A Very Merry Christmas...

"Mom! Watch!"

I hear this at least 50 times a day.  Right now his favorite trick is jumping off the stairs while throwing a ball.  Tomorrow it will be something different.  But what doesn't change is his desire to have an audience.  And I'm the lucky Mama who gets to be entertained all. day. long.

The Cheer-Up Station...

Owen, Oliver, Jack, Silas, and Henry created a "Cheer-Up Station" at the end of our driveway yesterday.  Their idea was to create something that people could drive by and be encouraged by if they were having a bad day.  Below is a picture Allison took of their creation:


There are days when I have boys yelling at each other, fighting over who gets to sit closest to the fire, wrestling, running through the house with muddy shoes, etc.  On those days, I often feel like I might literally lose my mind, and I realize that parenting takes more patience than I ever imagined (and more patience than I have, to be honest).  And then there are days when they are thoughtful, kind, empathetic boys.  Young men who do their best to reach out to others, to encourage others, to help those who are struggling.  And on those days, I feel like the most blessed mother in the world!  These are the moments I will hold on to.  They give me hope that some day these young, crazy, energetic, loud boys will, in fact, grow up to be men who honor God and show His love to those around them.

Oh-So Thankful...

When Mama thinks it's a good idea to take a family picture:


















We had an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving, and I hope you all did too!

Duck...

Jason took Owen and Silas hunting in the field below their house the other day.  They were successful, and Jason was kind enough to let the boys keep the duck they (he) shot.  Silas was absolutely thrilled to get to dig into the thing with his pocket knife.  And he was also very lucky that Gramma happened to be here to help him get the breast meat out.  Honestly, she wins major props for this one!  I don't think I could have stuck my hands in a duck's guts.  Thanks Gramma!  You definitely know the way to Silas' heart.

Pure Joy...

I just couldn't resist...

Heartbreak...

Something went terribly wrong between the time Ezra got done making his cocoa and the moment it was served to him.  Not sure what it was, but clearly it was devastating:

Boys can be sweet and creative, too!

Silas made me this beautiful headband (from string and a Kleenex). He then wanted to take a picture that he was very particular about posing.  He even pulled my hair to the side just so.  :)

Hunting Season...