"The fundamental mission of motherhood now is the same as it always was: to nurture, protect, and instruct children, to create a home environment that enables them to learn and grow, to help them develop a heart for God and his purposes, and to send them out into the world prepared to live both fully and meaningfully."

-Sally Clarkson from the Mission of Motherhood

Monday, December 31, 2012

Christmas 2012

Good news!  I found our Christmas pictures!  They were magically still on my computer (just in a weird place) after the iPhoto crash.  Yay! So thankful...

Two.little.peanut.cousins.  Christmas Eve we had a late afternoon supper at my house before the service at church.  The 'ol vintage playpen has come in handy many a time!


Beware, the Squinter.  Pretty good, though, for all the grandkids!

This picture means so much to me.  I'm just amazed at God's gifts this Christmas!

Whoops.  Got a little out of order here.  Daddy read the Christmas story just before we turned in to bed.

Blurry, but this is proof that yes, I did let my 3 1/2 year old  accident prone angel hold a lighted candle.  Parenting fail.   The blur is because it was at this moment that I realized, "Clark has a candle!".  Phone thrown down.

We left some cookies for Santa.  

And since it's SO hard to wait when you're a kid, we did the sibling exchange before bed too.  :)
Santa delivered!
Mary's goodies.  Santa knew she needed formula!  And she doesn't have a stocking yet because Mommy hasn't started it.  But we've got 10 months, right? HA

AnnMarie's favorite gift---her American Girl wardrobe.  Oh, and Justice clothes.  Santa knows where to shop!

Clarky got the totally awesome Bat Cave.  He is Batman most days around here!





"I just want the wrapping paper!"


And then we headed over to Gigi and Papa's to see our cousins!


Train table action

That afternoon we went outside to play with some of our stocking stuffers.  Santa can't resist buying blasts from the past!




We headed outside to let the boys test out the big wheels from Gigi and Papa.  Might need just a little more time before they're quite ready for these!
Later in the week we set off to Midland.  Here's a pic from the road trip!

First stop:  Mexican food!  Only the best!  Mary was chowing down on the guacamole.


I think Mary Claire looks just like a real doll in this picture!  

 Clark showing off his new jacket and Buzz Lightyear PJs.  Gamma and Pepaw always spoil us!


Opening and opening!

The Malibu beach house!  Her favorite gift.

Mary got her first baby.



Mary Claire loved sitting with Kenneth and drinking his tea.

Playing with Gamma



Lots of sweet time with our Midland family.  And lots of good Mexican food.  :)  

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

MC is 10 months

This little baby's first year has flown.  I know---most cliche statement ever, but what can I do but tell the truth? :)
She faked me out and made me think she was gonna start holding her bottle.  Ha

She has for real piggies now.  :)

Taking a ride in her wagon

And trying to push Bubba

At church with cousin SC and Gigi and Papa

Loves bath time!

Loves big sis!

Is at their mercy many times a day

Sweetie pie in her cousin Mackenzie's outfit

Waiting for her flu shot :(

Bubba loves her.  He always takes care of her which is so sweet!
Funny story---I remembered I needed to take a pic with her 10 month sticker, and when I went to get it, I saw the 7, 8, and 9 month stickers still there.  HA!  Guess we really have had our hands full!  Didn't even think of taking those pics until now!

Sweetest baby in the world

*Still loves her four bottles a day
*Still loves her table food
*Has 8 teeth
*Has added "bye bye" (and waving) and "bubba" to her vocabulary
*Is pulling up and cruising
*CRACKS up at Sissy
*Makes this hilarious suck in air noise when she gets excited about something---it's so funny!