Saturday chores

Mounting that tv we bought last Christmas! Next up? Downstairs tv. I'm not sure if these presents I wrapped in our room will ever make it under the tree. Oh well. That's what Christmas Eve is for.

The most beautiful little girl!

Isn't she just darling! Often I find myself wanting to take her picture every day because I never want to forget a single moment of her sweetness. Life, of course, interferes. For today, I got my picture.

I can't describe what a moment with a child is like for those of us who are divorced, adopted kids, had to use services for our children that took away time at home together... Every day with my kids is a gift, every chance to play I've cherished. It has made all the difference in never feeling like I miss out on my kids lives and I thank God for that desire and time every day. He truly makes up for everything we and our lives lack, if we let him.

Freezing night

Fall brought us a delightful change- a week of chilly weather. Unfortunately our heater went out and the repair people can't come until Thursday. Meanwhile, it's freezing in here. All the kiddos bunked in our room with every blanket we have and a tiny little space heater. I have a feeling they will remember this camping in our room for the rest of their lives! Thankfully, the fireplace and oven downstairs help some. The fireplace in our room doesn't generate much heat. Here they are, dominating our floor.

Never to big

My kids are all very close and love playing together. It's fun to watch them get bigger and their play change. They will never be to big to sit close, now it's just sitting on each other. Kaiden collapsed on Kelsey at church. She is writing "SOS" on the little kids' drawing board!

Kids and Hair

I am completely in love with my son. This week he didn't want to wait for dinner to finish cooking for a haircut, so of course he asked Kelsey to cut his hair. They snuck upstairs. She tried. When I noticed, he told on her. She expressed her thoughts. "Kaiden!!! You promised you would take all the blame!"

I gave him this darling, very short haircut to repair the damage. This afternoon I noticed the eyebrows. He took a shot at making sure he didn't have a unibrow. Only time can fix that one.

Painting with kids

Kelsey and Kaid were kind enough to help me paint the playroom. I have a feeling this will be quite a project!

Happy Halloween!

We got to Trick or Treat at Daddy's work. It was very well done and the kids filled the candy bags I made them!

Sleeping angel

She is so precious, I just have to share.

Little winners!

I love the Reflections program, and how it encourages creativity in my children. This year Isla's literature piece is moving on to district level. She looked so sweet up there on stage, the tiniest kid. Way to go to both of my creators!

Horse pictures

We went to a horse rescue today where the kids are going to start caring for and riding rescued horses and give them companionship during their road to rehabilitation. They wash and brush them and then saddle up and ride.

January tradition

Every year in January we visit a local park and pick a few bags of oranges. It is so much fun!

Disneyland!

Our family vacation this week was a theme park adventure. We are, of course, exhausted from our trip, though we were treated to seeing a couple different sets of friends at the park. One would think we would have time to enjoy the OC culture outside the park, but all we seem to be able to do is get there and back and fall asleep. The RV has served us well; I feel spoiled to get to make a sandwich in the parking lot! Today is our last day at Disney and tomorrow will be Knotts Berry Farm. Alex has the rides all figured out, and Isla got to go on Space Mountain after we put gloves in her shoes to give her that last inch! I will be sad when school starts Monday.