Way back when (can you tell I’m posting on old pictures that I JUST downloaded??), Kyle apparently was bored of the toys he has in the play room. I mean, why should we buy them toys? I had a seminary teacher give his kids empty boxes for Christmas for that very reason. I am not that harsh. But still. This is what I found him playing with. He was happy for quite a long time. He was quiet, not really making a mess, so I let him be. Who wouldn’t want potatoes as toys.
All but one of Kevin’s siblings were able to get together this weekend for a baby blessing. It was sure fun to just be together. They are all a riot and I am grateful to have them as brothers and sisters.
At the end of January, James turned 14. I can’t believe he is that old. I met him right before he turned 8 and now look at him! He’s an amazing brother and tries hard to always do what is right. I can’t wait to see him as a dad on his own. His wife will be very lucky that he is well trained in taking care of kids. He is kind to others around him and wants to serve. He tries hard to save his money for things he wants, but we all know how that goes. He was able to have a few friends over for a late night/sleepover. They loved playing video games all night. I tried to be creative with his cake. I made it resemble, and that word is used VERY loosely, a dart board. He loved it and the 4 boys devoured it.
Happy Birthday James!!
So I finally downloaded the pictures off of my camera! There were almost 400 pictures. Slacker, I know. I have lots of good excuses though!
Back in January, Kevin’s sister and her family came down for New Year’s, so we took the kids sledding. Kyle was in heaven. He just sat in his sled to go up and down. What an easy life. Justin had a blast with his cousins!
As a little girl, I remember my Grandma always talking about paste that you would make out of flour. Flour is used in so many things to eat. Why not play with it!! I've posted a picture this summer with him, but I got a kick out of seeing his face after he CAREFULLY placed each truck. He had to think about where he was going to place it and then put it in the flour. The kid cracks me up. So methodical.
Shortly after we moved into our new home, James was called as the Deacon Leader (leader of the 12 & 13 year olds at church). We've talked to him a lot about what it means to be a leader and how to stand up and teach others the right thing to do, even when others may make fun.
He was doing some fast offering collections today after church and met a new boy that moved in who just turned 12. James had never met him before and he was excited to tell me about him. I asked him if he'd like to make some cookies and take them to him. He did, but little did he know HE"D be making the cookies. We pulled out a recipe and I sat back and watched. He made the cookies all by himself and I have to say, they were delicious!
He made a note for the boy, with his phone number on it and an invitation to the activity this week. He walked over to his house and gave them to him. He is so brave. He forgot to ask the boy his name, so he went back and the mom asked who made the cookies because they were so good. She said, oh your mom made them, right? James was happy to reply, no, I did! He was very proud of this compliment and couldn't wait to tell his leader.
I'm proud of him for not being shy and willing to be a good leader and an example. I need to invite people and not be afraid, like he is.
It is Kevin's dream to have a home, someday, like Clark Griswald, from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. You know the one, with the "250,000 twinkle lights" and they can see the house from space. Someday. Someday.
For now, Kevin loves to put the lights on the tree and I love it. He thinks he needs more than 1000 lights though. I beg to differ. He put the lights on this year and because he only did the front 2/3 of the tree, it leans...bad. I had to put a block under the tree to make it lean back because it is so weighted down. If you look closely at the picture, you can see his tongue hanging out. 
Kevin also was finally able to get his house lights. Silly me thought 200 feet was enough. Apparently I missed the memo that he wanted to do the roof line and the valleys of the house. How dare I do that. So now, he has to have the house only 3/4ths done. This is how they all had to bundle up to brave the FREEZING cold to hang them up. They do look nice though. Justin also had to get in on the action. He wanted to help with the luminaries. I have wanted to do luminaries for forever. I can remember doing them with my Grandpa Peless. I loved driving around a neighborhood in my hometown that the whole street had them. I love luminaries. The ones we bought aren't so hot, so we'll rely on the candles and bags. If you drive by on Christmas Eve, they should be out. Hopefully I can convince him to do them more than one day, we shall see.
