Holiday Pics.

The boys do not like dressing up, so I was happy when they let me take a bunch of pics of them in their church clothes. I only had to bribe them w/a treat. I rarely have to do that (LOL).

100 Pieces

The boys, so proud of their tough 100 piece puzzle. They didn't want to take it apart. Big B started to cry when he got home from school and it was back in the box, though got excited when he realized he could try to put

it back together. Gotto love those "White Elephant Gifts".

A typical back yard visitor.

We are blessed w/ beautiful wildlife on a regular basis. It is so fun watching the boys, they never stop getting excited to see rabbits, dear or moles etc. Last year we actually got Reindeer the day before Christmas.

Giving Tree.

As Christmas approaches I wanted to help the boys understand the true meaning of the giving season. One thing our family does is draw names. The 5 of us draw each others names and it really gets the boys excited about giving to a family member, picking it out and wrapping it and the whole surprise of it all. So, this year I introduced them to a giving tree and that really got their little wheels turning. The idea of getting something for someone very needy that they didn't even know totally excited them. It is a wonderful thing-the joy of child giving.

Oh, Big B got sad cause the wrapping ripped a little right B4 the photo.

You don't have to make me lunch.

I think slowly, little by little I'm not as needed as I should be. I don't know whether to be grateful or sad. I teach my boys to be independent, to clean up after themselves, to Choose the Right. But it tugs at my heart when they act like they don't need me. Heck K wont kiss me and Big B's embaressed to kiss or hug me in public. They seam too young to act like that. It really is hard to feel rejected by my sweet little loveable men. I guess I'll have to go back to getting my loves from Scott. Oh, that didn't come out right, did it? Well, hopefull you get what I mean. I think w/ all the clinging attation (Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, up) that I got from the boys for the past few years I forgot that it would soon disapate. Though, I have made sure to enjoy every minute of every day w/ them. I just didn't think it would happen this soon or this fast. I'm starting to feel the longing of their inocent youth. AAHHH they are youth!!!

The other day K announces proudly "Mom, you don't have to make me lunch, I did it already" (yogurt, apple, and sliced whole grain toast). Though, I can't help to be proud.

Hair cut.

Heres another one of those days when I took a shower just a few minutes too long. I peek out the bathroom door and ask " whatcha ya guys up to?"

"AHHHHH, Ry what are you doing?"

"It needed a hair cut" he sheepishly answers starting to look a little nervous.

All I could do is grab the camera. He figured out it was a bad idea.

K the Photographer.

While I'm in the shower I really try to just get things done. Though, there are those days when I get lost in the hot water beating down on my back and the time seams to fly by.

Well, if I want to know what the boys have been up to while I was immersed in relaxation (LOL) all I need to do is check the camera.

K has a way with the camera. He just gets it. I love the way he captures Ry here. The intense OJ drinker. This is what I get to look forward to when I get out of the shower.

Nana Gail

I am so lucky, well, my boys are so lucky to have a Nana like my mom. I never thought I wanted girls. But now I'm wondering what it will be like when all the boys are grown and it's just Scott and me. Who will I decorate the house w/. Who will I go shopping w/. Will my boys wives like me? Will I be a cool Grama like my is and so well loved and charished? It is so fun watching my boys soak up all my mom has to offer. We are trully blessed.

My Pride

I take pride, no I just down right love a clean and organized house. It's the only time I feel I can really trully relax. I love seeing my counters, I love knowing where everything is and that everything has a place. I love clean floors, pushed in chairs, and an empty sink. I have been called "analretentive" and I don't care.

But I live w/ 4 men.

So with in 10 minutes of cleaning- NO ONE COULD TELL!