My little reader

I thought this was funny.

Boy's name

Okay. I am taking a poll. We can't decide on a name for a boy baby. I like Carson. I think it sounds good with the rest of our family's names. Stephen likes Andrew (just about all male Shirley's are named Andrew, including Stephen and Jordan) and Caleb. He may like others, but these are the ones he has mentioned. Thoughts? Suggestions? New ideas? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Do they even hear me?

This is going to be one of those days where I feel like everything I do as a parent is pointless. Some days I feel like I discipline, teach, explain all day and none of it sinks in. I am not sure why this is. I try to live out what I teach them so they see it as being real and not just something they have to do because I said so. But sometimes it seems like they don't hear or see anything and it is all about them. Anyway, just needed to vent a little. I know that I am so blessed and that my kids are really good when I can stay calm and discipline with the Holy Spirit guiding me; come to think of it, yesterday was pretty good since I started the day off in prayer and Bible study. Maybe God is trying to show me that I can't do it without Him. Duh.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas if I don't talk to you before then!

Claire's Christmas program

Must be Santa Clause!













This was at the beginning of the show. She could see us very well and was so excited we were there to see her. She loves to pose for the camera!











Claire and Luke after the show.













I had forgotten to post these from last week. I am so proud of my babies.

Last few days

Can't you almost hear this one?



















This is a new face he likes to make.














I just can't get enough of this face!














He loves this plane.














My little artist. She loves to write and draw more than anything else.













Jordan loves to climb and run more than anything.













Is this not the sweetest picture you have ever seen? They love each other so much!













My big 7 year old! I can't believe how fast it has gone.












Luke loves to get dirty! So fun.









As you can see, I am a truly blessed woman. I can't get my mind around the fact that God loves me this much. It truly blows me away that I actually have the family of my dreams. It is really better than I ever imagined it would be. Take time today to enjoy the family God has blessed you with. There is nothing quite like it!

Wow!

I didn't realize how long it had been since I had posted. I know this is a crazy time of year for everyone, and it is for us as well. But really fun. Putting up the tree was so fun this year. We had Christmas music playing, the kids were helping, even Luke put a couple of ornaments on the tree. It made me remember how much fun it was growing up when it was time to decorate for Christmas. We never had anything fancy, but there was always Christmas music playing and the whole family helped. I love Christmas. It is such a special time of year, and having kids makes it that much more fun.

The parties are starting. I have a party tonight with our Girls' Night Out group from church. Then our class party is Saturday night. We had our small group party on Tuesday. The kids parties at school are next week. Crazy times. If we can ever keep batteries in our camera, I will try and post some pictures. Luke is growing like crazy, as is my tummy! I am almost 13 weeks along and can't wait for all the fun stuff to start. The main part of the sickness is over, but the constant hunger has started. In a few weeks I should start feeling some movement from the baby. Since we aren't finding out if we are having a boy or a girl, I am trying to focus on all the regular stuff that you tend to overlook when you know everything. It is getting really fun. Anyway, I am rambling, a common problem these days. I hope everyone is enjoying this season. Pictures soon!