Happy New Year's Eve

Things are gearing up over here for the celebration.

All You Need is Love....and a Little Whipping Cream

Last week we spent a day making butter to benefit Love Them Home.  Snowville Creamery & Whole Foods generously donated all the needed supplies and we were off and running (or making!) butter at 8 a.m. that morning.  With 3 mixers going, and a little bit of love, it didn't take long to turn that cream into delicious, whipped butter.  The kids wanted to offer 2 flavors, cinnamon and garlic parmesan, and since I was letting them run the show, that's just what we did!

We made 60 containers of butter and they were spoken for faster than we could get them labeled!  Thanks to friends and family and many "strangers" on Facebook that saw the posts and even met us at Whole Foods to collect their butter and make a donation.  Love.

The fundraiser was a smashing success.  Financially, yes.  But more than that, it was an amazing opportunity for my children to see the love that people will share with each other.  At one point during the day we received an email from a woman, who we didn't know and who lived several hours from our home.  She had read the post on Facebook and wanted to make a way to support the cause.  All you need is love.

Japanese Steak House

The girls announced earlier this year that they wanted to take Grandma & Papa out to dinner "because they do so many nice things for us."  Completely, 100% their idea and they came up with very creative ways to raise the funds.  I love their hearts.  And how looooong it took them to save the money!  (aka: a lesson in diligence)

So, last week all 9 of us headed out to the Japanese Steak House for a night of fun.  My favorite memory was watching the boys faces as the chef made the onion ring of fire.  What a great night!

When your 10 yo daughter paints this after overhearing that a couple we know has decided to "call it quits" you.........well, you just sit down and have a good cry.  You cry at the injustice that kids are involved in adult issues, because they shouldn't be.  You cry because this sort of thing just. shouldn't. happen.  But it does.  You cry because you have a crazy cool kid that has such a heart for love, and takes the time to paint it.  And then you dry your eyes and reflect on how thankful you are.

A Few of My Favorite Things

Christmas Eve.  The kiddos always open stockings but this year they convinced us to open a couple gifts they had for us.  So sweet!  And I love my little Ellie Bug's smile....she has lost 3 teeth in the last couple weeks!

Madeline made a duct tape barrette for Abigail and the whole thing just made my heart sing.  All 3 girls have created duct tape factory and make purses, wallets, flower pens, barrettes and more.  You're welcome, Duck Tape Brand.

This is where I would have placed the picture of Madeline opening her iTouch.  It was a huge surprise and a priceless moment.  Yes, the hands-on-both-cheeks surprised picture that you can't believe you captured.  Until you find it has been erased along with a few other priceless Christmas memories.  Drat.

Gabe and Lincoln trying out their personalized capes and masks from  Peanut Pop.  Aimee, my boys looooove your capes.  Thank you!

Christmas Evening, singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.  My favorite part?  GLLAM still wearing their jammies.  **big smiles**  Merry Christmas, indeed.

Merry Christmas!

GLLAM with Grandma and Papa on Christmas morning.....a family tradition

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.  
Isaiah 9:6

3 Bald Heads

Gabe decided he didn't want to be the only male in the house with hair.  Much to my chagrin.