Christmas Photos...

I snapped some photos of the boys to send out on our Christmas cards. It was already past naptime, and they weren't able to sit still for long. Here are the few that we came up with, you will have to excuse some of the lighting/shadows.

Snowmen...the kind that doesn't melt!

Both kids really enjoy crafty type activities, so we decided to use up some leftover materials from a preschool activity. Little artists hard at work, and then the final product. They were very proud of themselves. We also went to Grandma and Grandpa Lehman's and went snowmobiling, and made some real snowmen. Too bad Mom (me!!) forgot to snap some pics of that!

Mom, it's SNOWING!!!

As soon as Bradyn wakes up he bumps sleepily down the stairs on his bottom. One day last week, as he reached the bottom he looked out the front door and saw that the ground was covered in white stuff. "MOM IT SNOWED!" He immediately ran to get his snow pants and new boots, but we did manage to convince him to wait until we got a few things accomplished first. He went outside and played, but Hunter was tired and wasn't interested in that white cold stuff anyways! Here's my buddy enjoying the fluff.

Progress Update on the house...

We have a roof, a front door, windows, and walls! Next comes siding, plumbing, heating....then the finishing with drywall, paint and trim, and the kitchen...still alot to do, but lots of progress too! The man who will dig the well is to come tomorrow, and they went to choose brick this morning. I think they are going with cream colored siding and a brick called St. Thomas. Here are some pics for those of you who aren't close enough to see it in person.

Update: Ok the pics are here! Sorry it took me so long. Life is busy around here.

The new house...

The work is well under way on the Lehman house! The framers are hard at work, and we snapped some pics to show you how it is shaping up. Hopefully things will keep moving along...and then J&M can be able to move in by spring time.

Splash Harbor

To celebrate Bradyn's birthday, we spent Thanksgiving evening and the next day at Splash Harbor, an indoor water play area. It was a surprise for him when we got there, and he was SO excited! The kids had a great time, both of them going down the water slide (and only drinking a little pool water!), and playing air hockey.It's a good thing that the hotel had vending machines because NO restaurants are open on Thanksgiving. We had figured on at least McDonald's...nope, chips and gatorade! It was probably the least nutritious meal our kids have ever had, but they were thrilled about it.

Thanksgiving....

I have alot of pics of Thanksgiving....we saw alot of family that we don't see more than once or twice a year. Here are a few of them. This is my side of the family- the Lehman crew is planning on a different time to get together in Dec.

Bradyn is 5 years old!

Our little Bradyn turned 5 on Monday! I know everyone says that time flies when you have kids , but looking back on the last five years, it is incredible how quickly it does go by. It seems like just yesterday when we spent days and weeks holding the hand of our tiny baby in the St. Vincent NICU. Now, he is into the "kid" stage...no longer a toddler, and his looks are changing from those chubby cheeks of babyhood into a slimmer, taller version. It's amazing to watch him grow, and especially precious when he does something that shows his devoloping character. He is kind to his little brother, most of the time! He loves to help take care of Hunter, and he adores his grandparents and extended family. He is learning to read, write, and add...and when he prays he really talks to God. There is something to be learned from his simple prayers- he just pours out his heart, telling Him whatever he is feeling, with "no holds barred". It is such a privelage to be the parents of this wonderful little man....our big boy Bradyn!

Welcome to the family, Chase Anthony!

Congratulations, Aaron and Mandy!! Little Chase is finally here! Now, let the sleepless nights begin.... ;-) He looks so much like his daddy already! Enjoy the tiny moments...they sure don't seem to have lasted long looking back, and I'm told they fly even faster as our children grow. Congrats!!!

Happy Birthday, Momma!!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to my sweet Momma!

Happy Birthday to you!!

Autumn Brilliance

The leaves are so beautiful this time of year! As I admire their hues of crimson and gold, I am wondering how leaves can be so beautiful as they are dying. I wonder if this is a bit like God looking down on His people, those who are giving of themselves and dying to selfishness. There is beauty in it, even when in the struggle. When we see a friend who has sacrificed, we see the fruits of their sacrifice, the kindness and joy that is warmth to others...the dying to human nature brings out something brilliant, just like these leaves.

My Saturday...

I had a photo session today at a State park nearby. The family had 2 children, one of who was 2 years old, and did NOT want to hold still! He kept running away from his parents & little sister, but we managed to get some cute "on the go" poses. I guess that is something I will have to learn to deal with if I am going to get serious about this. We'll see! I have a few more appts coming up, and have begged some friends' children to practice on, too! Here's a couple of my fave clicks from today. Other than that,poor Ken is sick now. And the kids seem to be getting it again??? I am feeling guilty because I let them out to play at the park today, thinking the fresh air would be good for them, and that they were almost well again. So, Hunter fell on the slide and knocked his front tooth a bit crooked and bloody. Now he can't eat anything without crying, but it seems solid, not like it will be permanent damage. Poor guy, but he seemed to have fun playing afterwards anyways. Tonight he is mostly saying "I need you Mommy!" Not that I mind the cuddles!

Weekend at Grandma & Grandpa's House

We spent the weekend at my mom and dad's last weekend. While we were there Mom and I went to a craft show with my sister in law, Melissa. We had alot of fun there, and the men watched our boys. Among other things they entertained us all by putting on a magic show, and showing off their new puppets. The puppets, as you can see, are a huge hit. Bradyn has been interested in magic tricks for a couple months now, and has practiced a few easy tricks that he likes to show off. It was interesting for me too see that he is a little more shy in front of people other than his mom n dad, even if it is his grandparents and uncles. However, he still did a marvelous job, and he talked about how fun it was all the way home. Check out the top hat and wand. :-) Thanks for the pics, Mom!

Our new "addition"

Meet our new little kitten, Smokey~ Bradyn has had 2 kittens in the last few months that have disappeared. Both were named Carmel Flash (by him) and both were outside for only a couple hours and we never saw them again. So, this one is never allowed out of the garage unless we are holding her. She likes to follow us around the house, and is a sweet little thing. I fed her with a bottle for the first few days as I think that she was not as old as we were told...and wouldn't eat kitten chow. Now she has progressed to eating that and some canned food, and is doing great. :-)

Trick or Treat!

The boys were sooo excited about Trick or Treat this year. Hunter was a monkey, tho he really looked more like a bear. Bradyn was a knight, complete with sword, tho he didn't take that along with him. One of the families in the area stopped by and went trick or treating with us. I was worried about the massive amounts of candy, but I let them have a few the first night and put the rest away. They actually haven't asked for it since!

ZOO BOO!

The zoo has a great even for kids that we decided to try this year. It is called the "Zoo Boo" and is a celebration that includes pumpkin bowling, safe trick or treat stations, a bounce house, animal shows, a hay maze, etc. The boys went as cowboys(just some stuff we had in the dress up box) and it was alot of fun for them....we got SOAKED in the rain, but it was a really warm rain, and we didn't melt. :-)