Going Green

After 4 years in our house,

we finally got around to doing some painting! :)

Yesterday, I didn't have a babysitter for school, so Derek took the day off. Since he was home, we decided to get to some projects that we've been meaning to do for a long time. So, while the boys were napping, we painted 2 of our living room walls a light green color.
Isaac woke up when we were still painting,
so he joined in the fun!

Derek is pretty handy with the roller! :)

Trevor is our little daredevil...
I couldn't keep him off the ladder!

Here is the finished product. It's a pretty subtle change,
but it's fun to have a little something different.

Our Play Day

Since we both had yesterday off, Derek and I decided that we needed to have a "Play Day." Yes..there were a million productive things that needed to be done, but I've learned that every once in a while, it's good to just take a break and enjoy life! :)

We started our day with a wild game of "Pillows."
This time, Derek got a little bit too involved...

After nap time, we headed over to the mall

to ride the carousel.

Next, we headed to "Family Night" at Chick-fil-a.
The boys had so much fun!
They especially loved the "balloon guy," who made
Isaac a lion, and Trevor a Lightning McQueen.
(He really was amazing!)

Then the boys were spoiled with a little ice cream!Trevor eventually gave up on the spoon... :)
I love days like this.

Rock Stars

Here's my favorite picture of the week:

Here are Isaac and his buddy, Sara,
in their matching Rock Band shirts.
How cute is that?! :)

We love you, Sar!

Remembering Gramps

One year ago today we were with my family,
celebrating the life of this great man.My sweet Grandpa died on January 10, 2009, which was also his 90th birthday. There is so much I could say about this great man. He taught me about service, family, dedication, and love. My life is definitely blessed because he is
my "Gramps."

Today we were able to visit the grave of Grandpa and Grandma with a few of my siblings. The great-grandkids gathered around his grave and sang "Happy Birthday." It was a cute way for them to connect with this Grandpa,
who was always such a big part of their lives.

Isaac wanted to be sure we brought new flowers for Grandpa and Grandma Bird. When we got there, he asked me if he could put them in by himself. He was very careful and took his time to make sure it looked just right. I am so glad that Isaac had the chance to get to know Grandpa
and that he still remembers him.

I am grateful today to remember my grandpa
and the good life that he led.

Daddy's Home!

Here's a little taste of what happens at our house
on the nights that Daddy comes home:

This is their newest wrestling move...
affectionately referred to as the "Booty Punch."

I love this picture!
Look at how happy they all are! :)

Hold on tight, boys!

Check out Isaac's face! Ha-ha!

(I apologize for the lack of pants...we were in the process of getting jammies on when the wrestling match began!) :)

Derek is such a great dad and there is no doubt that he is their very best buddy. I love to sit back and watch them interact. (Plus...I am way to tired for that kind of rough-housing by the end of the day!) :) I am so grateful to have
all of these fun, crazy boys in my life!

Christmas Wrap-Up

So...I know I am totally late with this,
but we had so much fun that I just have to share! :)

Christmas Eve Highlights:

-Traditional ham/prime rib dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Allen's house
-Visit from Santa...totally terrifying to my poor boys! :)
-Family pictures (always an adventure!)
-Skype visit with Grammy and Papa in Africa
(we even got to open a present from them...thanks to their good friend who got them to all of us)
-Getting milk and cookies ready for Santa (Isaac especially loved this part!)
-Lots of fun with the Allen fam!

Christmas Morning Highlights:

-Isaac was a little apprehensive to go upstairs because he was afraid that Santa hadn't left yet. He didn't want to have another encounter with the jolly guy! :)
-The first thing Isaac did was check to see if Santa ate his cookies.
- The boys were thrilled when they saw their gifts!
-Trevor went right for the new "puppy"
-Isaac was ecstatic about his new Buzz Lightyear!
-We had a great morning with Uncle Dave, Aunt Alissa, Grandma, and Grandpa.
-The boys were totally spoiled! :)
-Yummy traditional breakfast...ableskeivers, ham, and eggs!
-Ryan and Sera came over with their boys for the gift exchange.
-The boys had so much fun with their cousins!

Christmas Day Highlights:

-We spent the rest of the day at Grandma's house
-We played with our new toys and relaxed.
-We played Rock Band all day (& night!). :)
-We met up with my family later that night to hang out, eat treats, and Skype with Grammy & Papa.

We are so lucky to have such wonderful family
to spend the holidays with.
We had a great Christmas this year!

Jen & Marvin's Big Day

Wow! We have had such a busy month!
Aside from Christmas (which I will post about eventually), my older sister, Jen got married. We are so happy for her!

The happy couple...Jennifer and Marvin Pearce
(How cute are they?!)

Jen, Marvin, and their 6 kiddos!
We are so excited to have Marvin and his 2 cute girls in our family.

This is just moments after the wedding ceremony.
My super-savvy sister-in-law (way to go, Lins!) was able to reach Mom and Dad in Africa on her phone for Jen. It was so neat to have them join in the fun from the other side of the world!

Here are my boys at the party that night.
(Silly Trevor!)

Here are are my wacky husband and brother!
Eyebrows up, fellas! :)

Isaac on the dance floor with his cute cousins.
He is especially fond of Jen's daughter, "Micoley!" :)

My handsome man and me!