Christmas Pictures

I wanted a keepsake Christmas picture, to include with my decorations, with all five kids.  This is what we ended up with.  There always has to be at least one kid who refuses to cooperate, but all in all we have some cute ones.

These are the days . . . right?

I haven't blogged for a while.  It might be because I'm busy going crazy, but these are the days. The day's I'll look back and treasure. Right?  I'm trying to keep perspective, but I really do think I might be loosing my mind.  The kids are bouncing off the walls with excitement for Christmas.  Josh is working way to much, and I am supporting amazing growth in my business.  I'm so happy for these blessing and try to remind myself every day that I am truly LIVING THE DREAM.  Here are a few random pictures from the last 6 weeks to illustrate.

I might be loosing my mind, but it is impossible not to love these cute little mugs.  This was a car rest on a trip Ali and Johnny took with Josh to pick up my new computer.  Yes, I'm sporting a new MacBook Air laptop.  After 7 years with my old laptop it was about time.

At 18 months John is a professional mess maker.  This is the cup drawer, one of the few that he empty's out on a daily basis.  Although, this is his drawer of choice for perching.

Josh and Caleb participated in a "no holds bar" pinewood durby.  They attached helicopter motors to the derby cars.  They were quite impressive.  Who know Josh's annual remote control helicopter Christmas purchases would be put to use.

Caleb is becoming a fantastic piano player.  This particular night he was trying to play his recital song facing away from the piano.  It didn't go over so well, but it was funny to watch.

In one of those moments when I was trying to stop and smell the roses I decided to take a picture of my little girls sitting on the bathroom countertop getting their hair fixed for Church. It is hard not to romance about the days that I will be able to get myself ready and not five other people.

We try to make a big deal about setting out our nativity the first weekend of November each year.  This year the kids had nativity sticker pages.  They were into it for about two minutes until their attention span's were maxed and they moved on to running around and wrestling.

See this naughty little smile.  He might single handedly send my to the funny farm.  He's just in that phase where "no" means nothing to him.  He can't leave the tree or anything else within his reach alone.  He is a great climber and all over the place.  Last week while I was blowdrying my hair he climbed onto the bar and pushed off the full bowl of pasta and sauce.  While I was cleaning that mess on one side of the bar he was in the garbage on the other side.  I can hardly keep up.  Fortunately for him he gives the sweetest hugs and kisses.  He is so much more affectionate than I remember my other kids being.  Those snuggles get him a long way. 

We took a weekend to go to SLC and see the lights on temple square, and go to my nephew, Ethen's, baptism.  Sometimes I wonder why we think it will be fun to stay at a hotel.  We all cram into one or two rooms, get no sleep, and call it a great experience.  I just have to remind myself that at least it is better than camping.

Of course the highlight of these trips is always Chucky Cheese.  The best place ever!  Just ask the kids.

One of my favorite things to do is eat out!  Having five kids can put a damper on that.  I like eating out so much that sometimes it is even worth it to take the gang along.  I love this picture because I often feel like Caleb looks at the end of a meal.

Johnny was as slow of walker as Andy and Ali.  He refused to try until 17 months.  When he started trying he picked it up in a few days and has gone from walking to running in a couple of weeks.  I wanted to take a picture of him in the basket ball jersey, but they were all blurry because he is now a fast moving target.  Walking makes him see so much more like one of the kids, rather than my baby. 

Another thing we've made a tradition, and every year I question how come I think it will be a good idea, is making gingerbread houses.  What a mess!!  This year when Andy and Ali wanted to eat theirs the day after we made them I was happy to oblige so the crumbs and little toppings could be swept up for good.

Our Elf, Ruby, does keep an eye on things.  The kids seem to be satisfied that she moves from place to place each day, even thought she doesn't do cool stuff like other elves.  She did leave a very important message the other day.  Now if they could remember!!

Christmas is right around the corner.  I sure miss my dad this time of year.  He was Santa's best helper and the holidays just aren't the same without him. Time does continue to pass, at what feels like and ever increasing pace, so we are doing our best to enjoy every moment.