It's December!!

Last year my sister, Carol, had a cute idea.  She took each of her children's pictures with a Santa hat on and then displayed them in frames coming down her staircase.  She's done it again this year...and now with three faces of my own to photograph...I thought I'd give it a whirl.  Whenever I try to "re-create" a cute idea...things don't turn out quite how I'd "picture"...but these definitely have a "flavor" all their own. 

Either way, it's a fun way to get in the mood of the season!

(See my sister's blog--link on the sidebar--for the real deal.)

All Dressed Up!

Courtesy of Grandma Franson...

Nathan as Peter Pan
Joshua as Tick-Tock the Crocodile
Elizabeth as Tinkerbell
Miriam as Wendy
and last but not least...
Greg as Captain Hook!

Because of a fun visit from Grandma and Grandpa Franson and these great costumes...we'll remember this Halloween for a long time!

A Glimpse of Things to Come...

Our Grandma and Grandpa Franson are coming to visit for Halloween. Grandma has been hard at work making amazing costumes for all of us! Here is a preview of things to come! Thanks Grandma Franson!

...Getting Things Done...

I was recently released from teaching Gospel Doctrine in our ward (have been doing it since the beginning of the year) and am now in the Primary presidency. Sunday preparation has changed from intensive scripture study to making "cutesy" things in preparation for the primary program! This is my latest strategy for getting things done without having it take a toll on my kids.

Togetherness at its best!

(Hopefully no one will notice the little flecks on play-doh and drool on the invitations!)

Me and my Girl

Yesterday Elizabeth turned 6 months old! Just can't say how much this girl of ours means to me!

What's a mom to do?!

Joshua has been very resistant to sleep these past few weeks. When Greg and I head up for bed at night we find him sleeping at the top of the stairs with his pillow, blanket, and bear...or in his doorway. But one night recently we didn't find him in either of those places or in his bed. There was brief moment of panic for me until I looked down and saw two little legs poking out from the drawer under his bed. Yes...he was asleep! And even said many grumpy words about being disturbed as we (again) tucked him under the covers. This boy definitely has a mind of his own!

Into Fall...

I have been totally slowed down in "blogging" by feeling the need to catch up! But, fall is just too fun of a time to miss the "now"! So...here goes...These pictures capture a typical after school moment these days. After we walk home from the bus stop in the afternoon with Nathan we often stay outside for a little bit. I sit on the porch steps and go through Nathan's backpack--while I hear his "report" of the day, and we all "decompress" a little bit before going in to fix dinner!

Often we are most happy around here these days when we're all together, but each one busy doing their own thing.

Elizabeth--5 1/2 Months

Brothers...

Just starting to sift through all of our summer pictures. I just couldn't help but do something with this one this morning. The picture was taken in Cache Valley on a walk around the neighborhood with my mom.

One of the things I so wanted for my boys this summer was to get to experience just regular life "in the country" at home...this kind of captures that for me. Don't you love Nathan's boots?!

And I Was a Skeptic...

I've seen these "Bumbos" everywhere and wondered who would actually spend the money for one...until I was given one to try today! I've been trying to figure out how to do the next few months with a currently 4 month old, over 18 pound baby that can't yet sit up. I'm carrying her a lot, and have been debating a new baby carrier to try to help...but at least for today...this has become a total lifesaver! (If I can just keep Nathan from sitting in it or using it as a helmet we'll be golden!)