Snow for a day.

Ry was the only one to bundle up and enjoy the white. He wondered around the back yard by himself for about 20 minutes just soaking up the atmosphere. It was the sweetest thing as the snow fell around him. He really was in his own little winter wonder land.

Wii had a great Christmas.

It's Christmas Eve and what better way to be tucked in, but by one of Nana's bed time stories.

Ry wraps his arms around his big bro. A beautiful moment of gratitude. K got him a pack of his favorite gum and "Bumble Bee" transformer. (We couldn't find an Eggnog maker -one of Ry 2 things from his list).

What kid wouldn't be so excited to unwrap a box of their favorite sugar cereal (when they only get Life or muti-grain Cheerios) Nana, what a fantastic idea. This was more enjoyed than the candy canes on the tree.

After gifts were open and all seamed well, Mom and Dad had one more surprise. I asked Big B to get my tea out of the microwave. "Sure, Mom." But when we opened the door, he smiles big and says "We gotta Wii!!!!!". It already set up, but just hiding, the rest of the day was spent boxing, golfing, shooting, bowling, and riding a bull. Wahoo!!Poor Daddy was sore the next day.

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.