Christmas Traditions

This year has been quite a challenging year in the Belyeu home! The housing industry has dropped and work for Mike has been quite scarce! So this year for Christmas we have decided to return to our roots. My mom always decorates her house from corner to corner with Christmas cheer and it is the one time of the year she bakes (she hates it, must be where I get that from). It has never been about endulging in presents it has been the family time. I am so blessed to have been given such a gift as my wonderful husband Mike. God really knew what he was doing! Mike and I have decided this year to minimize gift giving this year and concentrate more on what lasts, making mememories! We have noticed how much our kids from the oldest down just really want to be with us and value our time! So, the house is decorated as you will see in some pictures. We will start some baking together but, then it is on to entertaining! Natalie told me yesterday she doesn't know Christmas music (bless her heart) so that will be a job for Daddy and Mackenzie to get busy on so we can go caroling. Christmas is about so much more than gifting, take the time to spend loving your families and spending time with them. I would love for friends to share with me some of the traditions they do at Christmas!

Summer is fun....

I love summer and just relaxing with the kids....they make me laugh when, I don't wanna kill them. LOL!

The many faces of my girls.....

Just gotta love summer days! Nothing really is expected but oh the way kids find to entertain themselves! : ) Mackenzie and Natalie love playing school using their imagination with pretend pupils and field trips. So funny! While Jacob was home for Josh's graduation he taught Mackenzie the wonderful monkey lips face she is making! Ewww gross!

Josh's Graduation is over....

I am exhausted, but I have my first high school graduate! Joshua is on to college in the Fall! It was a great week but crazy busy. There was so much family here I felt like a chicken with my head cut off. I was trying to see everyone and still get everything ready and done for Graduation and Josh's Party the next day! It was a great weekend with old friends and family!

He's Back.....

My baby boy is back for Josh's graduation! Wow, what a hug I got from him. I miss cuddling with him and yes he likes to cuddle even at 6'4" and 225lbs! Don't laugh, you are just jealous! : ) I am hoping that this week is filled with great memories to last because it looks like Jacob won't be here to visit this summer he has a summer job lined up and lots of football! He is being sought after as a junior from Division One schools even though he lives in a small town in Ohio! I am a very proud momma but I mourn the fact that I can not watch him play football anymore!

Thanks Bubba....

Thank goodness for Josh who loves his baby sister and was willing to assemble her new trike that is super cool but was a big turn off for mom when she opened the box with all those pieces! Nothing was together!!!! Natalie is ready to ride now she went to the park with daddy on her new bike and didn't want to come home! LOL!

My boy is what??? 18, you have got to be kidding me

Oh my goodness, how can it be..... I think I am more than a little sentimental today. I am sitting here thinking back to all Josh's firsts! He has excelled at so much from; walking at 7 months, learning all his presidents at 4 (thanks Aunt Boochie), memorizing all the books of the Bible just driving to church and back, excelling at ANY sport he participated in (I have the huge case of trophies, plaques and certificates), school has always been a breeze, the drive he has to accomplish and reach his goals, competitiveness that drives him past what he may be capable of!!!!!! I am so proud of the man he has become! I have no idea how to "cut the apron strings" to let him be his own person. But, I know that I will have to start loosening the bow and letting him make decisions for himself and hopefully he will listen to the advice Mom has to offer....I love my boy!