Grady Lane...

We can't believe Grady is already 9 months! God has truly blessed us with him. He adds so much fun to everything. Tyler loves to hold him, and make him laugh. Benjamin likes get him to do stuff he isn't supposed to do (play with the big boy toys, eat big boy food...I am sure you get the point). He is pulling up and holding on to things, and has ventured to hold on with one hand and take one little step. But then he falls down and decides crawling is just much easier.

I am not quite sure what the weigh in is, but I know he enjoys his "feeding" time. His hair is getting more and more red, and he now has 4 teeth. I feel so lucky to have all 3 of these adorable boys. They have added so much joy and love to our lives!

Christmas Morning

Santa came and left the boys some toys.

Tyler is working on his lego pirates of the carribean set.

Benjamin is playing with his basketball goal and go diego rescue tent.

Grady is playing with his lights and sounds stage.

Christmas....celebrating the whole month long!

I know Christmas is usually every one's favorite holiday, and you can throw me on the bandwagon with all of them! I have enjoyed this month so much! Grady is too little of course, but the other two boys have really gotten so excited about Christmas! (which of course makes me so very excited!) I have explained this is Christ's birth, and told them about his sacrifice for all of us. One day they will understand that more. They are very excited about Santa, cookies, snow, and presents. So I find myself being caught up in the whimsical Christmas stuff right along with them. I am so blessed to get to enjoy them so much!

Benjamin calls Santa "HO HO," and believes he will be arriving at our house in a firetruck. This is because Santa came through our neighborhood riding the firetruck and waving hello to all the boys and girls. He runs around the house and he says "Ho Ho Ho erry crimas!"

Tyler hopes he gets everything he asked for, and is worried Benjamin will be left nothing because he has been "very naughty" this year. He has also watched Polar Express for the 100th time this week, and informed me that he "will never stop believing."

We spent the evening watching the Grinch and making a skillet cookie for Santa. The boys enjoyed decorating it, and having a little slice. I think Santa should bring Mrs. Clause with him tonight to help him eat the cookie at the Burns' house. ;)

We are so blessed to have had so many Christmas gatherings with family. I am excited for yet another one tomorrow!

Santa's Cookie

We had Christmas with Ben's parents on Saturday. Tyler loves his razorback hoody!

We enjoyed Christmas at my Great-Aunt's again this year...like every year before!

Tyler did such a great job in our Church's Christmas program...

....and so did Ben

Tyler loved playing Bingo...but loved eating the candy more!

We also got to enjoy a Christmas party with my side of the family....

JUMPEROO

It is so funny how entertained I am by my kids. I am sure every parent feels this way, but until you have kids of your own I am sure sitting and watching a baby for hours on end seems like a strange pass time. But Grady has captured our attention just like the other boys have. He is usually smiling and trying to talk.....but almost always he is in his jumparoo.....jumping like crazy. This has become his favorite thing to do. He literally never gets tired of it. Which is a blessing considering that I am distracted by two other very busy, very active boys. These are some pictures of how you might see Grady in his jumparoo......

you might see him with a laundry basket over his head...courtesy of Benjamin...or

you might see him asleep because he has jumped and jumped until he just fell asleep..

Hair Today...Gone Tomorrow

First of all I don't even know if this is worth blogging about, BUT I got a haircut. I think it was halfway down my back, and is now above my shoulders. It is definitely different!! But for the past four days...I haven't had it pulled by the kids, stepped on, puked in, or tangled by the wind. I think I love it, but it is different and strange trying to fix it. I grew accustomed to my mommy ponytail. Anyway I guess I will decide if this is going to me my new look.......or if it will be like my body size and forever fluctuate!

Halloween

Halloween was fun this year just like every year before. It is so fun to see the kids get so excited about dressing up and candy. This year we have had to tackle some tough questions from our philosophical Tyler. The other day he walked up to me and said "Mom the neighbor boy told me if we dress up for Halloween, we are worshiping the Devil." I of course responded as any loving, caring, concerned mother would. "Tyler go ask your Father what he has to say about that." Ok not such a good response I know. It really got me to thinking though. I remember going to church on Sundays, VBS, praying before dinner and bedtime, and making God a huge part of our lives...the focus of our lives. But I also remember getting dressed up that one time a year and getting "free" candy, then coming home and scattering my candy all around and picking through to find the good stuff. I don't recall any sacrifices or witchery going on. Just some good fun. Aren't we taught as Christians to not be scared of "evil" things, but instead to be joyous in the fact that when we are with God what can be against us. I found an article about this subject and here is one of the quotes from it "provide an environment that also makes room for heaps of fun while using the day as a “teachable moment” to celebrate God’s protection, provision and purpose for our lives." After reading that it made me feel so much better about my allowing the boys to dress up, and get some candy instead of hiding out in our house afraid of pint-sized little pumpkins, supermen, and dinosaurs roaming the neighborhood.

Benjamin seemed very confused about the costume. He kept unzipping it, pulling the pant legs up, and he refused to wear the dragon hood. Best picture I got people!

Tyler loved being an astronaut. He says now he might want to be one in real life. Along with a police officer, super hero, zoo keeper, and firefighter.



Ben and I had a blast. Our pastors had a party at their house. We enjoyed food and fellowship! What is better than that!



I had to put this one up. A very clever costume, a black-eye pea. Took me a minute, but ha ha very funny.

Where's Grady? Well we didn't make him wear his pumpkin costume for too long. I am going to relive the moment and put it back on him for a picture though.

Cupcake anyone?

The boys shared a birthday party at Pump it Up this past weekend. It was a lot of fun! Not just for the kids, but for mommy and daddy too!

Tyler had Pirates of the Caribbean cupcakes and..........

Benjamin had Sesame Street

Watching Tyler open his presents was a hoot! Tissue paper and bags were flying everywhere!

Tyler loved this gift from Jacob and Emma. He thought it was so neat how his hand shows up on the pin push!

The boys........

Tyler is now in second grade! I can't believe it! He started school on Monday. I packed his lunch the first day, but he is now requesting a tray lunch. He told me on Tuesday afternoon when he got in the van (yes the van people! There are 5 of us now!) and said "Mommy.......guess what.......I got a choice for lunch today." Apparently this is a huge deal to all of the second graders! So out with sack lunches, he will now be choosing between two meals! He is loving being back at school so far. Benjamin keeps saying all day long......."wheres tywer?"

What can you say about this beautiful baby? He is so fun and sweet. I am enjoying him so much!

Ok...lets talk about this kids hair. It stands out and up . Never ever down. No matter if I leave it alone, condition it, blow dry it, or put some of my products in it.

I have taken him to the barber, and they just crack up. I think I will let it grow out.......then maybe it will eventually lay down.

(picture taken by mr. tyler)