Ro’s First Birthday

Christmas

Before Christmas Eve Mass

Our Thanksgiving

The Ross family had their big shindig on Saturday (which I missed because of work), so we celebrated our Thanksgiving Day at home. I love being at home on the holidays. I love being in our kitchen with my HoneyBear…
 
This year, some of our martial arts family joined us for lunch.

And then we spent the rest of the afternoon making joyful noise.

We all agreed that a jam session should be included in all of our celebrations from now on.

Celebrating Our Little Gem

Seven years ago today...
I was 42 weeks pregnant. I had wanted to go into labor on my own, naturally. Dr. Breniman was respectful of my wishes, but we both agreed that at 42 weeks I would come in to be induced. On a Sunday morning, he met me at the hospital to break my water, and I joked with him that I would try to wait to have the baby after church was over...but that didn't happen! lol I had said a prayer that Holly--the best nurse ever--would be working that day, and having her taking care of us was such a blessing. After about 3 1/2 hrs of walking around 2nd floor chatting with my coworkers and relaxing in the whirlpool, my sweet Little Gem made her appearance.

(That was my last hospital birth. After that, my babies were born at home with midwives.)

She truly has been a sparking jewel in our lives ever since.

Gem loves My Little Pony, and her favorite pony is Rainbow Dash. Her favorite color is blue. Her favorite food is hot dogs. She loves playing dress-up and attending karate class with her older sister and brother. She is an affectionate, generous, sometimes shy girl. We love you, Gem!

Our Lovely Fall

Taking an unscheduled break to go hang out at the park…


Meeting Uncle John, Aunt Catie, and James at the Pumpkin Patch…


And this is how our running route looks like these days…

Caveman’s 9th Birthday

Caveman requested to have his party at the dojo, with a martial arts theme.

As much as I wanted to come up with a creative Pinterest-worthy cake, I had to work the weekend. So Kroger bakery it was.

Favors were given out in “black belt” gift bags.


And he couldn’t wait to try out sword kata with his new light saber.

Gigi Turns Two

Gigi got to spend her birthday at Chuck E. Cheese with her family. Grandma and Grandpa even came to celebrate with us.

She loved her chocolate cake, but she hid her face when we sang “Happy Birthday”.

Happy birthday, sweet princess!