Fall 2011

Last weekend we had some professional pictures taken of the boys....they turned out AMAZING! I am so proud of our handsome guys. The photographer is just starting out and she did a GREAT job. Mama Elli and Baba (Elli and Andrew Katsourides) - I hope you enjoy these :) We miss you!!

Ever have one of those weeks when all you want

to do is this??

But instead you feel and look like this?

Yep......having one of those weeks!

Lent

Today starts the Lent season...

Reese has been very interested in Lent this year and he actually woke up this morning telling me...."Mommy today is Lent". We are going to do extra things for others this year and try to stress the importance of the Lenten season...

1. I am giving up meat for Lent. Usually it is just on Fridays, Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday but this year I feel like I need to do something more. Spend more time praying....
2. I am starting an individual bible study and will be doing a daily devotional with Reese each night. (James is a bit young) :)
3. Perform a weekly good deed for someone....hopefully this will be directed primarily by Reese and his choice.

I have also included some pics of the boys since it has been awhile. We recently went to the MU/KU basketball game and the boys had a blast. The other pics are just random. I hope everyone is having a good week.

Snow, Snow, Snow

The past few weeks have been absolutely CRAZY. We, as well as half the midwest, had a winter blizzard and record snowfall - all in a 24 hr period. We had 22 inches of snow on Groundhog day, had 2 more inches about 4 days later.......now a week to the day......3 more inches. I know those last numbers are not high, however on top of snow that NEVER melted.....it starts to add up. Reese has missed a total of 10 days this year due to snow. I told him he was going to forget his teacher's name! When the wind chill is not sub zero - Reese is enjoying playing outside. James on the other hand.....doesn't want anything to do with it....he likes it inside where it is warm! :) Smart kid.

Merry Christmas!

Wow - this has to be the best time of the year.....period. I love love love the Christmas season and everything it brings. Yes it is busy but that is no different that any other time of year for this family. To say Reese is super excited for Christmas would be an understatement. He goes around the house singing Christmas carols, drawing Christmas trees and other various pictures, wants to bake "Christmas goodies" and so on and so on...... James seems excited too (probably just because Reese is) ha!. Our presents are wrapped, "Diego" our Elf of the Shelf has been visiting, and Santa is getting ready for his big appearance.

We spent the weekend with my parents and had a great "pre-Christmas time". We baked and shopped, and went to a show in Branson. We LOVE spending time with them and couldn't imagine doing anything else. James has learned to say "ho ho ho merry christmas"....the only part that you can understand is "ho ho ho" but it is cute nonetheless..... :)

We had the boys pictures taken a few weeks ago and if there was one stressful thing for this holiday season - I guess that would be it. But if that is all we have to worry about - we have it pretty good. Enjoy the pics....my children are growing way to fast.

Our family has truly been blessed this year with health, love, and happiness. Merry Christmas everyone!

Wow - it's been awhile!

Fall is here and the cold air is setting in...we decided to take the boys to Knob park to take some pics and considering the fact we were just using our hand held camera....I think they turned out okay. They had fun climbing on the rocks and playing in the woods. The boys are growing like crazy and I really really need to be better about updating this blog. :) James is talking and is soooo much fun at this age. Reese is starting to read and is growing taller and taller everyday. Devin has grown exponentially over the last year and is nearly bigger than me. The boys are so fun and keep us on our toes for sure.

I will be posting Reese's birthday pics soon!

Farewell Mama Elli and Baba Katsourides........Hello Kindergarten

Well, the time finally arrived.......sniff sniff.......Our Beloved Mama Elli and Baba (Andrew) decided it was time to retire and move to Florida. I knew this day would eventually arrive, however I was not ready for it to be this May. Many tears were shed and it felt like a piece of my heart was being ripped out by the strings. Reese has been going to Mama Elli's since he was about 16 months and James started when he was 12 weeks old. So do the math....it has been a long time. They have TRULY become an intregal part of our family. Thank you Mama Elli and Baba for loving my children and helping me raise them everyday. You have impacted our lives more than you will ever know. We have moved on to a new place/daycare...but it will never be the same....ever. We love you dearly!


MOVING ON UP....PRESCHOOL GRADUATION>>>>>>>>>>> :)

WOW - what a busy spring is has been thus far...Reese graduated from Preschool and is well on his way to being a kindergartener....makes me happy and sad all at the same time...He is growing and growing. My baby......sigh....turning into a young boy whether I am ready or not. Reese is full of energy every single day, never wanting to come in from outside...EVER. :) He is also such a great big brother to James. I really don't think he could love James anymore than he does. I am so proud of him and so grateful God blessed me with loving children.

SPRING IS HERE!!!!

Well I think it is finally here......welcome Spring and Summer! Bring on the sunshine, bring on the great running weather (for me) ha!, bring on the long evenings of playing outside with my boys, and bring on the fun! We were able to BBQ last weekend and the boys FINALLY got to enjoy a popsicle outside. This is always a favorite for Reese and James was able to eat one for the first time too!! Here's to a fun summer to come!