Brookie's Party and Day Out

Luau birthday.
In December.
I forgot to mail the invites.
So 5 days before the party
we hand delivered them.
I'm good like that.

Ryan and Brookie made the surf board.
Out of an empty box from Christmas.
And duct tape.
And paint.
And sharpies.
The gang.
Minus two late-comers.

Lots of games.

Flip flop relay.

Ring the surf board with the lei.

Created your own hula skirt.

Do the hula.

And, of course, food.

Brookie doesn't really like cake.

No complaints here.

Fruit smoothies.

Cheese and pineapple.

Ice cream bars.

Perfectly simple.

My parents take each kid out for their birthday.

They get to pick where they eat.

And shop for their presents.

(My mom kindly took pictures to share with us.)

Brookie chose a sushi restaurant.

Truly a sacrifice for my meat and potatoes Dad.

But they had fun with their chef.

And Brookie was thrilled with her sushi.

She even saved some for her daddy.

Who shares her love for it.

She has expensive taste.

Her in-the-VERY-distant-future-boyfriend is in trouble.

Back to Christmas

The 23rd was Christmas at my parents.




We pass out all the presents.

Then open them one at a time.

Starting with the youngest.

Jobie made sure to watch everyone open theirs.

No pictures, but my parents got us a wii for a family gift.

The kids could barely contain themselves.

Christmas Eve at our house.

My parents came over for omelets in the morning.

Then we played.

And watched the kids play.

Jobie stayed in his pj's all day.

But I did change his diaper.

Once maybe.

Our traditional Christmas Eve supper.

Hummus, fatoush salad and grilled chicken.

Yummy.







Stockings Christmas morning.

Christmas at Ryan's parents the 29th.

It's a free for all.

So much fun for the kids.

But hard to get pictures.

I always open my gifts WAY after everyone else is done.

I love how it's different at each house.

And I'm sad that it's all over for another year.

Too Many Birthdays

Well.
My girl has had too many birthdays.
Her fingers are no longer enough to show her age.
She needs help from her little brother.

And littlest brother wanted to help too.
I guess he thinks she's 12.
I'll put that off for another year.

























She finally wanted clothes for her birthday.

That does my heart good.

Ryan even had fun shopping for her.

Jake was shocked at how few "toys" she got.

I reassured him that we would not do that to him

on his birthday...unless he wants us to.

Haha.

Happy 11th birthday to my beautiful girl.

Not Done

Hope everyone had a merry Christmas!
Posting has taken a back burner.
Hope to get back to it soon.
After the girlie's birthday party tomorrow.
And one last Christmas Tuesday.

Must.
Wrap.
More.
Presents.

Our Card

Merry Christmas!

Fingerprint Friday

I was reminded by a friend today,
who lost her 24 year old son to cancer this year,
to slow down and enjoy my kids.

So, I'm taking her advise.
I let the two little boys help me make lunch.
And asked them to put stamps
on our Christmas cards.

I'm giving them extra smiles
And hugs.
And kisses.

Just trying to stop for a moment
and soak up the blessings.
John 1:16
From the fullness of His grace
we have all received one blessing after another.

Each week pamperingbeki hosts Fingerprint Friday and uses a song by Steven Curtis Chapman as a springboard. Join in. It's a great way to be reminded of God's presence.

Rentz Village

Don't ya wanna live there?

Fingerprint Friday

So thankful for the beautiful snow this week.
Love this time of year.
I truly am blessed.

This is the verse I thought of as soon as I took this photo:
from the last part of Psalm 23:5
my cup overflows.


Each week pamperingbeki hosts Fingerprint Friday and uses a song by Steven Curtis Chapman as a springboard. Join in. It's a great way to be reminded of God's presence.