my boys

I love having boys, there is nothing like it and when they say boys love their momma it is so true. The second Cullen wakes up he calls for me and he is my shadow all day long and when he goes to sleep at night I have to lay with him until he falls asleep. He pats the pillow and says "Mom and me." Ethan ask me every night to sleep with him in his bed and when I tell him Dad would be sad if I did not sleep with him, Ethan says" he'll be ok without you mom". I love, love, love my boys- Ethan is teaching Cullen to read and it is so sweet, he is teaching Cullen so much and Cullen is listening. They have my heart and are my world!

our farm

I love going to the farm. I get to see Nathan at peace and calm, I get to see my kids drive the tractor, feed the cows, run around and most of all remember granddad. We miss him so much and the farm is where we feel him there with us. Nathan is getting more and more cows- He just recently got the Oreo cow as I call them but I know that is not there real name. Ethan is learning a lot about the farm, he is in charge of opening the gate when we get there and leave. The farm is such a special place for us and I am thankful we have it.

christmas parties.....

I don't get to get dressed up that much so when the occasion rolls around I get excited.... New pair of shoes, new black dress.... now lets party.... funny thing is when people see me dressed up they are somewhat shocked b/c I normally have my hair in a pony tail, glasses on and sweat pants-

friends, gingerbread houses and lots of laughing

I love Christmas... baking cooking, making gingerbread houses, spending time with friends. Caroline Bussemas our neighbor has become a dear friend to me, she is like an older sister. I am so thankful for her friendship- Ava and her daughter Ella Grace are best friends and Ethan loves Triston who is 10 years old - we made melted snowmen, gingerbread houses and laughed and laughed - what a wonderful afternoon-

SURPRISE!!!!

When Nathan turned 30 I really really surprised him and never again have I been able to. So this year I thought since he was turning 37 I would try again. Well it did not work but he had fun never the less. I got all his friends together at Sullivan's for a surprise dinner. The Saturday before Christmas and all 18 people made it a point to be there, some had to change family plans to make it. Nathan has something very special that not many people have with their friends.

It was a fun night. Everyone enjoyed themselves. Old stories were told, lots of laughs- I even wrote a speech for him-

When I think about Nathan and the person he is I think back to the quote he put in his yearbook.

"The difference between a successful person and others is not lack of knowledge but rather a lack of will."

To me this quote reflects your life story- your will to succeed in everything you have done and will do. From family, to grades, to college, to friends, sports, Marines, your business, your voyages, marriage and fatherhood. Your accomplishments are many yet your determination and drive to accomplish more is still overwhelmingly vigorous.

There are many reasons I was drawn to you when I met you for the first time but as I got to know you my love for you grew because of your,

Dedication, whatever you are involved in you are 100% dedicated.

Your compassion for others,

Your determination to succeed in whatever you want to do

and behind the serious hard core look you can give, there is a heart of gold.

Your word is true, your heart is filled with love and your loyalty is forever.

Your eagerness to learn and remember things I admire.

You have loved me and taken care of me and I thank you for that, but most of all I thank you for the father you are to our children. They are your everything- from the second you wake up to the min. you go to sleep everything you do is for them. You take your time for them even when you don't have time. When your daughter ask you to have a tea party with her after a long, stressful day a work, you do, you rush home so you can play baseball outside with Ethan before it gets dark. When Cullen was born and was intensive care you never left his side, you stayed there even when I could not bear to anymore, you are their silly, their laughter, their hero, their hearts and their best friend.

It has not always been a smooth road these past 12 1/2 years with you, you are hard headed and you think you are always right- that's annoying. You are a tad bit spoiled but that is my fault!

I would not have it any other way- God gave me you through the ups and downs and I am so thankful HE did. I love you forever.

HAPPY 37TH BIRTHDAY NATHAN! I LOVE YOU FOREVER.

our sweet hudson

Hudson loves Ava, Ethan and Cullen. But most of all Cullen. I guess because Cullen is small too. He follows him around everywhere he goes and wants to do whatever Cullen is doing. The other day Cullen was sitting on the floor and Hudson wanted to sit in his lap so badly, he would get in squatting position and right before he sat down Cullen would move. Cullen does not know what to think of Hudson. Cullen thinks he is 6 just like Ethan so he really does not think he has much in common with a 1.5 year old but never the less Hudson tries and tries and tries some more. Today he could not focus on what he was doing because he could not keep his eyes off Cullen.

Here is an example of what I am talking about. Wanted to get a picture of all the boys and see what Cullen is doing. He wants no part of it. I am sure when Hudson gets a little bit older Cullen won't mind him being his shadow but for now Cullen has his on agenda.

Now he knows how Ethan has felt for the past 2 years!

a charlie brown christmas....

nothing like watching a charlie brown Christmas in the laundry basket!

under the mistletoe

my sweet husband loves me so much. Every year I want mistletoe and with all the hussle and bussle I forget or he forgets but this year I got my MISTLETOE. Nathan was going to shoot some down the last time he went hunting but he did not see any so last week while driving downtown Clayton he saw some. He pulled over and asked the lady if he could get some of the mistletoe out of her tree and she did not mind. So he got out his ladder and his clippers and here's my mistletoe!

a note to Fletcher

Fletcher is what the kids named our Elf. Tonight she left him a note and it read: "Dear Elf on the shelf "Fletcher" When you leave tonight can you tell Santa me and Ethan have been good. Thank you Ava. We really have been good. P.s.s. Can you say hey to Santa for me." if you notice she left out Cullen- he has not been so good!

my new obsession

I have been introduced to Pinterest and I am in love. It is the neatest thing for me since I don't consider myself crafty. I read something today that I thought was wonderful-

"Before you act, listen,

Before you react, think.

Before you spend, earn.

Before you criticize,wait.

Before you pray, forgive.

Before you quit, try."

Ernest Hemigway

christmas picture

every year I stress and stress over this picture..... and this is why........

we have a visitor.....

The ELF has arrived at the Evans' house. This morning he was in the Christmas tree overlooking the kitchen checking things out. The kids named him Fletcher. They are so excited that he is here, Ava had a million questions and Cullen could care less- lets see what mischief Fletcher will get into......

it's the most .....

12-1-11

Is is already Christmas... Where has this year gone? I can not believe this. Decorations went up no problem, way ahead of schedule on gifts, getting Christmas card ready.... This is not a normal December for me- but I'm getting excited!

letter

tonight when ava went to sleep ethan had left this letter for her. "I am sorry for doing all the bad things to you Ava." I don't know what he was apologizing for but it warmed my heart b/c he loves her so.

Mexican Party

Ava had her Family Party at the house and we had a Mexican Party... Taco's Taco's for everyone!

Olivia made the cake and it was delicious.... After the party off to Ava's first piano recital.. she was wonderful playing jingle bells!

8

Ava at 8...

smart

funny

loves to read

loves to do crafts

loves her best friends Ashlynn Little and Ella Grace Bussemas

loves shiny things

loves to sing and put on a show

stage name "Wendy Sparks"

loves clip on earrings

loves painting her nails

wants to grow her hair long

loves to dot paint

loves to write in her journal

wants to visit Japan

wrote a joke book and going to sell it the money she gets she is donating to a charity

thoughtful

loving

kind

loves Taco's

wants to be a singer and a mommy when she grows up

Ava's sleepover

Ava turned 8 and wanted a sleepover... It was such a fun night! Ava had it all planned out from start to finish. Jayla Humble, Ashlynn Little, Brooklyn Davis and Ella Grace Bussemas all came tot the party. First, they ate pizza, had a cupcake competition, opened presents, got in the pj's, danced to just dance 3 wii, watched a movie and sometime around 3am fell alsleep... oh and a silly string fight- painted nails... What a happy little girl I have. I am so blessed.

preparing for "THE" party

Ava wants a sleepover,cupcake party for her 8th birthday... Well I was not sure where to begin but after a month of planning and hours of preparing it is almost ready for the BIG event tomorrow night... The Agenda goes as follows (according to Ava Grace)

Pizza for dinner, cupcake competition, silly string fight, do hair and nails, Just Dance 3 on the Wii with the disco light going, 2 movies and.......lots of giggles....

so tomorrow night say a prayer for me as I will have 5 eight year old girls in my house!!!!!

my shadow....

I thought Ethan was a momma's boy but oh no I was wrong.... Cullen is! This boy knows how to get me... He sneaks into my bed at night when I am asleep and says "You too Mom." In Cullen talk this means I love you too. In the morning he calls me with his sweet voice and when I get him out of bed he gives me the biggest hug and kisses every morning. At night he wants me to lay with him and I can't get up until he is asleep b/c he will give me those sweet eyes and says "mama down", meaning lay down. If for a second he does not know where I am he freaks out and cries. The hardest thing has been preschool. Every morning he cries, "Mama stay home." This breaks my heart, and if it wasn't for Nathan taking him I would give in and let him stay with me.... On the days he does get to stay home I will say "Cullen guess what no school today." and his face lights up and he says "HOME Mama HOME!" This is my sweet, sweet boy and my heart melts every time I see him and hear his voice. Momma loves you Cullen Lee Evans

Daily Devotion

In our daily devotion today it was about asking God for wisdom. Later in the day Ethan came to me and said "Mom, I know a nice way to ask God for wisdom." "God please give me wisdom."

my sweet, sweet Ethan Wallace....

Morehead Planetaruim

Our second field trip was to the Morehead Planetarium and they kids loved it. We have been studying about space and all the planets... Then we got a tour of the UNC campus from none other than daddy! Lunch on Franklin Street and we can't pass up HOT NOW donuts at Krispy Creme... A wonderful field trip!

Happy Halloween.....

October was such a busy month for us... Every weekend we had at least 2 or 3 parties to go to... It was fun though.... Here are my spooky kids ... My ninja, scream man, candy corn witch who won first place in the Halloween contest!

We went to Jodi Lowes annual Halloween party and it was so fun- lots of food, candy, hayrides and playing around -

then off to Lisa Humble's Halloween party with good friends and great neighbors!

keep one eye open

Ava got the funny idea of putting a mustache on Ethan and cullen when they went to sleep.... she was so excited and proud of herself about this little joke she had made up... but what she did not know is when she fell asleep... nathan put one on her. So when she woke up she laughed at Ethan and Cullen and they had no idea why but they were laughing at her too... It was hilarious.....

my little teacher

Ethan is reading so well and he is so proud of himself. The other night he was reading to me and Cullen. Ethan decided he would teach Cullen to read. Ethan would say a word and then Cullen would have to say the word. To my surprise Cullen repeated every word! Ethan said "Cullen you are doing GREAT, I tell you no other 2 year old can read as good as you!" What a sweet brother.

my letter

I found this the other day on my desk: Dear Mommy, Thank you for being the best teacher in the world! You have taught me a lot of thing so me and Ethan can be smart. Thank you for all you do. Senserle Ava

I AM the luckiest mother in the WORLD!

BFF

I remember my first best friend Christie Pearce. We played, we laughed, we sung songs, we talked on the phone, we had sleep overs- those were the best times and now I get to see Ava and her first best friend and it makes my heart smile. Ashlynn Little and Ava met last year in first grade and have not left each other side- Ava took her own money and bought a necklace that has Best Friends on it- she kept Best and gave Friends to Ashlynn, so sweet!

heart attack...

yes my children love to scare me... wonder who they got that from? Last night as I pull back the covers to go to bed this is what I see on my pillow- and this morning I open my jewerly box and another one.. Lord help me!

Our Halloween Party

It is that time of the year where my kids get so excited they can't control themselves! Between Booing, decorating for Halloween, shopping for costumes, Halloween parties, picking out pumpkins and scaring me they are in Heaven!

Last night we had a Halloween party for our friends- The Lee's, The Hardee's and The Oliver's- Pizza, spooky cupcakes, silly lips, eye ball donuts and scary music plus 10 kids it was Crazy... BUT I love ever minute of it... these are the times I will look back on when I am old and smile-

Dalton, Cade and Ava are the oldest and now it is happening... yes,,, where those boys aggravate the pretty girl because they like her. Of course Ava does not understand that yet but she will and my sweet Cullen locks himself in the playroom with Landry and Ella-- Ethan is too busy playing football with Cannon, Cole and Parker!

These are the days to Cherish-

We love our dear friends!

Who will we BOO this year??????

My kids think Booing is the best thing since they found Oreo Pie! Last year Nathan was out of town so he missed all the fun. Last night, (I know it is early but my kids were dieing to boo someone) we all dressed in black, even Cullen. Our strategy was set- target marked, escape plan checked! It was hilarious- We snuck down to the Bussemas's house (down there LONG driveway) Ava and Ethan delivered the Boo and Nathan, Cullen and I hid behind the bushes. Then the kids ran and the lights came on! We waited and waited then it was safe to run home.... We had so much fun-- Another SUCCESSFUL year of BOOING by the Evans family!

straight from his heart

Today at break I told Ethan he could go get a snack while I finished up school work with Ava and he turned to Ava and said, "Ava, I am going to wait for you to go get my snack, do you know why?" "Because I love you."

Out of the blue straight from his heart......

already????

The other day I picked Cullen up from school and he came and gave me the biggest hug. Then a little girl named Georgia, came up to me and said "Cullen sweet." and gave him a hug, of course he hugged her back and right there before my very eyes I can see 10 years from now and I could not breathe for a second-

He has already got the girls hugging him at 2 years old... oh my! Nathan and I are in for it!

3

Tomorrow you will turn 3, you are growing up right before my eyes and it breaks my heart. I wish I could keep you little and innocent and protect you from this world but I know I can't. I would give anything to freeze time and keep you my little blonde bear. You have taught me so much these past 3 years, from the second you were born and they rushed you to the intensive care, you taught me that you may be little but boy are you strong! You have taught me that you may be young but you know what you like and don't like. You have taught me that you can be just as hardheaded and strong willed as they come. Last but not least you have taught me that it does not matter how many children I have I love each of you more than the stars in the sky and all the fish in the sea.

When Daddy ask you who do you love you never hesitate to say "Mama"- when you wrap your little arm around my neck it is the best feeling in the world. I never want to forget you saying "Me too" when I tell you I love you.

at this moment you love.... purple juice (grape juice), bo-bo (Ethan), cats, baseball, football, building things, lining up your toys (like Ethan did), your mommy, outside, yogurt, scooby-doo, attention, pretty girls, playing outside, blue crocs, coloring, painting, Ava, Daddy, animals

Your sweet blue eyes and that precious grin melt my heart every time you look at me. You are my love, my heart, my everything. Happy Birthday sweet boy.