Here's to 2012

I'm not quite sure where the last year went, but I do know that it flew by.  So one of my resolutions for the new year is to live in the moment more and to embrace contentment.  This world is so focused on what is the next best thing we can have, or getting the newest version of a gadget.  It's fast paced, competitive, and completely overwhelming out there at times.  The fact is, I can't control what goes on in the world, but we can somewhat control what happens in our own homes; at least how we choose to live day to day.  For me, the new year is about slowing down a bit and enjoying the little moments, because my boys are growing way too fast.  I don't want to look back this time next year and wish I would have paused for life more.  So I'm challenging myself to forget the laundry, dishes, and disorganization once in a while, and to get down on the floor and role play, read a book, and just listen to my kids every single day.  God gives us each day as a new slate and as an opportunity.  My days may not go as I have planned, I may not accomplish everything on my "to do" list, and I may not have huge successes to boast about.  I have my health, my family, and my faith and that is really enough.  The following verse is on our fridge, "Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:18.  Whenever I'm in doubt I read that and remember that God is in control and to focus on what's really important.  Moving into a new year I look forward to seeing what is in store for me and give thanks for two beautiful little boys that I am privileged to watch grow each day and for a husband who provides for us and puts his family first.  We are truly blessed.

Pausing for one of those little moments to watch the boys sleep.

My pajama boys and sometimes we just have pajama days.

It's An Emergency!

No real emergency, but that's what it said on Sam's birthday party invites.  He wanted fireman birthday invitations, so I got crafty and made some.  He wore his fireman costume for most of his party, and when he wasn't he was sporting his favorite fireman shirt (which is getting a little small....I think this is one of those shirts I'm going to have to let him give up on his own).  We made a pinata for his birthday and he and his friends had fun taking some hits at it....but the candy inside was much more appealing.  I've hidden away most of left overs for treats and bribes when needed.  When the party was over Sam wanted to know when his birthday is, so we had to list out all the birthdays that will be celebrated before his comes around again.  His momma hopes that doesn't happen too fast because I'm not ready for him to be 4 already, I'm just getting use to 3.

Happy Birthday Jesus and Sam!

In our house we have two very special birthdays on Christmas, Jesus' birthday of course, and Sam.  Sam knows he shares his day with someone very special.  Because of this, Sam always ends up with extra cake, extra candles to blow out, and of course way, way too many presents.  He was thrilled to come out and see a pile of presents and exclaimed "Santa came!"  We remind him that we get presents to celebrate Jesus' birthday and we give presents to remind one another of Jesus' love for us all.  Sam asked Santa to bring his little brother a belt buckle just like him, so now Zeke will be sporting a belt buckle soon too (he needs to grow just a bit first).  Looks like Sam got what he asked for between his birthday and Christmas gifts.  We are all very much spoiled by family who sent us lots of gifts, too.  It's not the same as being home for the holidays, but we sure feel their love from a far.  We spent Christmas evening with some friends and they were gracious enough to let us also celebrate Sam's birthday, too.  Sam's favorite color is orange, so the orange m&m's on top of the cake were the best part for him.

Both cowboys in the house got some new attire.  Sam sporting his new boots and spurs and Hans in his new chinks (Sam thought his dad looked "so cool" in those)

Excited to open their first gift!

Not a Creature Was Stiring....Not Even a Zeke

Christmas eve was a lot of excitement at our house with baking cookies for Santa, celebrating at Mass, and opening our stocking gifts to each other.  Sam's enthusiasm was magical and Zeke must have thought it to be exhausting.  He fell asleep on the floor while waiting for us to put him to bed (I think this was one of the first nights he discovered how soothing his own thumb is).  I gave the boys hats, my first products of crochet (thanks to a good friend I have been able to check "learning to crochet" off my bucket list).  Kids make the holiday season so much fun.

All tuckered out!

Zekaroo at 3 months

Yes, I am behind because in a few days I will need to post his 4 months update.  Zeke is changing so fast.  He's trying so hard to sit up when we lay him on a pillow (working those ab muscles) and is in awe of his big brother.  He loves to laugh and thinks that when you are undressing him for bath time is hilarious.  He grins from ear to ear and just cackles the whole time.  Blowing raspberries is another favorite hobby of his and he thinks his hands are rather tasty these days (thinking teeth are coming soon).

Hello Santa

 

Sam and Zeke got to meet Santa at, of all places, Cabela's.  Sam thought that the camo Santa was pretty cool and Zeke didn't seem to mind the jolly guy, either.  Sam said he told Santa that he wanted "boots, legoes, tools, and spurs" for Christmas which is exactly what he put in his letter to Santa.

A Kiernan Visit

My blogging has gotten very behind and I am finally catching up and getting back to some normalcy.  In mid-December we had the pleasure of having our wonderful friends, The Kiernan family, come and stay with us for a weekend.  It was a quick trip, but we made sure to take some quality time just hanging out together.  Sam cried as they were pulling out of the driveway when they left and said "but I want someone to play with".  It's hard to go from having four older kiddos int he house entertaining you to just having your baby brother around.  Sam took them to one of his favorite places, Cabela's, to see all the animals and we were able to show them the ocean, too.  You just never know when we'll have good weather here this time of year, the coastal weather changes by the minute.  We had lots of fun while they were here!