A trip to NY

My Mom and I took a trip to see my neice and nephew, who we have both been missing terribly! They were happy to see us and we had a great time. I took them to see Mr. Magoreum's Wonder Emporeum, and I let them each open one Christmas gift early - that was a BIG hit! Madison and I played with a great shade of red lipstick too! Pretty snazzy huh?They are both growing into such amazing charactors! Madison's artistic creativity has blossomed even further with more attention to detail. Seth is "all boy" and give's his Momma a run for her money, but oooooh, when he is sweet he's sweet! Let me see, I think I know another boy in this family JUST like that...They were sad to see us go, especialy Eema, as they are still getting used to her bieng further away from them. In a perfect world, in a perfect world...if only we were in a perfect world!!!!
I love these kids! I wish so much we weren't so far apart~!

My baby LOVES her babies!

One day recently Aliza speant over an hour practicing her swaddling technique. I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures! She was so precise with the folds of the blanket and was talking to her dolly the whole time, little sweet chit chat that only mother and child really "get". She made me remember a time in my life when I would do the same, as did most children, especialy the girls. She loves her "Bitty Baby" that Gramma and Pop got her a few years ago, even though Tildy chewed her "ninners" durring puppy hood, she knows there is much love attached to this baby doll!

I can't help but look into her future and see the nurturing ways of Barb and Joey coming through the generations. To be patient and loving, caring and gentle can only be a good thing, just what the world needs!

Happy Birthday Izaak!

Although Izaak's Birthday isn't until the 18th, we had his party this Saturday. He had a great group of friends over and the boys stayed the night. We were supposed to go to a movie but they were having so much fun just hanging out they requested to stay at the house...cool with me! He really enjoyed showing his friends all his favorite U-tube clips and the laughter never stopped - literally - he and Jon were up until 5:30 a.m. laughing! I couldn't believe it, but then again, I remember my 7th grade sleepovers!

He received great gifts from his family and friends, and was excited by all of them! Here he is checking out his new book, Charles Dickens, which he is really excited to start! I'm so proud of you Izaak, of the friends you choose, the interestes you have and the young man you are becoming! Happy 12th baby boy!

Our New House!

Ok, so it's made of Ginger Bread, we'd move in if we could! This is a tradition we started last year and I have a feeling it will be an enduring one! Kaleb LOVES to decorate these things! His eyes lit right up when he saw I was assembling our "house". Eema lent a hand with the final touches and helped with the transformation from children to reindeer~! So much FUN!

Aliza's Christmas Program...

This past week Aliza sang in her pre-school's Christmas program. All the kids did wonderfuly and made our hearts melt with their little voices reciting snowy poems and singing little diddies! She looked beautiful in the dress Madison (her big girl cousin) passed down to her!

Even her brothers joined in the festivities and made their mother proud by dressing nicely and behaving like gentlemen for the evening, well, for the most part! There was a special surprise visit from Santa himself! Aliza jumped up on his lap and proceeded with her list of wishes, another dolly at the top, and a "computer like my brother gots". Sweet! Kaleb was "too big" to get up on Santa's lap but I caught him studying the big guy closely. Izaak threatened to hop on Santa's lap and I think the man nearly had a heart attack when he saw Izaak coming his way! In the end Izaak just said hello and posed nicely for a picture next to Santa.

I had to share this picture of the kids being silly before leaving for the show! A classic riot!I hope everyone is having as much fun with their kids this holiday season as I am with mine!

Ho Ho Ho!