Little House in the Foothills

Faith's Birthday Celebration

2012-01-29T19:48:00.000-05:00

Six Sweet Years!

2012-01-23T22:39:00.001-05:00

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The Week Between

2012-01-02T11:39:00.002-05:00

We love getting to be with our family!

Missy with Grandma & Grandpa - so wonderful to see these two after more than a year!

Once a Daddy's girl, always a Daddy's girl.

Great Grandchildren - laughter provided by Mindy and Holly

Missy and Papa

Jake the horse?

Lots of energy and fun

Three generations: Grandma, Nana & Ellie

Fun in the kitchen - I love Mindy's kitchen, so many good times there.

Grandma, Tara, Missy, Nana (Sharon) & Mindy

All the ladies; Missy, Mindy, Nana, Grandma, Suzanne, Tara ... we miss you Brittany & Lisa!

Mommy & Faith, she wanted to bring Holly home.

Uno games!

Lots of playground fun.

Nana's office

Lots of fun together time!

Anna, Faith & Ellie

Missy & Tara - it had been four and half years and many changes since we'd been together!

Cousins - Mindy, Tara & Missy

Missy, Mindy, Sharon, Grandma, Tara & Suzanne

Holly!

Tara & Missy

Missy & Mindy

Suzanne & Tara

Christmas!

2011-12-26T15:24:00.001-05:00

December

2011-12-22T11:35:00.000-05:00

At the Little House, we play the "Santa Game" where we techinically know that Santa is pretend, but we still go through the motions for fun. That Jesus came so we could know God is the reason for the holiday and gifts, but Santa is how we remember others who gave so much. I can tell sweet Faith is torn between what she knows and what she wants to believe. She was thrilled to see Santa recently!

We've toured Christmas lights.

We been baking goodies almost every other day!

We've been reading lots of Christmas books,

I still can't get through this one without crying - every time!

We attended our church's performance of The Living Christmas Tree,

complete with flying angels and a live nativity.

My favorite were the herd of white horses in the heaven scene!

All the busy-ness makes for easy bedtimes!

This Santa is almost done! I'm treasuring this time to make memories with Jake, Faith and Caleb and enjoying the gusto with which they take on each experience. Twinkling lights, advent calendars, hot chocolate and fireplaces are all exciting times for my crew.

Deck The Halls!

2011-12-13T10:28:00.001-05:00

Welcome to our Little House!

It's all decked out for Christmas.

There are Christmas reminders everywhere and in every room.

These cuties make it all so magical.

And this is more reality ... Jake taking aim while we watch the Barbie Nutcracker movie.

See Other Bloggy Home Tours:

Gingerbread House

2011-12-07T13:14:00.002-05:00

We open windows of an advent calendar each day in December leading up to Christmas. Most days a piece of chocolate or little Christmas trinket is nestled inside. But every now and then I try to plan an activity which is 'opened.' December 6 opened this piece of paper which commenced our annual gingerbread house decorating! It's so fun and the 'artwork' on the table reminds each of us of the fun cooperation we shared.

Mommy was in charge of the icing, but every single piece of candy was applied by the children. Caleb was soley responsible for the M & M's (except for the back panel where Jake helped).

Family Fun!

2011-11-28T19:27:00.000-05:00

Caleb and Mommy - he looks little here, not like the big boy he is these days.

Papa & Faith

Fun at the Bungee Bouncies!

Hiking at Tremont

Nana & Papa

Missy & Daddy

Jakers!

The Little River is very full right now because of recent rains - it was rushing on this fall day!

It was so fun to be outside and enjoy our mountains. The weather was perfect!

Lots of Love in the Family

Lots for Which to Be Thankful

2011-11-25T23:15:00.004-05:00

Thanksgiving at Dancing Bear Lodge

We enjoyed a gourmet Thanksgiving at this nature-inspired rustic lodge.

Mother and Daddy by the enormous fireplace. Look at the carving in the mantle above! Very cool.

I missed working in the kitchen for Thanksgiving, so I indulged by making my favorite French Silk Pie.

A Beautiful Day

2011-11-08T19:44:00.001-05:00

Faith was looking so beautiful on this fall afternoon.

Caleb was his silly self!

They like taking photos of Mommy now - time to plan a bit more before going out!

What a good looking guy!

More posing.

And they're off!

Even a lovely end to our fall day. The night sure comes quickly now.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T19:59:00.001-04:00

More Fall Fun

2011-10-26T17:07:00.001-04:00

Last year we took our first fall carriage ride. It was so enjoyable and lovely that I wanted to do it again.

Then we headed to our regular trail and picnic spot for a little hike.

In the background is the waterfall Jake built with Papa.

The trail was covered with leaves and I enjoyed the crunchy sound!

In the summertime, this is our "Mountain Slip N Slide."

This time, Caleb and Jake floated leaves down instead of sliding.

It was a banner day for faces ... I've got plenty of that I didn't post.

I loved watching the boys really get into a leaf fight - didn't get great photos, but the memory is fantastic.

We still had three tadpoles that were halfway transformed, so I decided it was time to release them at the duck pond. Here we are saying Bye!

We had a busy, full, fun day - mostly spent outdoors which is just what I love.

The Best Time of the Year!

2011-10-17T16:01:00.000-04:00

Indian Summer

2011-10-04T17:27:00.001-04:00

Nesting in the Fall

2011-10-03T12:03:00.000-04:00

It's my favorite season outdoors and in. Our little house seems to be at its best in the fall where it is a warm and cozy retreat. The colors inside mirror the changes outside and I love spending time at home with my peeps.

A Perfect Saturday

2011-09-12T21:50:00.000-04:00

It was a gorgeous day in the Smoky Mountains!

We enjoyed a picnic, a museum and a hike at Tremont.

There was lots of nature to enjoy.

Much digging to be done.

Specimens to collect.

Faith had fun with the camera.

Just great to be together

Rainy Days Don't Get Us Down!

2011-09-10T07:39:00.001-04:00

And in other wetlands news, we acquired several tadpoles.

We turned our water table into a little habitat.

Can you spot the little tadpole among the river rocks?

Hopefully they will climb out onto these rocks as they turn into froggies!

I remember watching this as a child and being so facinated! One has two legs forming now.

An Evening at the Duck Pond

2011-08-27T00:13:00.000-04:00

We have many memories at our local duck pond - it's a fun and relaxing place to be.

Nana enjoyed lots of snuggles on this hot evening.

Faith was especially photogenic tonight - so fun!

Strong, brave Jake!

Curious, precocious Caleb

He's strong and brave, too.

Sweet Faith

The ducks have really multiplied over the summer ... it must have been a productive spring!

A favorite activity is chasing the ducks.

It was a great way relax on Friday night - we are so ready for the weekend.

School Days!

2011-08-02T10:46:00.000-04:00

Faith started Kindergarten today!

She looks so sweet and so big here.

I know Faith will thrive at Kindergarten and I'm excited for her to go because I know she will just love it. I didn't get weepy at all!

Here's Jake - ready for 2nd Grade.

I just love this of the two of them - look how Faith reached for Jake's hand...just a little bit nervous.

Happy kiddos and a proud mama!

Caleb got to go back to "Church-school" today after a two week break. He wanted his picture taken, too - and can you tell he is proud of his new lunchbox?

Keeping it Simple

2011-08-01T15:50:00.000-04:00

Since Jake, Faith and Caleb have returned from vacation, we've been keeping things simple around here. Thanks to a friend who gave us a bargain, we have a new-to-us swingset!

It was even featured here!

Keeping things fresh in the garden

Breakfast in a living room fort

Time at the city pool

Jake going down the slide!

That's Jake in the water spray -

Books before bed are a usual routine.

This book reminded us of our own papa's tractor - we loved it!

And tomorrow starts the school year with a 2nd grader and a Kindergartener!

Vacation Memories

2011-07-28T11:50:00.001-04:00

This is my last post of vacation memories...I've spent the week getting organized for BACK TO SCHOOL which starts next week. I'm not declaring that summer is over, though our schedule will change. Here's the last of our hurrah with fun from Florida:

Lots of pool-time fun!

I love this photo of Nana & Papa on the beach ... that's our little umbrella space in the background.

I wish I was in Jake's chair on the beach RIGHT NOW!

Feeding the Fish...

Can you see these fish? They were so thick!

After the turtle event, Faith was dedicated to building turtle houses in the sand - so diligent!

Hot dogs and strawberry soda on the deck - very classy

What great vacation memories we shared!

Wildlife With a Video

2011-07-26T02:38:00.001-04:00

While we were in Florida, we saw little spots roped off, which we learned were turtle nests. We knew not to bother these endangered animal spaces. We were thrilled when conservationists arrived to check the nests and were glad to share the experience with us. We were even MORE excited when there was a lone baby turtle who had not yet gone to the sea. They let us hold it, watch it move through the sand and feel the hatched eggs - so interesting!

Seriously Summer!

2011-07-21T22:51:00.017-04:00

Recently we all got to escape for vacation! It was Caleb's first time on a plane, he did great. To me, there is nothing that conjures images of summer like the beach -

Excitement at seeing the ocean!

Handsome Boy!

Beautiful Girl!

Sunshine Galore

Arms Full

Caleb got braver about the waves.

Jake learned to boogie board - he loved it and did great!

Mommy got to relax.

I'm so thankful for the fun, carefree memories! Thank you to Nana & Papa for sharing your condo and your vacation. This was just so wonderful!

Summer Fun!

2011-07-07T12:39:00.000-04:00

Nothing Better

2011-06-10T09:21:00.000-04:00

We are so glad the "Cousins" got to visit! Yes, Aunt Mindy, they often refer to you as a "cousin," too.

Ellie

Anna

Audrey

Fun in the Smoky Mountains!

More to come!

End of Soccer Season

2011-06-06T22:33:00.000-04:00

Faith loved soccer season again this year.

She was tougher than ever!

But had friends on the team.

She won the heart of the coach.

She looked forward to the parent tunnel each night.

She is proud of her trophy...

But not as proud as I am of my girl.

Way to go, Faith!

Weekend in the Mountains

2011-05-31T10:38:00.001-04:00

Thank you to all who serve our country including my own Papas - We love the USA!

We got to head up to the Smoky Mountains for some time outdoors.

Jake ate lots of grilled chicken.

Faith was impressed with the strawberry Fanta (my fave).

Caleb loved the giant bag of M&M's.

Brother Love

Jake has been such a dear big brother to Caleb lately. They are such buddies!

We found this baby salamander.

Jake loved playing with it, watching it wiggle.

Faith was appropriately appalled, she qas quite squeamish all day!

Little Caleb is much more independent at the river this year. He loves to watch sticks and leaves (or flip flops) float down the littel waterfall.

It was a nice, relaxing day...always fun to be be together.

Jake's Party - Putt Golf & Games

2011-05-16T00:35:00.000-04:00

Jake's Sonic/Putt Putt Party was soooo fun!

A group of elementary boys make quite the crew...

They were cracking me up most of the day.

Faith got to invite friend, Katie.

It was cool, but we still had lots of fun golfing.

Then we moved indoors for cake and gifts.

Birthday Boy!

Caleb enjoyed blowing bubbles in his milk.

Presents!

Jake was thrilled to receive his first "credit card" - a Target gift card.

He thinks he is rich!

Then onto the video games...

I love this birthday boy!

Outside

2011-05-09T19:36:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite things about spring is getting back outside.

Caleb is learning to pedal and ride well (with training wheels, of course).

Flying kites is a perinnial favorite.

This day was extra windy - a storm was coming.

After the storm, the entrance to our neighborhood was blocked.

Our neighbor's peach tree lost limbs into our yard, but we are thankful there was not any real damage. Many people lost everything.

I'm sort of wishing I parked the van outside the garage.

Happy Birthday, Jake!

2011-05-08T00:02:00.001-04:00

Arriving just in time for Mother's Day, Jake burst on the scene in 2004 to wild cheers from Mom!

I've been cheering his adventures all year long!

My Mother's Garden

2011-05-05T23:13:00.009-04:00

I remember these photos from my childhood. It was facinating to imagine my own mother as a child.

Cute little "American Beauty"

My mother was raised on and around farms in the heart of the Midwest.

To this day she claims to have "farmer in her blood."

To that end, my mother has gardened for as long as I can remember.

She mostly plants flowers instead of food - this clematis is blooming right now in her garden.

So are these gorgeous peonies...

I cut them for my table and think of her often as I busy myself around the kitchen.

In my own garden, these pretties are descendants from her own seeds.

As are these multi-generational zinnias (photo is from seasons past).

I think her Midwestern roots will passed to each of us.

When she was a little girl (mother on left, Aunt Suzanne on right), seeds of faith, creativity, love of nature and of people were sown into her heart by others.

Now we get to enjoy the harvest sown into her life while she continues to plant joy and love in our lives and others.

Mother,

I am so grateful for the way you have invested in my life. Your faith, intentional living and general optimism have shaped the way I live. When I think of you in my childhood, the first word that comes to mind is "Fun!" You did so many things to inspire creativity and family connection. Thank you for being consious of your example to daughters. Your values and faith have been soundly passed to me and I will take these seeds and hand them off to my own children. I wish I could be with you on Mother's Day, but know that I am celebrating all that you are!

Missy

Tuesday is Soccer Day

2011-05-03T15:58:00.000-04:00

Faith is serious about soccer.

She's got the concept down of how to play.

Coach asked me if I practiced with her at home.

Nope, she is self-motivated.

I like the "group goalie" approach.

Team: Happy Feet

Happy Resurrection Day!

2011-04-24T00:00:00.007-04:00

Colorful Traditions

2011-04-23T09:26:00.003-04:00

This was waiting for me when I arrived home from work!

God has given us a fantastic babysitter!!!!

The timing was perfect as it was our day to color eggs - reminders of New Life.

Three happy participants

"Smile, Caleb..."

We all know who has the sweet tooth in our family///

Everyone enjoyed the cake, but we lost Jake to the Wii ... he's growing up so fast and prefers the big kid activities to our childish fun. It was fun to watch them divide the colored eggs and hide them for each other. I'm so glad these three have each other.

My Baby, My Joy

2011-04-21T23:29:00.008-04:00

The bonus of my child bearing years!

Bold. Dashing. Mucho Gusto!

Future President?

He doesn't take himself too seriously.

mischieveious

way cool

totally fearless

independent

extremely transparent - you never have to guess how this one is feeling

carefree

charming

always ready for fun

My Daughter, My Soul

2011-04-21T00:36:00.004-04:00

I'm so blessed to have a daughter.

She is soft and strong all mixed together.

a little sassy

very bright

loves to laugh and knows how to play tricks on all of us

feminine to the core

creative and expressive

thoughtful

lover of all things pink!

boundless optimism

beautiful from within

My Firstborn, My Heart!

2011-04-20T16:00:00.007-04:00

Jake is one of the easiest going kids that I know.

silly and playful

quick to smile

everything one would wish for in a big brother

inquisitive and curious is putting it mildly

a little stubborn, somewhat quirky

always adventuresome

often thoughtful

very sensitive

studious? not so much

energetic and active - yes, all boy!

happy in his heart

and loves his mama!

Easter Preview

2011-04-19T01:37:00.003-04:00

I've been taking pictures!

(watch for more soon)
Here are some from prevous years. I love to see the changes:
2010
2009
2008
2007

Happenings

2011-04-14T02:37:00.000-04:00

I just love to see my daughter playing with my doll from when I was a little girl.

Our tulips were glorious this year!

But now they're done and it's almost time to plant something else.

I got a haircut - it's way simple and easy for summer.

Friday Night Fun

2011-04-11T00:12:00.001-04:00

We try to make our Friday evenings a bit fun and special, even though we tend to stay at home. Ever since Jake's tonsillectomy, Milk Shakes are a favorite!

Chocolate is the most likely order of the day - thank goodness for Hershey's syrup!

Speaking of the tonsillectomy, Jake got a fully recovered check-up. His voice isn't quite back to normal, but should continue to improve.

Then Jake and Faith have started having "sleepovers." SO cute!

Spring Visits

2011-04-08T10:28:00.001-04:00

Spring has arrived in East Tennessee and we're loving it!

Why are they running so fast?

Nana is calling...

Who says Nana has a bad back?

We're so glad she came to visit.

Caleb had a bit of trouble getting the pinwheel to spin.

He would get SO excited when it 'accidentally' worked!

2011-04-06T08:41:00.000-04:00

This is never a good sign...

Caleb is tall enough to reach the top of his dresser now and he decided he needed some baby powder ... a whole lot! Oh, and the CD player needed some, too! Oh dear - believe it or not, this CD player did clean up and is still functioning.

Faith enjoys all things creative. This is from the Easy Bake Oven - I never did have one of these as a child, but she loves hers!

Everyday I come home to her artwork laid out on my bed - so sweet!

Mrs. Donna (our sitter) brought this to our sweet girl!

Faith's Monster Creations

Jake is almost fully recovered and we just finished all the make-up work from missing a week of school after his tonsillectomy. It was a rough recovery, but we're doing great now. Nana got to visit last week and we stayed busy and enjoyed many fun times. More photos coming soon!

Hospital Visit

2011-03-17T12:45:00.001-04:00

Jake has had strep throat multiple times since beginning kindergarten, so we scheduled a tonsillectomy during his spring break. Poor guy, some kids go to Disney, the beach or the mountains, and he gets a trip to the hospital.

This was taken shortly after the surgery. He was still loopy and enjoying a slushy...

the slushy didn't last long in his tummy.

Jake asked if he got to keep the wheel chair.

Today he is in more pain, but the nausea seems a bit better. He's been an excellent patient.

New Adventures

2011-03-14T22:09:00.000-04:00

We took the training wheels off Jake's bike.

I was surprised at how well he did!

It was pretty intense.

Signs of Spring in My Little Neighborhood...

2011-03-11T00:25:00.000-05:00

Peach blossoms and snow all at once -

End of Upward

2011-03-04T01:21:00.002-05:00

We cheer and play basketball for the last time Saturday. Our celebration was Tuesday night and Faith performed with all the cheerleaders.

Ready?

Action.

Smiles!

Yee-Haw Farm Fun Party!

2011-02-27T22:41:00.004-05:00

(photo overload ahead...)

Caleb was a litte drowsy from his nap, still.

But he quickly got excited for the fun!

As children arrived, we got to paint tractors and farm animals.

Then we enjoyed some Farm Themed Bingo ... we played until everyone got to yell, "BINGO."

But it took a while because some were eating their Bingo chips (M&M's).

Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Handsome Big Brother

"Happy Birthday to You!"

Big Sister loves balloons.

Caleb enjoyed all the presents - THANK YOU!

This was from Nana & Papa

(These few are from Friday when we received a gift from the Martens - Caleb LOVED the Toy Story 3 items, but I didn't get a photo of us playing Buckaroo)

Back at the party on Sunday...

Our guests were given a bandana of farm goodies.

Random photos to remember the party -

McDonald's nuggets - 50 for $10!

One last cupcake before bed-

"How old are you - Three!"

Over and Out!

Birthday Boy!

2011-02-26T10:13:00.001-05:00

We had cupcakes and candles on Caleb's birthday (Friday).

Happy Birthday, Caleb!

2011-02-24T23:33:00.010-05:00

It's hard to believe this was three years ago!

And today he still lights up the whole room and makes us smile and laugh every single day.

We're celebrating with a small party at home on Sunday - more photos from that soon!

Always a Princess

2011-02-23T09:45:00.001-05:00

I've really enjoyed some extra time with Faith lately. She is my gaming buddy - not the fancy electronic or screen games, just old fashioned board games. We love them and they give us excuses to spend time one-on-one. This particular game is from Aunt Mindy and the Martens family. We just love it! And this day, she had to get dressed for the part .... I didn't get a photo of my own bejewled cape and crown!

Gym Fun!

2011-02-22T22:18:00.002-05:00

We got to go to a birthday party over the weekend at a gym.

Oh, the kiddos loved it, my camera was having a rough time.

Caleb and the birthday boy, Bryce.

Lots of motion and lots of fun - they slept WELL this night!

Valentine's Wrap-Up

2011-02-21T21:37:00.002-05:00

We really did enjoy the heart-shaped pizza with candle light!

And we have the pizza-faces to prove it!

I Heart Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T06:56:00.018-05:00

I have a companion who enjoys holidays almost as much as me.

What's not to love about a day filled with red & pink flowers plus chocolate?

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

I John 4:7-9

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-02-13T22:55:00.000-05:00

Lovely flowers remind me to enjoy lovely things everyday.

These three make for a great party anywhere!

Look at that smile!

Another charmer!

Pixie girl.

Brave boy...who seems so big lately.

Smoky Mountains are so enjoyable and fun.

We could throw rocks forever.

Jake missed the rock throwing, because he slipped off that log above and got so wet in the VERY COLD river!

There were still some snowy spots in the shade.

Icicles were facinating, we pulled some down and Faith ate one!

But a robin was chirping at home, spring won't be too far off!

Another Game Day

2011-02-12T19:23:00.000-05:00

I'm hoping to post a video of this little routine...it is so darling!

Yay, Faith is now doing little stunts.

Little bit of sass.

Jake guarding our friend, Andrew.

I think he's cheesing for me!

Action shot!

This photo is for Sharon - my boy, plus her two all in one shot - Go, Tyler!

Caleb having fun on the sidelines...it gets hard to keep him occupied.

After School Fun

2011-02-10T19:30:00.000-05:00

The whole first grade had a Valentine concert.

I don't know why, but that cracks me up!?!

After school it's play time.

This is typical, see Caleb with his silkie and thumb? He just woke up.

The others were into Wii action!

Arctic Sunrise

2011-02-03T20:20:00.003-05:00

So, we missed the recent blizzard, but not the arctic blast. Still the crisp, freezing air is magical for sunlight. Look at the progression as the sun comes up...

Not a bad view for a suburban front porch!

Ma Ingalls Would Be Proud!

2011-02-03T10:56:00.002-05:00

We had a power outage this week because of heavy winds - no blizzard for us. It happened right at bedtime, so all the children were ushered into my room and my bed. We lit many, many candles - enough to read by - and had quite an adventuresome time.

It was challenging but fun to have distractions eliminated, no clean-up, no media, just imaginations and each other. I wish I had an audio of the giggles to replay whenever I wanted. It was so cute.

I find it amusing that I now relate to "Ma" instead of my little girl heroine, Laura.

Bye-Bye

2011-01-31T23:24:00.001-05:00

This week I'm saying bye-bye to several of the last vestiges of babies in my home. Craigslist is where I'm selling some booster seats, baby storage items, a gliding ottoman and other things we no longer use and have long since run out of space to store. I also had a chance to donate some things to our local Goodwill.

Every last little bit of money we earn from these little sales is designated to the purchase of a wooden playset for the backyard! Even the recent birthday money (thank you, Grandma & Grandpa). I would love to find a used one to purchase, and I'm certainly going to need help putting it together.

I also had to say "Bye" to my mother who was in town mostly since Christmas. I miss her already! She is such an encouragement to me, my personal cheerleader and makes anything seem possible.

We love you and miss you.

Game Day

2011-01-28T21:26:00.000-05:00

Saturday we'll be back up at the gym for basketball and cheerleading.

Seriously Sweet!

2011-01-24T22:05:00.022-05:00

Our little girl is FIVE!

Faith wanted a Candy Land party.

(Faith is always the red gingerbread character)

It was so fun to see the children's faces and hear the comments as they arrived and saw the candy displays.

The candy made such colorful decoration!

We made "candy" necklaces with Fruit Loops and fruit gummy rings.

Everyone got to fill their tote at the "Candy Buffet."

We had other activities and fun, the boys all played outside (with hoses, digging in the dirt, etc) and my computer just took too long uploading additional pictures. I'll update more soon!

I just love my five-year-old girlie!

A Journey of Faith

2011-01-21T13:02:00.002-05:00

I have to share this every year - love this little girl!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Brave Little Caleb

2011-01-17T12:29:00.000-05:00

We were back at our mall for some indoor fun lately and Caleb said he wanted to try the Jumping.

To say he loved it and was oh-so-proud is putting it mildly!

Big sister showed him the "ropes."

Big Brother was wore himself out!

2011-01-12T12:19:00.001-05:00

We're still enjoying the winter weather!

All three enjoy getting outdoors.

Jake is facinated by icicles.

Tastes Good!

Faith enjoys making paths in the fresh snow.

But she loves to taste it, too!

Caleb was SO proud of the snowman - he kissed it!

So proud!

He even gave the snowman a 'high-five."

The deck shows signs of many little visitors - we have refilled the bird feeder and even tossed out breadcrumbs for them.

See the lovely cardinal - and his mate?

And indoors my paperwhites remind me that spring will come.

Winter Blast!

2011-01-10T13:49:00.000-05:00

More snow today!

Caleb learning to love it!

Snow angel

Yes, we went out to enjoy the snow before getting dressed -

See our neighborhood?

Faith was ready to come in first.

Everyone warms up with hot cocoa.

We have played Wii and watched some tv, painted, had a grilled cheese sandwich and chicken noodle soup lunch picnic (in the living room), watched lots of birdies looking for food. We have played trains, played dolls and done some spelling practice. After Caleb's nap, we'll venture back outside!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T16:59:00.001-05:00

I hope these smiles and enthusiasm represent our whole year!

Happy 2011!

Christmas Crazy!

2010-12-29T16:44:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our Little House on Christmas Day!

I was so blessed to start the day with two of my faves:

(Hi, Mother & Daddy)

Then Santa joined the fun!

He was busy the night before at our home...

Fun pic on this White Christmas

We had lunch at the Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge

Mindy sent me the prettiest dishes!

Faith's doll house - ready for play!

Train table for Caleb, how long will the glue last?

Do you get a sense of the chaos?

Lots of furniture for her house - so fun!

Caleb loves the clown Jack-in-Box.

It's hard to keep Jake off the Mario Galaxy for Wii.

I couldn't show it all ... God and family were so very good to us this year - THANK YOU!