It’s been awhile since I shared photos of our every day life here.

My favorite kind of memories to keep!

The Friday before Christmas all of the kiddos spent the night at their big sissy’s place – which left Blake and I home ALONE.

We had a two second conversation about going out on a date, until we realized how foolish it would be to leave our beautiful nest when it was so quiet!

That night and morning were very refreshing – and our kiddos HAD A BLAST, of course, of course!

Blake and I did make some stock, and some cookies – but did not even make any dinner!

We sat by our beautiful Christmas tree enjoying the quiet.

Even our pups seemed to relish in the change of pace!

The quiet started to get to me by morning!

Blake and I took a Saturday morning date by loading up all the garbage and going to the dump.

We live large, you all!

Then we headed over to Briar’s place to be reunited with all of our people!

Did I say that they all had the best time?!

They did!

So many fun things for the kiddos over Christmas break!

My sister was in Indianapolis for Christmas with my Mom and my brother.

She sent me this photo and I just love it so much!

Christmas break also always brings about some deep cleaning projects – because the Mama of this crew plans Christmas break to be that way!

The storage room got deep cleaned.

We purged, dusted, vacuumed and organized!

The guys moved all the appliances and cleaned them and behind them.

Such an important part of keeping them running well!

Blake also usually touches up paint during Christmas break.

All of our white walls were needing touched up so badly!

Addie Mae made these cakes in a mug one evening.

She made one safe for me too – even though there is a bit of sugar in those chocolate chips – I ate the whole thing!

We played a lot of games over break too!

Blake and I made a couple of changes in some things over break as I spent a lot of time in reflection and prayer about those things that needed changed and then talked to Blake about them.

I ordered a new math curriculum.

Not sure it’s the perfect match, but we are giving it our best shot!

Addie also offered to be our full-time grocery crew for awhile.

Bless her!!

Her Mama needs to be home instead of doing that BIG job every Friday!

I am enjoying this change very much so far.

I also enjoyed a Saturday with the littles while everyone else was away.

It was a BEAUTIFUL 50 degree day!

I am enjoying a new devotional that the USP man (as Eliza calls him!) dropped off at Twin Oaks.

I am missing that beautiful Christmas tree very much during my quiet time though!

We started back to school on Wednesday, January 2nd.

We were excited and ready after a two week and two day break!

A new school week brought a new song to sing during our worship time.

Eliza is learning and growing SO quickly!

She has always loved paper, pens, and crayons – and she enjoys drawing and making notes for people.

Her drawing skills are taking off!

School brought back all of our other “normal” day-to-day things – like visiting the library – which is still a favorite for us all.

My kiddos love books as much as I do!

We started up our weekly lunch and play dates at Briar’s place again too!

We also usually head to Briar’s place with everyone for dinner on Thursdays!!

Being back to our schedule and rhythm has done us all good!

I plan menus once a week and it’s joy to feed this crew!!

Blake and I also have gotten back to our Friday night date night!

I LOOOVVVEEE date night so much!!

This first photo was taken in the car wash!

We live large, remember?!

I think we are all ready to gain some freedom in the afternoons by not having naps anymore.

All of us but this sweet baby – she just cannot make it without her nap!

I love this photo for so many reasons.

Their feet being one of them!

And I was THRILLED to find this photo on my phone!

Nephew, aunt, niece, nephew, and uncle!!

Growing up like cousins and best friends!

This photo is blurry – but what a wonderful welcome Uncle Grant gets when he comes home from work!!

We had a thank you note writing party one evening.

It was sweet to see these kiddos make their thank you notes from scratch!!

After all that yummy holiday food, we are getting back to some basic nutrition that we still love just as much.

I am trying hard to listen to my body right now – feeding it right and resting when I need to!!

It doesn’t take too long for someone to come looking for me though – and it’s usually this cutie!

So many good memories!!!!

Have a great week as well!!