Crabs

We have hermit crabs now. My FIL brought them back from Florida, and bought us a 10 gallon fishtank to put them in. Seems like overkill to me, but there are 8 of them (crabs, that is), so i guess they do need room to run. The kids LOVE the little critters, they change shells all the time, crawl around, dig, and climb on the rocks and sticks and stuff in there. We're still trying to figure out the temperature and humidity thing, but they seem happy and we have no mold growing *yet* but we're working on getting some kind of heater, because our house is really cold, and it seems inhumane to keep the lights on in the tank 24/7 like we are.

Family Picture

Just because i have some free time, here's our one and only family pic, taken christmas day at one of my grandma's houses. This is the very reason we don't do family pics, lol. We're all looking at different cameras, lol, and well...let's just say there's a reason i'm always the one TAKING the pictures! Bleck. Sad thing is i've actually lost 20 lbs since last Christmas (even having a baby somewhere in-between, lol), and i still look like "that."



Besides, doesn't it look painfully forced? Haha, the kids literally scattered as soon as the flashing stopped.

First Laugh

Ember laughed for the first time last night. i missed it, because she and Dale were in another room, but i'm kind of glad, as it got to be THEIR moment. This is the first "first" of any of my kids that i've missed, and the only one that Dale has been there for alone (its always both of us, or just me around). He got her to do it again for me (he's still the only one that can get her to laugh) and it was hard to describe--kind of a half-whispered, breathless, magickal sound. *sigh* i'll miss having babies!

First Laugh

Ember laughed for the first time last night. i missed it, because she and Dale were in another room, but i'm kind of glad, as it got to be THEIR moment. This is the first "first" of any of my kids that i've missed, and the only one that Dale has been there for alone (its always both of us, or just me around). He got her to do it again for me (he's still the only one that can get her to laugh) and it was hard to describe--kind of a half-whispered, breathless, magickal sound. *sigh* i'll miss having babies!

Brother Love

Ryvre is Ember's favorite person in the world.  It is sooo sweet to watch those two!  He has the perfect "mommy voice:" just the right pitch, and not too loud or quiet.  i don't know if he came by it instinctivly or through observation, but either way, he will be an awesome daddy someday! Yesterday, i was holding Ember on my lap, and Ryvre came over and started talking to her, and lightly stroaked her cheek.  She gave him the biggest, longest smile ever, squealed with joy, and hugged his arm all at once.  My heart nearly exploded.  He said "Mommy, Ember loves me!" and i answered "Yes, she really does."  Then she reached for his face, and smiled again. i love my children so much.  It feels so good when they show their love for one another as well.  THATS why i have three

First Snow!

The first snow of the season :)

Six Weeks

i can't believe Ember is already 6 weeks old. It's all still very surreal.



Dale isn't happy that i posted the pic of him holding Ember in the sling. He doesn't think it's a good picture of him. I think he looks handsome. What do you think?