More of December...

 We visited Santa...

 and his reindeer...

 with my Mom...

 at our outdoor mall.

More of December...

 The kids and I joined in on a Homeschool field trip and attended a Nutcracker performance.  I loved that fact that is was small group, 1/2 price for tickets and very educational.  There were 3 stations set up.  One station was set up with the dancers doing different moves and explaining their training.  One station taught about shoes.  One station taught about costumes.  And - one of the best things - it was only Act 2!  That's all about a Momma and her 3 kids can handle!  It was fabulous!    We really enjoy homeschool field trips and getting together with our school community.

 We have been burning a lot of fires!

We love, love, love burning fires.

Our Thankful Tree is still on the mantel.  If fact, Halle got it down today to add even more leaves to it!

Oh, Dear Heavenly Father...

We have so much to be thankful for!

I'm ready for flip flops...

A Charlie Brown Christmas Pajama Party...

Sophie (and I) hosted A Charlie Brown Christmas Pajama Party in December - for a few of her girlfriends.

The girls came over around 7:30 - in their jammies and brought a stuffed animal and pillow.

They enjoyed popcorn, juice, pillow fights and lots of girlie screaming!

Oh, and they watched A Charlie Brown Christmas too!  They left around 9:00 in their jammies and ready for bed.

It really was a fabulous time.

New Year's Family Traditions...

A friend of mine texted me today asking for some New Year's Family Tradition ideas.

She said, "checked blog - got nuttin'"

I just loved it!  :)  Thanks for asking.

So, friend, this post is for you.  Thank you for putting some fire under me.

With your children:
Earlier this week, I was reading this from Keeper of the Home.  Josh and I are not going out alone for the night.  We enjoyed a date earlier this week so we will be home with the kids.  We talked about doing a slumber party in the family room, popcorn, fun drinks and building a fire!  We mentioned maybe roasting hot dogs and/or marshmallows over our fire.  We could enjoy party horns and hats.  We will NOT let the kids stay up until midnight.  We will put them to bed around 10 and then Josh and I can continue partying until midnight!  But - it's unlikely we will even make it until midnight!  :)

So, there's my idea if you will be enjoying the night with your children.

As a couple (or just you - if you are single):
Over the past few nights, Josh and I have been working on our FAMILY MISSION STATEMENT.

Josh gave me Organized Simplicity for Christmas!  I have been dying to get my hands on this book so I screamed when he handed it to me!  As Josh puts it, "This book is a leadership book for a Home Manager."  I added to that, "It's for a Home Manager who is passionate about simple, intentional, natural living."  It is amazing - to me.  I am reading and highlighting like crazy.  I take it to the store with me, to the kitchen, to bed... everywhere!  I just love it.

In this book is a chapter on how to create a FAMILY MISSION STATEMENT.

This is one of our big New Year's goals - as a couple - as a home.

We believe it's important to compose as a couple and post -
What do we believe in?
What do we stand for?
How do we want others to view our family?
What do we want our family to look like in 10, 20, 30 years from now?


While we are very aware that lots of curve balls will be thrown our way, neither one of us like flying by the seats of our pants - we like to have a plan - for our parenting, marriage and home.
(but on a vacation or free day - just let the wind blow me!)

So, creating a FAMILY MISSION STATEMENT is our big New Year's Goal as a couple.


On the menu:
My friend asked about a New Year's Day Menu.
hmmm..... I don't know.  :)
Any ideas?

For New Year's Eve... it will probably be veggie dogs, mac n cheese, marshmallows and popcorn! 

Do YOU have any fun New Year's Ideas to share?

My Summer Visit with Jack and Reshma..

A Vist with my Brother...

my brother flew in from Florida on Friday night and stayed through Monday evening - in order to attend my Grandmother's funeral service and be with family after her passing.

Of course, the circumstances were very sad, but it was fabulous having him here all weekend.

He stayed with us Friday and Saturday nights and then with my Mom on Sunday night.  It was great having him in our home and catching up!

I love you so much, Derek, and really wish we lived closer to each other.

Here is our family - Mom, Derek and Myah

Grandma Mary turned 98!

In September, my Grandma Mary turned 98.  She was born in1912!  

We celebrated with her special day with family.

I spoke with my Aunt today to see what my Grandma "needed" for Christmas.  What does a 98 year old woman need?  I don't want to give her more "stuff".  So, we decided that what she enjoys most is spending TIME with us!  So, we have set a date near Christmas when the kids and I will go over to her home for a brunch.  I am also going to have the girls paint canvases for her!  They're really good at that.  :)

What an amazing woman and what an amazing life she has lived.  Currently, she has no major health problems - just hearing loss and she can't speak very well anymore.  Just expected stuff at this point in her life.

Here's to hoping she makes it to 100!

The Christmas Spirit is beginning here...

craft night!

Crazy Mom at the Zoo...

yeah, I was a crazy Mom at the Zoo, and I got in the Tree House with my girls!   

People really were staring, but did i mind?  Oh, no. 

My girls thought it was pretty cool.

I love you, Girls, and I'm happy to get crazy with you!  and act like tigers.