive always wanted and antique farm table and finally got one! I know, I know, earthly treasures..but I cant help myself! After spotting it on Craigslist, my Grandma was super generous (yet again) and got it for me. It was too good of a deal to pass up.


Reid and Vara love to hide and "scare" Mark when he comes home from work. This day they were sporting their new chef's outfits from Nana and Papa. Can you find Vara in the first picture? That's her usual hiding place.

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!!!