NOT lacking in self-esteem

Me: L, you know I really like you?
L: Yeah. Why?
Me: Well, you are so kind to people and know how to make people feel better. You really pay attention to what is important to other people and use that to encourage them. For example, with E the other day...
L: But mommy, don't you think I'm cute?!??!
Me: Well, yes, of course!

Ummmm?

D asks L: Who is the cutest person you know?
L: ME!
D: No, besides you.
L: God?

Still working on our theology...

Loving Stormy

We are so enjoying our newest Rosales. E can't keep her hands off Stormy! She follows her everywhere with her hand on her back. She is most definitely the most attached!

Stormy lets the kids do anything they want with her. Here D is playing doctor with Stormy.

Advent suddenly become more interesting with a dog in the picture. She had to sit in the middle and somebody had a hand on her at all times, just loving her.

Our first day with Stormy at the house was a dream come true for D.

However, as I said, it's E who has become most attached!

Our Stormy-girl!

Merry Christmas!

Stockings
Our new family member lines up for the Stocking picture.


Trying to take a "family picture" has become even more difficult.

Our newest member has been known to sneak a kiss during photo sessions and then act innocent while the victim is reduced to laughter and rolling on the floor leaving the rest of the family to wonder what happened!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

The kiddos shopped with Papi and each one chose a gift for me!

D tries on his soccer goalie gloves.

E with her baby doll gift.

D wanted a "real" soccer ball...a black and white one.

L tries on her new baby pouch.

Opening L's gift...a CD player

Listening to music on her new CD player.

Can you do this????

Parade of Lights

We love traditions and one of the ones we talk about all year is the Parade of Lights!

We are waiting...
and eating...
staying warm...

and snuggling!

We look forward to seeing these guys every year!

Gold to Orange

Waiting to belt test. P is the tall one and D is hidden next to him.

The white belts went first so we had to wait a long time.

D is waiting to spare...

Let me present...my two boys as orange belts!

Gingerbread houses

Every year we decorate Gingerbread Houses. I had figured we couldn't afford three separate Gingerbread houses this year, but yet I hated to give up our tradition. I was thrilled when I found a mini village for the price of just one house. Yes, the houses are mini, but they were perfect for us. Below is our village. As soon as Papi and I decorate our houses, it'll be a complete village.

E chose the challet and she is ready.

Each piece of candy was purposefully placed on the challet.

I loved seeing E covered in her frosting and candy!

D chose to decorate the church.

He had a plan in mind.

Doesn't he look so handsome in this picture?!?!?

L chose one of the houses.

Her finished decorated house showed her creativity. I love watching E use her imagination! God has truly gifted her in this area.