Thanksgiving Play Date

We had our dear friends, the Lutzs, over for a play date.. Elijah and Clara are only 3 weeks apart and may get married one day:). Maddie and the twins are both 4 and are good playmates. Little Ella goes back and forth between the babies and big girls playing well with both groups! And I have a friend too- Erika! She is a kindred spirit who I enjoy getting to know so much!
It is good to go thru life with FRIENDS...

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

I don't know if I spelled that right, but you get the idea. My little Elijah can be SO sweet (when he's in my arms) and SO naughty (when he's not in my arms) I am a bit frazzled since I let him scream constantly because my arms feel like they will break after holding him for hours! Its very frustrating! I have never had easy babies- all of my babies wanted my undivided attention ALL day long- they were not content to lay on their backs, bellies, boppies, Bumbos, you get the picture!! I hope this phase will pass soon because I feel at my wits end!The little monster screaming his lungs out on the floor... No one loves me!!!Sweet angel- notice whose arm he is on!!

My Little Artists

It seems since my girls have started school, they have become so much more artistic! They both can write their names- Sophia has a backwards S and Arianna forgets her R but other than that, you can recognize it! They both LOVE drawing people- with very long bodies:) Their favorite coloring tool is a marker and they would PAINT every day if I let them! Ella tries to copy her older sister, but so far only accomplishes colorful scribbles. Her favorite tool is a marker and her favorite canvas is her body!!!

Thank you, Honey!

After a few cold days stuck inside with 4 wound up kiddos bouncing off the walls , Mark GRACIOUSLY said that we could get a membership to THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM!!! It is 10 minutes from our house and has 3 floors filled with every kids fantasies- play food, tunnels, paint, twirling, puppets, pets and SO much more! It is SO nice to bundle up the kids and go to play for an hour or so to wear them out for nap time!! We average a trip once a week - here are a few pics of our adventures(this was on a Saturday when Daddy could come and see what all the hype was about:) and Aunt Emy watched Elijah)Here are the girls in the Food Center- they have grocery carts, a register, pizza oven, countertops, cooking surfaces, tons of food, a diner counter,etc. This is one of the girls favorite spots!

My Christmas List

Usually I do not think about what I would like for Christmas and leave my gifts up to other people, but I actually have a few things I would really like this year, so I made a detailed list for my husband who usually picks out great presents! Her's my list...
1. rolling pin
2. pot holders
3. pasta pot with strainer that fits inside
4. nursing cover because I have to give back Alyssa's soon
5. Estee Lauder pefume- Dazzling Gold
6. Tea kettle and tea pot
7. any type of jewelry

Family is a Blessing

We are so thankful to have Marks family here in Colorado. It is nice for the kids to get to know their grandparents, cousins and aunties. And the babysitting comes in handy too:) Every Sunday we go to grandmas for lunch and the girls always look forward to grandmas delicious chocolate cake! and I look forward to the break from cooking:) Ella has named Grandpa, "poppy" which is what I used to call my grandfather when I was little. Ella came up with it all on her own. They all love to go on walks, ride bikes and listen to Grandpa read story after story!

Countdown to Christmas

Yesterday we made a paper chain with 35 links because CHRISTMAS is 35 days away!! Every night we tear off a link.... The twins were pretty excited.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

First dusting of snow in Golden, Colorado- Nov.14th

The Throne- from Valley of Vision

Thy throne of grace is the pleasure ground of my soul.
Here I obtain mercy in the time of need,
Here see the smile of Thy reconciled face,
Here joy pleads the name of Jesus,
Here I sharpen the sword of the Spirit,
anoint the shield of faith,
put on the helmet of salvation,
gather manna from thy word,
am strengthened for each conflict,
nerved for the upward race,
empowered to conquer every foe.

Help me to come to Christ
as the fountain head of descending blessings,
as wide open flood gate of mercy.

I marvel at my insensate folly, that
with such enriching favours within my reach,
I am slow to extend the hand to take them.

May I never give Thee rest until Christ is
the pulse of my heart
the spokesman of my lips,

the lamp of my feet.

Christmas Photo Shoot

Let me know which ones you like best for our Christmas card this year! Little Elijah really wasn't cooperating, so he is not in many...