Christmas Eve Eve

We had a spectacular Christmas!  Here is a little of pre Christmas and the Christmas Eve Eve dinner.  It was delish!

Pre Christmas hanging out with Mia, Papa and the great Uncle Mateo (or as Caleb says--Mister Taeo)

 Christmas Eve Eve Dinner with our family---My parents and the Riser Family (our Nebraska Family)

Alexis and Addison waiting patiently for dinner

Alexis, Cameron, Addison---Cameron is very proud to be joining the big kids some now!

Who needs dinner?!

Dinner

Carving the Orange Pork Loin

Orange Rice

Brussel Sprouts

Our babies holding hands praying---OH THE SWEETNESS!

Alexis even with her head bowed as Matthew prayed!

He loved it all!

Most of the adults

See...he loved it!

Cameron turns one in January so we gave him his present early....

Every little boy needs some cars!

He know what to do with them!

The kids exchanging some small gifts

 Christmas EVE post coming up soon!

Fun with Friends

Just a little pre holiday playdate...we love this crew!

The Boys:  Climbing on chairs

Watching Cameron discover the fun toddler furniture!

Quite proud he can get in and out!

 

 

And trying the other chair out

 

All grown up!

 

Nativity scene

 

 

The Girls: Playing with dolls, naturally

 

 

24 Weeks with Rhema (6 months)

6 months??!!!  Wow...I cannot believe it; Rhema will be here before we know it!

24 Weeks with Rhema 12.31.13

Blah...I really need to start taking these pictures at the beginning of the day not after the kids go to bed!

12.31.13, 24 Weeks with Rhema

12.09.10, 24 weeks with Blessing

6.30.11, 24 Weeks with Manna

• Weight Gain: 14 lbs (this is the first time I have ever paid attention to this!)
• Baby Size: Ear of Corn
• Baby Weight:  Babycenter.com says a little over a pound but at the 21 week ultrasound we were at about a pound
• Comparisons:  I look much rounder and bigger belly with Caleb than I so with Addison and Rhema!!!  The pregnancy and symptoms have all been close to the same expect I seem EXTRA hungry this go round.  Boy?
• How's Mommy:  Other than a little bout with sciatica that I now have under control---we are good!!!  I love all the flips Rhema does, this is new for me!
• How's Big Sis and Bro:  They kiss on my tummy all the time and Addison asks how Rhema is feeling every day.  
• Names:  We are far from prepared for this.  I think it will be a last minute decision when Rhema arrives!
• My prayer for Rhema:  Praise you Father for every single bump, thump, kick and flip!!  I thank you for these reassurances you give me ALL DAY--I know these are your rich blessings!  I praise your name for entrusting this little life with our family.  Prepare our hearts and minds for this sweet baby.  We truly desire for this baby to be yours now and always!

Thanksgiving 2013

We had planned to have Thanksgiving with our Small group, but because Addison had JUST gotten over CROUP and Caleb was less than 24 hours off fever from his cold (caught from Addison I suppose) we decided to stay at home.  We made our food items for the group Thanksgiving, took them over to the house and then grabbed some of their items too.  It was not our preference, but it ended up being a lovely Thanksgiving.

Daddy started the day with a painting activity!

Hmm...what can I make a mess with?

Admiring Addison's work---as usual :)

"YAY I DID IT"

CHEESE

Making a lion mask

This might be one of my favorite pictures of her

THE TURKEY!!!!!!!

THE TURKEY!!!!!!!

THE TURKEY!!!!!!!

Calebs plate...he was a little difficult as usual but once he tried the sweet potatoes he was in HEAVEN!

Ready to dig in

SHE ATE A TON!

See sweet potato lover!

See sweet potato lover! 

We ended the day with Charlie Browns Thanksgiving---they thought it was hilarious.

They are still talking about it!

Laughing at Charlie Brown

Notice how much Addison and Matthew look alike here :)