Preschool Christmas Program

Gotta love the songs that are sung during these little programs. Malakai had a blast and it was fun to see him "perform" on stage. So proud of our 5-year old!

Boys, Noise, & New Toys

Things are whirring around here with all the new gifts that the boys' got for their birthdays. Chainsaws buzzing, trains whistling, race tracks and train tracks everywhere, and our first remote controlled car all in a matter of two days. Yes, the activity level is high! It's so fun watching the boys explore new activities. Looking forward to more action in the days ahead and maybe wearing ankle guards! The remote controlled car is named "Chili Pepper", at least that's what the box said. Malakai keeps forgetting and calling it "Tortilla". HAH!

Boys Birthday Bash

Since the boys' birthdays are only 9 days apart (Malakai's is today, the 17th and Isaac's is the 26th) we decided to do a joint birthday party with our families. Lots of fun and lots of energy in the house after a sugar overload and some new books to read and toys to play with. I made an ice cream cake and with a ton of help from my dear mom (what in the world would I do without her?!) cranked out 42 cake pops! These creations are not for the faint of heart. Holy moly...there is a great need for patience for these things to go right. I often lack in this department :) But the boys were thrilled and there was even enough left to take to Malakai's preschool class today to share with his classmates. We love these little guys so much and are so thankful to call them our sons! There is never a dull moment and their love for each other continues to grow, except when one has a toy the other one wants or little brother messes up big brother's creations. But that's just part of growing up. I love having real conversations with Malakai as he continues to learn more and more. He told me this morning as he was eating his pancakes at breakfast that now that he's five, he's going to learn to drive a tractor, and feed our bunnies all by himself, and walk Gideon around the pasture. At supper last night he said, "Mommy, you crack me out!" He was meaning to say, "up". So innocent. May there be more laughter and less stress in my life as I learn to let go of more and more. Thank you, Jesus for my dear children. They are my hope fulfilled! Today, we celebrate the gift of Malakai's life. Happy birthday, my five year old big boy!

Card Sharks

Malakai set up Thomas Uno for him and I to play yesterday afternoon. I looked over and saw this scene and ran to get my camera. He was explaining to Hadassah how the game is played and it was so dear. Then he needed a diversion and wanted to practice writing his name. He calls it his "homework". It won't always be that simple, but for now, he is very proud of himself and so is momma. Hadassah enjoyed some belly time and holding her head up for awhile. Seeing these two together is so special for me.

The Little Sister

Next week Hadassah turns three months old, so while I was doing her big brothers' portraits, I had a mini session with my little lady too. She melts my heart and I love her dearly. I am so thankful for the blessing of raising a daughter. I am praying that we have a relationship and friendship like my mom and I do. There is something very special about a mother/daughter bond. Here's my dear little girl...

The Big Brothers

Yesterday afternoon, I took advantage of the 65 degree December weather and had a mini photo session with my two sons. We didn't even need coats! Both of them have birthdays this month. Malakai will turn 5 and Isaac will turn 2. Malakai could literally be a model and followed my directions like he was an adult. He even asked me one time, "Mommy, do you want my thumb in or out of my pocket?" Yeah, that's my almost five-year old. Then there is my almost two-year old. Asking him to sit still and smile is like telling a lightning bolt exactly where to strike. So I just follow him around and keep clicking my shutter, hoping that something will be focused and capture his personality. I'm very happy with the outcome and we were laughing a lot which helped. The ones of the boys at the end are some of my favorites I have ever captured of them so far. Their love for each other oozes out through these images. I love these guys so much!