First Christmas Lego Project complete!

Sweets

Me: " Ailia, you smell like goodness and sweets."

Ailia: "You smell like coffee."

Verse

As Jaden was practicing his verse for last night he was having a hard time remembering the last part:

"this census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria."

His version?
"this bowl took place while the spoon was eating his cereal."

Christmas

Ready for Church

Two Front Teeth!

Sticky Fingers

While reading Spiderman this particular night and Jaden reading the phrase "my fingers can stick to anything" he started spontaneously singing...

Reindeer Farm

A week until Christmas and we had to see what the reindeer were up to today.

Legacy

I cannot even express how much I appreciate my Dad. I am so thankful that he is talking to my son about issues of faith, writing to encourage a new reader, taking time out of his life to build into Jaden's, and continue the heritage he began in his own children. My deepest desire is for Jaden to know and love Jesus as his savior, and live his life for him. Thank you Papa for helping encourage Jaden in his journey of faith.

More Christmas treats!

The finished product.

Christmas Tree 2011

Helping with Christmas treats.

Lincoln Log creation by Jaden (and papa).

Robbers

Me: (as we are getting ready to walk out the door) "Bri, do you think I should turn off the heater?"
Ailia: "We don't want it to be nice and warm if robbers come into our house."

Ailia

First time writing her name ~ 3 years old ~ pretty sure she is a genius :)

Ailia's Christmas tree

Enjoying a golf cart ride compliments of Uncle Al for all the cousins.

Alex Bay

Sunset over the St. Lawrence ~ Jaden enjoying the last minutes of light and tossing the football to himself.

Baker

Ailia loves baking ~ she is such a good helper in the kitchen. This mess resulted in some delicious cranberry bread.

American Flag

Dad, why don't you see the American flag when you look at the moon?

Barnes and Noble

Jaden with his artwork that was chosen to be displayed at Barnes and Noble for the book fair.

Nice

While coloring asks, "Does a cross tell us that Jesus died?"
I respond, "the cross reminds us that Jesus took our punishment for us."

Her response: "that was so nice!!"

Abeatha all strapped in and ready to go.

Monkey Boy

Names

Ailia: "when I get older I'm going to name my babies Krubry and Drubry."
Jaden: "maybe I'll name one Jim."

Fun Run/Walk

As a school fundraiser this year Jaden's school sponsored a fun run/walk. The students got pledges from friends and family based on the number of laps they completed or on a flat fee. Hiliary was the first victim, sponsoring Jaden for $5.00. When Jaden asked Bama Toomey to sponsor him he added, "Hiliary already did.". Bama said, "well I'm sure I can match that, what did she pledge?"

Not missing a beat, Jaden responded with, "three hundred and eight dollars."

Surprises

Brian found a booger on his pillow tonight. He was so grossed out and disgusted. I honestly thought he was going to be sick.
I, of course, couldn't stop laughing...

Playing

Overheard between Jaden and Ailia playing:
"No I will not be your husband.
I know it is pretend, but it's creepy."

Gotta love a man with boundaries.

From my sweet second born at dinner tonight, "Mom, can you please never make this again? I think I'm going to barf."

At least she was polite about it...

Gourmet is wasted on the young...

Top tooth.

Another lost tooth, this time on the top!
It was only days after his friend Ethan lost his. So now they are twin toothless lispers. So cute! (and just a little creepy...)

Jaden helping Ailia on the monkey bars :)

Ailia Art

Beautiful sunny fall day at the park.

Parties

"I don't like parties without piñatas. To me they aren't parties." Jaden Butler

Reading books with Aunt Hil

"Every day Ailia just gets cuter and cuter."
Brian Butler

Painting.

Beaver Lake

We had the unique opportunity to go to Beaver Lake just the three of us, as Jaden was at school and It was the day before daddy started days. We
Walked, discovered lots of mushrooms and talked about animals. Ailia brought her baby (Bea - short for Abeatha) and carried her in the front carrier the entire time! A fun time!

Zoo Crazies

More zoo fun

Milking

Milking

Zoo

She's a crafting fanatic!

Jaden

I should know better...

Sometimes I just want a good picture of the two of them together. Both smiling, in focus,  looking at the camera, you know ~ a keeper? Nearly impossible. This photo session turned into more of a wrestle session, lots of laughs, and silliness, and goofing ~ I really should know better by now shouldn't I?

Ailia

Is it terrible that I think this is funny?

At the zoo

Another tooth!

Fourth tooth, two in two days!

Parenting

I have been reading "grace based parenting" by Tim Kimmel. The idea that we are to act towards our children how God acts toward us - with love and Grace.
"you have been singled out to do a favor for God. He is asking you to be His representative to a small but vital part of the next generation. He needs someone to be His voice, his arms, and His heart. He chose you.
He chose you to assist Him in a miracle. He gave you children and then said, "Now go, and give these precious lives meaning." It's a mandate that comes with a great reward if you succeed, but a heavy price if you fail."
Wow.

Ready for the Season Opener! Go SU!

"One must be very careful with fire, dragons, and bears.". Ailia

Continuing to monkey around.

Hot!

Riding Bikes

Did I mention Hoola Hoops?!?

Hoola Hooping!

Sleeping Angels

Lunch at Koto

Jaden weaving at Grandmas

Swinging with Papa TOOMEY

She loves to sing...

Jaden trying to decide on dessert...