No, I wasn't on Candid Camera...

But I sure could have been. Today started out as a perfectly normal day... (aside from some CRAZINESS at work, but that's a whole other post.) Yesterday was perfectly abnormal in every way, so today, I was determined to keep the boys busy, I mean keep my sanity. We went to the park this morning with our friends Katie and Caden and the boys had a blast. Jacob even got to "water a tree." That's right folks, my son pulled his pants down and peed right on a tree in the park. That's got to be some sort of illegal activity, but oh well. The boys love going to the park! Such a great FREE activity to let them explore and play. Then, the mommies of the bunch decided that McDonalds would be a good idea and a logical end to our perfect morning at the park. So we did. Okay, so there's a really good reason why Billy and I never take our boys out to eat. Today I was reminded... again and again. As a caveat, I must say that my boys were actually very very good. So was Caden. But, let's just say we had a few mishaps. We all got settled - cheeseburger perfectly broken apart for Jonathan, chicken nuggets and plenty of barbecue sauce for Jacob (and lots and lots of bribes to even get him to eat two bites.) Then, Jonathan said "moo" (his sound for milk) and reached right for his little cup. Well, somehow, it slipped right out of his hands and milk landed everywhere... especially all over ME. I even had milk dripping from my face... literally. At the exact moment the milk spilled, Jacob announced to everyone that "I need to go pee." and he proceeded to run into the mens room, which of course no mother would dare allow their little 3 year old to go into some gross stinky mens room where he could not be supervised. So I got to the door and told him he'd have to go to the ladies room with me. Once inside (oh - Bless Katie's heart - she's now cleaning up the milk that MY child spilled and keep in mind that I still have milk dripping off my face.), Jacob smashed his finger in the door and started wailing. He finally settled down and then did his business and out we go to enjoy our food. Well, Jonathan had decided that HE wanted to eat chicken nuggets while Jacob was in the bathroom, which of course did not make his big bro happy. From that point on, Jacob refused to eat them. Jonathan had a little package of barbecue sauce and dumped it out saying "all gone." EXCEPT is was not all gone. In fact, it was now ALL OVER MY FACE and my shirt and my pants and the booth. Katie and I were about to die laughing at this point. Sweet little Caden seemed totally unfazed - he kept right on eating. I was just starting to pick up everything to leave when Jonathan picked up his milk again and shook it saying "all gone." Before I could even move, there was more freaking milk dripping from my face. I mean seriously - what was the deal???? With that, we packed it up and called it a day. A fun time was had by all. Did really love the mommy time with Katie though! And I managed not to scream in public. Pretty impressive, huh???

mommy tips

Great post from our cousin in West Virginia - thought I'd share the wealth... climb on over to www.wedonteatbugs.blogspot.com to get some great ideas! I wish I'd known about the bib washing thing. That darn velcro reaked havoc on some of my boys little sweaters.

Thought I'd add a few of my own mommy tips. What about you? Share your best secret tips for making mommyhood less stressful.

1. Always have the diaper bag stocked with snacks that are easily packages and not messy like granola bars, nutri grain bars, little crackers, baggies of animal crackers or cheerios if they are little ( ALWAYS pack 2 of everything if you have multiple critters - the whole sharing thing is nice in theory, but when you are driving down the road its hard to enforce.)

2. Put puzzles in big gallon size baggies. Especially the ones that come in paper boxes that always get ripped. Save the picture on the front of the box though.

3. Oxy-clean laundry stain remover. Enough said on that one... Buy it now! Heck, buy two or three to have in stock.

4. Invest in some large plastic containers to store clothes in once your kids are "past that stage." Then label the containers with sharpies for easy reference for number 2 or 3 or 4. Or to share with your friends so you can enjoy seeing your sweet little clothes recycled.

5. If your kiddo likes pacis, give him/her 4-5 each night. That saves you a few trips in the room if the pacis find their way out of the crib and into the floor. :-)

6. Hooded towels - don't get rid of them just because your kiddos are too big. They double for some GREAT super hero capes!!!!!

Your turn.....

Pre-arranged marriages aren't so bad, are they?

So, my Jacob is smitten with a sweet little girl named Tate. Now, relationships with little girls aren't totally new to Jacob. He adores Ashley, his babysitter's little girl. She is definitely his best little friend other than his little brother. But yesterday, he got to play with another little girl and he has so sweetly talked about her all day today. We went to a Sunday School party yesterday afternoon and we all had a blast! Jonathan loved playing basketball with the "big boys" and Jacob was introduced to a new toy - guns. Nerf guns. He loved it! All boy... that's all I can say! Near the end of the party though, guns were down and Jacob found him a new little friend, Tate. They were inseparable for the last hour we were there. Following each other, talking to each other. Really cute. One of there conversations was sweet little Tate reassuring Jacob that there was no monsters in the "secret" hideout. We got a few pics... little bro was right in the mix. He was totally digging little Tate too. So today, Jacob wanted to call her. He was obsessed with it actually. So, after work, we called her. Here's the conversation as we heard it:

"I'm eating Cocoa Puffs."

"We got a swingset witha little trampoline on it. You wanna come jump on our little trampoline with us?"

"It's still in the box. My daddy's got to put it up." After the call, Jacob said,"she wants to come over. Isnt' that cool?"

HILARIOUS!!!!!

Good Friday, Great Sunday!

What a glorious weekend! Easter weekend is filled with amazing memories every year. Easter may be my most favorite holiday - right behind Christmas. Yes, I love the eggs, the egg hunts, dying eggs, eating candy, trips to see family, the Easter Bunny (whoops, we never made it to the mall this year...sorry boys!), nice weather, tall grass to hide the eggs, wondering what the Easter Bunny might bring... It never gets old. But.none.of.it.compares. None of those awesome fun activities compares to the real reason I love Easter. We celebrate the Risen King. Hallelujah - He's alive. We can celebrate that fact every day, but Easter is the anniversary of His resurrection. That's why I love Easter!

Good Friday also has special significance for us. Of course, it's the day we remember the sacrifice of our King and remember his agony on the cross. But, it's also the "anniversary" of the first date for me and my sweet hubby. Yep, that's right - our first date was truly a BLIND one... Billy and I met through mutual friends and after some email correspondence, we decided to meet at the Southeast Christian Good Friday service. As a tradition, we always try to go. Every year, it makes me so grateful for all the positive changes in my life since I met Billy. He is truly a blessing and I am so blessed to be walking through life with him. It's a very special service for lots of reasons! This year, Billy and I were literally some of the last to leave. The worship was amazing. Simply amazing! I tell you what, friends. Being a mommy changes everything about life. During the service, I was brought to tears numerous times thinking of the significance of the day and wondering why in the world God chose to save someone as undeserving as me. And then it hit me... We have an enormous job as parents. We have to teach our boys the truths of this life and of the Word. I had an overwhelming feeling to pray for my boys... that they (on their own... because they want to, not because their mom and and dad want them to...) would come to love the Lord with all their hearts, mind, soul and strength and would always understand the deep meaning behind Good Friday.

Dear our best little friend ever,

Dear buddy,

Today was an interesting day. Thanks for taking us along. We always miss you when you are gone and were glad we got to help make you feel better. We were with you every step of the way today as you got something put in your ears. We think we heard your mommy call them ear tubes. Don't really know what that means, but I don't think you liked it so much. Here's what happened. We drove really far. You held us tight the whole way there. Thanks for that - sometimes we get scared in the car! Then we got out and went into this room. And guess who was there??? Grammy and Pa, Mamaw and Papaw and Aunt Rachie. Of course mommy and daddy too! Big bro didn't come - he got to go play at Aunt Susan's house. So when we got to the room they called your name and we had to go to another place. Your mommy and daddy came too. This lady tried to put something green on your leg and you didn't like it at all. Then, mommy gave you some red medicine. You started getting pretty sleepy and even a little - no a lot! giggly. But the best part... you were super snuggly. You wouldn't let go of us for anything! Your mommy and daddy read us some books and sang some cool songs. Then these people came and got us. We went to a different room without mommy and daddy. We were so scared! But not you - you, our best buddy, were so brave. Then you fell asleep. The doctor came in and worked on your ears a little. It didn't take very long and we were really curious and worried about you. Guess what happened then??? The nurse put some band aids and a mask thingy on us so you would know we were there the whole time! We look super cool. Then, it got kind of interesting. They took us back to the first room and you were still pretty sleepy. Your mommy and daddy came back there and you kind of went crazy. We've known you your entire life and haven't ever seen that from you before. You were screaming and throwing things and practically jumping out of your mommy and daddy's arms. You didn't really even want to hold us. But we understood. Everyone said it was just the medicine and you'd be fine in a few minutes. Well, about 30 minutes later, you were okay. Still grumpy, but at least you talked to us a little. And you got dressed and your mommy and daddy took you outside. We were so worried about you today, but you showed us how to be brave and how to pray to Jesus when we feel scared. We'll definitely be doing that next time we feel afraid. Big Buddy, we sure are glad you chose us to be your friends. We promise that we will love you forever!

Love,

Your best pals, Bear and Monkey

Poor Big Bad Jon

My poor baby is getting tubes in his little ears tomorrow. That's right folks... surgery for my little man. I know its perfectly normal and tons of kiddos have tubes, but the thought of my little guy being taken from me and put to sleep makes me super sad! So, I'm praying that all goes fast and that he's in no pain and is not scared. Not even a little! We have to be there at 8:15 am. Hopefully it'll be fast and pain free! Here's a couple of recent shots of my punkin. Seriously - how can you resist him? I know he's mine, but oh my goodness he is so cute! He is something else. Love love love love love love love you Jonathan! (if he could read and respond, he would say "wuv wu.") He melts my heart when he does that!

Precious

Being a parent is full of ups and downs. More ups than down, thank the Lord! Being a parent stretches you, makes you crazy, brings you to your knees and makes you smile. A lot! Last night was one of those precious moments that we'll never forget. Okay, so last night was a tough night for UK fans - no doubt about that!!! We were watching the game and trying to focus even though our little rugrats were running around wanting all our attention. Jacob announced that he was going to put on his church clothes. Okay, honey. Whatever... game's on. Go on in the other room... So, he proudly walked back in the room in size 18 month pants and an 18 month button up shirt that of course didn't match a lick. Oh and did I mention that they were both size 18 months???? Jacob wears a 4t - AND EVEN SOME OF THOSE ARE TOO SHORT. It was hysterical. Then he proceeded to pretend to be Mr. Blythe, his Sunday School teacher at FBC. It was so cute. He went through the whole routine. It was heartwarming to know that he really is paying attention. He said, "first you can play with anything you want. Even the playdoh." Then he grabbed a magazine and said "okay now it's time for the Bible story. Hmm let's see. Today we're going to learn about Hosanna." Then he said, "okay, now repeat after me." and started to recite a bible verse. Then he closed his eyes to pray. I have a short video - I so hope it works on here. It was really cute. I love this whole imaginative play stage. How fun! Oh and Hosanna! Hosanna! It's Easter season - praying blessings to you!

Three little words

(I totally stole this idea from my cousin in WV...go to www.frominmatestoplaydates.com to get her "daily dose of crazy!" Thanks Julie - may not be as creative as you, but I love this idea!!!!)

Babysitter's kid sick.
My boys too.
Fevers and cough.
Mommy home today.
Doctor's appointments later.
Need to clean.
Want to play.
Had crazy weekend.
Worked both days.
Crashed last night.
DVR is full.
Love the sunshine.
Really I do.
May go outside.
If fevers decrease.
Happy Monday Everyone!

wow...just wow!

Wow. Just wow. Time really does fly! I've heard people say that all my life and sometimes I agreed, just for the sake of being agreeable, but today, I'm having a major case of "oh my gosh I can't believe how fast time has gone" itis. I just got back from (GULP!) registering my sweet little punkin for Preschool. That's right - preschool. My Jacob is going to preschool at FBC this fall. Unbelievable. Really!!!! Any mommy would agree that this moment is a very proud moment. Any mommy would agree that preschool is a very very good thing for kiddos. Any momma in Shelbyville who knows Jan Wonderlich (the preschool director at FBC) knows that you just can't go wrong with FBC preschool. Jan is an amazing woman of God and has been a good friend of ours for many years. Billy and I were fortunate to team-teach with Jan and her sweet dear Roger who passed away a few years ago. They were quite a team. Any momma would also know that this is a huge milestone and will be instrumental in shaping the young man he will become. Any momma will also know that this feels like it should NOT be happening yet. At least this momma feels that way! Part of me is excited and watching Jacob's little eyes light up when we talk about it makes me know it's absolutely the best decision for us. BUT... can't help but feel a little, no a lot, nostalgic today! I really do feel like it was just yesterday that I found out I was preggo with Jacob. And that it was just yesterday that my water broke at the Shelbyville Cinemas and I gave birth (not at the movie theater thankfully!) and instantly fell in love. Now, 3 + years later, we have two sweet babies that keep us super busy and one of them will be getting a backpack and school clothes and (tear) maybe even a favorite teacher that he'll love as much as mommy and daddy... Jacob man, I love you and am so proud to be our momma - keep shining for Jesus baby! I pray that your compassionate little heart will make a mighty impact on FBC preschool next year and the whole world one day. Love you more than you'll ever know!!!!

They take it all in...the GOOD and the bad...

Our Sunday School class is helping with a project called "hope for Haiti," which is collecting buckets full of non-perishable food items to help provide relief to the suffering families in Haiti after the devastating earthquake they endured. Our job was to bring 10 boxes of spaghetti noodles. Yesterday, Daddy and Jacob took a little outing while Jonathan had speech therapy and got the noodles (and some ice cream incidentally...) from Kroger. Well, Daddy must have explained the project to him and he must have been working the details out in his sweet little 3 year old brain for several hours. Later in the day, we were driving to some friends' house to watch the CATS (YEAH!!!), Jacob said, "mommy, where does Leonardo live?" (Leonardo is our little boy we sponsor through Compassion International and we pray every night that he has enough food and that he is healthy). I told him that Leonardo lives in Peru and then he said, "Well, I want to go to Kroger and buy some more spaghetti noodles and then go to Peru and give them to Leonardo so he's not hungry." Oh what a compassionate heart he has. I pray that that never ever goes away and he continues to think about people in need. A good reminder to me that NOW is the perfect time for teachable moments. Moments that will hopefully guide my kiddos to be kind, gentle and compassionate for others. Much more than me, in fact!

Favorites

Okay, so I typically write a monthly letter to each of my boys...I'm going to do something a little different and jot down some of their favorite things (more for me so I never ever forget this time in my life!)

JONATHAN'S FAVS (21 months)

Favorite snack: pretzel sticks

Favorite cartoon character: PETE (hands down!), but Barney is a close second

Favorite book: Thomas the Train - it's so cute...there's a page where Thomas has a sad face and every time Jonathan gets to that page, he tilts his head and gives a pout face - PRECIOUS!!!!!

Favorite song: "Thank You Jesus" (a little song we made up, but he loves it so much!) and "The Wheels on the Bus." Oh and the Veggie Tales song. So cute. One day, Andy McDonald was coming to our house and we call him Andy-Tales (no idea why, but we do....) and Jonathan started singing the veggie tales song when we told him Andy-Tales was coming over.

Favorite cereal: Captain Crunch Berries

Favorite fruit: blueberries

Favorite veggie: peas

Favorite toy: the pretend kitchen and food

Favorite parent: daddy - no contest. :-)

Favorite friend: Jacob (aka BATMAN)

Favorite object: pacis - only for bedtime and naptime now though

Favorite time of day: right before nite nite time - he's become quite the snuggler. We walk him in his room and say " you want me to rock you and sing songs?" He says "mmm, hmmm." It is a wonderful time for us. Daddy and I have to take turns because we both love it so much.

JACOB (3 years, 4 months)

Favorite cartoon: Batman

Favorite toy: Batman stuff

Favorite activity: Playing Batman... (sense a theme here?) Jacob is really into the superhero stuff. He's Batman, Jonathan is Superman, Daddy is Robin and Mommy is Wonderwoman. Not really sure what all that means, but he is so funny right now!

Favorite accomplishment: POTTY TRAINING -Jacob makes sure to call us into the bathroom to "see my pee drops and look how much I pooped."

Favorite food: Macaroni and butter and salt

Favorite treat: Peanut M&Ms (used as treats when he potties!), oreos - which he almost always gets from his Mamaw and Papaw and sprite - which he almost always gets from Grammy and Pa.

Favorite Song: "My God is so Big, So Strong and So Mighty..." a sweet little song he learned at Mrs. Maureen's house.

Favorite friend: Jonathan (aka Superman) - they really get along so well. It's pretty cute. Jacob will even share his treats with Jonathan. He also really enjoys spending time with Ashley, his babysitter's daughter. He even said one day that he was going to marry Ashley when he get big. (oh wait just a minute, young man...you're not getting married until you're 50!) :-) He has lots of other friends too - one of his special friends is is big cousin Taylor. They just love each other.

A very FUN day!

Today was the first annual Valentine's Extravaganza at the Stover house... and it was OH.SO.FUN. I say first annual, because it was so much fun, I hope to make it an annual event! Our house was filled with twelve kiddos 4 and under and lots of heart stickers, crayons, heart animals and glitter. Yes, I said glitter. Oh my goodness, what was I thinking? I'll be finding little pieces of glitter forever. But it was so totally worth it. The kiddos made "heart" mice, and decorated little envelopes to hold their Valentines and then we ate lunch. I even made heart-shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. (okay - so that's not totally true...my mom and dad were here and I couldn't have survived without them!!!!!) My boys had a great time and I had a lot of fun catching up with some super fantastic mommies. It is so great to see all the little kiddos hanging out and being social. It's so good for all of them. It's also a little nostalgic to think that I'll get to watch all these little guys and a few girls grow up together. I pray that they will all love the Lord with all their hearts and will help keep each other out of trouble when they get older! I feel so grateful today - grateful for my boys, grateful for my hubby, grateful for my friends and family...what a blessed woman I am. I thank God for all these blessings and that I can somehow figure out a way to be home more with my boys (part time job where are you???).

the most pitiful little snowman in history!!!

Jacob and Jonathan have so wanted to build a snowman since they were introduced to the beloved Frosty video this holiday season. We've had a few snowy days, but most of it has been that powdery dusty snow that won't make a snow ball. Well, today, it snowed a little bit and it was sticky snow. So.we.tried. We merely got a dusting of snow, so there was little to pick from. But we tried. That's what's important. Mommy did most of the work - Jacob and Jonathan just kept falling and eating the snow. I kept saying - bring me lots of snow, and they just didn't get it. So, with very thin cloth gloves, I got busy. My hands were freezing and I was trying to snap some pics along the way. So, all those excuses=pitiful little snowman, but it made the boys happy. They both gave him a hug (and oops - made his head fall off a few times). Fun times. Here's to no more snow and bring on SPRING!!!!

why I haven't had time to post on my bloggy page...

Well, we've been busy little beavers in this crazy house... between working FULL (yuck!) time, trying to keep up with house work, keeping up with all the great TV right now - seriously, we're into way too many shows - yikes!, stomach bugs all around, exercising (for real), running all over the place chasing my fun and silly boys and potty training. WHAT DID THAT JUST SAY???? Yep, that's right folks, we are 100% knee deep into the whole potty training business. As I've posted before, Jacob has really not been into the whole potty thing. He has said many times that he would never ever go potty or that he'll potty when he's 11... BUT last Saturday we had a major breakthrough! I nonchalantly told him I wanted to give him a treat. He of course was intrigued and asked what it was. I told him I couldn't tell him unless he peed on the potty. Well, son of a gun, it worked! He went pee on the potty!!! It was pretty funny that day - he kept saying he needed to go and would sit on the potty and maybe a drop would come out and he'd say "can I have another M&M??? Well, 7 days later and he's still doing AWESOME!!!!! He's even telling me when he needs to potty. He is so proud. We've done lots of treats and praise and he just beams from ear to ear. We even made a huge deal out of getting him some super hero undies. Jonathan's even gotten in on the action - he sits on his potty too, but he hasn't actually gone pee yet. What about #2 you ask? Some success there too! HOORAY! I think we're finally on our way to having a civilized 3 year old who potties like everyone else in his class at church. What a relief! But I do have to say - it's exhausting - to keep reminding him. Cleaning up the "accidents," keeping lysol handy for the #2 mishaps - sometimes he gets off the potty before the deed is done if you know what I mean. I am soooooooo proud of my very big boy. A little bitter sweet for this momma - I can't believe how big my boys are. They make my world complete. I triple heart each of them so very much.

* since I'm not really down with posting action shots of the whole potty business, I'll leave you with a few shots of the evidence. Where we've been camping out lately (bonus I love my kiddos PB kids bathroom!!!!!) and the sticker chart and several of his big boy underpants.

Pretend Play

Our boys are so much fun right now! It's a whole new world here - toys are great, but honestly it seems like the boys rarely need toys to have a great time. Tonight was no exception. After dinner, Jacob came in the kitchen and asked me, "mommy, can I borrow some of your clothes?" Hmmm..."sure sweetie, I guess." Jacob came out a few minutes later wearing my black boots and one of my t-shirts - a stinky one from yesterday's workout class no less. :) Then, Jonathan came running in and handing me shoe after shoe - to each one of course, I said "thank you so much!" and he thought that was the greatest thing ever. I have a lot of shoes, so this process took a while. Then, the boys decided they were "going to work." They got a whole bunch of Daddy's ties off his tie rack and put them on their necks. Jacob would say, "okay you stay at Mrs. Maureen's and I'll be back." Jonathan would put about 4 ties on and wave bye and blow a kiss. Then he'd come back in the room with a little toy for me. It was so cute! We were having so much fun that I forgot about a pan of spaghetti noodles I had on the stove to put in the chili I made for Billy for tomorrow's lunch. Man, our house smells GROSS with a capitol G! We were probably about 2 minutes away from a smoky house and smoke detector issues. My goodness - at least it was my awesome Pampered Chef pot and even though the noodles were completely burned and stuck to the bottom - it all came out! I love me some Pampered Chef cookware! If it had been any other pan, I would have just. thrown.it.away. Seriously. But I digress - back to the fun... the boys played "work" for about 45 minutes and it was just priceless. Wouldn't trade moments like that for anything in the whole world!

New Era at the Stover House

It seems as though we've entered a new era at our home. I love watching our boys grow and mature and I have to admit - I was really excited when Jacob starting really using his imagination to play. It is really neat to see him learn and grown in this way. Of course, there are good and bad things about imaginative play - not only does he love to pretend the couch is a pirate ship and we're the pirates, or that his microphone stand is a "wazard" (really - I didn't make that up - no idea what a wazard is, but apparently it protects the Stovers), or that his lunch is fueled with superpowers...He also is afraid of monsters and shadows. Funny stuff. I love it. I had a major revelation today though... I am a girly girl through and through and have a lot of work cut out for me for this "boy" stuff to become natural. The newest craze at our house - SUPERHERO play. Now, I had me a cool pair of Wonderwoman Underroos when I was little, but that was the extent of my knowledge on Superheros. :-) I think my mom still has those underroos somewhere. I digress... So, it seems I have some learning to do. Today for instance, Jacob was Batman, Daddy was Robin, mommy was wonderwoman and Jonathan was Spiderman. Cute stuff! Any other boy mommas out there with any superhero advice?

life's lessons

I had a humbling moment tonight in the shower... I know that sounds weird, but I felt like I needed to share this and just get it off my chest. Some of my dear friends know about a difficult situation I've been dealing with at work lately - well, really for several months. I supervise a great number of people across the state, and one of my folks is particularly challenging for me. It's been a long road - I've kept lots of documentation about concerns from other folks about this particular person. I was looking back at my prayer journal and noticed a prayer request from JULY 2009 about this guy - that my attitude would be Christlike with him and that I could be a Godly supervisor to him. Well, last week, it all came to blows. All of you know how much I love conflict, right??? oh gosh - I avoid it at all cost! Anyway - it didn't go well. He was angry and even said the GD word - which I almost came out of my skin and did strongly ask him not to speak like that in my presence. Soooo.... what's the big humbling moment from my quiet time in the shower tonight you say? God reminded me that my difficult employee is a child of His and is deeply loved and respected by the One who matters most and MY JOB is to love him as Christ would. POW! right in the middle of my forehead!!! I have not been good at this with this person - I've said ugly things about him to other people. I've lost focus! Pray for me, ya'll? Please??? I have another meeting with him tomorrow. Thanks!

1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is Love!

Dear Santa,

Dearest Santa (or "Ho Ho Ho" as Jonathan says),

We know this is a little late and we do hope you'll accept our tardy thank you note, BUT thanks a whole bunch for all the cool stuff you brought to our house for Christmas. We really like Mickey Mouse and you must have known, because it was like a Mickey Christmas at our house in Shelbbabill. (oh - Shelbyville to the not so "country 3 year olds). Oh and we also love love loved the telescope, drums and jack in the box. Christmas was a very special day! We were very busy, but so excited when we walked downstairs and saw our stockings filled up and a bunch of pretty presents under the tree. Glad you liked your cupcakes we left you. Each year, we make cupcakes for two special birthday boys. First, Uncle Jerry has his big day on Christmas Eve. Then, the other birthday boy is Jesus - the whole reason for Christmas. Mommy and Daddy tell us lots about Him and we even read his birthday story from the Bible first thing that morning. We were especially interested in finding the angel and then we got to put baby Jesus in his manger thingy in the nativity scene. Nativity is such a big word - aren't we smart for knowing it???

Well, Santa - we bet you are still really tired from last week and we bet your belly still hurts from all the cookies. We hope you rest lots and we promise to be good this year so you'll come back to Shelbbabill next year!

lots of love, Jacob and Jonathan

December is full of fun!

December is a fun month for so many reasons - of course - COUNTDOWN to Christmas! We've had so much fun! Jacob and Jonathan got this cool countdown thing - it has little windows for each day and a piece of chocolate is underneath. The very first thing Jacob asks for everyday is "what number do I get to do today???" Thanks Mamaw for this special treat! Jonathan likes the chocolate, but doesn't really get the whole countdown thing... Then we got to go to a Christmas party at my aunt and uncle's in Louisville last weekend. So much fun. Neither of my boys were crazy about Santa, but we managed to get a "sort of" picture. Then to top it off, we traveled to Cave City to celebrate Pa's birthday. Jacob and Tay even helped make homeade biscuits - pa's favorites! I love seeing my dad be a grandfather - such a neat experience. My boys are the apples of his eye and he just loves hanging out with them! We are so blessed! Sometimes its so easy to take for granted all the wonderful things in our lives! May we truly take some time this Christmas season to thank God for all our wonderful blessings and of course - the biggest blessing of all - the birth and death of our Lord Jesus Christ.

take one...take two...take twenty

Family pictures are a treasure! But on my goodness, when you have a squirmy and hungry 1 year old and a jumpy, silly-smilin' 3 year old, it's tough! Even with the best photographer (Angela Wisley is one of the best!!!!), it is tough to capture everyone looking right at the camera. Tough to have no eyes closed. Next to impossible to get everyone smiling. Here's the evidence! All things considered, we were VERY pleased with our Christmas pics this year. And we had fun with Angela and Cheri Ann.