Party Animals

    Once we went to bed last night, the boys tried to get in bed with us. After Daddy chased them out, they decided to have a party in the den. I woke up at 2:15 for a drink of water and found that they had fallen asleep on the couch while eating fruit snacks and watching Good Luck Charlie on NetFlix.

     Luc told on them before I could question them this morning. Logan was very contrite especially because he knows they are not suppose to be eating anywhere but the kitchen and especially not on our couch! My boys are definitely partners in crime. 

Logan & Lucas' Big News

Christmas Morning

Christmas Traditions

     We did advent again this year. The boys were so excited to see the wreath and devotional book. They were also excited about the activities that go along with the devotional each night.

     The first devotional centered around Gabriel announcing to Mary her pregnancy with God's Son. We thanked God for His plan for Mary and His plan for us. Then Logan and I drew angels for our tree, and the boys colored them. 

     We  also started the elf on the shelf tradition this year. The boys named our elf, Buddy, after Will Ferell's character in Elf. They love watching that movie with their daddy! Buddy showed up in our Christmas tree the first morning. Santa does visit our boys, but we do not really emphasize him. While Buddy was watching their behavior and reporting to Santa, Buddy also gave us the opportunity to discuss actions that are Christ like and those that aren't.

     Last year we started reading a Christmas story a night, but weren't very good about doing every night. We also added a new pieced to our magnetic nativity each night. We read a Christmas story almost every night. Some of the boys' favorites were The Gingerbread Pirates, The Little Drummer Mouse, and The Polar Express. I love Christmas and all the traditions that make this time so special! 

Ring of Honor

      Back in November, I received the very first Ring of Honor award at my school. I am truly humbled to receive this award and to be the very first staff person to receive the award. The award is given to an elementary student, secondary student, and staff member who exemplifies the ideals of an UME Eagle. I work with so many amazing people who deserve this award more than I do. I will say that even before receiving this award that I have never worked at a school where I felt more encouraged and appreciated than where I am at now.

     When I was given the award, nice things were said by staff, our administration, and parents. The words spoken that I will forever remember were the words spoken to me by my sweet Logan. "Mom, I was so proud when Mr. Horton said your name on the announcements! I'm really, really proud of you! I love you so much! I think you're the best mom and teacher!" 

Lucas Lost His First Tooth!

     Last Tuesday, Lucas lost his first tooth. He was eating a bowl of cereal after school and it came out. He had fallen back in May and knocked it loose while visiting friends in Arkansas. He will not let us put it in his tooth pillow for the Tooth Fairy. He cries and says he wants his tooth. So we made a deal. He gave mommy the tooth and daddy gave him money.  Lucas has one of the cutest snaggle tooth smiles I've ever seen. I just keep asking him to smile. I love this sweet boy so much!!! 

Mommy and Lucas

     Lucas and I finally had pictures made together. I have been wanting to do it for a couple of years. My friend Meg from 3 Birds Photography took our pictures at Dallas Baptist University. We had so much fun doing it. It was a beautiful overcast morning. I love my sweet Lucas so much, and these are pictures I'll cherish for the rest of my life!      

Mommy and Logan

     Here's a fun flashback. When Logan was two, we had pictures made. These pictures were taken right before we found out Logan was going to be a big brother. Time passes so quickly.  I love this sweet boy so much. Some days my heart aches to return to those days. This day is one of those days.

Dear Logan,

     I love you so much! I pray no matter what season of life you are walking through you know and feel how much I love you. Nothing you can do will ever change my love for you. I pray we are always close and you know you can confide in me about anything. You will always be my special, sweet boy, and you will always have my heart!

Love,

             Mommy

Pumpkin Decorating Fun

     Last weekend the women's ministry held our first annual Pumpkin Palooza. We ate fall snacks and had a pumpkin decorating contest. It was such a fun time! Here's my pumpkin.

No surprise with how I decided to decorate my pumpkin! Ha! 

     We had a few extra pumpkins left over, so I brought one home for each of the boys. This weekend, while Daddy was at work, we pulled out Logan's crafting bin and let the boys decorate. The boys are so proud of how their pumpkins turned out! 

     We have them setting on the hearth in the den. Logan keeps positioning his pumpkin so the googly eyes are stating at me when I'm sitting on the couch. He's such a stinker. 

Back to School Pictures

     The school we are at now does not do school pictures. When you're only there for 5 hours a day, you only have time for learning (which is what school is suppose to be about anyway). When my friend Meg of 3 Birds Photography offered a mini session for back to school photos I knew immediately that was something we wanted to take advantage of. Then she made the deal even sweeter by allowing you to purchase an end of the year mini session at a discounted rate when you booked the back to school mini. These are my very favorite photos from the session. I'll post all of them to facebook later today or tomorrow.

Logan, 2nd Grade:

Lucas, Pre K (very first year in school!):

Brothers (Where did my babies go?!):

Logan's 7 year birthday picture:

Logan and Lucas' Birthday Party

     This year we celebrated the boys' birthday at Pump it Up! We have been there several times for pop in playtime and friends' birthday parties, but this was the first party we had there. It was seriously one of the easiest and stress free parities we have done.  I was so sick at their party that it is pretty much a big blur to me. I had spent most of the day before in the emergency room getting fluids and antibiotics through an IV for a UTI/kidney infection. I did not take any pictures at all. Thankfully they take pictures you can purchase for $12. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of them with cake or opening presents. At that point, I was trying to survive until I could get home for pain medication and my heating pad. The boys had a blast and were so excited to see all their friends. Logan was excited that some of his school friends were able to come. Our friend, Shellie made the boys cupcakes that looked like baseballs. They were yummy and so cute! This was the first year Josiah and Grayson were unable to come to their birthday, and Lo and Luc were so bummed. We will be able to see Siah and Gray in October, so the boys (and I!) are counting down until then. All the kids had a great time! We are so thankful for everyone who was able to help us celebrate!