Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Silent Night. Holy Night. blah blah blah. Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

No this is not about the Christmas song. This is about us finally getting a full night of sleep. For the past few months Caden has been waking up one or more times a night fussing, crying, etc. He is quick to go back to sleep (except that some of the time he never wakes up during his little outbursts). And on the rare occasion that he doesn't wake us up, well, Madison and Collin take turns on those nights.

So a few days ago, Friday night I believe, it was like a switch went off and Caden never woke up. Collin did get up at 6:00, but at least he laid in bed with us for a few hours. And now all the kids are sleeping in to about 7:30. Wow. I can't remember the last time I got to stay in bed til 7:30 (except after working all night at a jobsite).

So during this Holiday Season, we are thankful for our heavenly sleep.

The Rose Elfs

I'm sure you've seen this, but my kids made me do it.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1264025808

Family Pictures

This year we hired a photographer to take our family pictures at a local park. Seemed like a good idea. The session was pretty cheap and we get a CD with the photos so we can do a lot with them. Some of the money also goes to Kerry's MOPS group.

So we went on Wed to meet the photographer, who was a no show. I'm pretty easy going so it wasn't too big of a deal for me, but I didn't have to get three kids dressed and looking their best. Kerry took it well though.

We ended up getting our pictures on Friday afternoon (I had to take off early from work - darn). It was just starting to get colder and darker, and the kids didn't hold up real well. Caden almost refused to smile, which may have been a blessing in disguise. Madison has a flair for the dramatic, head tilt with the huge cheesy smile. Occasionally you get a beautiful picture, more often than not you don't. But we did get some decent pictures.

Now we get a free sitting in Spring for our troubles, so all is well. And Kerry is happy, so I'm happy.

way to go Caden

Caden finally made it to the top of the tubes at the playground at McDonalds. This is the first time he has really ventured out and gotten up into the playground. We were talking with our friends and I just happened to catch a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye at the very top in a car, and I thought to myself that looks like Caden. And sure enough it was.

Up With The Tree

We got back from Oklahoma and Madison started in immediately on decorating the Christmas Tree. She was so excited. So we unpacked as fast as we could and pulled out the Christmas boxes. It is so nice having a fake tree (we've had one for the past two years).

Madison and Collin helped hang the ornaments and did an admiral job all things considered. After getting over the initial frustration of having kids help hang delicate little objects, it was really nice.

So here's to the start of the Christmas Season.

Three Little Monkeys Flipping off the Bed

Madison and Collin go crazy. And Caden hates to be left out...

Thanksgiving with the Family

We drove up to Oklahoma to spend Thanskgiving with my parents, grandmother, brother and his family, and aunt Jan (uncle Dave is out flying for Southwest). It's been several months since we've seen everyone so its nice to be able to get together. The kids love playing with their cousins and it makes our life easier because we can let them do their own thing. Madison has really taken to a doll my mom has. Collin has been playing with blocks and legos. Caden just follows the noise.

Tomorrow we may brave the stores just so we can get out. We're also hoping to see the cousins again so they can play together. Saturday I'm going to the OU/OSU football game. Should be cold. And loud. And fun.