Check out that oat..

My most favorite cereal, that I eat every single morning is Honey Bunches Of Oats. About a month ago, Chris and I decided to have some for a late night snack. A huge oat fell into my bowl as I was pouring it. This got me so excited , it was a little scary. Then, the worst thing ever happened. Chris came over, picked it up and ate it. I never expected myself to react the way I did...but sadly, I got angry and said "You ate my oat!!! How could you do that?!?!"

This has been sort of a family joke ever since. I recently spoke with my sister who said she is territorial about food. Our oldest sister is also an admitted food hoarder. In fact, my sisters boyfriend has now nicknamed her "Junkyard dog" because of the growls he gets when he comes near her food. So glad I'm not alone on this.

This morning, as usual I poured myself honey bunches of oats, and miraculously, an oat as big as the one my husband stole, fell into my bowl. And I got so excited I took it out of the bowl and snapped a picture...it slipped from hand, fell on the floor, and guess what I did anyway?? I ate it. I guess my sister isn't the only junkyard dog in the family.

Christmas...

This year was one of my favorite Christmas' ever. We made it very low key...meaning, we didn't buy tons and tons of gifts. The kids each got four or five presents, and that was it. We could have got more than that, but are trying to help the kids fully understand what Christmas really is all about.

My husband and I both came from families that didn't have extravagant Christmas' (not that there's anything wrong with them) it just wasn't possible. In fact, Chris came from a family of nine kids, and one year they had hardly any money at all, and each got one present. All the boys got the same truck. Same color...same everything. Chris remembers it as being one of his most memorable Christmas' ever. Having less made them remember how much they truly had.

Everyone has to have their own style of Christmas. And I don't in any way judge those that have lots of presents. This just worked for us. And next year may be bigger. This year was a teaching moment.

We ate so much food. My favorite part of all. We ate leftovers so many times, my kids were almost in tears. They begged me to make something besides leftovers for dinner last night. I felt sorry for their poor little souls, and gave in.

Merry Christmas, my precious family!!

Christian...

Finally got my little Christian's picture done today. He was the last of the bunch. He's never been one to enjoy having his picture taken, and the ice cold weather didn't help matters. Next time, we'll be smart and do pics in Spring or Summer. Nevertheless, he is adorable, and I love this little guys with all my heart.

A story of charity...

Last night Halee prepared Family home evening. A family night we have every Monday, where we have a little spiritual thought, games, and treats. My kids love helping get involved by preparing the thought themselves. Halee was in charge last night, and she showed a video to us that truly touched my heart. I must have a serious case of Christmas, because I cried as a watched this animated video...and continued to be emotional for quite a while afterward. It's so simplistic yet so very profound. It made me realize how very blessed I am...and also, how important it is to reach out and serve others. The Lord has truly blessed my family over and over again, and my goal is, that even in my weaknesses I can reach and pay it forward when the opportunities arise.

We work in numbers...

There are 45 kids currently in our school. The Principle recently told me that our family makes up 10% of the school. This has worked to our advantage with the latest school year. There are a few kids who have had some bully like characteristics that have tried to gang up on our kids for various reasons. Halee particularly was targeted by this one girl who is very insecure, and went after Halee with a vengeance. Thankfully Halee is a tough cookie and handled things the way she should. She never kept it a secret and communicated with me about everything. What makes me even happier though, is that all our kids stuck together like glue. If Austin saw someone saying something mean to his brothers or sisters he would tell that person to "knock it off!" All of them at least once, has come to the aid of their siblings at one time or another this year. This makes my heart feel hugely grateful.

Do you want to know what I'm even happier about??? Those mean kids are switching schools. Whew. I can breathe easier now.

Cat's need educated too...

Chris found Scarlett outside our back door on a cold 30 degree morning, reading to one of our cats. Not really sure if it did much for the cat, but it sure made me and my husband smile. The part that puzzles me though, is that the cat is actually is leaning in to look....weird.

Oh Christmas Tree...let us not hurt each other...

When we pile into our car it can be a frightening experience. The noise level can make you want to jump out of your car while it's in motion. I haven't been brave enough to try it yet, but if you hear of any car accidents similar to this... involving a family of 8, don't be surprised.

We went Christmas tree hunting on Saturday. We found this cute little farm that sold beautiful Noble tree's...my favorite. It didn't take us long to find the one we wanted. A cute chubby tree, that stole our hearts.

I love Christmas. I have been listening to Pandora Christmas for weeks now, and I swear if I weren't born to be me, I would have been born to be Mrs. Santa.

Dying brain cells, and a bigger heart...

I have turned into an airhead. I didn't used to be this way. I have tried to figure out how it happened, and the only conclusion I can come up with is that over time, my brain cells have begun dying. Maybe from having six kids? This is a possibility. On that note though, my heart has grown and I have gained wisdom that I wouldn't trade for the brain of Einstein. These sweet children are worth it all.

They each gave me special little heartfelt gifts for my birthday. Every gift touched my heart.

My husband treated me like a Queen all day long. The funny part about this, is that he treats me Queen like on a daily basis...he really does. If you know him, you know I'm not exaggerating...but on my birthday, it was times 10.

So, all in all, turning 34 could have been a whole heck of a lot worse. I feel blessed.