Happy 7th Birthday Nate!

Seven short years ago today, my little Nathaniel Corse Boyle was born. It was the day that made me a mother, a day I will certainly never forget.

Nate, you continue to be one of our best accomplishments - a bright, creative, funny child, with a touch of obsessive compulsiveness like your mother. 

 Sometimes I look over at you and think to myself that you are the most handsome boy I have ever ever seen. And you are.

 You love art, building, and creating masterpieces and are learning to be a more independent thinker every day. I'm very thankful you are not an independent thinker about what you wear though. I think you know how hard it is for me to give up control on this one, so you humor me.

 You have grown so much this last year, physically and mentally. We have watched you learn how to read, solve math problems, and navigate through 1st grade with ease.

 You are sweet to your sister and help out when asked. We believe you think you are her third parent sometimes. That's OK, she needs it.

My sweet sweet boy, I didn't know how much a parent could love a child until you came along. You and your sister make our lives complete and I am so lucky to be your mom.

Happy 7th Birthday Nate Potamus. We love you so very very much and can't wait to see what this next year holds for you. 

Happy Tuesday!

Santa & Mrs. Claus

This set of Santa & Mrs. Claus were my Aunt Mil's. Her dear friend Marvis made them for her many years ago. Nate adores them. I love that he knows just how special they are. They have been decorating his bed side table next to his Christmas tree but on Saturday, he brought them out into the living room, which I thought was perfect for a photo op.  



We tried to get Lila to stand with him by the window, but the truth is, Santa & Mrs. Claus kind of scare her. So she wasn't having it. We had to settle for the tree instead. I think it worked.

As we head into the home stretch of celebrating Nate's birthday and Christmas, I am so incredibly thankful for my little family. We are remembering to love one another deeply each and every day.

Our thoughts are with those that have suffered unimaginable tragedy this week. The sadness is overwhelming for even those of us who are not directly affected by the evil that has transpired. We pray that peace covers all of the families as they move through life in the coming days. And we will hug each other a little tighter and be patient and kind to everyone we touch.

Christmas Past

Jane Ellis recently posted some pictures of Christmas Past and I thought it was such a great idea. So I pulled some of my own favorites. Enjoy!

2008

2008

2009

2010

2011

Nana's Mixer

My Nana, Frances DeLaney, used to bake all the time. She loved baking and was exceptionally good at it. I remember her being so excited when the whole family would come to her house and eat her out of bread and cookies. So that she could make more.

 

She had many mixers through the years, I'm sure. She had the ability to wear them out. I was lucky enough to receive this mixer of hers when she passed away. The manual that was also given to me has a copyright of 1965 on it. It's an interesting and humorous read.

 

Some say it's just a mixer. To me, it's a connection that I'll always be able to have with her.

 I am beyond thankful that I can share it with my own daughter.

The generations meet through this special mixer. 

Gingerbread Projects

We built a gingerbread house and train today. I only had to remind everyone that we were supposed to be having fun a couple of times. Lila (and I guess Scott) could not keep their hands out of the materials:)



But we had fun anyway...we probably need to teach Lila not to say cheese while she has a mouth full of candy. On the list.

My Christmas baby. Who was so brave today when he had to get a flu shot instead of the flu mist that I had promised. Talk about a momma gonna hurt somebody at the doctor's office:)

I think the neck shows up when kids turn 2. Lila included. Her face is starting to lengthen and she looks more like a little girl and less like a babykins every day.

The finished products! I got these at Sam's on a heap big deal and was very impressed.

And for old times sake...goodness me, where does the time go???? Such a sweet boy, then and now. 

 

First Day of Work at SLCH

In the spirit of always taking a picture on the first day, I made Scott take a picture this morning.

 

It is his first day of work at St. Louis Children's Hospital.

 

Here's to new adventures! We love you!