Night Before Christmas!!

It was the night before Christmas, when all thru the abode Only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode. The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds, While visions of Nintendo 64 and Barbie, flipped through their heads. The dad was snoring in front of the TV, With a half-constructed bicycle on his knee. So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter, Which made her sigh, "Now what's the matter?" With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand, She descended the stairs, and saw the old man. He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug. "Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug." "Ho-ho-ho!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake." "Your gift was especially difficult to make." "Thanks, Santa, but all I want is some time alone." "Exactly!" he chuckled, "I've made you a clone." "A clone?" she asked, "What good is that? Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit-chat." The mother's twin. Same hair, same eyes, Same double chin. "She'll cook, she'll dust," She'll mop every mess. You'll relax, take it easy, Watch The Young & the Restless." "Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream come true! "I'll shop. I'll read., I'll sleep a whole night through! " From the room above, the youngest began to fret. "Mommy?! I scared... and I am wet." The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart." "Hey," the mom smiled, "She knows her part." The clone changed the small one, and hummed a tune, as she bundled the child, in a blanket cocoon. "You the best mommy ever. " I really love you." The clone smiled and sighed, "I love you, too." The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal. " That's my child's love, she's trying to steal." Smiling wisely Santa said, "To me it is clear, " Only one loving mother, is needed here." The mom kissed her child, and tucked her into bed. "Thank you, Santa, for clearing my head. I sometimes forget, it won't be very long, When they'll be too old, for my cradle-song." The clock on the mantle began to chime. Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time." With the clone by his side Santa said, "Goodnight. Merry Christmas, Mom, You'll be all right."

Thanksgiving!!!

I am most thankful this year....and in no particular order. ;o)

• Jesus Christ who is my rock in this journey of life!
• my hubby who continues to love me despite my many faults.
• my children who are just as beautiful on the inside as the outside.
• our health which is daily taken for granted.
• Todd's employment which provides for us beyond our "needs".
• our church, small group friends and the truth spoken each week.
• our schools and amazing teachers this year!
• my parents who are always there for me....always!
• my parents who are always there for my kids...always!
• my girlfriends who keep me grounded and support me as a Mom on a daily basis.
• my cozy, humble home which is nothing without the people whom I love in it.
• for debt free living so we can live generously and not stressfully.
• for fun technology that keeps me hopping.
• that I am finding a new hobby that lets me be AMY for just a bit each day.
• for you if you are reading this....my blog is therapy and I love reading yours too!!!

Sophia's Blanket

A few weeks ago, Sophia had a Read A Thon at school. This is a day where all the kids bring their favorite blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, bean bag chairs, etc. to school and pretty much read the day away. Well, sadly while Sophia was in her math class, somebody stole her Webkinz, blanket and pillow. I tried to offer up a reward for the snitch or for the thief, but the vice principal denied my request. Anyhow, fast forward til today where Sophia's amazing math teacher, Nancy Foote, pulled me aside and presented me with a new blanket handmade by her! AND she told me she prayed for our family and Sophia every time she tied a knot!! I just can't say enough great things about our fabulous teachers this year and I'm so grateful! They love my kids and my kids love them. I know that Sophia will be spending many a night/mornings wrapped up in this labor of love!! Thank you Mrs. Foote!

Another lil photo shoot

Did another little photo shoot for some very handsome twin boys. They were full of energy and seldom held still so I was thankful for some still super duper cute pics. I'm still having fun and need all the practice I can get. I'll take anyone's pictures for free right now!

Happy 6th Chloe & Sadie!!!

It's hard to imagine that 6 years have gone by since my little twins were born and our world was ROCKED!!! I had a very active 3 year old and and a very laid back 2 year old (thank the Lord) when Chloe and Sadie arrived! Our house was a hoppin' and I was scared to be very honest at how I was going to juggle 4 girls under 3! Thankfully Todd was able to stay home the first 4 months of their precious lives and we were able to function on little sleep with round the clock changing of diapers, feedings and entertaining 2 toddlers. It's all quite a blur and from what I can remember, it was ALL good. I'm so thankful for these two little angels and feel very privileged to know the life, the special bond, the language and the amazing relationship twins have. Chloe & Sadie are very unique in ways like Chloe loves to color, craft and work on the computer and Sadie is more into dressing up, playing with dolls and coloring is just okay. And yet, they test exactly the same on numerous tests at school, both can play by themselves so very well, both love to read, both love to do gymnastics and are good at it too, both are great sleepers and they love to still snuggle with each other. Happy 6th birthday my amazing little girls and may the Lord bless you and keep you and may He shine on you today and always!!!

I love you oh so very much. xxoo

Happy Halloween!!

We had another super fun Halloween even though it remains my LEAST favorite holiday. The girls all chose great costumes this year! So girly...I love it! We spent our evening around the corner at our friend's house who also happens to be our co-leaders in our small group. And basically, our entire small group lives within 5 houses of each other so when we get together, it's a party and a HUGE gaggle of kiddos! We BBQ'd, ran through a few neighborhood haunted houses and then walked a couple of streets for candy. This year I got super smart and quickly ransacked my girls pumpkins and took out all the candy they don't like and then proceeded to pass all of that candy back out! Tacky perhaps, but at least it won't go to waste in my house. ;o))

More Photography!!!

Photography!!!

It's official. Amy's photography shop is offiicially open for business and these were my first customers! Actually, since I did it for free, can't say that I am official just yet BUT I am having fun practicing. I may post some more on here, but here is a very small sneak peek of the adorable Foley Family.

Happy Birthday Paigey Girl!!!

Oh my goodness Paigey Girl, you are 8 today! To know her is to love her! She is the fruits of the Spirit all rolled up into one little package and I am blessed to be her Mommy. She is joyful, she is patient and kind, she is all about peace, she is gentle and is good...she is Paige! Happy Birthday sweet girl and may you always know just how special you are to our family and most of all to God!

Last Day

Today was our last outing for our staycation. I took the Paige, Chloe & Sadie to the zoo while Sophia was at her ASU class. It was SOOO hot that I'm glad our visit was short (100 degrees today) but we will be back again for the next several weeks and hopefully it will be cooler! We loved the tortoises this time because there was a man giving them baths and telling us all about them. Sophia did great in her class and was the only child who could do the digital root to check her work on double digit addition. ;o) Yay for her!

Baking Day!!!

I just spent the morning of day #4 of our Staycation baking with my girls. We made caramel apples and harvest cupcakes! I am so blessed to have 4 little cookers who love to help Mommy in the kitchen! We did math while counting and measuring, we did art by decorating and we did science while taste testing. Can I just say again how much I am loving the age of my girls right now and pray we continue to have amazing days together like today!

Big Red Ball Fun!!!

On Day #3 of our Staycation, I took the girls to the park to roll down some hills in a big red ball. I can't tell you the giggles that came out of them all! It was so fun and I can't wait til we do it again. The ball itself took a long time to blow up even with an electric pump cuz it must have about 20 separate valves! Worth it though in the end to hear the laughter.