December

Hawken turned 12 on the 3rd, and got to open the gifts from family on that day, even though he had a birthday party a little earlier with friends. Hawken isn't always a center of attention kind of kid, but he sure deserves to be. Hawk is happy, and silly, and thoughtful. He is SUCH a good person, all on his own. We're so proud that he is our son. 

He asked for Jonny to be able to come over for dinner and cake. We ordered food from Seven Brothers and had a lovely night. 

Hawken at 12 still wants to be a farmer when he grows up. He knows a ton about animals and plants and how to care for the Earth. He likes to tell jokes, almost as much as Paul. He likes to adventure, but only on his won terms. He likes to know the plans, and doesn't like to deviate without a good reason. He is kind, and thinks about what he's said and done hours and days later, and will apologize if after thinking about it, he's done anything even a tiny bit wrong. He wants everyone around him to be happy. 

Hawken is shorter than lots of his friends, and is still losing baby teeth. He likes his hair long, but not too long where he has to brush it much because his head is so sensitive. He loves to get back rubs, and hand massages. He still loves his blankies and likes them on his feet when he falls asleep. He loves to snuggle and be close to people, and is rarely interested in being alone.

We love you so much Hawky Bawkers. 

Hawk stayed up late and built his race tracks, then Jonny went home and we let Hawk and Matix stay up and play some extra video games. What a happy birthday. 

Then I got this reminder from 12 years ago in my email. Sweet thing. I had a really easy pregnancy and labor and delivery with him. What an angel baby, right from the start. 

I love the way the house changes with Christmas decorations up. Here are some of my favorite little spots in our home. 

On the Christmas movies list, Edward Scissorhands is listed, as I always have to fight for. It IS a Christmas movie!

Good morning to long haired Paul. So fun.

We took the kids to the Goodwill Outlet to hunt through the bins and find some new toys to bring to Great Grandma Berg's house. It was so much fun hunting and searching for good stuff together. 

Paul built a display shelf for Matix's crystals. I love that he supports the kids in their interests, not just in shared interests. 

We went to see Lindsey Harmer perform in her a cappella group. I brought her the last of our lavender in a little bouquet.    The pictures of Jace and Paul made us all laugh. They are so silly together. 

Paul started getting lumber for  project that he and Hawken built. It was a long time in the planning stages, so getting to this point was really exciting! 

Cassie Balser and I took pictures with our Sunbeams before they graduated to CTR4 class, we printed these out and sent them home for a Christmas gift, but then we ended up moving up to teach CTR 4 anyway... Ha ha ha. We have two other kids, but they weren't there for the pictures. 

Snuggle Pumpkin, always ready for a kiss. 

The Hunts invited us over for a fun night of graham cracker house building and decorating. We made a huge mess but the creations were SO fun to see. 

Afterward, the kids all played video games and the adults visited. Amy and I wore the same hoodie, as usual.  And we saw the progress on their basement remodel.