A very Merry Christmas, Indeed

This Christmas was great. It is so much fun to see my little fellas getting all excited about everything about the season. When Fletch woke up Christmas morning and realized Santa had paid a visit, he did an enthusiastic fist pump and yelled "Yes, he came!!" (I think he was a little worried about his behavior, he mentioned a few times throughout the day that he had made the good list). Roy and I assured him that it was just barely:)

This little love bug was a welcome, sweet addition this Christmas

My siblings and I had one of my Mom's childhood dolls restored, so we all accepted the "make Mom cry happy tears" award

Niles did the "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" reading, just before bed on Christmas Eve (and did a splendid job)

Just us wacky chicks near-smothering Niles

Dad (no, that's not Santa) and his daughters

A fitting end to a wonderful Christmas:

I hope your Christmas was just as lover-ly and here's to a rockin' New Year's Eve.

You never know...

from one minute to the next what to expect in a house full of crazy boys. Sure, you can plan, guide, try to teach...but someone is always working on their curveball.

For instance, this boy:

is extremely interesting (from a scientific standpoint:)
When asked why he was wearing the goggles to eat, his reply was
"because I don't want my eyes to get hot"

He will NEVER, EVER cop to being tired. He woke up crying one night/early morning at about 3, when asked what was wrong, he told me:

"I'm not tired"

My beloved husband, who, yes cooks and cleans to help me out but REFUSES to believe it would serve him well to PUT HIS WALLET IN THE SAME PLACE, YET CAN NEVER FIND IT!!!(sorry, we just had an episode)

And this guy:

is constantly trying to see how much he can torture the dog (without me noticing), yet today came into my bedroom and broke into a full on sob because of something he saw in a movie about dogs.

So far Levi has just been my little sweet potato, but the other day he was trying to grab Fletch, and a saw a glimpse of what is to come undoubtedly.

Finally, this beautiful boy. Last week I was almost sure beyond a shadow of a doubt he was going to send me to an asylum set up especially for mothers when a flip switched and he was the most pleasant, wonderfully funny, sweet person in the entire world (I think God was watching out for me).

I love these guys, really, really love them and all of the laughter they provide. I'm sure they could write a novel on my quirks. I know not one of us is perfect, but I love the way they work at teaching me to try to be a better person everyday.



All the same, I'm pretty sure they are saving a bed for me at the asylum.

(and if you're wondering how Aunt Ashley fits into the overall mosaic, I'm pretty sure this photo sums it up nicely):

Lots and lots going on...

some good, some not so good. But I'm always thankful I have my guys around me to keep me laughing:)

The boys (all of them) are in a holiday simmer that I can feel coming to a full boil soon. We got out the crates of decorations and it was fun looking at all of them with the 3 older fellas and listen to what they remember about holidays past.

Christmas tree capturing is on the docket for this weekend. I can't wait because I love to sit and stare at it. This is our first Christmas in this house and I'm really looking forward to it.

Here is a picture from Thanksgiving (which was great):


I mean, I know I have other kids, but this one is just so fresh and snuggly, I really can't help myself:)

Have a tubular weekend.