Christmas in Review

We were so blessed this Christmas. We had all the kids and it was so much fun. We only get the boys Christmas morning every other year and I am so glad for Madeleine's first Christmas we were all together. On Christmas Eve we had my dad and his fiancee Denise over for dinner and to exchange presents. Scott and I both got a Visa gift card. I was very happy to spend the money on myself. Luke got a set of Lego's, Caleb got a Leap Pad read and write book, Parker got a Doodle Pro and Madeleine got a Leappad Baby. The kids loved their gifts and enjoyed spending time with Bop and Denise. They also get to open 3 gifts from mommy and daddy. They get some pj's and toys. Luke got a nerf gun and a Transformers Bumblebee, Caleb got a nerf gun and an electric guitar, Parker got a nerf gun and another ninja turtle. There are green nerf balls all over the house. Madeleine was already in bed because she decided to cut 4 teeth that night. Santa brought Madeleine a kitchen set, a cabbage patch doll, a learning cube and clothes. Santa brought Luke some Transformers, Power Rangers, and Clue. Santa brought Caleb some Transformers, Power Rangers and Moon Sand. Santa brought Parker some Ninja Turtles, Big Lego's, Lightning McQueen and a Transformer. We then went to my mom's house to exchange gifts and eat dinner. I am too tired to list all the gifts but they were good. Christmas was so much fun.

I survived another Christmas

All the decorations are gone and the house is cleaned. The toys have all found a home and the new clothes replaced the outgrown ones. As I sit here sighing a sigh of relief, I completely welcome a fresh start. The busy hectic days of 2007 are quickly going by and the new year is just around the corner. I hope this new year brings with it a calmer Hinkle house. I love that we now get to celebrate the new year with Madeleine's birthday. Before we had Maddie our family was just put together. There was his and hers and not ours. Now we have the glue that makes us truly one house and truly one family. I am so glad God decided to give us Maddie as quick as He did. We probably would not have gotten pregnant as quick if given the choice. He is amazing and His timing is perfect. I could not imagine my life without her. Sorry, just rambling on, trying to put the thoughts down on paper so I can go to sleep. I guess I survived another Christmas. 2008 here we come.

God Shaped Hole!

Tonight we went on a drive looking at all the Christmas lights and singing Christmas carols. The boys love to sing and we love to listen. We went and ate at Bodeen's Barbeque, in the old Dairy Queen on 31, and it was so good. If any of you have eaten at Broadway Barbeque in Homewood these are the same owners and their barbeque bakers are completely scrumptious. After we ate we went looking around some more and went to the Alabaster fire station, by the library, and did their little kids village thing. While we were out Caleb started complaining about his chest hurting. I think it is just heartburn. We asked him to describe his pain and he said it felt like God was trying to come out of his heart. Caleb has had a hard time listening lately and he thought since he was not obeying God would come out of his heart. This was such a great way for me to help him understaned that God will not ever leave him once He is there. I love the way God reminds us of His simple truths and shows even His little ones His promises. I guess we need to remember everyone has a God shaped hole and it is our job as Christians to spread His word. Let's remember this holiday season what it is all about. Our savior, our king, our baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, our redeemer.

AAGGGHHH!

Okay, we've had all the kids since wednesday. Since Luke is on Christmas break and didn't have to be at school I kept them home yesterday and today. Oh, my gosh! It is so hard sometimes. I think at least one of the kids has been in time out during the last two days. I am so not used to boys. They are loud and destructive and I feel like they have come from another planet. Who likes to hear about boogers, poots and burps? Do I really have to come look at your poopie every time because it is the biggest one ever? Seriously, is diaperhead really that funny? Sorry, had to let it out somewhere. Why can't they play nice and quiet with their superheroes and not blow stuff up. Is it in the "boy manual" they have to blow everything up? Alright, I feel much better now and think I can make it another 30 minutes before my wonderful husband gets home and adds that much more testosterone to the Hinkle household. While those of my friends who have all girls are sitting nicely having tea parties think of me and maybe drink a round for me. I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season and can't wait to see you again. Love from a mom surrounded by the most wonderful boys.

Yeah Caleb!

Caleb learned to ride his bike with no training wheels. He did so good with minimal crashing. He is such a big boy now. He loves the freedom and loves riding his bike even more. He has learned to start and stop himself as well. He is very proud of himself and can't wait to show his brothers. I am so proud of you Caleb. You tried and tried and all your hard work paid off. Mommy loves you!

Season's Eatings!

Madeleine eating and enjoying her favorite snack Rice Krispies


Madeleine eating and not enjoying her dinner green beans

One of Madeleine's favorite snacks is Rice Krispies. I can put her in her high chair and pull the box out of the pantry and she starts clapping and laughing. She really loves those Krispies. I can get alot done around the house or fix dinner if she has her beloved snack. It is so funny because I can't stand Rice Krispies, but my little sister Robyn loves them about to the extent Maddie does. Every time I see her enthusiasm for this snack I have to call her Aunt Robyn.

One of her not so favorite things to eat is steamed green beans. She tried for about 5 minutes to eat this one bean and couldn't because she would shiver so hard. It was pretty funny. Probably kind of mean since we let her shutter like that for so long. Oh well, I guess that is one of the things parents can do and get away with because they won't remember to hold it against us when deciding whether to take care of us or put us in the nursing home. I thought the pics were too cute to keep to myself. Happy Eatings everyone!

Birthday Suit!

Okay, I usually don't take naked pics of my kids. We let Madeleine crawl around sans clothes and I thought she looked too cute. I want to remember every stage of my baby, even the naked stages. I hope nobody gets offended or thinks I'm weird. I thought it was too cute to pass up. She'll probably be mortified when she gets older.

Happy Birthday Scott!

Today my Scott turned 33. He took the day off work and worked on is workshop. Caleb had a Christmas choir program then off to our favorite restaraunt Habanero's. The kids love chips and salsa and Scott and I love the fajitas. We had them sing Happy Birthday and he wore the sombrero. Great embarassing moment. We went home and he opened his gifts. He got a holder for his rods and reels, of course in Auburn colors. It was a great day.

I am so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man. I love you more than anyone else. You came into my life when nothing made sense and made me feel secure. I love how I know I am first in your life. You treat me like a princess. You are a great husband, an awesome daddy, a hard worker and a devoted christian. You are mine and I love you. I hope this year is better than the last.

Littlest Ones To Him Belong!

I am awed and amazed at the love of our God. You would think by now I would get it but I don't. I learn so much from being a mother. The other night I was putting caleb to bed and we were going through our bed time routine. Change into PJ's, go potty, brush teeth, read book, sing Jesus Loves Me and Seek Ye First, say prayers, kiss goodnight then lights out. While we were singing Jesus Loves Me Caleb kept saying I love this part. He said it about 3 different times. I finally asked him what part he likes. He said,"Littlest ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong." I asked him why and he told me since he was the littlest he belongs to God. You see Caleb is the middle son, but he is the littlest one and he gets really upset about it. He is very insecure about his size. He doesn't like being smaller than all his friends. Parker is the same height but weighs more and is 15 months younger than Caleb. It is amazing to know that God would love my son enough to help him with his insecurities. He would let a little song mean so much to help a little boy. How awesome is our God? He even wants His littlest of children to feel secure. I guess all I can say is Jesus loves me this I know.

Hush Little Baby

I love watching Madeleine sleep. I will find myself watching her for 20 minutes sometimes. Praying over her, telling her my hopes for her and just enjoying my last firsts. My last baby. My last first Halloween. My last baby to rock asleep. My last first word. My last first laugh. Maybe I am getting too emotional. I think I can be. I am just thoroughly loving being a mommy and I hate my firsts are quickly going away. I love my little girl.

Guitar Hero!

Caleb and Aidan

Rocking Out!

Look out Slash here I come!

Caleb and his friend Aidan were pretending to be Rock stars last week. They were playing the new Guitar Hero for the wii. They were even sticking out their tongues and everything. He loves playing the air guitar and now he can play this one.

Thanksgiving

My top 10 things to be thankful for:

1. My savior. I am so unworthy of anything He does for me yet He is so willing to do it. He's the reason I live and breathe and hope it shows to the rest of the world.

2. My wonderful husband. I could not have asked for a better husband. He is a man of God and a wonderful spiritual leader for our family.

3. Luke. He is a spirited little boy who likes to test limits. He keeps you on your toes and knows how to keep you thinking creatively.

4. Caleb. He is my little man. He knows how to bring a smile on my face. He is also very protective of me. He is my little boy.

5. Parker. He is my sensitive one. He is very loving and doesn't like to upset you. I enjoy his cuddling.

6. Madeleine. She is the princess I had been waiting for. This first year has been a joy and blessing. I love my liitle girl.

7. My church. We have finally found a church where people are real. I can be myself and not be afraid what people might think. I have true friends that are there when I need them, whether it is to laugh, cry or just talk.

8. My house. This is my first house. I love it. I have loved having a yard. I also love the fact I can paint rooms and that there are no brass door knobs.

9. Sewing. I finally have a hobby I can do. I can't wait to be able to make big things.

10. Christmas. It makes me slow down and think about Christ more intimately. I love to reflect on what He has done for me during the past year. As usual there are too many things to list.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. I will be up at 3:00 am getting ready for my yearly dose of madness at Walmart. Happy Holidays!

We've Been Elfed!

Santa's little elves must be done for the year. I have proof they are not working anymore. Look and see if you can figure out who our elves are.



http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9557517688

Christmas Shopping!

I just wanted everyone to know that a good friend of mine has an online store with lots of homemade crafts and fun stuff. She started this business after making all her sons decorations for his room. She couldn't find the right colors or anything and decided she could do it herself. If you are shopping for unique and cute take a look at her store. You can find her blog under my links, Nikki's Nacs. Have fun Christmas shopping everyone 41 more days till Christmas!

I've been tagged!

8 Things I'm passionate about:

*My husband
*My children
*My sweet church
*Cooking
*Reading
*Becoming a woman of beauty in God's eyes
*Sewing
*Being a light to all my friends and family that are lost.


8 Things I say often:

*Not again, Millie!(our new puppy who likes to pee on the carpet instead of the grass)
*I love you
*Put that down
*Stop hitting your brother
*How was your day honey?
*Thank you very much!
*Go clean your room!
*Are you kidding me?



8 Things I've read recently:

*Beautiful In God's Eyes--Elizabeth George
*Lucky At Cards--Lawrence Block
*Portrait Of A Killer-Jack The Ripper--Patricia Cornwell
*Memory Keeper's Daughter--Kim Edwards
*Wicked--Gregory Maguire
*Books from the Mitford Series--Jan Karon
*What To Expect The First Year--Arlene Eisenburg
*Measure Of A Lady--Deanne Gist



8 Things I want to do before I die:

*Raise my children and watch them raise Godly families of their own
*Enjoy spending time with my hubbie after the kids are grown and out of the house
*Go to NYC during Christmas and see Wicked on Broadway
*Go to Greece
*Sky dive
*Learn to play the violin
*Go to India and be a missionary
*Go to a cooking school for a week



8 Songs I can listen over and over to and probably have:

*Ancient Words--Michael W. Smith
*Shout To The Lord--Hillsongs
*Fast cars And Freedom--Rascal Flatts
*Steadfast Love
*Jesus Lover Of My Soul--Hillsongs
*Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
*Amazing Love
*Be Thou My Vision


8 Things that attract me to my friends:

*Sense of Humor
*That they are real with me and others
*They let me be me
*Common desire to spur each other along in our faith
*They love to go and grab coffee or dinner with me for a much needed girls outing!
*kids that are about the same age as mine---fun family get togethers
*love to talk about food
*they give good, sound advice



8 Things I've learned in the Last Year:
*How to sew
*How to crochet
*Because I am a girl I can only be the pink Power Ranger
*You can recuperate after surgery much faster when the situation calls for it
*How to balance 4 kids, a husband, a house and still have time for me
*That I will never be caught up on laundry
*I am tougher than I thought
*Windex kills ants, spiders and roaches



8 People I've decided to tag for this meme:
*Jamie
*Kelly
*Nikki
*Anyone else who wants to!

Caleb and Madeleine love to play together. She wants to do everything he is doing. He is such a good big brother. He is gentle and kind and patient with her. He tries to teach her songs and reads to her. He will play with her on the floor and let her do whatever she wants to. I love seeing this bond. No one can make her laugh like he can. I love seeing them together.

Caleb Funnies!

Okay, Caleb is one of the funniest people I know. The stuff he comes up with crack me up. A couple of months ago he was helping me make french toast and he wanted to crack the eggs. After he cracked all 5 eggs I told him I was impressed. He then said to me,"It's all in the wrist mommy, it's all in the wrist." I don't know where he got that, but that is one of the things I love most about him. When Madeleine is crawling around and about to get into something he always says,"We have a problem here, the situation is about to get out of control." I love that little guy so much and am thankful every day God gave him to me. He is my one in a million.

Nature Day!

Caleb making a bird feeder

Caleb smashing the petals

Caleb and the turtle rattle


Caleb and his Mimi went to Moss Rock Preserve's Nature Day. They had fun learning about different activities you can do with things from nature. He made a bird feeder out of pinecones, peanut butter and bird seeds. He took flower petals, leaves and grass in between muslin smashed it with a hammer and naturally stained the fabric. He was able to shake a rattle made from a turtle shell, rocks and sticks. He had a blast!

Halloween

Here are the Halloween pics. Caleb was a ninja turtle and Madeleine was a pumpkin. The best looking turtle and pumpkin I have ever seen. The kids had a blast and Madeleine's first Halloween was so much fun. She smiled at everyone passing by and clapped when she got candy in her bag. She racked up more than the boys. People saw her and gave her handfuls of candy. We went through our neighborhood with our friends across the street. Aidan and Jackson were both Buzz Lightyear. It was so much fun and a great night. Even the adults had a blast. Especially when Aidan got a little too excited and walked into someones house without knocking. We lauged so hard. The people inside when they saw it was little kids laughed too. All in all it was awesome.

IHOP!

Saturday morning I made pancakes for everyone, including Madeleine. This is the first whole pancake she has ever had. As you can see she enjoyed it. She ended up eating 2 whole pancakes. Might I add this was her 2nd breakfast of the day. I guess I know where her thighs are coming from. She does enjoy her food. Especially big people food.