White Christmas (Eve)

Shaver was a beautiful winter wonderland! Snow fell on and off all day at my in-law's on Christmas Eve.

(Notice the new paint on the cabin- what a change from the light yellow and blue. I picked out the color scheme.)

The boys did a great job building "frosty". I jumped in and helped for the fun part- accessorizing!

Sledding has become a tradition on Christmas Eve- let's hope the weather keeps cooperating!

Sweet Newborn Pictures

I've been meaning to blog about these photos for awhile now. These pictures are so special to me- but what makes them really amazing is they were taken at the hospital by the hospital photographer. I know. Pick your jaw up off the ground- what a change from the usual baby "mug shot". This is new a service offered at Clovis Community. Big improvement. Huge. Almost makes me want to have another baby. Almost.

Pie? Check! Centerpieces? Check, Check!

Apple Pie with Vanilla and Lemon (When I wasn't looking Ben added some extra apple cut outs...nice, thanks Ben)

Flowers from Costco (and my yard!)

Now I need to stop blogging and go pack! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Post-baby get-a-way

Eric and I have a tradition of getting away together with just our new baby when they are about 3 months old. After surviving the last few months of pregnancy and adjusting to the routine of a newborn- this was just what I needed. We had a great time, but even more importantly, I feel like I have a new energy and renewed vision for my life. I know that sounds pretty deep- but seriously it was that good of a vacation! I really think we all need a break now a then to clear out our heads and remind us how much we love what we do each day.

This is the view of Shell Beach from our room. We got to try out the road outside of Kettleman that my husband has been building for almost two years. Nice job babe! (But I'm so glad you are finally done!).

Amazing morning light, white sheets and plenty of time make for some great shots.

Thanks mom and dad for watching the boys to make this trip possible.

Thanksgiving Place Cards? Check!

We are spending the holiday at Shaver with Eric's family and I was put in charge of making place cards. Since we are not hosting thanksgiving like we have in years past- I actually had time for a fun project with the boys.

I painted their hands and "stamped" them onto a 6x6 square of card stock. Then I folded the bottom inch to make a base and cut them out. I added a beak and of course the names. Not exactly elegant- but the grandmas will love them!

I'm off to start my Apple pie with lemon and vanilla- wish me luck (I think Apple pies are intimidating!).

Sam's Birthday

I need to catch up on some posts about what has been going on this month. Sam turned four! How is this possible? Sam is growing up so much and becoming such a big helper! He runs for burp clothes for me- helps with laundry and even vacuums! Most of all it is exciting to see his heart growing tender to the things of God. I know God has great things for this little boy. I'm so blessed to be a part of the journey.
In other news- after blowing out candles, he was playing around and slipped on a toy and fell and hit the wall. Not only did he get a big knot on his forehead- he put a HOLE in my hallway wall. He seemed to be fine- (did I mention my first born also has a hard head?). I love this kid.

Don't drop her!

It only took us about 60 pictures to get this one-and poor Georgia looks like she is about to slip down to the concrete below! I'm giving up hope of getting a picture of all three children. Maybe our Christmas card will have three individual face shots?

You can't blame me for trying! (Sam is really great with her and didn't drop her by the way).

Halloween!

Here are all the boys (and Georgia)...Indiana Jones, Ben the Builder {missing his hard hat}, CSUF Football player, Train Engineer, Speed Racer, Racer X, and our Pumpkin!
Georgia had some quality time bonding with her uncle on Halloween.
Any mom (or dad) will tell you getting good pictures of your kids is hard work! I feel like I'm cursed when it comes to pumpkin patch/halloween pictures. Every year, something happens. This year I had my hands full with a newborn and looking at our pictures I was so disappointed that I didn't really capture the day. Well, there is always next year! {-ps if anyone has some pictures of my kiddos from that night- can you send them my way?}

Georgia's Name

I came across this list the other day on a blog I read. I'm not sure if I really believe Georgia is a hipster name- also on the yupster list and the best list of all "names your friends will think are cool" list. I've really loved the name forever- but it's fun to see it might be growing in popularity a bit. Check out Nameberry.com - it is a really fun site.

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Rail Road

We recently went up to Fish Camp to spend a day in the mountains and ride the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Rail Road . Eric's parents treated us to this fun day in honor of Sam's upcoming birthday. It was actually really relaxing- nothing like a slow train ride in an open car through the gorgeous mountains enjoying the changing fall colors. Nothing makes this boy happier than trains!

It was a little loud for this boy though!

Happy Birthday Mom!

It wasn't easy- but we did it! We got a great picture of all 8 grandkids! (Credit really needs to go to Leah of Magic Moments). Mom loved the picture... it was a huge surprise!

One sleepy girl

She sleeps- all the time! I'm not complaining for the record- but it is amazing how this girl needs her beauty rest! I keep thinking- today is the day she is going to "wake up"...but not so far. It's amazing how you forget the details of having a tiny newborn. Right now, I'm just enjoying the quiet- and getting some rest myself.

Three under four...

These three are each 16 months apart. April watched them while we were at the hospital- and she really had her hands full! (Not to mention she is pregnant and in her first trimester!). I'm so glad she captured this moment and emailed me these pictures. They look like they belong together. Thanks again sissy!

Georgia Grace

She's here! We are blessed beyond words...

Her brothers are in love and so are we. She has chubby checks and (surprise!) a little bit of dark hair. She is enjoying being smothered in kisses from big brother Ben.

(The details.... Aug. 27 at 8:48 a.m. 7 lbs 10 oz and 20 inches)

Wallpaper Update

It's almost done-but it hasn't been easy! And we ran out... and it's not sticking really well. But, another roll arrived today- and we have special glue to work on the seams. Dad said he's never had such bad luck with wallpaper before. However, I do like the pattern and color and I think it's going to look really good when it is finally done.

PS- Eric isn't a fan of wallpapering.

Friendships that stand the test of time

I came across this picture last month looking at our wedding album (10 years ago!). We look younger for sure... Our lives were a little simpler back then too! I'm so glad both of these girls are still among my dearest friends that I see and talk with every week! They are both celebrating birthdays this week so they have been on my mind. Happy birthday to both of you! Thank you for the blessing of your loyal, steadfast friendship!

A Modern Western Wedding?

These pictures are really for my sissy. She is going to do the flowers for a wedding coming up in a few weeks that is going to be beautiful! The bridesmaids are wearing apricot/coral dresses with brown cowboy boots. There are going to be a lot of "modern" country touches. I thought of you sissy when I saw these arrangements using ball mason jars. Please promise to post lots of pictures after the wedding of your gorgeous arrangements. I wish I wasn't going to have my hands full and could help you out that day- it sounds so fun!

One cute cake!

I forgot to post this! My sissy and sis-in-law threw a great shower for me last month! The show stopper was this amazing cake! Johnna posted details if you are interested. Thanks girls- you two really know how to throw a party!

Family Vacation

We have been having fun relaxing and enjoying some quality family time.

We visited the giant sequoias... and below some of the roaring rapids of Kings River. These little "walks" (wish I could call them hikes) have been just enough to wear the boys out each day. Below Ben has a flashlight for the "dark of woods" as he calls it. This has been the boys big thing this week- visiting the "dark of woods". Evidently, shadows quantify as "dark". Good thing Ben had his flashlight.The only bummer is Ben has been sick (running a pretty high temperature)- but just like Sam last week, no other symptoms. He has been getting plenty of sleep and is doing a little better today.
We are staying at my sister and brother-in-law's (they are still in SD). Aren't their new floors and rug gorgeous? I need to do a whole post on their great house later.

Family Fishing at Shaver Lake

All I'm going to say is worms were involved. But I survived (as did the fish!). Thanks goodness Eric didn't make me fry it up for dinner!