The Christmas that Santa Saved

I haven't been on in awhile, there's alot to catch up on...but first....some Christmas magic. For those of you that know me well, you know that this didn't start out to be just the best Holiday for me ever but it sure did end up being one of the best Christmas's EVER. See these beautiful, lovely, amazing children? They are my peeps, and I love them more than anything in the world. For Christmas I just enjoyed them...and their laughter, giggles and surprise as they opened gifts. I marveled at their beauty and spunk. I enjoyed being their mom. For Christmas, Santa gave me a day to do nothing, but love my children. It was the best day, surrounded by the best of friends, with much joy, celebration and laughter rang out all day. It will be a Christmas we will never forget. * yes, someday, I will tell you the whole story. But, for now, BEHOLD...the JOY of CHRISTMAS!!!

Just a Peek...

*** FIFTEEN***

How did it come to THIS? Brandon has turned FIFTEEN! Gasp... It seems just like yesterday that I was waking his Dad and saying " Honey, it's time..."

Brandon, who gave me hope & strength thru some of the darkest days. Brandon who never lets a night go without texting "night" to me.. he calls me everyday when he's home from school...he spends all his weekends & vacations here...but O how I miss my Munchkin during the school week.


Speaking of school. Have I told you that Brandon is going to Collegiate? He is. He wanted to. Applied all on his own. Gathered recomendations from all of his teachers and sailed thru the daunting ( to me ) applications and interview. He will complete High school in TWO years... Woha Doggies.. and the remaining two "highschool" years are spent attending the local community college for an associates degree. So, in other words, when he finish's High School he will have an associates degree already. BOOYA. The word PROUD seems pretty small.


Brandon is the worlds BEST Big Brother. Unending paitence. Loves the Peeps. He is almost another parent. He watch's them, plays with them, refills sippy cups, puts in the car, holds them in the pool, watch's movies with them and everything in between. a better Older Brother can not be found. Anywhere. I promise.

Fifteen years of just the best of Life. Brandon is so much more than just a child. He is growing into an amazing person, an amazing man.

Brandon is MY Hero. He always has been. He always will be.

Happy Birthday America

WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA....Please remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you...JESUS CHRIST and the AMERICAN SOLIDER. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. Amen and GOD BLESS THE USA. Happy 4th of July!!

FIVE

Yes, it's true. Ethan has turned FIVE. I can't believe it. Where did FIVE years go? We celebrated on the day of his birthday ( june 21) by opening a few presents and taking him to his favorite Play Place and then Whole Foods bakery to pick out his very own cupcake.
Then a few days later a small party with good friends.
Ethan would say he had a fabulous birthday, which is all that matters.
I apologize, again for the delay in posting these. Again, unedited but I know you are waiting. So here we go....

How old are you Ethan??? Party Ready in her adorable TuTu :)

Looks Good Ethan!

He asked for a Green Cake...for months, Mommy delivered..

seriously thinking about a Wish....

PRESENTS!

Jacob helped open them...

at his favorite Play Place...

Whole Foods Bakery...

so hard to choose just ONE......

They like their choices!

Someday, I will make a post telling you all about the many wonderful and amazing ways our Ethan has grown and changed in just FIVE short years. But for now, he is our little ringleader. Michevious. Full of energy. A true lover of Chloe. Daddy's boy. Loves to talk, play outside, watch Cars and Harry Potter. He loves to do everything he can. He always wants to help. Spends alot of time in time out ( ahem ). He has grown and changed in so many ways it's stunning to think about. He was mine and Brians 1st. He is the older of the youngest three and bears that well, usually. He is handsome, stuuborn and adorable, in his own way. He is independent. He has spent 3 years doing alot of therepy to learn how to talk. He jabbers our ears off. He loves his blankie and his rabbit. Ethan is just Peach's to us and we couldn't LOVE him more if we tried.

Happy Birthday Ethan! ♥ Mommy

Next Stop : Kindergarten

Did you miss this? I think you did. Ethan GRADUATED from his Preschool/Speech Therepy early in June. It was an exciting year, full of many changes for our little man, and he sailed thru them all like a pro. He is excited about Kindergarten in the fall and a new Speech Therapist that will continue the work that started with the now famous Miss Laura not to long ago... back when Ethan didn't talk at all.... now we can't get him to be quiet for a moment :)

Congratulations Ethan! We are all so proud of you and all of your hard work ♥

~ catching up ~

Did you think we forgot about you? again? well, we didn't. I can assure you, we always think of you... and sometimes I would really rather be blogging.....BUT...we have been busy,busy, busy... over the course of the next few days it is my Goal to catch you up, a little each day...and this is Day 1 of catching up. These pictures have not been edited ( ahem, well...would you like to wait another 2 months? hehe ) and are just random shots from around town...

Yes, she does just get Cuter and Cuter!
Lunch... the boys choice...grilled cheese, tomatoes & cucumers...yummy! We eat this alot..

God Bless the person who invented these handy little carts!~ taken at Whole Foods...( on Ethans Birthday, which will be posted maybe tomorrow )

Chloe can always be counted on for a smile...well, almost :)

have you seen Aqua Sand? It's one of the neatest things EVER! The boys Love it and are happy for hours playing with it...OK, so you might have to vacume a bit after they play but if it keeps them happy - I will vacume!!

Yes, that is a "ice pop" - the peeps BEG for them every summer..Ice on a stick, what could be better?

ahhh...the Lego table...they loved it!!! and that crib is no longer there...nope, all big boys now...that too is another post :)

The boys cleaning up a "certain uncles" kitchen...hehe

SPRINKLERS!!!!

the boys loved them...chloe hated them...

We have been all over town, Play Place, Library, Grocery Stores... We have been swimming...Gotten Brandon back after his 1st 2 weeks at Collegiate ( where he was a smashing success :) We have spent time with friends, laughed, ate way too much and tried to beat the heat, eeeekkkkkk hot already. Jacob is registered to begin a 2 day a week 2 hour speech/communication class in the Fall at what is now Ethan's old school. Chloe is having surgery in 2 weeks. Some friends have been back and forth on vacations, bringing home wonderful stories and photos' . I had a birthday.. Ethan had a Birthday. Fathers Day. I am also pleased to announce that I am FINALLY almost done unpacking! It has NEVER before taken me sooo long to just get settled. Whew! I am sure that as you read thru this, and add just the day to day needs of 3 small children and a growing ( and usually bored teen ) you can see why Blogging has just fallen by the wayside. I had some technical issues with the laptop as well. But, as you can see, I am BACK! WOW! I just read that list and I am exhausted. It is time for mama to go to bed. I hope you enjoyed this little peek into the weeks here on the Proctor Homestead and I will get another post out lickity split with lots more cathing up - perhaps Ethans 5th Birthday... yes, you are waiting for those aren't you :)