One Step At A Time

Up until yesterday, Ellie took a very passive approach in learning the all important walking skill. She would walk 2 or 3 steps when it wasn't inconvenient. And if it was inconvenient (or it would take more than 2 or 3 steps to get where she needed to go), she would just as well crawl.

But yesterday? ... Yesterday she decided to try an active approach. I could hear it in her brain, "I AM going to walk today. No more of this lowly crawling business... today is the day!" :) She tried walking everywhere she went. If she fell, she would stand back up and keep going. At first there was a lot of falling. She would take 2 or 3 steps and then fall, BUT she would pick herself back up and try again. Finally, by about 5:00 in the afternoon, she walked TWENTY-THREE steps continuously from one end of our bedroom, out the door, and into the living room! She still had some falls after that, but they were farther between!

I have yet to take pictures of her walking... that is on my to-do list today. But she did it! I'm so excited for her to enjoy the beauty of this world while standing up and walking around. It's a lot different from that vantage point. :)

School

For those of you who may not know yet, Danny has decided to pursue his masters degree. We have researched schools throughout the U.S. There are a few different interests that Danny has found intriguing. Most of the schools required taking the GRE test in order to apply, and because Danny hasn't been in school for over six years, the GRE sounds overwhelming to him. But through our research we found ASU (Arizona State University) to have some very exciting programs, no requirements with the GRE, a lower tuition than most schools, it's one of the top design schools in the nation, and my sister lives in Phoenix (which is a plus)!

We fasted, prayed, and pleaded with the Lord for guidance in this decision. We have three kids to think about and just heading off to school isn't a decision that can be taken lightly. Basically, after all of the time spent on our knees, we have decided that this is definitely a road we feel we should take. It will take some sacrifice and frustration at times, but we are excited for this new route.

Danny has spent the last few weeks trying hard to get his application in to the ASU Arts, Media, and Engineering program. It is officially in and we are now taking part in the waiting game. We really feel like ASU is our #1 (and in some ways our only) choice for school. If we don't get accepted, we're not sure what step to take next. So we are putting our lives in the Lords hands and praying that everything will work out for the best. We know He knows what's best for our family.

We should find out if we are accepted by February. Keep us in mind in your prayers as we really would like this acceptance.

Surprise Visitor

Last night we were just getting ready to eat dinner when the doorbell rang. When I went to open the door, I heard some bells. I immediately thought we were going to have some carolers so I called to Danny to join me. When I opened the door, I was taken by surprise. There stood a jolly old Saint Nicholas with sleigh bells and all!

We invited the old guy in and he came in and talked to our boys. They were so excited! Kaden immediately went to stand by him. Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas and Kaden replied, "I don't really care what I get. I won't complain." I think Santa was a little surprised by the comment and couldn't think of what to say except, "Well, that's what Santa likes to hear!"

Preston was a little more hesitant. He was scared of Santa last year and then he figured out that he got presents from him on Christmas. So this whole year Preston has said many times that, "I can't wait to see Santa again." Of course, I knew that when the day finally came for him to see the big guy, he would be nervous. And he was. He wouldn't stand by Santa, but he was sure to let him know that he wanted a Transformer for Christmas. (We are done shopping and he is not getting a Transformer - Ellie might have to get him that as her present for him.) :)

Santa gave each of our boys (Ellie was already in bed) a candy-cane and he gave Danny and I each a carmel! Yummy - Homemade! Kaden was so excited to go tell his teacher today about our surprise visitor. (And we're still not sure exactly who it was in that big red coat... ???)

Pictures

SnowBound

The boys have been begging me to be able to go play in the snow. They were going to when the snow first fell, but we couldn't find their snow pants. I finally found all of their snow gear and they were extremely ready to go play in the fluffy white stuff.

They got all bundled, and I had to take some pictures. Then when they finally got outside, Kaden was so excited that he just dived into the snow face first. He had snow all over his face (I think he learned not to do that.) :)

Kaden tried to start a snowman. Preston watched. Kaden held up the start of his snowman for me. And the snowman didn't get any farther than that cause they saw a mound of snow to go play in.

They definitely had a lot of fun together playing in the snow!

Pictures

Pictures of Ellie

I haven't taken pictures of Ellie for a while. I guess I'm falling into the scene where the third child doesn't get as many pictures taken as the first or even the second. I never thought I'd become THAT person. :) But I had the camera out yesterday and had to take some of this little princess who has graced us with her presence in our family. :)

She has gotten so big and has so many expressions. She is so funny and I love spending my days with her.

Pictures

Happy Holidays!

It's been a very crazy couple of weeks in our house. After the last post, Preston and I did indeed get sick. It has been the worst cold! It started with a fever, went to an upset stomach, continued with a terrible sinus cold, and concluded by settling into my chest and throat and therefore giving me a cough for the last week. It's never fun to be sick, but to endure two full weeks of it is torture. But, alas, I am on the mend. (Preston didn't get it nearly as severely as I did.)

Thanksgiving was wonderful. We were able to spend it with my WHOLE family. It was 30 people under one roof and it was a blast. We tried to pack everything we could into the weekend. We had crafts, paintball, a guitar hero competition, a poker tournament, and, of course, black friday shopping - although, I must say the black friday experience this year was definitely less enjoyable than usual. People seemed overly annoying - maybe it was my lack of sleep plus my cold symptoms that made me a little more irritable. :)

Now I am getting ready for Christmas and feeling very blessed. Between a wonderful Thanksgiving and some recent discussions in our home with our children, I feel a strong sense of gratitude for my life. And what a great opportunity Christmastime gives us to feel that joy and gratitude.

Happy belated Thanksgiving and a very merry Christmas to everyone! I hope you feel the spirit of Christmas this year as much as I have felt it in the last week. Love to all!