Until Christmas Concludes...

These pictures will have to do:)

My favorite boys:)


My favorite Christmas tree
(mom & dads)



My favorite little people:)




One more weekend celebration in Atlanta, then home just in time to ring in the new year! When we arrive home Sunday, our poor van will have driven  1, 140 miles since the weekend before Christmas!  Shew!  I'm exhausted just thinking about it, but feeling very thankful too!




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From us...

In honor of the Sandy Hook children

This poem was written by someone in honor of the precious lives that were lost...



Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38 when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.

Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air. They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

The children were filled with such joy; they didn't know what to say. They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

“Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
“This is heaven" declared a small boy. "We’re spending Christmas at God's house”.

When what to their wondering eyes did appear, but Jesus, their savior, and the children quickly gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring;  those children all flew into the arms of their King.
And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

And as if He could read all the questions she had, He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of your mom and dad.

Then He looked down on earth, the world far below, He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe, 
He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand, “Let My power and presence re-enter this land!
May this country be delivered from the hands of fools. I’m taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

Then He and the children stood up without a sound, “Come now my children let me show you around."  
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran. All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.


And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight, “in the midst of this darkness, 
I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Grandparents Day (aka Mimi's Day)

Layton's school had a Grandparents Day, where all the Pops, Mimis, Grandaddy's and Grammies of the world were invited to see their classroom.

*I LOVE his look here....he is SO proud!

 While they were there, they recited Bible verses, sang songs, and showed off all of their hard work this year.

 

And then the grandparents participated in an activity with the kids.....

They worked together as a smooth, operating team - Mimi and Layton.




And let me just say, this kid is METICULOUS!  (just like his Daddy) Even though he was the very last to finish, he cut everything out just perfect!  I looked over at the little boy across from him and it looked like this animals had been mangled!  :) I just giggled! 

THEN....

We all walked into the gym to see the big performance!

 Luke was less than thrilled with the performances, but enjoyed some snuggle time with Mimi.

  

I love him so much, can't believe he is getting so big.  

Thankful for Mimi who came to support our sweet boy!

Sayonara, Soccer!

Layton played his last soccer game of the season before we left for Hawaii.  He had such a great season, with an awesome coach and sweet (not to mention, cute) teammates!

Compared to baseball, it was very low stress!  I can see why more people are attracted to soccer these days; lots of playing time, and it feels more like a team sport, with less focus on individual skills.  If you can run, kick & aim...you are golden:)

Everyone learned the basics this season and all of the boys definitely improved. 

Kick off!
Getting ready to kick in a GOAL! 

Hope & Gretchen came to support & cheer for our little David Beckham (aka Layton)! 

 It was sweet to see them so early on a Saturday morning  just for a soccer game. 

*she could SO pass for mine, don't ya think?? :))

 

After it was all said and done, teammates and buddies decided to celebrate with some wrestling. 

.....and a smile!

1st soccer season, complete.  

I have a feeling little brother will be playing next spring too! 

 From what I hear, the 3 year old league is fun (for a game or two) - we'll see!

Its about to get interesting! :)

Crazy Chaos Catch - Up

Crazy summer turned into a super busy fall

My computer time turned into strictly editing pictures of photo sessions.

Trying to catch up little by little.

Posts may be all over the place.

Feels a little like my life right now, but I can organize dates in Blogger later:)

Enjoy the crazy chaos coming in the next few days......

Good to see you again! 

Meeting Collin

Meeting Collin. The boys and I couldn't wait to meet our sweet new cousin.  So, we headed north to give him lots of hugs and kisses.

 Baby Collin with Mimi and Pops

Layton finally got to hold his new baby cousin....it was the sweetest moment to see him love on him.  He caressed his toes, touched his hands, and was truly in awe of how little and precious he was!  It made my heart just want to burst!

be.still.my.heart.

Luke was also just as sweet, in his own little way.  I love that he is carefully rubbing his tiny leg:)

Anut BB with her baby nephew!  Love me some boys!

and.....

The Three Amigos..... turned into 4!

Mimi with her oldest and her youngest.

and just because its tradition.  Our visits usually end in a bath for all:)

A Baise Cousin Bath.  

It's a must:))  Always has been!

I know this won't last much longer, enjoying them little and innocent.  

Can't wait until Collin can join them soon! :) 

Daddy's Boy

Lately, Luke is a serious Daddy's boy! 

 You might say these two are attached at the hip:)  

 

or the nose :)) 

Love 'em

Love his brown eyes, love his blue eyes
Love his dark hair, love his blonde hair
Love his stubbornness, love his willingness
Love his laugh, love his deep thoughts
Love his neediness, love his independence
Love his snuggles, love his touches
Love his sense of humor, love his touch of tenderness

So very different, yet my love for them is the very same:)  

 

I just love 'em.