back in the leotard

I'm sure you're disappointed that it isn't mandy back in a leo.  haha!

allie is in gymnastics.  she has been asking for almost a year.  last time she was in her leotard it was for dance and she wanted to give this a try.  she joined with her friend, anna.

i was really proud of how well she did in her first class.  we keep encouraging her to be a learner.  it is so funny how kids want to be experts instantly.  we're hoping she can enjoy the time it takes to learn a new skill.

siblings

nothing warms a parent's heart more than watching your kids interact and enjoy one another.  it is fairly rare, but it is finally happening in our home.

our desire is for these kiddos to link arms through life, have tough conversations with one another, point each other to Jesus, and laugh it up!!! 

LOVE THESE FACES!!

science museum

My super thoughtful friend, Kristen, offered us a free day at the science museum last week.  We replied with an emphatic YES and had such a good time. 

there are four levels and each level has a different focus.  there was a dinosaur level that didn't interest me but was riley's favorite thing.

he and his friends sat in a replica of a fossil

the energy level had lots of fun stations that the kids could do hands-on activities

even g got in on the action with his magnetic wands

on the basement level is an area for kids ages four and under.  this is where the kids went wild.  g dressed in construction gear and rolled blocks up a conveyor belt.

r enjoyed the water table for a long time

and both could be found driving the grocery truck most of the time

we had such a good time  and didn't even get to everything.  We also found out that you can get a family membership that will pay for itself in two trips.  good thing these two crazy boys have birthdays coming up!

around here

unfortunately, until i find that new routine that i was talking about in the previous post... all of my posts will be random and mostly pictures.  here's what has been happening around here-

 caleb got to go to chucky cheese for a friend's bday party

while i was there with him, griffin waited for me to come home.  so sad, but lance texted this pic and said that he really did wait for me there.

since christmas... legos, legos, 

and more legos.

happy faces going to school

i got to the dentist and the salon... BANGS!  oh, my! 

a couple of trips the park on the warmer days.  lance was given a hammock at his staff retreat and it has provided for lots of entertainment.

i finished the lego cake this weekend.

that sums up the last week! 

looking for balance

sorry that my blogging has reached an all time SLOW.  ;)

since the start of the new year, i have had a very full plate and i'm tyring to find a new balance.  i want to make sure my hubs and kids are getting the best of me despite my new schedule.

i started a part time job from home.  i'm working for Watermark by writing the curriculum for their K1 Start Program.  This is the kindergarten and first grade group on Sunday mornings.  It has been exciting to use that side of my brain again.... those of you who have had kids know what i'm talking about.

I also have had a few cake/cookie orders.  Last week i had the opportunity to make a cookie monster cake and this week i am working on a lego cake.  i'll post that one when i finish.

Today it's snowing so the littles are watching some cartoons under a blankie and mommy is enjoying a slower morning with a sweet cup of coffee.  

Happy Tuesday friends!!

celebrating 2013

i stole some fun things off of pintrest this year and began some fun traditions!

first stop was the grocery store for some balloons! the employee thought i was nuts because i had these slips of paper i wanted her to put inside each balloon.  ;)

next, we labeled the balloons for every hour on the hour (we started at 4pm).  on that hour one of the kids would pop the balloon and everyone would answer the question inside.  i saved all the answers for each of their journals.  the kids questions came from HERE

then we baked up some yummy cookies and gave everyone the choice between sparkling grape juice or milk.

we read :

Philippians 3:13-14
No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. (NLT)

and toasted to a new YEAR of running the race with our eyes on Jesus!

once the kids were in bed, it was off to ring in the new year with friends... fondue style!

We had appetizer, meat, and dessert fondue... we had so much FUN!

and... more balloon popping... with adult type questions

couldn't ask for a more fun group!

we stayed out until 1am... and don't regret it!

welcome 2013!!!

See YA 2012

What a year it has been.... 

we began the dallas phase of our lives in JANUARY

riley turned three in FEBRUARY

griffin turned one in MARCH

we bought a house in APRIL

allie complete kindergarten (attending 3 different schools in one year) in MAY

 took a trip to Colorado in JUNE

attended family camp for the first time in JULY

caleb started kindergarten in AUGUST

took the fam to the rodeo and balloon festival in SEPTEMBER

hit up an oklahoma state game in OCTOBER

allie turned seven in NOVEMBER

and caleb turned six in DECEMBER

before anyone rolls their eyes and accuses me of being someone who looks like the perfect family with the perfect kids who had the most wonderful year.... STOP.  you must read my blog with a little more detail and it won't take you long to see the truth of the matter.  ;)

things aren't perfect here.  in fact, they are pretty messy and loud and full of mistakes.   

but that is what a new year is all about... looking at the blessings from the past and pressing forward into a new year.  a year full of hope because our Savior makes beautiful things out of our messes.  

WISHING YOU A YEAR FULL OF HAPPINESS GROWTH!