All posts by Jana

More snow and getting ready for Christmas

We had some more snow today. Love fresh snow. It was also time to start decorating for Christmas. We all have special ornaments that go on the tree each year plus a new ornament for each year.  Our tree is eclectic.  We have airplane ornaments we have been collecting and the boys each get a special ornament from my mom and dad every year.  We also have childhood ornaments that have to be on the tree, too.  I love this time of year and being able to spend it with family.

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Helping Dad get the Christmas tree together
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Decorating the tree
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Finding the right spot
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More snow

Snow!

It’s always exciting when it starts to snow.  It’s even more exciting if it’s on a school day, but this snowstorm wasn’t. It was on a Saturday, but everyone loves snow!

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View from the front door.
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Brotherly love
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Handsome boy with a pretty view
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Hiding from big brother is always fun

Lima Beans

When I was a kid, we had Lima beans as part of our dinner at least once a week. My dad liked Lima beans. I do not. I had to eat at least five before I could leave the table. It took me forever and I usually only got down two, before my dad would tell me I could leave the dinner. Lima Beans are mushy and just, well, gross.  I never serve Lima beans and the boys wanted to know why. I told them the story and they insisted they had to try them.  I went to the store and bought Lima beans. I cooked them up for them. They were telling me how good they were going to be and how much they would like them. They put on brave faces, but behind the smiles were looks of disgust. They now understood why I didn’t allow this mushy bean in our house. They have never asked for Lima Beans again.

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Happy Halloween

The boys love Halloween. I pretty sure it is all the candy they get and it is fun to dress up, too.  This year we were behind on getting costumes together and were busy the night before getting them ready. Baden had no idea what he wanted to be. We must have looked at every costume available, but nothing seemed to fit. Finally he decided he wanted to be a biker. He really looked the party with his cool sunglasses and tattoo sleeves ( I got some too so I could wear them to work). Billy decided he wanted to be a Ghostbuster! It was perfect for him. They had fun at their class parties and then at the trunk or treat held at the church. They are already thinking about next year.

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Motorcycle Tough Guy & A Ghostbuster

Billy’s a Bear

Billy earned his Bear rank in Cub Scouts.  He worked really hard fulfilling requirements.  A tradition in our pack is to paint the face of the scout that advances, so it makes it a lot of fun for the parents, too.  He also earned his Whittling Chip, too.  I think he was more excited about the Whittling Chip than the rank advancement. 🙂

His den leader, Sis. Yancey, awarding his Bear and Whittling Chip.
His den leader, Sis. Yancey, awarding his Bear and Whittling Chip.
Pinning mom.
Pinning mom.
Getting ready for some face paint.
Getting ready for some face paint.
Getting it just right.
Getting it just right.

Fiesta del Globo

New Mexico has some of the bluest skies and those skies fill with balloons in October for Balloon Fiesta.  It is one of my favorite times of year.  It never gets old to watch the balloons lift off.  We always pray for no rain and no wind during the two weeks of Balloon Fiesta.  It is New Mexico at its finest!

God Bless America
God Bless America
Getting ready to lift off
Getting ready to lift off
A cool view
A cool view
Mass Ascension!
Mass Ascension!
Spider Pig, Spider Pig!
Spider Pig, Spider Pig!
A new special shape
A new special shape
The boys' favorite!
The boys’ favorite!
An Elvis Sighting
An Elvis Sighting
A crowd favorite every year!
A crowd favorite every year!

 

GOALLLL!

It’s soccer season.  This was Baden’s first time playing.  He was excited, but that first game was tough.  He cried and didn’t want to play.  I tried talking to him, but ultimately I had to leave and walk away from the field as Bill stayed with him.  I am still not sure what made him anxious, but once I left he was okay.  Then I was able to come back and he was having fun.  He had great coaches that taught the kids the basics and to have fun.  Billy has a knack for playing soccer once he gets his head in the game.  It was fun to watch him hone his skills and learn new ones.  It was a fun season!

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Billy in action
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Power Kick!
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Attacking the ball!

 

Baden's first game!
Baden’s first game!

A new toy

Bill had been eyeing a mini bike on Craig’s List for awhile, but he could never get a hold of the seller.  Finally, he was successful and we became owners of a new toy!

Billy getting ready to ride "the hog".
Billy getting ready to ride “the hog”.
Baden taking a turn.
Baden taking a turn.

Happy Birthday, Bill!

A week after Baden’s birthday, we celebrate Bill’s birthday.  It was  a low key affair.  He didn’t know what he wanted and he is not easy to buy for.  So, the boys and I decided to get him a Nerf gun. Not sure that was smart. 🙂

My three favorite boys
My three favorite boys

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First day of school!

It’s that time of year again — school has started.

The boys started on different days so Baden got his birthday off.  Billy started on the 14th and Baden started on the 15th.  Billy is in 4th grade and Baden is in 1st grade.  Here’s to a great year!

Ready for 4th grade?
Ready for 4th grade?
Ready for 1st grade?
Ready for 1st grade?
They got this!
They got this!