Luke's Baptism

Last week, we finally got our act together and had Luke baptized. He didn't even blink an eye when the water hit his head! Of course, it really helped that he is a Daddy's boy, and was thrilled just to have Patrick holding him - who cares about a trickle of water:) Lukie in his baptismal outfitProud Daddy and administer of the baptism.A better view of his one-piece sweater outfit.Family photograph!

(I have since had 5-6 inches of my hair chopped off - huge improvement)

MERRY CHRISTMAS:)

Christmas Eve the boys opened one present in the evening - this is our tradition. They were so excited; but at the same time, afraid that they would find sleep to be very elusive. Drew even told Patrick that he wished he could have a "mask" to get to sleep (you know the ones they use to put you out for surgery). As it turns out, the older boys were almost instantly gone, while Aidan struggled to fall asleep since he had napped with me during the day. So we moved him to the office with the door cracked while we finished wrapping presents, straightening up, and putting out Milk and Turtles for Santa. He was such a good boy, stayed put, and eventually drifted off.

There is nothing like waking up Christmas morning to the sound of little feet racing past your door and the excited whispering and squeals emanating from the front of the house. Couple that with the coos coming from the end of my bed, and when I peek over, I am rewarded with a huge grin, kicking legs, and waving arms. I then get to snuggle between my darling Patrick and my sweet baby Luke as he tanks up for the new day. I have the BEST gifts I could ever receive in this life.

Well, I finally got the Christmas pics loaded this morning and sorted through them. Below is a sampling of our merry day. Luke is chewing on the toy that Drew picked out and bought him for Christmas.Let the good times roll!Taking it all in!Sean's #1 request this year was tools and wood:)Drew asked for a gun. And Aidan really wanted stuffed animals.
This was their big shared gift and I had ALL the fun of assembling it.

Luke actually slept through most of the festivities; but when he woke up, Aidan quickly brought him all of his gifts to open.
As always, the paper was the best part:)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with friends/family and once again were reminded of Matthew 1:21 which says, "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!!

Look who stopped by last night!

Katie, Sean, and Charis spent the night with us to break up their drive to GA! We stayed up way too late and the babies were up by 8am. However, it was definitely worth! Just sad they couldn't stay longer. I knew both Charis and Luke were wearing yellow jammies, but I did not notice until now that the Daddies were kind of matching too!
Charis and Uncle Patrick
Aidan holding his sweet baby girl cousin
Three of my favorite people. All packed up, snuggled in, and ready to go.

Luke is 5mth. old:)

Well, it is time again for his monthly stats. Hard to believe how fast time is passing. He changes so much and I am really noticing this thanks to dedicating a post to him each month. So what is NEW for Luke:

1. He rolls both ways all over the place - even across a room.

2. He definitely reaches for us now.

3. He is really trying to talk and not just coo- we have even heard Momma quite a few times:)

4. He prefers NOT to be alone.

5. He stays awake almost 2hr. between naps now.

6. He loves playing in his exersaucer (can spin around in circles and manipulate most of its toys) and we just introduced the Johnny Jump-up!

7. He is definitely a Daddy's boy. He lights up and leans any time he hears or sees Patrick. He then stares and stares and finally screeches to get his attention!

8. He has had one case of stranger anxiety.

9. He is just the sweetest, easiest baby and here are few pics!

This is NOT the way.....

to clean your laundry room floor.

Last night around 10 o'clock, I hear Patrick exclaim that the floor was wet. Well, I set Luke down to go investigate. It wasn't just wet, it was standing water. There was at least a full load's worth of water on the floor. EVERYTHING had to be removed from the room and water came pouring out as we picked up the boxes, clothing, toys, etc. As always there was at least one blessing that came out of the unpleasant situation. #1. The floor is VERY clean. #2. There was a pile of dirty laundry in front of the closet that blocked the water from entering it. Here are a couple of pictures of my kitchen covered in laundry room paraphernalia:

Finally,

a VERY clean laundry room!!!!

Leaves

About 2 weeks ago, the boys decided to rake the pitifully few leaves in our yard into one pile. After playing in them for awhile, they asked me to bring out the camera and take some pics - just in time before the dogs marked them as their own:( Luke wanted so badly to eat the leaves.


SeanMy 4 little men:)

Of course, everyone wanted a turn to be in a picture alone with Luke. Drew and Luke

Sean and Luke
Aidan and Luke

Just as I was about to go inside, I noticed Aidan in the leaves like this.

What in the world?

This is what the trees looked like in all their splendor.

Silly Boys =

Really cute pictures!!!!!!Laughing at Drew
Can you believe the boys brought Luke to me dressed like this?
Ride 'em cowboys!

(Too bad the horse is in such sad shape - over time, they have slowly ripped out the mane.)
Aidan walked off in the middle of the shot:)
I sure am a cute cowboy!!!!

A very special croc

Now I am sure you are thinking, "A special shoe????? Come on, it's just a croc!" To which I would respond, "Well, not just any croc:)" You see, about 2 weeks ago, Aidan was playing outside and decided to shed his crocs next to our friend's goalpost; unfortunately, one was missing when he returned. We immediately guessed that one of the neighborhood dogs had run off with it; and we searched all around, but could not find it. I told Aidan to remember to ask our neighbor about it next time he saw him, and also prayed that it would turn up as they are practically brand new and it is kind of hard to wear only one shoe.

Today, after arriving home from church, I saw one of the dogs chewing on something and was quite curious. Mind you, he was across the road in our neighbor's yard at the bottom of her hill - I'm surprised I even noticed him. As I stood there watching, I saw a flash of red and was like, "No way!" I sent Drew to investigate and here is what he brought back.

The missing red croc, little worse for wear.

This shoe stands witness to the truth that God hears and answers our prayers:)

Rolling, rolling, rolling

I know this camera does not take the best videos, but this proud Momma doesn't care:) He loves rolling over!!! Good thing he doesn't mind being on his belly.

The Love of My Life

I have a moment to finally finish this post as 4 of my men are off for a bike ride - exercise = a big appetite for a huge Thanksgiving meal;)

This blog is normally about my boys (particularly the child variety). However, there is one GUY in my life whom I love more than anyone else. Can you guess who this is? He is a wonderful husband and an incredible father. So this Thanksgiving I am dedicating this post to him. I am so GRATEFUL to God for Patrick!!!!!! Two Sundays ago after a much needed nap, I awakened to the wonderful aroma of homemade chicken soup. Yes, he boiled the chicken, picked the meat from the bones, and chopped fresh vegetables. Doesn't it look delicious? Patrick with his new bike!!!!
Gary Fisher Kaitai

Click on the link!!!!

Hey, I just made a total elf of my boys. Check it out by clicking the link below.
My elf boys

Lukie Pookie

First of all, a short story concerning his nickname. You see, ALL of our boys have one and Luke's was designed to match theirs - Seany Poo, Drewter Pewter, Aidan Paidan, and thus, Lukie Pookie. Getting a clean diaper before entering Dollywood.
I love my hands.
They are so yummy!
Smiling at Mommy:)

Sleeping angel with the chubby cheeks.

Bath time - really he loves anything that involves NO clothes.

Sorry about the lack of coverage, but he just discovered his feet and I could not resist.

He absolutely adores this mobile above the changing table. It is actually becoming hard to get him changed what with his hands, feet, and mobile ALL in the way.

Sweet victory!!!!!!!!!