Have I mentioned..

Have I mentioned I love having my sister 3 hours away?

During the boys fall break Reed had to do a lot of work and a little travel. So, we headed on up to the great state of TN for an excellent couple days.

Have I mentioned we have the easiest baby in the world?

Christian is just along for the ride. Sleeps, eats and smiles just about anywhere.

Have I mentioned my boys love their cousins?

Although Miss Izz can give Matts a run for his money the boys love having cousins to play with on a regular basis.

Have I mentioned I have the cutest nieces?

Nothing else to say. It's true.

Have I mentioned I have the coolest Grandparents?

First, how many other GREAT-Grandparents can still play with their greats? Second, of those who are able, how many are willing? Especially when it includes "tattoos"?

Apples, Apples

On our way up to TN we stopped by a lovely apple orchard and picked apples. I don't know exactly why; my kids don't eat apples...But it was a fantastic way to run around, climb trees and conquer the great outdoors.

Our attempt at a group shot...

quickly deteriorated...

but there were lots of trees to hide in...

friends to play with...

did we mention trees to hide in?

Precious Pumpkins

I hate to get all sentimental and stuff, but today I put Christian in the one item of clothing that all our children have worn. All I can say is that it's a good thing our "mold" is a good one.

#1

(Elle had to go into the cath lab on Halloween, but in the spirit of the season they let her wear her hat and socks throughout the procedure)

#2

#3

#4

My Boy

It's general knowledge that Matts is Reed's clone. But, I now have a glimmer of hope that he may have some Newell DNA in him.

Today at lunch we were reviewing their primary lessons. Sharing Time was taught by the fabulous Miss Celeste and was about prayer, specifically prayers of gratitude. I asked if we always say the same thing (a problem in our house, G is still praying for the people in Haiti, Japan and Chili) and Matts replied, "No, but I do have my prayer pattern."

Huh?

"Yeah, you know, on Sunday I say my special prayer, on Saturday I say my Saturday thank yous; Friday, my Friday thank yous...etc."

What can I say, we Newells love our Schedules. Now, maybe I should get him some post-its :)

My life

This is my life...

I love it.

Bible Belt

Today while I was playing w/G he was getting frustrated with his construction site and I gently (thankfully) reminded him to just relax and work it out.

"That's right mom, because a gentle answer turns away anger"

Over my giggling I heard "No, for real mom, it does."

Labor Day

Reed had to fly out to London on the Sunday before Labor Day. While I would usually dread going solo for the entire holiday weekend I instead got to hang out with my sister and her family. Have I mentioned I love having them in the south?

zoo - slide show

Plus, Scott helped me "surprise" Reed with a new kitchen table and chairs when he got home :)

Padawan

Yes, I'm now 4mths old

and

Yes, I know how to use it.

This little monkey is now 4mths old. It may be cliche, but time really does fly. C is such a happy, happy little (or BIG) man. When he got his shots he didn't even cry, he just did the tough guy grunt and went back to flirting with the nurse. What did I ever do to deserve this?

Dragon-Con

I'm not lying when I say that this may be the reason we're still in Atlanta (well, this and the donuts we picked up from Sublime on the way downtown).

Mock if you want, but it's pretty awesome and with 3 boys, what are you going to do?

dragoncon - slide show

Angel Cake

For Elle's birthday celebration we have cake and buy flowers because

cake+flowers =what every girl wants.

This year the boys helped me decorate the cake.

Don't worry mom, we've got it covered

Yep, I promise some of the frosting will make it onto the cake

The masterpiece. They definitely had it covered :)

Sweet Boys

Sweet:

"Mom, after we finish baking Elle's cake, can we build a ladder to heaven to take it to her?"

Boys:

"Mom, you know those super hard goobers in my nose? I think they're saying 'wow, we really like it here and we should stay in this super cool place'"