New York City at Christmastime

For the first time ever I got to go to New York City. I went with three other ladies. We took a bus tour and went to Macy's, saw all the window displays and finished up the day here at Radio City Music Hall where we enjoyed their 75th Christmas celebration. It was such fun to see all of this during this time of year. Everything is so elaborate and beautifully done. This is the famous Christmas tree. After taking a million shots - all with bad angles - we found this spot designated "Christmas Tree Picture Taking Spot." Or something like that.
These were huge ornaments suspended on a shallow pond/waterfall. Breathtaking.
This was my favorite picture of the day. It was neat to see all this stuff in person rather than on TV or a postcard.

Happy Holidays

Here are some photos of my home during the holidays - for those who care! I love this season and love decorating for it. But these will all come down right after New Years and I am allways glad to unclutter again. The star on my porch was made by Josh's mom from some scrap wood - amazing! I am so lucky to reap the benefits of her ingenuity!

This is a garland I made for over my sink window that looks into the playroom. The snowmen were painted by my talented and crafty mother and sister-in-law. Love them.
This is in our TV room and looks so pretty at night. Especially with my FrankSinatra CE on and the TV off. So basically, when Josh is not home.... :)

Breanna's Birthday

Breanna turned nine last week! This summer she entered a drawing and won a free birthday party at Michaels Craft Store. It could not have been more perfect for her. They chose to paint birdhouses. They were given bags full of extra craft items to take home with them. I am so thankful she was able to enjoy a birthday like this. It is hard to make her birthday special with it being so close to the holidays and I was really happy to be able to do this for her.

My baby is TWO!

I cannot believe Zofia turned two this week. She is such a joy and blessing to all of us. I love seeing each of her siblings enjoy her and we are so thankful for her being in our lives!


The stroller was a big hit. I think she would have slept with it if she could have gotten it in her crib!

To Go, or not to Go

I am not so fond of naked baby pictures, but these were too good to pass up. This was done of her own accord. Apparently she thinks this is all that gets done on the toilet because she wiped up and flushed afterward, but did not pee!

The Kids

Mo and Zoe were begging for their picture to be taken - so this is what I got. Zofia has food in her mouth - of course! When my parents were here in Aug my mom brought rollers and set the girls hair! I don't have such fond memories of my mom doing this to me every Sat night!

Orange Room

I debated a long time about this wall color. I do love it. I need the right fabric for curtains and the room will really feel good to me. One would think I could find something in the new fall fabrics - but I don't really want something with leaves on it!

Girls' Room

I saw this done in a coffee shop and it was way more complicated and nicer, but loved the idea. This vase came from the dollare store and I just hung it with a ribbon. It was more charming when the flowers were alive!

My grandmother bought this doll when she was 16! I love having this old doll and carriage. The dresses hanging on the walls were made mostly by her and some by my mom when I was little for my own dolls. Memory lane! Wonder what my kids will be displaying that I have made. Hmmm.I painted and stenciles Moses old dresser for the girls' room. I also put their initials on their bed frames instead of the wall. Gives them a little custom look.

Moses' Room

It felt a little boring painting Moses' room all blue and I may change it again, but this looks good with the red. I love the old jars on his red shelf and the quilt made by Josh's mom. I need a new curtain idea and until then this is fine. The blue in his room is a little darker than this actually appears.

Baby Chicks

Breanna got to bring baby chicks home from school one night. I must have counted and recounted 50 times. I was so worried they were going to get out. The kids thought they were the cutest things ever. This is as close as they get to owning a pet!

At the beach with the C's

We had a great time at the beach. This is the first time any of them will remember the ocean. It was so much fun watching them take it all in. We even got to see some of the wild ponies on Asateague Island very close to the road to the beach. Thanks to the C's for this experience!
"Did you see that big wave?!"
Emma and Mik wondering how big this wave is going to be.
Josh and Breanna "riding the waves."

At the beach with the C's

The house was really ideal even for this many children. We wore the kids out enough during the day that they were able to sleep all in one room (except the two babies.) Great memories for all of us!

My little man

I took these pictures just because they are so cute and to remind myself of what he looks like when he is not in motion!

Blueberry picking

We went blueberry picking with Mom B and came home with over 15lbs! We are having mufins, pie and coffee cake galore! It will be wonderful to pull these out in the middle of the winter for a taste of summertime. Feel free to share any especially good recipes. I would love some new ones!

Elysa'a visit

Elysa introduced my children to the wonderful world of playing video games upside-down. They consider her extreemly talented! Obviously the kids enjoyed her immensly as did Josh and I. It was especially nice to see the McL again. Thanks so much for the visit, Elysa!