O' Christmas tree...

Well, We decorated for Chritmas today.

( Yes, I am aware that it's not even Thanksgiving.)

But, that's how we do it in this house.

Now, usually I like to put the tree up by myself.

ALL by MYSELF.

But, the kids were itching to help,

and honestly I kind of wanted them to be a part of it this year.

I realize that they won't be little for long, and they are just as excited as I am about Christmas.

So, we did it as a family.

Of course It took us longer...

A LOT longer!

But, in the end...
The smiles on their faces,
made it well worth it.

Thankful.

Lee and I sat down to watch a movie tonight.

Before I knew it I had BOTH kids crammed on the couch with me.

I didn't even really realize it until Lee got my camera and took this shot.

Looking at it now, it just reminds me of how blessed I really am.

Sometimes I wonder what I ever did to deserve such AMAZING little kiddo's.

Running ALL weekend.

This weekend was BUSY.

My Mom kept the kiddo's for us

Friday, and Saturday so we could "celebrate" our anniversary.

We ended uo going to the movies. (New Moon... which was AWESOME.)

But, came home early, due to my cold.

I wasn't in the mood for a late night.

Sad. I know.

No kids, and bed-time at 9:30PM?

Not so romantic.

I woke up feeling better on Saturday, &

Lee had to deliver a report for his Dad, so we went to lunch,

then took a road-trip that lasted way longer than I expected.

It was a good time.

We had some interesting encounters on the way...

Which made for some interesting converstaions, as well as some good laughs.

Being cooped up in the car for hours is SO much more peaceful without cranky kids. :)

I loved it.

We woke up Sunday, and went to church, out to get the kids, then off to Cash's 1st birthday party this evening.

So like I said...

Busy, busy, busy.

But fun, fun, fun.

 Thanksgiving week is also right around the corner, so I have a feeling that this busy-ness

will be sticking around.

I'm up for it though, and super excited.

#9

Today marks our 9th year anniversary.

Wow. 9 years.

We were up until 2AM a few nights ago,

reminiscing over all that we've been through, and how our lives

have changed in those years.

It took me back to the 1st night we met.

I would have NEVER thought that "the hot guy in my living room"

would turn out to be my husband, and the father of my children someday.

It has been a journey.

One that has made us stronger as a couple, with every day that passes.

It's a great feeling being married to your best friend.

Yep. He's my favorite.

It's crazy at how after all this time...

The guy STILL gives me butterflies.

Wow, She's growing up.

We went and watched our oldest niece in her 1st volleyball game this evening.

I still can't believe she's in the 7th grade this year. Where did the time go?

I remember her 1st day of Kindergarten... now she's as tall as me?

Scary.

Anyhoo...

The girl did AWESOME.

It was fun cheering her on, and watching my husband.

You could tell he was one PROUD uncle.

He couldn't stop talking about how "good" she was.

(Even after we had been home awhile.)

Hahaha.

It was adorable.

-----------------------

Good job Stacie.

We'll be at the next one.

Oh brother!

Today was a 1st for me.

I was getting Layton dressed after his bath, and as soon as I buttoned up his new pair of cargos...

he froze, looked down, then looked back at me, stuck out his bottom lip and said:

"I don't like these Mommy. I DON'T like these."

He wasn't sassy, or disrespectful, just very "matter-of-fact."

Of course, he made me laugh.

He's NEVER been oppinionated about his clothes.

I told him that he looked handsome, and

that I would never dress him in something that didn't look nice on him.

(Honestly, he DID offend me... just a little.)

No matter what I said, he wasn't convinced.

I was stunned.

I Still am.

My sweet, easy-going, laid back child can be STUBBORN?

Go figure.

Simple Sunday

Today was a good day.

Church, and lunch afterwards with the family, then home for a day with nothing to do.

Yesterday wiped me out!

We spent most of it organizing the kids' bedrooms.

So, today was low-key.

The weather was cold, and gloomy.

Perfect day to stay in our PJ's.

The kids played, we relaxed, and I baked chocolate-chunk cookies.

Yep. It was perfect.