Getting a Christmas Picture - FEELS IMPOSSIBLE

After many attempts at getting a group picture in front of the tree...this is about as good as we could get. Mason was so happy - the big smile on his face just states his enthusiasm. Ethan has to pose for every shot and ends up looking like he's "posing." Usually my hair ends up in my face or in my mouth (depends on how hungry I am). Whew! Another year done. Here we come 2009!

The pictures I ended up using are not shown - so you can look forward to something better in your mailbox.

Ethanisms

Ethan never fails to keep me laughing and crying. He brings so much joy to my life. Here are a couple of stories that should make you all smile....

The other night Ethan was gathering books in his arms to carry back to his bedroom (getting ready for bedtime stories). He also had a couple of stuffed animals along for the ride. On his walk from the living room to his bedroom he kept dropping one item after another and struggled picking them up again. He turned around and looked at his little brother who was on the same route to the bedroom and kindly asked "Mason, would you be a gentleman and help me carry some of these books?" Mason gladly replied "sure." Now mind you, Mason's willingness to help does not always come that easily, but where in the world did Ethan learn the word gentleman?

Another story...we had some friends over on Saturday night. Before everyone came over I ran to Target to get large amounts of Play-Doh for the kids to play with. I was amazed at how well the kids played together and I was also amazed at how long they played with the Pay-Doh. This was great because we (the adults) had the ability to play games and not have to worry about the kids. Ethan has a sensitive stomach sometimes and tonight was a rough night for him. He ended up sneaking away to go to the bathroom and at one point called for help. Thank goodness for my mom because she jumped to the rescue. Minutes later Ethan comes out in pajama pants and says to his little friend "I am sorry about that, but it was a mess." Mia asks Ethan "What was a mess?" He replies "My butt." The funniest part of it all was that they both carried on like it was not big deal. Back to playing with Play-Doh. In case you are wondering...Ethan's butt is better :-)

My project...

This has been my project for the last few weeks. I wish I could line item all of the details so you could see all of the money I saved. I spent less on this whole room than what most people spend on a couch. God is good! There are still some finishing touches needed, but for the most part it is done.

Mason Bites

Funny story - at least I think it is. Today was Mason's first day in his new Sunday School class. Side Note: My mom was the one dropping Mason off at Sunday School. She informed the new Sunday School teacher that Mason bites. The woman thanked my mom for letting them know and she proceeded to pin a big red circle on Mason that said "BITES" on it. What? My son is already labeled - lol!!! Mason, Mason, Mason - this will not be the first label or the last.

Duluth 2008 - Celebrating my Grandparents 60th Wedding Anniversary...

We were all together again for a weekend in Duluth. What a wonderful weekend filled with fellowship and time together as one big family. We laughed, cried, laughed some more, cried some more, but most of all we created memories that we will carry for years to come.

My Dad...

Most of you looking at this have not met my dad before. I hadn't met him either, until Thanksgiving of 2004. The first day I met my dad was filled with a whirlwind of emotions. We found ourselves comparing every detail in our appearance and personality. I thank God for uniting us.