Christmas 2012

I Cannot believe that Christmas has come and gone. I was telling Zach, that I can't believe we have had 12 Christmas seasons with children. That is unbelievable to me, seems like maybe it should be 5 or 6. Anyway, once again here is my hodge podge of Christmas photos...

A Lesson from my Kiddos

Ok, I guess this is confession time... my poor 3 children have been sleeping in the floor, all together in one room, for the past week.  I know that sounds like something you would hear about a family in extreme poverty or living in a very poor country in a tiny house.  But before you send DFACS or come investigate our living conditions, please understand that they choose this!!  I think it so funny, that they each have their owns rooms and their own beds but yet they want to be together and could care less if they sleep on the floor.  They love having a big slumber party in the floor all together and as long as they go to sleep at a decent hour, it is fine with me.  As I look at all their bedrooms and empty  beds I think about how happy my kids are just being together.  WE put pressure on ourselves as parents to provide all this STUFF for our kids.  We think that somehow our kids are missing out if they don't have their own rooms and each their own stuff.  Maybe they think they want their own rooms, because they hear other kids at school talking...but at home when they are away from outside influences they just want to be together.  Maybe by separating our kids in their own rooms, with their own stuff, do we rob them of truly learning how to relate to one another?  Are we making it more difficult for them to learn to share STUFF and SPACE, something they will need to do their whole lives? So, we don't have the house on the market yet... but the kids have truly given me a different perspective this week.  We put so much pressure on ourselves as parents to provide so much for our kids and think that somehow they are missing out when they don't have those things.  My children have taught me a valuable lesson this week in what really makes them happy. 

Sick, sick, sick

 

Ethan and Miah are both down for the count!  They are sick with flu.  It seems it has been one thing after another lately and we cannot stay well.  Hoping all this sickness is gone before Christmas. 

Happy Birthday Syd

 

Sydney 11 years old!

 

Okay, I know I say this with every birthday, but I can't believe my sweet girl is 11.  Sydney, where has the time gone.  When I stand up next to you and you come up past my shoulders, I cannot believe it.  I have not only watched you grow physically, but I have watched you grow many other ways.  Your personality is ever changing.  You are developing that crazy since of humor, that I am sure comes from your Father. I can't wait to see that develop as you get older and gain more confidence.  You are kind and caring and a friend to everyone.  I LOVE that part of your character. You are developing a love for running. I am so excited about that and can't wait to run with you!!! You have always been willing to help me and as you grow older I am amazed at how much you can do.  I look forward to our relationship growing and changing as you get older.  Syd, I love you more than you can imagine.  You are one cool kiddo!!!!!!