Christmas is not your birthday.

Last night, I was going over my gift list for the boys, marking down what we've gotten them, what we have left to buy, etc. I'll be honest. We don't get the boys that much for Christmas. They're getting one "santa" gift and one gift from us (so about40- 50 bucks in gifts each, maybe a little more once you factor in stockings). Plus this year, they're getting a little extra with some joint furniture gifts that we bought for their playroom but are just waiting until Xmas to get them out. As I was going over my list, I actually felt a little guilty that we weren't getting them more.

Then I read this post from our friend John Louk. And my guilt immediately changed from, "we should be getting them more" to "we're getting them way too much." Read it and let yourself be convicted too.

World Vision and IJM, you are now on top of my list!

All 4 of Us

Just in case anyone is forgetting what Ked and I look like. . .

Thank you, Black Friday

I'd like to formally introduce you to our new everyday plates. There will be no more whining about the ones we lost in the move.

The Funniest Kid's Show

I've watched a lot of different children's programming in the past 3 years. By far, the one that adults will find the funniest is the old standby, Sesame Street.

Mommy Confession

So finally in the past week, I have had time to vacuum my whole house. It's the first time I've vacuumed since we've moved in. WHICH IS DISGUSTING SINCE WE'VE BEEN HERE FOR A WHOLE MONTH.

Vacuum-ers out there, what's your frequency? I'm hoping it's better than mine.

When the Mommies are Away. . .

. . . all these blondies get together!

Two weekends ago, Tara and I (and a few others) went to PJ's and Pigtails -- a bed and breakfast just for scrapbookers! While we were gone, all 6 of our boys got together for some football and fun! Here are the youngest of our 6 guys: Bryson (2) , Caden (7), Eli (1.5), and Micah (3).

The Annoying Saga Continues

Our oven has been broken for the last week, and it was finally fixed today. To celebrate, I thought I'd make some chocolate chip cookies. So what happens? I realize that I have ALSO lost my electric mixer in the move. I have the beaters; just not the mixer part. So the missing box claims yet another victim kitchen piece. Seriously, this is so annoying.

UPDATE: I've added a list on the sidebar of things we've lost. The list is growing daily.

To counteract this unfortunate-ness, here are some cute pics of the boys.

My favorite tree in the world is the Japanese Maple Tree. We had a small one in our yard in Michigan. I knew that Yellow House was THE house for us when I discovered that it, too, had a Japanese Maple tree! The boys are learning my enthusiasm for this tree too. . .

A Sad Day

Eli and I were looking at family pictures on our walls. We came to our wedding picture, taken 7 years ago, and I asked Eli who was in the picture. He said, "Daddy! Nah-ee!"

Unfortunately, "Nah-ee" means Melanie. My younger sister. My own son doesn't recognize a picture of me that's only 7 years old. Aging sucks.

The Land of NO. . .

. . . Is where Eli is living these days.