Merry Christmas 2013

 Merry Christmas to all! We got up before the sun this year to see what Santa brought us, emptied stockings, and then waited for Josh (Fuad's nephew) and his girlfriend Beth to come over to open presents. The kids did very well waiting, but once everyone arrived they all turned into shredding machines. Good thing I got the traditional family shot in early! I almost don't even bother with taking pictures of the kids at Christmas morning because no matter what camera settings I use, the kids are mostly an endless blur! None the less, we all had a wonderful day, and hope our family and friends enjoyed their day with loved ones as well!

52 week project, week 51

Week 51: Wild card

Morning frost on the window. Welcome winter solstice.

52 week project, week 50

Week 50: Reflection

Hard to believe we are already nearing the end of another project 52. Hope all of the family has not minded too much that I post them here. It has been a great hobby and a much needed outlet!
We don't use our fireplace too often in the south. But we have had a few cold and rainy days and it sure did the trick! The kids all camped out in front of it and watched movies.

Marshmallows and pajamas

 

Here they are our Christmas kiddies. Our family has enjoyed a wonderful year. The kids have all been having a great time in school. Dakota is nearing the halfway mark in his communion class. Rory has grown in leaps and bounds socially. Rebecca is still our sweet goofball! And Fuad and I are just enjoying it all.  We love the holidays and the joy it brings. Everyone is always more in tune with all that they have to be grateful for. Us included. We are very blessed, and hope everyone we know and love has a wonderful holiday season!

52 week project, week 49

Week 49: Traditions

 All of you know that I like crafting with my kiddos. So this year we spent some time making salt dough ornaments. The boys loved it, Rebecca struggled with the cookie cutters so I had to help her. While I was Dakota took this shot of us girls, and I just thought his point of view was sweet. And since my boys were in on it too, here are a couple bonus shots of them working hard! Happy Holidays!

Our Christmas home

Well we have been busy decking the halls here. I always love putting up my Christmas decorations. The whole season just makes me happy! Each year I get to decorate a bit more, since the kids are older and get not to mess with stuff as much now. Anyhow, enjoy the pictures of our home all dressed up for the holidays!

Front stoop

 

Front foyer

 

Kids decorating the tree

Our Christmas mantle

A few more odds and ends

52 week project,week 48

Week 48: Mealtime

Thanksgiving dinner at my parents house, it always feels good to come home!

In Instagram

Here is a few more from recent Instagram. Rory had a cold, so was pretty absent this round. But is all better now. We got some snow, which quickly melted away. Snuggled us as usual and enjoyed keeping nice and warm.

 Pancakes for breakfast

 Rebecca and Fuad all snuggled up

 Our house in the snow

Rory's haircut

 Time for hot chocolate

 Warming their toes by the fire

Rebecca the little Indian chief

52 week project, week 47

Week 47: mystery

It is a mystery to me where my 4 year old learned how to create a keep out sign for her brothers. I spotted this while cleaning, and had to catch a shot of it!

52 Week project, week 46

Week 46: Sudden

We hardly ever get snow in the south. And we really never see any during Fall. So when the rain suddenly changed over to falling flakes we all went out to enjoy the brief snowfall!

Happy Birthday Fuad

We celebrated Fuad's Birthday for a whole weekend last week. We feel he is more worthy of a whole week long celebration, but people have to work too, right?!? Anyhow, we got to spend time with my parents, and some of Fuad's family that is nearby and it was a wonderful weekend. I always think

it is so hard to properly share with my husband just how much we love him, and how awesome he is. I am pretty sure he knows both though. In any case, he is my best friend, a wonderful Father to our kids, and one hell of a happy Birthday boy! We love you Fuad!

Halloween '13

The kids dying to get started...

Fuad and I dressed as characters from Wreck it Ralph

 So we were spared and did not get soaked with rain! Horray! The forcast kept calling for it in the afternoon, but it held off until this morning. The kids all had a blast, as always. Fuad and I dressed up this year, which was equally as fun! And now the kids are looking forward to pouring out candy and enjoying it through the weekend! And below are a few shots of the kids in their costumes we took for them in case Halloween was a wash.

 

 

52 week project,week 44

Week 44:Play

 

 

I don't think I will ever grow tired of watching my little pixie try to fly.

Instagram share

Some of You, (Most my side of the family) have this blog as your only source of family updates. So Just for you, and esp. my sweet Nanny, here are some of the last weeks instagram moments.

 

 

 

52 week project, week 43

Week 43: Give

Caught these 2 enjoying a tea party this afternoon. Dakota will still do this with Rebecca on occasion, she begs him to join her and he can pick any cake he wants!

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Mom. We went out  for a girls day of shopping and to dinner this year and it was so nice to spend some time together just us. Then we came back to my house for cake, and the kids enjoyed reading lots of books and snuggles with their Mema. We love you and are so glad you are both here with us!

Fall family pictures

 

Here are a few of our family pictures for 2013. I love having family shots together but the work involved honestly just wears me out! Still, we have a few good ones, and won't have to face it again till next Autumn!

52 week project, week 41

Week 41: Self portrait

Definitely not my favorite theme, but I did get Dakota to get in there with me for a quick snuggle!

52 week project,week 40

Week 40: Empty

An ice skating adventure in pictures

Last weekend we went for our first family trip to the ice skating rink. I could tell you all about it, but the pictures are infinitely more fun!