RAKENNA??

Today, I came home with a different girl. 

The kids call her "Rakenna." 

Where THAT came from..don't ask me!!

Rakenna..formerly known as Missy Rian got her first haircut today.

She had been so excited to go and get a big girl haircut.

We just needed to trim up the back and we got her some bangs.

Plus, her hair is fine, so maybe with a trim it will grow back a bit fuller.

The hair was constantly in her face, so at least for a couple of weeks, we'll have a reprieve.

Before.

All ready!

She sat very well.

The stylist couldn't get over how well she sat for a 2 year old.

She really loved the whole thing..

blow dryer included.

Cutie patootie!

What a grown up girl we have now!



10 YEARS

This weekend, we went to the annual Paul Miller company party.

It was a big one for Mike, because he has been working there for 10 years.

He had to do the whole routine this year of going up and getting his diamond-studded pin, and taking the 10 year picture.

Of course, if you know him, you'll know that all these things take twice as long because of all the detours he makes to "shoot the breeze" with this and that person. (xo)

My husband likes to chat.

He chats enough for the both of us.

So, I don't have to.  Ever.

I guess though, the company party is THE place to do it, right?

;p

I didn't take too many pictures this time around.

Sorry.  I'll try to do better next time.

Us.

Ice sculptures everywhere..

used to make the margaritas in this case.

The 10 year pin.

Congrats!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Travis turned one a couple of weeks ago.  I'm finally getting some pictures up.

This is from his actual birthday.



Once he got the hang of ripping the paper, he went to town.

Now all the kiddies have their own guitar.

Makes for some loud afternoons!

Uncle Bill, Aunt Cathy, and Abby came over that night with a big package.

He ripped little bits of paper off for quite awhile.

A nice new wagon!!

He loves it!

Thanks Uncle Bill and Aunt Cathy!!

More party pics to follow.



ABBY CADABY

We finally got to meet Abby Cadaby, our newest niece/cousin to date.

She is 2 months old in these pictures.

We did have plans to go down to meet her sooner, but sickness put a halt to those plans.

Oh, I should mention, her name is not really Abby "Cadaby."

That is just what the kids call her.

Her name is Abigail Ruth.

Just in case you were confused.

They're twins..can you tell?

Little miss.

Daddy's girl, already?

It was so nice to meet you, Abby.

(and see your mommy and daddy)

I hope it won't be so long between visits.



I THINK WE FIT

"Studies have shown that the more books in a child's home the more likely that the child will be intelligent.  The books in this home are not confined to the learning room but are easily available in every room in the house.  They are in baskets in the family room, the living room, and the bathroom.  They are on bedside tables, in bags to take to the pool, and on tapes in the car."

~Elizabeth Foss

According to this, my kids will be just fine.

Well, more than fine.

They'll be geniuses.

;)

I personally believe that one can never have too many books.

ESPECIALLY when homeschooling.

My house can attest to that fact.

I mean, you might get a little cramped, trying to squeeze in and find a seat next to all the books or have to move a pile off the table in order to find room to put your plate...(I exaggerate only a little), but my kids all LOVE books.  AND, my husband has learned to enjoy books as well since we've been married.  (Don't tell anyone, but he actually carried a book around this past summer to different places we visited in order to fit in some reading time!!  A first!!)

So, if that is what it takes, it is just fine by me!!

Bring on the books!

THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving Day 2011.

So much to be thankful for.

Thankful we have One to be thankful to.

Just a few shots from our Thanksgiving celebration this year.



A full table.

24 in total.

Room full of nappers.

Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SILAS!

Remember that weird snowstorm in October? 

Yeah, the one that ended up being worse than Hurricane Irene, in terms of damage??

That one.

Yes, we were crazy enough to venture out in it. 

No, we didn't stay close to home either.

But how could I resist all those eyes pleading to go to a special friend's birthday party??

Several times I was tempted to turn around and just go home, but I kept hearing the chorus of "you can do it!" from my backseat.

So, we braved the storm.

This was a picture from when we left the house.

I don't have an after shot.

But I will tell you it took me 2 1/2 hours to get home.

Normally it is about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.

The things I do for my children.

It was Silas' 5th birthday party after all. 

 They had been looking forward to it for a couple of weeks.

Pinata time!

I wasn't the only lunatic, you'll see.

They had a pretty good turnout.

Travis was too little to take a swing..but he enjoyed himself anyway.

Then there was a variation of the pin-the-tail on the donkey game.

I forget what you had to pin on what.

Firetruck!!

A recurring theme.

Time for cake!

Birthday boy!

Enjoying some cake...

..and the spoils from the pinata!

We left shortly after cake..

Thanks for having us and we hope you had a great birthday, Silas!