simply having a wonderful Christmastime!

I have been a lazy blogger!  We had a very nice Christmas this year.     

A few days before Christmas, we were able to visit a special new addition.  A sweet family from our town recently adopted little Eisely from Henan province. Sarah brought her a Mulan doll as a gift and was very excited to meet her, even though she looks less than thrilled in the picture.  The third little sweetie is a mutual friend from our neighborhood.

 We had fun decorating cookies for Santa.  

 Jason is trying to make Justin smile!

Jason liked his Spiderman web shooter and the green cape that Logan gave him.  (notice "the aftermath" in the background!)

 Sarah liked her presents, too... especially these empty wrapping paper rolls.  ;)

We had visits from both sets of grandparents.  Here Sarah is instructing Grandma and Grandad the proper way to open their gifts.  

And here Sarah and Grandpa are taking a snooze on the couch.   

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

A family tradition

Every fall we get family pictures taken, although the last few years the parents have not joined in the fun.  ;)  
Is it just me, or are family pictures a somewhat stressful event?   Anyway, this year we did pretty well--  I have a friend who is a great photographer (thanks, Ferrill!) and off we went to get some pictures.

Needless to say, with five kids (and two of them are very squirmy), there were lots of out-takes.  But in the end we did manage to get some good shots 

This last one cracks me up because right before and right after this shot Sarah was whining and pouting.  But this one is great!

Do all parents get nostalgic when they see their kids shiny, clean, and smiling?
Because these pictures make me feel like even with all of our struggles, mistakes, and bad days... well, it just gives me hope that maybe we are doing OK.
Parenting is a hard gig, and sometimes I think it is really hard for me to see the forest for the trees...but when the day is done, and I fall into bed-- exhausted-- I pray that we are remembering what's most important.   


And then I get up in the morning and try a little harder to be a little better. :)  


And because I'm feeling nostalgic...here's a trip down memory lane:

Three years ago, this was our first picture as a family of five kiddos. Sarah had been home for only a few weeks and both Sarah and Jason still had their sweet baby cheeks!!   My, how they've all grown!   {sigh!}


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and now he's 6 !

Jason is now SIX!

Jason has learned a lot of new things lately.  He can ride his new birthday bike without training wheels.  He loves school and is a great little reader.  

I love the time we get to spend together in the afternoon. Sarah and I will both miss him when he goes off to first grade next year.

Happy birthday to my sweet boy!  We. love. you!