New Year's Eve

Tonight we are hanging out with old friends we haven't seen in a while!

We're at Steve and Lindsay's and our kids are tearing it up! Midnight here we come! Ok, not really, but the kids are having fun. We are all in love with little miss Emma!

Even Henry can't keep his eyes off her!

Going backwards in our day...we had cousin time this morning and lunch with them...

We also got a random drop in from papa Lewie!

Showing off chapped lips.

Until tomorrow!

Sharing a new dress!

Technology

I let Isabelle use a computer today...willingly. I'm that mom. I've not let my kids have gaming systems or any type of technology for a reason. They have used our phones and my moms iPad when we are at her house, so it's not 100% deprived.

I don't want them to sit inside all day and be glued to an iPad, an Xbox or wii...I want them to want to go outside and play and use their imaginations. I want them to love books, too! 

Call me mean, call me a depriver...whatever it be-I look at it as old fashioned. I believe it's worked, because all I ever hear (even now with the cold), is "mommy can we go outside"? 

So anyway-this picture was hard for me, she did good, caught on quick and only had the patience to sit there for a short time. I think she likes Grammys iPad better! 

We got new books today and ventured to Walmart and got a small book shelf. Cabin fever is tough! This shelf was a pain to put together!

At least now Henry can't pull the lamp over anymore!

We watched a movie and lounged all afternoon! Oh...this good looking boy also decided to take THREE steps tonight out of nowhere! I'm not ready!!

Until tomorrow!

Relationships

A lot has happened today that has led me to talk about relationships. 

First I got overstepped by my mom this morning. I was actually greatful. Isabelle was having a tantrum meltdown and would not listen to me. She finally got through to her-whatever it is that she said, worked. 

I can only argue for so long and it's not worth my time after a while. Even though she's nearly five, you can only say the same thing to someone so many times. If they want to listen, they will-the first time. 

After all that, we had big hugs and it was done and over. In the past. Gone. Moving forward. 

My home was a pit today. I knew I had four days of laundry staring me down-literally:

And kids destroying everything in their paths:

We worked as a team though! How can we get our kids to listen if we beat them down with orders and demands?

 I find myself at the end of each day wondering what I could have done better; was I too harsh with my voice and choice of words; did I remember to take my crazy pill (for real! Ha); am I a good mom? I want to have the best relationship with my kids, to be open and honest and not keep hem from anything that they want to do and/or pursue. 

Iz had a second melt down tonight, so instead of yelling at her, I approached her in a new way. I made her sit and draw her feelings. Worked. Instantly! Finally. Something I can feel good about! Then we hugged and took some pictures.

Some things I have learned in the past couple of days: I cannot change my kids, I cannot change my husband, parents or anyone else. If I want change, I have to change myself. Nobody can do it but me. There are so many different resources out there-people, books, higher powers, whatever it be-the only one person who can change me is myself. I have been and will continue to remind myself of that.

I have a better relationship with Ryan, we work through his intense work schedule. We have to. In order to survive, he sacrifices time with us to provide for us. Not many people see that or know that-but he busts his ass to make our family work and happy, and I love the crap out of him for that. 

Our kids are happy, and have the best bond with him in the best way they know how, and we make the most of his one day off. 

Relationships are everywhere. Some are strong and some are weak...the strong you know when you see it, as well as the weak. It's important to focus on the good and not dwell on the weak-it only brings you down and life won't go far. 

So as for myself and my family, we will keep on doing what we do and go forward from there. 

Phew!!

Until tomorrow!!

Xmas again!

We had Christmas at Ryan's parents today. 9 kiddos and lots of gifts, giggles, smiles and love!

Waiting SO patiently! That was very hard!

Lots and lots of paper!

It still kills me that this is only two weeks away! 

Special gifts!

I think grandma Annie enjoyed this part more! 

Yay for more craft supplies!!!

New favorite shirts!

We had a great day!

So many kiddos now! 

Until tomorrow!!

I got to finally snuggle this lil cutie!

Why not more

So I'm on a huge "let's redo it all" kick! Once I have a plan and thought processing in my head, I have a difficult time shutting it off!

Have you heard of washi tape? No! Well...it's amazing! It's decorative masking tape. I want more color in our home and since we can't paint...you gotta get creative! Insert Pinterest and voila!

Doors with a little flavor.

Want a head board for your bed, but can't afford one? Make one with scrapbook paper!

I'm having too much fun with this! Now all we need is a new couch, some shelves and new curtains in the livingroom (color wise!), rugs and I'll feel complete!

Oh...and that's the other picture I had Ryan hang! 

Other than this....we've had a pretty mellow day! 

Henry didn't want to wake up from his second nap...

He did figure out peek-a-boo tonight!

And he's full of energy right now!! Oh well!

Until tomorrow!!

Redecorate

I tore down Christmas today! Call me a hater, but it gets old after being up for so long! However, I won't lie-it's not as "warm" in here now. 

Well-I spent some time trying to fix that!

Nearly everything u came in contact with at Hobby Lobby was half off!

So here's what I have so far:

I need Ryan's help with the other big one, so when it's up I'll take a pic. I had to move things around...

Live, laugh, love in the infinity! Love it!

Cleaned this wall up! Just need a bigger more decorative clock!

Also got us new bedding! We haven't since we've been married! I think it was time...and so did Henry! He loves our bed!!! 

Until tomorrow!! 

Moved our lady front and center! 

Happy Christmas

I've been pretty excited about today. Also, nervous! What if the kids are disappointed in their gifts or don't like them? Those last thoughts only last a mere few seconds, but it was a great morning!

Santa came in with a bang...Isabelle kept asking me why Santa put a hat on top of her stocking! 

We couldn't obviously get everything frozen, but we were able to get a few small items.

Viola had a pretty good reaction!

Each got a Barbie and a doll as well.

Iz loves Merida a lot still, too!

Vi had it going on!

Henry had a good first Christmas. We got him 4 small toys and he was more interested in the paper!

The following are just a few things the kids did today.

Ry did great!!

So we had a great Christmas. I get nervous because I see so many people get so much and to us, less is more. Sounds really lame, but hearing the excitement in their voices over socks and panties makes it worth it!  

I hope you all had a great and Happy Christmas as well!!

Until tomorrow!!