No BONES about it

 

 This morning I woke up to little people and animals taking "naps" on my book shelves.  All three kids were up before 6:30am today.  We have another day of NO T.V. and it's working great.  I reminded them to not even ask b/c the answer will be a resounding no.  They have been busy finding bones in out woods.  Auntie Debbie- could you ask Ken what kind these are?!  The kids found this one and a baby one.  They are so very excited!  The creative play hasn't slowed down, it's picking up speed today.  Eric comes home tonight from his Florida CFO trip so we have a lot to get done before then.

No TV day 2

 

Woke up to this scene this morning.  I'd call that another success. 

Hair Adventures

 

We literally spent hours post bath braiding these girl's hair to make it "curly." They were so excited for the final results. 

 

There were over 30 braids. 

 

However, Brielle did not like it one bit.  She took one look in the mirror, covered her face and wept into her little hands.  It was so very sad. 

 

Allie's hair looked awesome! 

 

So I warmed up the flat iron and curled Brielle's hair which she liked much better. 

Lunch Helper

 

Mathias learned to cut oranges and cook a grilled cheese sandwich on the stove. 

The weaning of the Nuk.

 

We have a new rule.  She can only have her nuk/pacifier on her bed now.  It is my attempt to wean off her dependency before she turns 4!  She did okay yesterday.  Today has been a bit more difficult but she is surviving.  

Our NO T.V. Morning

 

The kids were surprised today when they found out the T.V. was going to stay off.  Normally in the mornings I let them watch Netflix as they tend to wake up so very early.  I am not a morning person and usually use that time to get ready, drink my coffee and prepare for our day and the school work we are about to complete.  Instead, I left out some farm toys, blocks and quiet worksheets.  It actually worked wonderfully!  They played all morning long- together.  We even got a few rounds of card games in as well. 

Hi Daddy

 

Hey Daddy, 

We know you are very busy right now at work, but we wanted to send a little note letting you know how much you are loved.  Thanks for playing with us during the snow storm.  It was our favorite thing ever.  Have a great day.

Love, your family 

Patriots Gear

 

We matched today at church.  Love him! 

1st Grade Reader

 

This sweet boy has really taken to reading on his own.  Every night he is required to read 1 chapter from his chapter books- he is reading the Littles series- which he loves.  This photo was taken from our most recent trip to the library.  Instead of playing computers or running around with his sisters, he found a quiet corner and read through these Lego comic books.  I was close enough to see his lips move with the dialogue but far enough away that he wasn't discouraged by unwanted company. 

First TN Snow

 

The kids were just tickled to finally see snow again after our balmy winter here in the south.  For about 2 days we got a steady downpour of the white stuff causing everything to cancel and close.  Eric was able to work from home and play with the kids outside while I made warming soups and hot tea inside.   

 

Mathias was the snowball guy. 

 

Allie loved making snow angels. 

 

And our while child Brielle just rolled around squealing with delight. 

Momma Snuggles

 

Pretty much the best part of being a mom. 

Superhero Sweaters

 

How fun are these?!  We really enjoy Target.  Probably a little too much.  Mathias ended up choosing Darth Vader, Allie picked spiderman and Brielle went with a white stormtrooper. 

Bedtime Prayers

Kindergarten Reader

 

Allie is really anxious to be a reader like Mathias.  She is always trying to sound out words and read her won books.  I love having so many readers in the house!

Updated Wardrobe

 

She outgrew all of her clothes so we had a girls shopping day and she picked put lovely outfits and now she looks more grown up than ever! 

Morning Coffee Notes

 

Just another example of why my hubby is amazing.  Getting notes in my coffee mug every morning (even when he is out of town) makes my mornings much, much better.   

Bath Babes

 

I'm pretty sure these girls cannot get any cuter! 

Books & Coffee

 

Today we went to the Brentwood library sale after church.  It was a little slice of heaven.  I found so many books on my wish list plus many others I am looking forward to reading.  On the way home Eric got us some coffee.  Best. Day. Ever! 

Crossfit Christmas Party

New couch

 

So, after 9 years of marriage we finally ditched the peeling, leather, bachelor couch for something a little more girly.  It's a beautiful light gray, high backed one.  I love that all of my throw pillows and fuzzy blankets aren't always sliding off the cold, unwelcoming leather anymore.  

 

Since I took these pictures, I've put up different pictures above it and changed the pillows around a bit.  But I am always changing things around. 

 

It's also quite a bit longer than our last couch and fits our entire family on it! 

Fairy Homes

 

Thanks Nana and Papa Roger.  The girls love their Christmas Fairy houses.  Building them was half the fun! 

Harry Potter Mash-ups.

 

Just a little photoshop fun.  I made my sister's picture a while back and today decided to try making one of myself.  It proved a lot more difficult as my face shape is very different from that of the actor's.  

A Case for Harry Potter.

Today, Alan Rickman lost his fight against cancer at age 69.  He played my favorite fictional character, Professor Snape in the Harry Potter Series movie adaptations.  A lot of people say they are anti-Harry Potter. And I would venture a guess that they are those whom never even read the books; books which are filled with redemption, hope, sacrifice and love in it's purest form.  It's a profound series that has become as iconic as literary can become.  It's words have been quoted at funerals, graduation ceremonies, and throughout many other monumental moments throughout people's lives.  And it will continue through generations, to inspire and provide a magical escape to readers both young and old. 

"It is our choices, Harry, that show us who we really are, far more than our abilities."
-A. Dumbledore

"It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they wear it well."

“We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are.”

"We must all face the choice between what is RIGHT and what is EASY."

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that."

“You fail to recognize that it matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be!”  

“The ones that love us never really leave us.”

"Happiness can be found even in the darkest times, if one remembers to turn on the light."

 

"Second, the reason to embrace and celebrate these novels as the countercultural event that they are is due largely to the subliminal messages delivered by Harry and friends in their stolen wheelbarrows. Readers walk away, maybe a little softer on the occult than they were, but with story-embedded messages: the importance of a pure soul; love's power even over death; about sacrifice and loyalty; a host of images and shadows about Christ and how essential 'right belief' is for personal transformation and victory over internal and external evils."