Tinker Bells

Today we put up the small tree in the playroom and all their stockings. Let's just say that it got them in the holiday spirit. Check out the video below. They are all "on their stage" holding bell ornaments and SCREAMING the song, "Tinker Bells." It was so funny. It ended up just being a shouting match between the three of them--well, mostly Jack and Caroline. Too funny. Oh, and don't pay too much attention to their eclectic Sunday attire. Ha ha!

'Tis the Season

Tim and I braved the crowd and went shopping the day after Thanksgiving. We went later in the morning, so it wasn't as crazy as I was expecting. We did get a few good deals on some gifts for the kids. The highlight of the adventure was lunch together......alone. Doesn't happen very often.

Then Friday night we put up the tree and I took some pics. of the kids in their Christmas pj's for our Christmas cards. Quite the eventful night.

The kids were really interested in the tree and ornaments this year. They intently watched as I unwrapped each ornament and wanted to know where I got it and who gave it to us. Every unbreakable ornament we own is on the bottom of the tree, placed carefully with love by one of these three little monkeys. Needless to say, the finished product is VERY bottom heavy.

This is an out-take from our little photo shoot.

Thankful

This Thanksgiving I had so much to be thankful for.......and my family happens to be at the top of that list!

A much needed day with the kiddos

I'm off work today and I have spent the day playing with my kids. I have been so busy lately that we have been just going through the motions of family life. Today has been different. We took the day to enjoy each other and have fun.

We did some fun crafts this morning, and then headed outside to play some games. They are getting old enough to enjoy games like duck duck goose, simon says, red light green light, etc. We had a great time together, and now everyone has settled down for a nap. Speaking of nap, I'm not far behind them!

Making macaroni necklaces
Caroline had so much fun, and was giddy when she saw her finished product.

Jack preferred mostly yellow macaroni.

This activity was hard work for Willie. But Mr. independent finished without help. Yay!

So proud!

The look of accomplishment!

Miss priss!

This was a turkey craft everyone enjoyed. Especially Caroline!!

Another weekend gone...

I can't believe the weekend is already over. Time flies when you're doing nothing. Today we have just hung out and been lazy. Me and the kids, that is. Tim had to work today. Yuck!

Sat. morning Caroline and I went with Heather and Katie Pettigrew to breakfast with Santa at the Holiday Market. We had a good time. Thanks for the tickets Erin! Although, Caroline would have absolutely nothing to do with Santa. She preferred not to even get close! She did love the clown who was there making balloon sculptures.
Sat. night Tim and I had a date. We went to dinner and a movie. We went to see Twilight. I enjoyed the movie, but of course not as much as the book! We had a nice evening alone. Those are few and far between. Thanks Sue and Larry for babysitting.

Now I'm off to get clothes ready for everyone for tomorrow, and kids ready for bed. The story of my life ;)

Snips, snails, and Puppy dog tails

Pettigrew found out today she is having a boy!!! How exciting!

CRAFTY

Yep, that's me. I unboxed my sewing machine, and there's no stopping me now. I got a sewing machine for Christmas a year or two ago (thanks mom!) and unboxed it a few weeks ago out of pure necessity.

I wanted cute Halloween costumes for the kids, but couldn't afford them. So........I got the bright idea I would make them. So, out came the sewing machine. I've never used one before in my life, so it has been quite the learning experience. I am definitely a novice, and still can't sew a straight stitch, but the kids had precious costumes nonetheless.

I don't intend to sew for "real", but using it for crafty things is so much fun! This week at my school we are having 50's math night, and I made myself a poodle skirt. After some design (and sewing) challenges (thanks Sue!), I think it turned out cute. Now Caroline has demanded one too. Good thing I have some fabric left!

I LOVE THESE GUYS!!

Seriously, the three most important men in my life! They both sure look like their daddy in this picture. We went to Lake Fort Smith this morning for some outdoor fun. We played on the playground and went hiking. Good times.

Daddy's little girl! And he just eats it up!

100th

This is my 100th post!!!! It seems like yesterday I started this blog. How time flies! I am so glad I will have this blog for my children someday. They will be able to see what daily life was like as they were growing up. Besides, I have never kept a baby book or a scrap book.......so I guess this will have to substitute. Here are a couple recent silly pictures of the kids.

This is the boys hanging out on in the toy shelf being silly.
Caroline put together this ensemble herself. Can't you tell?

Words I thought I'd never hear.....

It has been about a year since I got a phone call I will never forget. I was on my lunch break at work. I had just got my lunch ready, and happened to check my phone. There was a message from my OB/Gyn. When I called back, they said they were expecting my call and put me right through to my doctor......

"Jenna, I'm afraid I have bad news. You have cervical cancer."

At that moment, my world started spinning, and I was forever changed. Before I could even catch my breath, we were scheduling surgery. I have never been so scared in my life. It has taken me almost a year to process this life changing event.

Thoughts of cancer are now a distant memory for me, but the experience has made me the person I am today. I am so thankful that I am healthy, but still feel a twinge of sadness when I think that having another child is never an option for us. I wasn't even sure if we would have more children, but the mere thought of having that possibility taken away from me was daunting. I now believe that God works in ways we just can't comprehend. I feel that I was blessed with twins for this very reason.

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, I am overwhelmed with all I have to be thankful for. Although my life is often hectic and chaotic, I never take a day for granted. When things get tough, I glance at my scars and am reminded of all I have been given in this life. I am so glad I have such a loving husband and three beautiful and healthy children!

Fun Fall Day!

What a fun filled day we had today! Tim and I took the kids to ride bikes and fly the r.c. airplane. Then headed out for a picnic lunch and a nature walk. It was great to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather!


Everyone was all smiles riding their bikes!

Daddy's gearing up to fly the plane.
It was the perfect day for a picnic.

The kiddos were very busy on our nature outing.

Daddy and his boys. Jack was worn out by the end of our little adventure!