December

December is a busy month not just because of Christmas....Here are a few things that occupied our time!

**During Christmas Z's class has a special toy unit and the kids make stick horses. Well, it is a tradition for the Kindergarten classes to showcase what they made in a parade.**

A & her friend had so much fun being at the "big kids" school

S always loves going to the school

**Making sugar cookies is always a favorite @ our house....especially when the frosting is concerned!**

**Fun in the snow & Titans Football Game...need I say more?**

Just before leaving to go to the game

Belly Boarding

**Preschool Program**

A loves to perform...anytime, anywhere!

**Christmas Eve - Dr. Visit (at least they were in good spirits)**

**Christmas Eve PJ's**

**Christmas Day**

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Fun New Year!!

~xoxo~

Fall, Fall, Fall

Falling leaves, beautiful colors, Pumpkin patch & Halloween!

FiRsT ViSiT...

...From the ToothFairy! Yep, Z lost his first tooth. Sunday (10/24) he asked me if his mouth was bleeding, which is wasn't, that is when I realized why he asked. He was wiggling the tooth with his tongue. By the following Saturday (10/30) it was gone. He actually pulled it out himself :o)
BTW....what is the going rate for a tooth now-a-days?!

The Big 5

Can you believe Z turned 5?! As always, I am a bit behind...he actually celebrated back in September :o) He is such a blessing in our family. He has such a tender heart and loves everyone for who they are and everyone is his friend. He has so much energy, even when he gets home from school, I thought he would come home tired but this boy is my "Energizer Bunny" he just keeps going and going (wish I had even 1/4th of his energy)!! Friday before (24th) he was so excited to bring cupcakes to share with his Kindergarten class. Saturday morning, on his birthday (25th) opened presents and for lunch went to Chuck-E-Cheese, he invited his Friend along to join the fun and they ended up spending the whole day together. On Sunday (26th) we had some friends over for dinner, cake and to celebrate his birthday some more. It was such a fun weekend of Celebration :o)

Loves to be Silly

Z & Geoffery share a B-day

He wanted a Fire Truck cake this year!

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Gaining Assurance of the Father's Love

"Our Heavenly Father, who loves us completely and perfectly, permits us to have experiences that will allow us to develop the traits and attributes we need to become more and more Christlike. . . . As we understand this doctrine, we gain greater assurance of our Father's love."
~James B. Martino~

I subscribe to the emails sent from the church called "Daily Gems" which is inspirational thoughts and quotes given by our church leaders. These are sent on a daily basis and I love reading them simply because of the strength and testimony it allows me to develop but what is so incredible about it all is how many times these simple emails have pertained to my personal experience(s) and situation(s).

We have had a rough few weeks with many challenges come our way all at once. On more than one occassion I have felt like crawling in a hole but remember that as long as I turn myself toward the Lord and turn everything over to him in Faith I will make it through, although it might be difficult to endure. I say this now because during the difficulty it has been hard for me to really recogninze His hand in it all but through little things, such as this quote...sent in an email, I am reminded that He IS mindful and ever present during these times and that He is allowing me to have situations that allow for growth in truly becoming like my Savior.

Labor Day Weekend

Since Mike was going to be gone for Labor Day weekend, the kids and I decided to pack up the car and drive to Pittsburgh to visit my sister and her cute kids!. My bro-in-law just start dental school and now that they are a lot closer than a 24 hour drive (8-10 hrs.) we will be able to visit more often!! I wasn't quite sure how long it would actually take since it was just me in the car to help with the kids needs....books, movies and food and we were good to go. Z had a small cooler packed in the back with him with all sorts of goodies and another cooler was up by me so I could help A & S. It was quite fun and tiring by the time we got back home but well worth the visit!!

Thanks for a fun time :o)

XOXO