MARDI GRAS!!!!

So, one of my dearest friends (Libby, she is SO AWESOME) invited my family to her Mardi Gras party last night. Her family is from Louisiana and they celebrate every year.

Bret had to work, but the kids and I headed out and we had so much fun. Traditional Jambalaya, dirty rice, king (cup)cakes, homemade rootbeer, beignets... so fun to introduce my kiddos to this stuff. Everyone made floats out of boxes or dressed up and we had a full on parade with beads and coins. Eliza and Darci were pretty princesses and Xander was a pirate and Christopher was a rocker. Eliza even had the baby in her King Cake. We enjoyed the company of good friends and enjoyed overall good times.

Thanks again, Libby. You're the best host EVAH!

Silly Eliza

Eliza is getting sooooooo big. For awhile there she was a skinny, itty bitty thing and always looking too skinny. Now she's suddenly getting a little bit chubbzy and I love it. She's also in to EVERYTHING and starting to get really good at talking and she loves to sing and dance. She can really drive me crazy, but she also makes me laugh and she is sooooooooo cute!!!

New Years Eve...eve...

Justin and Carrie were in town the week after Christmas, but had to leave on Dec 31st in the morning so that Justin could chaperone a New Year's Eve Dance. So we had a New Years Eve Eve party with the Vegas Pings.

The cousins had so much fun together and (AS ALWAYS) Carrie makes the best spread of food. It was laid back and fun and so good to be together.

My mom and I.

B and Darci have so much fun together

Shendi and Xander hang.

Darci gets kisses from Pancho

Merry Christmas 2010!!!

My goodness I'm behind on blogging. We've been very busy with me returning to work and the kids being involved in all sort sof activities.

Dec. 25th, 2010

What an amazing Christmas we had!!! More than anything we had some sweet miracles and blessings come our way that made our future look a little brighter.

The kids all had great insights this year into the true meaning of Christmas and I'm pleased to say it has been our most meaningful and spiritual.

We woke up around the usual time and I think we all enjoyed teaching Eliza how to rip into her presents. She seemed a little confused since she had been told no on ripping the wrapping paper so many times. Everyone loved their presents and the finale was Christopher opening a Wii for the whole family that he was not expecting to get until we got our tax refunds. Thanks to some saving and some help from both sets of grandparents we were able to make that happen. If any child in the world deserved to have his every heart's desire on Christmas it is Christopher. He is so obedient and helpful. He rarely complains and when he does he tries to do so in private. I don't know what I'd do without him.

We hope to hold these feelings and experiences with us throughout this next year and forever.

Christmas Eve

December 24th, 2010-

Dani and Eliza LOOOVED the caramel corn.

Darci enjoyed holding Cora. Not so sure Cora enjoyed Darci holding her, though ;)

Eliza was often found at the food table, stuffing her face. What a mess!!!

We spent our traditional Christmas Eve at Bret's parent's clubhouse. We ate pizza and junk food and hung out and opened some gifts. We really enjoyed our time celebrating with family. The kids love going in the hot tub. It was very easy and laid back and relaxing.

I spent a good chunk of time holding baby Cora. She makes me realize my baby isn't a baby anymore and I've been feeling just a little sad that we aren't having anymore.

She's so sweet and snuggly!!!

We got home a little earlier than usual and the kids enjoyed opening their Christmas Eve PJs from Mom and Dad and their pillow pets from Gma and Gpa P.

Kayla's Birthday

December 18th, 2010-

We went to Aunt Jenny's home and celebrated Kayla's 12th birthday. As always there were good eats and fun times. Our kids LOVE playing with their cousins and we enjoy visiting with family.

Meadow Elementary Christmas Sing

On Dec. 18th the boys had their Christmas Sing concert at school. It was hard to get good pictures and video of them since we were near the back and it was waaaay crowded, but they did amazing. Xander recently lost one of his front teeth and he looked so cute singing with that great big space showing in his mouth. Christopher is just always so handsome and performs so well. It was the girls nap times, but they were troopers. Christopher is front row, white shirt, looking right at the camera. Xander is top row, white shirt, looking right at the camera. Later that day Eliza got a yummy cookie and made a major mess. VIDEOS TO COME

Xander's 6th birthday

Dec. 2, 2010

It was a super fun day for Xander and the rest of us as we celebrated his big day. With Xander being our "middle child" and with his birthday so close to Christmas I really try to make it a special day. I left the house early in the morning to get some donuts and chocolate milk. On my home I called the home phone and had Christopher gather all the kids at the kitch table. I came in the door with goodies in hand and singing a very loud and silly version of Happy Birthday. I know one day I will completely embarass my kids, but right now they think I'm pretty cool and funny and they were all tickled by my theatrics.

After school we went to the University Mall and visited Santa and saw all the Christmas decor. They played at the playground for a little while. Then we met both sets of grandparents near there at Xander's favorite place... Pirate Island Pizza. Yummy pizza, fun atmosphere, and lots of arcade games for all the kids' levels and they are all generous with tickets. Xander was in HEAVEN!!!

The very next day I got to go in his kindergarten class and read his favorite book to the class and out goodies. Xander was every bit as excited to share his favorite book and introduce his mom and sisters to his class as he was to go to Pirate Island.

I adore Xander. He is such a special little man. He finds the good and beauty in everything. I love that he'll tell complete strangers how beautiful they are. I think he daily makes some woman's day by his expressions of "Your hair is GORGEOUS!" or "Mom, the lady helping us is BEAUTIFUL!" He is also quick to give his mommy compliments, too.

I love my Xanderman!!

Here's some new stuff...

November 30, 2010... Christopher achieved his Wolf in Cub Scouts. He's very proud of his accomplishments.

December 5, 2010... the kids looked so nice and handsome before church and the girls were wearing their new Christmas dresses from Gma P. I was so glad I got this great picture.

Dec. 2, 2010... As part of Xander's birthday celebration we went to see Santa.

It wasn't all about Xander that day. Darci got brave and decided to get her ears pierced. We've been trying to talk her into this for a couple of months.

I also finished a petti-skirt I had been working on for a VERY long time. It is so beautiful and only cost me $15 to make. They usually go for $50-$100 online.

Dec. 8, 2010... despite Darci's hair getting longer than it's ever been, we gave her a cute, new, and sassy cut. Much easier and cuter than ever.

WAAAAAAY Behind

But here are some pictures until I can catch up. Xander on the pommel horse at gymnastics Christopher holding new cousin, Cora Eliza being a cheese. Darci being silly.