All I want for Christmas is you

I just couldn't fit you in my stocking.

Seriously, all I want for Christmas is for Alex to be potty-trained,

and by New Year, we just may be there! He is growing up so fast.

This may be the very last post of my sweet child wearing a pull-up (we can always hope).

Naughty and Nice

I love those rare moments when children do something so sweet, expecting nothing in return.

I suppose God feels this way when he sees us learning to get over ourselves, stop being selfish, and just love one another for no reason other than because we are brothers and sisters.

In this picture, Gage had just been sitting by himself playing with his new toy. Alex went to sit by him, keep him company, and make sure he didn't fall over (sitting is still a new thing for Gage). I hope they are always such good little friends.

Unfortunately, I think I may need to expand my resume from being just a "mother of two" to being a full-time referree once Gage is able to crawl and carry away one of Alex's toys. I'm afraid my skills as an umpire are not yet honed. Any advice is welcome.

In this picture, Alex is sure Gage is trying to take away his cup. Trust me, Gage would touch anything Alex is holding, just to get Alex's attention. At least they are dressed nice.

The Joys of Christmas

David: disgusted with misbehaving kids/fake smile/hates portraits

Lisa: oblivious to children/better at the fake smile
Gage: impatient/sleepy/hungry
Alex: happy/energetic/non-compliant

Merry Christmas,

The "Real" Hardins

Photo Drama

Look at this sweet baby!



It seems like getting a priceless candid photo is no trouble. Now, if only we could get decent family portraits! We had Christmas pictures taken, and I will tell you that it is substantially more difficult to get family portraits when two children are involved, especially two children with ear infections. After nearly 50 photos, we settled on one in which I look like a total goober, but at least everyone is looking at the camera. I'll have to post the pictures here in a few days...I'm tempted to post the "worst of" because they are actually pretty funny.