Our resident barber

So we were in dire need of a hair cut and it is customary for Papa to do the honors so Monday morning after Christmas, Shadd finally looked presentable again! I personally can't seem to get over the many expressions this little man has in store for something that is done pretty routinely, yet we never seem to be too happy regardless of the treats in store!

All worth it in the end!

Hand painted mugs

So this year we made a lot of home-made gifts, which was a ton of fun. I will have to get pictures of all of them to show you what we were able to do. But this little project for Grandma Darcy and Papa Greg was a ton of fun and the best part - Shadd got to do the work! 

We used the silhouette to cut out the vinyl - using the stencil vinyl. Adhere to mugs (extras I just had laying around). We then purchased ceramic paint from Michaels ($2 a bottle I think). Then Shaddy got to work! He did awesome! 

After they were painted...I let them dry for 1hr. Then you are to bake per instructions on the paint or let cure for 21 days. Like we had 21 days to wait.

Here is the crappy part. I tried to pull off the vinyl but it started to ruin the design so we baked with stencil vinyl on. When finished some of the paint was still stuck to the vinyl so I had to free hand a bit. But they turned out decent enough for the grandparents!

Merry Christmas

I don't know what you house looks like after Christmas but ours is a mess. Thankfully, we only have to unload once but when we do. It looks like we have one the lottery or something!

This year we spent the whole weekend in Winterset with a brief stint on Christmas day at our house. We got so much great stuff I can't even begin to list it all.

However, I just got done trying out my new Wii Zumba game. Just so you know the belt that comes with it still fits a very pregnant person's hips. It was a blast. Also once I get a larger SD card I will be able to upload so new pics from my new camera. Its part of my birthday gift too. Our old camera took some type of memory stick or something so those 16mb sd cards only hold like 10 pictures or something.

D, of course, is sporting some new ISU sweats, a Jets sweatshirt, golf stuff, and some sweet Toms (he even likes them). My mom thought it would be the one present that got a good laugh. Every year she trys something a little trendy for that boy and he just can't stop laughing. My favorite was the jeans with zippers.

Now as for Shaddy and Ells - they both are spoiled rotten by their grandparents, aunts & uncles, cousins, and even mom & dad. Santa brought them this sweet cd player with microphones - we have been jammin out to Go Fish and Hillsong Kids.

Shadd got a motorized race track (the one he spent the entire state fair at - thanks grandma darcy & papa greg). A lightning mcqueen and mater remote controlled car. Which a currently in time-out as one got thrown across the garage as Ells tried to play with it.

Ells a new baby plus all the accessories to go with it. She will be set to play momma when this new little one arrives. She even got a horse to ride on! Shadd dubbed him Royal (after Papa Don's horse).

All in all we are so very blessed. As I just read the legend of St. Nicholas - I was reminded that it is an amazing ability to be able to share our love with others by giving gifts. We just must hold sight of the greatest gift that we have been given - Jesus Christ.

I know we so often think of His entrance into the world this time of year but we more importantly need to remember His purpose in fulfilling God's prophecies. He was born of a virgin, found lying in manger: a new born King. Yet He was sent to this earth with the purpose to hang on a cross and pay the ultimate penalty for sin. To save your soul and mine. I thank Him for doing that for me! For willing laying down his life to pay for my sins. He was perfect, it is me who falls short of the Glory of God. Yet by dying on the cross - he broke that barrier between God and me. And now I can rest assured that when I die I will spend eternity with Him in paradise!

What an amazing promise that was fulfilled by God sending Jesus to this earth just over 2000 years ago! And someday He will return. Are you ready?

A little special time with Uncle J

So schools out for Uncle J - and well we decided to take advantage of his willingness to watch our kiddos so we could go catch dinner and a movie. Needless to say - I don't think they wanted us to return. As Ells searched the house the next morning for Uncle Justy. 

Napping in the bunks

So my little girl - is now big. It took a while but I actually got those two to nap in the same room. We read stories around 12:30 and about 15 minutes later I could still hear giggling. So I went in and told them it was time to stop reading and lay down for nap, which is tough for Shadd anyways. After a few threats and even taking Ells back into her crib, they are both peacefully sleeping.

I tried to take some pics but it wasn't worth the risk. We will see how they do tonite!
I'm just having a tough time not redecorating that room. We will see how much I can push the hubs to do some moving and painting! It at least calls for a new pillow for Ells and some refreshed artwork. And maybe a repaint of my dad's old toy box. A good use for some chalk paint if you ask me.

Just good ole dancin fun!

So we often - cut loose at grandma's house. But usually its to some oldies like Sugar Shack (which Shadd thinks is Sugar Shadd, of course) and Hats off to Larry (equipped with plates to act as tipping hats) but now days in light of the season - its just good ole Christmas music. Mariah Carey this time I guess.

Hope you enjoy!

Ready to bunk it up

So we scored a great deal on craigslist - thanks to my mom. I had her look for me as I don't seem to have the time to check that crazy site daily like you have to score great deals. Got some new bunk beds for the kids room as they are going to share here shortly in preparation for number 3s arrival. 

Thank goodness - my husband is handy! I guess all that work at our old house paid off. He just never ceases to amaze me. He picked them up too! 

Of course, everyone had to check them out. If only we could keep Ells from standing up and hitting her head. You would have thought after a couple of times she would get it. 

Granted now the task remains - making a bedroom fit for a prince and princess. A shared sibling room of the opposite sex is a difficult task but I am up for it. Just another reason to decorate! Only to move shortly, I hope! 

V is for volcano

So our letter this week in school is V. We have done our usual routines, read our stories, practiced our memory verse (which is KJV this week so its a tough one) and enjoyed the our song. One Way by Hillsong. A song I first heard when I lived in London and attended the Hillsong church, just a side note! 

So we just had to make a volcano. I asked my super science friend for some helpful hints but found out with my own experiments how to get a great reaction from Shadd. 

A weird angle but I can't believe I actually captured his facial expression as I was pouring the stuff and taking a picture 

The smaller container took a lot less baking soda and vinegar

Even Ells thought it was fun! 

Our first attempt with homemade playdough. WE need some practice! 

So far one science experiment successful. It may be a few weeks before we tackle another. I would rather stick to math I think. Too bad Shadd can't handle story problems yet.

Finger paint Christmas Trees

So we have been spending a little bit more time inside and I am always trying to come up with stuff to keep us occupied at least on the days we don't have to run errands or show our house - which we have had to do twice in the last couple of weeks. Who looks at a house in December? Anyways...that is totally beside the point. At least it keeps my house clean. Sorry for the side comments my brain is not tracking 100% as I have entered into the 3rd trimester - can you believe that??

Regardless...we did a little finger painting the other day. Always a hit. However, I should have gotten a photo of Ells pants afterward. I think she must of thought they would work well as rag to wipe her hands. Praise the Lord for washable finger paints. Good ole crayola. They have saved my life yet again! 

Empty Garage??

So we do some pretty crazy things when winter comes. And one of those things is playing outside in the garage. We get all bundled up and mom relaxes in a lawn chair while my two little ones burn off some bottled energy.

Anyone want to race?

Ells getting tired...tucks up next to momma

Our latest bribe - McDonald"s ice cream

So if you are like us...you run a lot this time of year. In fact, we seem to never stay put. Well, the other night we had to run back to d's office to grab something he forgot. The kids weren't excited about going so needless to say we bribed them. Terrible I know. But if you have a child you know exactly what I am talking about. So it was freezing out but never too cold for ice cream right? A little messy though. 

Ms. Independent doesn't like me to hold on to the cup so we lost it a few times.  Notice the shirt. 

Even momma enjoyed some. All for the baby, right?

Now if only Ells was as clean as Shaddy! 

Oh the joys of the holidays!

My newest favorite thing!

Best piece of artwork ever...

So if you were looking for a great present this year...well I have just the one!

I got mine so hopefully you will call to get yours. Best friends of ours started a little shop on etsy called AdamoHome.

They are local so you could arrange pickup and save cost of shipping plus you can personalize it. However, I usually give them free range and they never cease to amaze me.

Yes. These guys consturcted Ells beautiful E in her room and they are working on an S for Shaddy.  And once I have my new house (someday) I will order one of each of these beautiful frames to line a hallway for all my kiddos! I absolutely love them!

Here's ours. Now I know it needs a picture but who has an 11*14 just lying around. Yes. I have ordered one and just need to get it picked up!

If you want one...let me know and I will get you their contact information!

The Christmas Countdown

So we have a lot of little traditions and it has been fun to continue to add to the pile each year but this is one we have done since Shaddy was tiny.

The proud little boy of his christmas counter! 

Both our proudly displayed by their doors so they can tear off a ring each morning!

All our favorites

So each day after nap...this little pile has to come with us. Our routine goes a little like this...I hear a squeal from upstairs..."Mama". I come to her room. She hands me baby (a small cabbage patch girl), monk (a monkey she sleeps with), and her 3 (yes...3) blankies. I can barely hold all of these extras let along reach into the crib and pick up my little big 19 month old. Nonetheless..it is our routine every day. Soon it will all change as my little one soon becomes a big girl and a big sister. So instead of complaining about this little attachment/inconvenience I will just embrace her love for these small items of security!

Did someone say IPad

So we are a little behind the times but way more advanced than we used to be since we at least have internet on our phones. Only because d needs it for work.

We all got my momma an ipad for her birthday/christmas present. And it was a hit. In fact, she had in her purse at the mall yesterday. I have a feeling it will come in handy sometime.

Well everyone loved it. And I mean everyone!

Christmas Part 1

So this year things have been a little different. We had Christmas last weekend due to my sis not being able to travel again since her little babe is due in the next month. We got to celebrate with a big meal and exchanging presents amongst the siblings. Mom & Dad are saving theirs for the big day! Even Kels and Nick had to take theirs home to open them on Christmas. We always play tons of games and stay up late. As I was still recovering from the black friday frenzy I wasn't quite the gamer this year. Oh yeah...and all our gifts had to be homemade or used or under $10. It was a ton of fun and I will post some pics soon of all my projects. Plus what I got from my sis and brother. They all did amazing! 

Just playing a hot game of CandyLand. Shadd loves it! Slap Jack is one of his favorites too!

Uncle Ross looks enthused. 

Ells is always glued to Papa

Blakes enjoying her first round of festivities

Aunt Kel and Sis

Shadd unwrapping some magnetic letters. 

Shadd also got new light up (yes that is what I said) lightning mcqueen shoes. Thanks Grandma Joyce. 

Blakes chewing to open her gift

Ells starting to get interested. Still a little concerned about throwing away the paper!