Christmas Eve Traditions

In a typical year, the Christmas Season lasts for about a month. It "officially" starts the day after Thanksgiving, and usually builds up until Christmas Day. Sometimes people celebrate a bit here and there until New Years Day. For me, the excitement builds and builds and peaks on Christmas Eve.

Nativity Tradition

One of the common traditions for the Christmas season is to do a reenactment of the Nativity scene. There's always Mary, Joseph, wise men, shepherds, the inn keeper, baby Jesus, a donkey, sheep, angels, and whatever else we can think of until we run out of people. I actually love doing the nativity reenactments. Even though it's the same story year after year, no two are ever the same.

The Awesome that is Martial Arts

"Wax on. Wax off." I'm pretty sure anyone who is anyone can identify that quote without much effort. This is especially true for anyone over the age of 30. That is because we come from the Karate Kid era. That's the era of thinking martial arts was our ticket to AWESOME. I was never able to persuade my parents to enroll me in a class. I guess I was just lucky that, regardless of this fact, I still turned out AWESOME.

The Christmas Card Attempt

Kingston is quite the character. Getting a nice picture of the kids to send out with our Christmas cards was quite the challenge this year.

Slightly Silly

Borderline Evil

Definitely wicked

Frightfully jovial

Fully Silly

It all worked out in the end. I sure have some cute kids. A few funny faces just adds to the enjoyment. It also brought on some laughs. What could be more Merry Christmas than that?

The Possibilities are Endless

There's something magical about playing dress up when you're a child. It's not just clothing. It's a whole experience. You put on a wizard's robe from Harry Potter, and you are IN that story. You ARE at Hogwarts!

Careful What You Pack Away

Look what we found as we were unpacking our Christmas decorations! 

I knew I should have double checked after Cameron packed things up last year.

#totallykidding #dontcallCPS

Last Day in DC

{This is part four of a four blog series covering our awesome Anniversary trip to Washington DC. Read the previous 3 days' posts to see all four installments}

When you're on vacation you want to make the most of every single minute you are there. Cam and I felt this way about our Anniversary Trip to Washington DC, too. After spending all day walking around DC on Saturday, there were still a half a dozen must see tourist things that we wanted to try to shove into our day before heading back home Monday afternoon. Sometimes though, our hearts are willing, but our bodies aren't able.

We had an appointment to tour the FBI headquarters Monday morning. I had signed us up months in advance, and they were very specific about what we could and could not bring on the tour. We were there bright and early, not quite sure what the tour would entail. We weren't allowed to take photographs inside the building. I wasn't even allowed to bring a purse inside. Mysterious....

Sabbath Away From Home

{This is part three of a four blog series covering our awesome Anniversary trip to Washington DC. Read the previous two days' posts, and stay tuned tomorrow for the final installment}


I'm glad that Sundays exist. We believe that the Sabbath is a sacred day meant for focusing on our spiritual growth. It means spending time in church and doing other more reverent things. Thankfully, that usually also means resting and recharging physically. This is even more true when you aren't doing the usual caring for five children. It was a nice break from normal.

An Epic Day of Touring

{This is day two of a four blog series covering our awesome Anniversary trip to Washington DC. Read yesterday's post to see the beginning, and stay tuned the next two days to see the remaining installments}

The Ritz-Carlton in Pentagon City is attached to the Fashion Centre mall. I wasn't sure how that would work out for us, but I ended up really liking it! It gave us access to parking that was half the price of the valet with the hotel. It also gave us some good options for a quick breakfast on the go. There were a few options, but I usually opted to get something yummy from Panera.

On Our Way to Washington DC!

{This is part one of a four blog series covering our awesome Anniversary trip to Washington DC. Stay tuned the next three days to see all four installments}

Wedding Anniversaries are a big deal in our house. Marriage is sacred. It's something to be remembered and celebrated as often as possible. Cameron and I do date night every Friday night. In addition to that, we make a big to-do about our anniversary every year.

The two of us take turns planning for the occasion. We've learned the hard way that when we are both planning, then really, neither of us are planning. This year it was my turn to plan the festivities. I started well in advance. Cameron is passionate about patriotism, and had never visited the nation's capitol. As a result, I determined that our destination of choice was definitely Washington DC.

Capturing the Season

My favorite season is Autumn. Now, don't get me wrong, there are plenty of other perfectly wonderful things about every other season. However, Autumn has my heart. I love the crisp cold air that finally breaks through after the hot summer months. I love the beautiful autumn leaves on the trees, and then watching them fall to the ground. North Carolina's abundance of trees makes this season breathtakingly beautiful.

Chocolatey Goodness

Sometimes you just want chocolate. You crave it from the very depths of your soul! You just know that if you can simply have that rich satisfying miracle that all will be right with your life. Sometimes though, mere chocolate isn't enough. You need a chocolate pie. That, my friends, is the true ticket.

It's a Volleyball Life

I love it when my kids find things they love. I especially love when I am able to help them work towards a goal of improving in the their newly found interests. It makes me feel as though we're all doing something great.

Women's Conference

Twice a year I have the chance to break away from my routines and listen to words meant just for the sisters in my church. Twice a year I take my daughters that are over 8 years old (right now just Madalyn) and we go to the church and listen to a broadcast from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. As sisters in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we bond together to gain the strength and resolve we need. It's definitely a special, and much anticipated time for me.

Umbrella

We see them. They look so cute. They come in all colors and patterns. They often have matching boots and perhaps a jacket. They bring so much joy. We want to buy them. We KNOW we shouldn't do it. But we do anyways.

Pirates in the Family

One of my family's favorite holidays is one that is a bit lesser well known. Thanks to Krispy Kreme Donuts, it is a bit like a prequel to Halloween in our household. In case you're unaware, International Talk Like a Pirate Day, is the special holiday I am referring to. It's a great one.

Deer at Tanglewood

One of the favorite things the kids and I discovered last summer that we were excited to attend again this summer is "Tuesdays at Tanglewood". Tuesdays at Tanglewood is a class that is held each Tuesday at one of the shelters in Tanglewood Park. Each week a different topic is discussed, and there are fun crafts and games for the kids to participate in. We didn't make it every single week, but we had fun when we did attend!

The Perfect Lunch Date

Mother daughter lunches can be so much fun. I usually have all five kids in tow during the day, so when I was able to break away for an hour or two to do lunch with just Britta, I was thrilled!

The Miracle of Nature

I've never been one to like flying insects. Or... I guess... insects in general, but specifically flying insects. I've always had this fear that they would fly into my face. It gives me the shivers just to think about it. My children do not share this same fear, thank goodness. Or at least I think that's a good thing.

Blueberry Picking

Last year we fell in love with berry picking. One of the berries we found here in North Carolina was the blueberry! There is a great little blueberry farm about 20 minutes from our house. When we went picking there last year we were super impressed with how fabulous the berries were, and how cheap they were, too! We were absolutely determined to go again this year. So glad we were able to make that happen.

Maple Bars

When I was a kid we use to go to Harmon's, a local grocery store in Utah, and get the most delicious donuts ever. My absolute favorite kind was the maple bars. They had the best maple glaze frosting I have ever tasted. I moved out of state when I was twelve, and have been searching for an adequate replacement for that maple glaze ever since. I have had very poor luck, until now.

Return to the Kid Zone

There are certain things that go right along with having small children. Messy diapers. Spending time in the lobby at church. And mall area play places. Unfortunately, when you have both older and younger children, sometimes that last thing fades away for the younger children.

Love Hate Relationship

I hate going to the pool. I know that is a very bold statement to start out a blog post with. Now, let's be clear, I do not hate swimming. I do not hate the pool itself. I also do not hate happy children. I simply hate going to the pool. It's a huge hassle and with two little babies I would prefer avoid it. Having said that, the list I just made of things I do NOT, in fact, hate, is motivation enough to get me to the pool a few times every season.

Tiny Biscuits on a Fun Date

It was my turn to take Maddy on a Mother Daughter date this month. I decided I wanted to go out and eat some food that I didn't have to make myself. Maddy was perfectly happy with this idea as well, so off we went!

Water Balloon Fun!

Service is really important. However, when you're a kid, and that service involves filling up water balloons for a bunch of kids to play with, kids that are not you, that's tough service. My kids helped fill up the water balloons for Activity Day, and I wouldn't let them throw a single one themselves. I figured, after enduring that, my children deserved a water day of their very own!

Piano Pals

It warms my heart to see the older kids share their time and talents with the little ones.

North will be a pro in no time flat!

S'more Awesome Ice Cream!

Sometimes you want amazing ice cream. Sometimes that ice cream is hard to come by because a certain ice cream company is having difficulties and you can no longer purchase their products {cough} Bluebell {cough}. We took matters into our own hands this time and made an amazing chocolate ice cream of our own.

BBQ in Mayberry

On our drive home from cherry picking we were all hungry and looking for a good place to eat lunch. At first we were inclined to stop at some Mom and Pop type place that we couldn't find anywhere else. But, after our first attempt landed us somewhere that, after we looked up online reviews, was rated very poorly, we decided to stick with what we know. We saw a Little Richards BBQ and decided that was the place for us!

Cherry Picking

One of my very favorite things to do with the kids here in North Carolina is going to harvest fruits and vegetables! We've picked strawberries, blue berries, apples, and this year we went to pick cherries!

Minion Hat

As I've mentioned in past posts, my sister Heather really likes Minions. It's a pretty fun love to have, actually. I especially like it because it means my kids get fun surprises periodically sent to them. This time it was an awesome Minion hat.

Britta's Modeling

When we decided at the beginning of the year to let Britta try out modeling we didn't quite know what to expect. Would it take up a lot of time? Would it be stressful? Would she even like modeling? How does the whole thing even work? Well, the answers to those questions have come slowly for us, but sometimes slowly isn't a bad thing.

When a Toy isn't a Toy

As a first time parent you tend to invest a lot into toys for your child. It's important that they have the best entertainment that money can buy. However, as your child grows up and you gain some experience (and perhaps a few more children), you realize that usually the favorite toys are those you wouldn't think of as toys at all.

Water Activity Day

Water Activities are some of my favorite things to do with large groups. When I was called to be a leader for the girls ages 8-11 in my church, I knew we were going to have to do some fun water activities. I was excited to have so many people to make them fun!

It's Science!

River received a fun science experiment book for his birthday. I had every intention of having him pull it out all the time and sitting down to explore the world of Science as a family. However, sometimes the fun things get put off when a trip to the store is required. Thankfully I had River look through the book again to find an experiment we had all of the supplies for. Also, I told him to make a shopping list so we could plan for more upcoming Science fun!

Stamp Out Monday

What happens when your 12 year old leaves out her new little Lion stamp from the birthday party treat bag she'd received from a friend? Fun for your 3 year old!

Baby North, Model?

We were contacted by Britta's modeling agency about a possible job for Baby North. We needed to take a few pictures first though. They wanted to see some pictures of him on his feet (since it was an ad for a footwear company).

Singer's Company

One of the things that takes a bit of research and determination with Homeschooling is finding some good extra curricular activities for the kids to participate in. Now, let me be clear, there are no shortage of programs for kids to participate in. The challenge comes in deciding which one is a good fit for our family. Thankfully, we've had some pretty good luck thus far!

Dinner and Ice Cream

Sometimes the most basic dates can be just want you need. We sometimes do elaborate dates involving funny activities or creative meals. But not always. Sometimes all I need is some good food, and a good looking date to keep me company.

Pretty Kingston

Someone got into his sister's play make-up kit. I can't say I'm pleased.

Then again, it does seem to bring out the blue in this baby's eyes.

Lost a Tooth

There are certain milestones that happen for pretty much every person in the world. For this particular milestone, exactly when that day comes tends to vary a bit, but usually it happens when a person is between 6 and 8 years old. As it happens, Britta is 7 years old right now. She has now joined the "I've Lost a Tooth Club." And she is pretty thrilled about it.

Birthday Boy

One thing I love about how we do birthdays in this house is that it doesn't matter how old you are turning! All birthdays are treated as equally important. This holds true even for Mom and Dad's birthdays. Thank goodness! I love birthdays.

Piano Girl

I always wanted to play piano growing up. My family bought a piano when I was a young teenager, but I didn't really have the time or funds to take it up more than a little bit here and there. I love music though, and think piano is a wonderful way of experiencing it. When I had my own children I was determined that piano would be a part of our family.

Sunday Help

It's hard to keep a baby happy in church. Their volume level is relatively unpredictable. Church is at a set time, and it's difficult to coordinate that schedule with the baby's schedule -- especially when your church lasts for three hours.

Difficult Chores

We give our kids a list of chores to do Saturday morning. We try to think of a variety of things that need to be done, but often the list includes a lot of vacuuming. Recently we thought of a new fun chore to include on the kids' lists. This chore is one that could easily be confused with an activity. We think these are the best kind of chores.