December activities

December is a crazy busy month! Between Christmas prep, white elephant parties, book club, Christmas concerts, two birthdays and work/school... it gets crazy. Decorating the tree happened right after Thanksgiving decorations were put away. I put on some Christmas music, Jared worked outside pruning the tree, and the boys were super excited to see Marshall the Elf back that night! (This year Marshall's true identity was discovered, which made mom kinda sad to see her boy grow up). I still have some believers in the house, and so it is still magical :) 

One of the best parts of decorating was the discovery of the Christmas "boots" (as Isaac calls them). I collected 7 Cowboy stockings 4 years ago in San Antonio, way back before we had a full house of children. One by one the boys have picked out their stockings. We.had.one.left.and.it.had.Ruby.gemstones.on.it!!! With that being discovered, the name Ruby was finally agreed upon by dad ("I guess it's official!") That made me really happy to see that our last little stocking was not only fit for a girl, but had Rubies on it! 

A few other moments: Wes and Austin are highly addicted to Monopoly! I love how their minds work and strategize (Wes usually winning b/c he loves to collect more properties), and Levi pulling it down and making a mess of it whenever he can. Isaac came downstairs one day wearing Levi's clothing and mismatched socks, he thought nothing of it! Funny boy. Levi had a meltdown one afternoon begging for ice cream. I did all I could to distract him (so he would eat dinner), but eventually the tears, the climbing inside the freezer and persistence paid off and he got some Mint Choc Chip in his tummy. Levi often goes to time out, and sometimes falls asleep while on the step. Levi also likes to fish things out of the garbage!  Isaac drew a picture of our family, long before we knew we were having a girl. Here is his picture of "her."  Austin had a Christmas concert, which i unfortunately couldn't attend. I had a major boil fester up, at 8 months prego, which put me out of commission for a week. Lots of meds, prayers, sitz baths and tears were shed. Austin officially became a bobcat in Boy Scouts. He is very motivated and excited about Scouts! 

Thanksgiving

I don't get to go to Marley Park elementary very often, so when I showed up with Isaac and Levi in tow for the boys'  Thanksgiving lunch day, they were pretty surprised and happy. I enjoy being in the cafeteria and looking at all the students, especially my own children and who their friends are.  It was a quick visit and then off to work I went! Wesley later surprised me afterschool with a bouquet of flowers telling me, "Thanks for coming to my school for lunch today." ah! Melt my heart! Isaac also stole my heart with his cuteness when he made an Indian headband. 

Thanksgiving day was really nice and low key. I spent several hours the day before and day of preparing the Milanesas, which were amazing. I had to sit down b/c it was pretty exhausting with the huge 8 month prego belly. Ms Jan and Grpa Lowe brought over the homemade pies, drinks and rolls. Trisha and Mike Stanley brought over a salad. We were well fed and went around naming 100 things that we were grateful for. More than anything, I am grateful for my husband and children and the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.