Pictures with Santa

Last weekend I took the kids to see Santa at Nest Feathers a local boutique here in Pleasanton.  Layton remembers going to see him there last year so he thinks that is just where Santa parks his sleigh every year to visit with all the kids.  Layton was all business this year and had a conversation with Santa about trains.  Molly was not too sure about him and when I sat her next to him she wanted nothing to do with Santa.  Once I put her in Layton's lap she decided it was okay.  We didn't get any smiles out of her but that is pretty typical of my serious girl.

The Kids in Kenya

Sorry I haven't been blogging as much lately but we have been super busy and all for a good reason.  Some of you know I decided to gather some gifts to send to the kids in Kenya at the Morning Stars Orphanage where Amanda and Jerrod volunteer.  They will be staying in Kenya for Christmas this year which I know will be hard but also a blessing to them.  As the Christmas season rolled around this year I wanted to do something BIG and show Layton the true meaning of Christmas.  I started praying that God would show me how to make a difference this year and He made it very clear what I should do.  I asked Amanda how many kids there were and she said 50 and then she said maybe just take all the boys or all the girls, but I knew we couldn't leave half of them out like that.  I quickly emailed my "sticky group" my Bible study girls at Cowboy Fellowship to see who was interested in having a sewing marathon so we could make dresses and skirts for all the girls.  I sent out a message on facebook to see if anyone wanted to volunteer to shop for the boys or donate for shipping.  The response I had was amazing.  Seriously everyday I had more people offering to help and before I knew it we had all the kids covered and more than enough to cover the shipping.  GOD IS GOOD!  I can't wait to see the pictures of the kids receiving their new clothes and new things.  It breaks my heart that they will be excited to get new underwear and socks but my sister said they really don't ever get anything new.  We had enough material and time to make two dresses each for the younger girls and all the high school age girls got a brand new skirt and matching tshirt.  My mom managed to make all 9 skirts last week by herself.  Each child will get a bag filled with an outfit, underwear, socks and a few goodies.  It got a little crazy trying to meet up with everyone this week to gather everything but I know it will all be worth it once I see the happiness on all the kids faces in the pictures.  Thank you to everyone that helped me with shopping, sewing, packing, donations etc.  It was such a neat experience and it truly made our Christmas this year!  I know it will also make Amanda and Jerrod's Christmas more special too as they get to take all the gifts to the kids.  Any extra money we had donated we are sending to Amanda and Jerrod and they will be buying stuff for the kids in Kenya and buying them some meat for their Christmas feast.  They only get meat once a month so it is a really big deal when they do get it.  

 All the donations we sorted through

 All the girls stuff getting organized and packaged

 All the boys bags ready to go

 Girls bags ready to go

 Trying to figure out a way to make everything fit.

 The trunks ready to ship

 More pics from our fun sewing day

 Lots of pretty dresses

Happy 10 Months Molly!

You are so close to being one now it is crazy.  Your little personality is really starting to shine these days and you are so much fun.  You love to clap and dance to music and can't get enough of your big brother.  Your favorite thing right now is for him to push you around in the cozy coupe car and you wave at everyone.  You are pulling up on everything and cruising the furniture.  You have let go a few times and stood for a few seconds but you are more cautious about standing than Layton ever was.  You were sleeping great but the last few nights have been unpredictable because you have a cold or allergies or something going on.  We are looking forward to your first Christmas coming up.  The only things you say are Mama and Dada these days and mostly Mama when you are crying.  You have always been a Mama's girl and I love it!  You are back to catnapping most days which makes it hard to get anything done but at least you stay happy.  You follow me around the house most days and crawl from one end to the other quickly now.  I can't believe another month has come and gone.  You bring so much joy to our family and I thank God everyday that He blessed us with such a sweet baby girl.  I love you Molly Grace!

Mommy

Our New Play Scape

We found a really good deal on Craigslist a few weeks ago on a play scape.  Clifton and I had been talking about getting one for the kids soon and this deal was too good to pass up.  Poor Clifton spent many hours taking it apart moving it and putting it back together.  Thankfully he had help from a lot of friends and family too.  The kids have been having fun in the backyard swinging on it.  The weather has been so nice lately so we have been enjoying lots of outside time.

Kaitlyn's Birthday at Morgan's Wonderland

Saturday we headed to a birthday party for Kaitlyn at Morgan's Wonderland.  We had never been there and boy were we missing out.  The park is so nice and is the perfect size for my little ones.  Everyone there is so friendly and helpful we will be going back soon.  Both kids had fun riding the rides and playing on the playgrounds.  Thanks for letting us celebrate with you Kaitlyn!