O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

I am FiNaLLy done decorating for Christmas! I usually have it all up the day after thanksgiving, but we were all sick so it had to wait! We didn't go all out this year like we usually do. We did get light up on the outside, well...WE can't take the credit for it, our good friend puts lights up for a living so we hired him! Thanks Conner!! Way worth it by the way, he even comes and takes them down to! WOW! Lights were WAY important to Ayden this year! He loves it! I can't wait until Christmas day. I'm not exactly ready, but we are trying to get back to the true meaning of Christmas this year. We are trying to teach the boys that its not all about toys and Santa. Christ will be the center of Christmas for us this year! I wish everyone the happiest Christmas season! Remember what is truly important this holiday season. Take time to stand back and enjoy friends, family and the Lord! I am truly grateful for all the wonderful people in my life...I love all my family and friends!!

My baby is 2!!

Austyn...2 weeks old

I can't hardly believe that Austyn is 2 today. It has been the fastest 2 years of my life! I love this little guy so much. He was quite the surprise. Ayden was only 8 months old when I found out I was pregnant with Austyn. As some of you know, it took a little while to get Ayden, so we were shocked to say the least. What a little blessing he is! He is the easiest going little guy...EVER. He is SO tender hearted as well. He gets his feeling hurt so easy. He is also very kind, and listens really well. He shares with his super demanding brother at the drop of a hat, and most of the time does it with a smile. He is my little cuddle bug, he loves to snuggle, and I love it just as much as he does. He is as smart as they come. He can already count to 15 and knows all of his colors. He loves Dora and Barney, I know...what a combo hu?? He also loves diggers, tractors and anything that moves. I can't imagine our lives without him...so here is to you Austyn!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

These are all his cousins...I thought this picture was pretty cool!

He had a great birthday, and was spoiled as usual! Thanks to everyone who came to his party on Sunday. He LoVeS all his new toys!! We LOVE you Austyn!!

SNOW...finally!!

I can't tell you how excited I am about this! Maybe it will finally start feeling like Christmas! Its hard to get into the Christmas spirit with no snow on the ground! Hopefully it doesn't melt today!

Elfyourself

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Are you serious?????

So, I have the stomach flu today.....GREAT!!!!!

SiCk Stratz fam

Its been a rough couple weeks here at the Stratz house! I usually don't like to vent on my blog...but its just part of life, hu?! I know that all you moms out there can relate with me. Sick kids are the worst! I can't handle it! It all started about 3 weeks ago when I came down with a horrible cough that just kept getting worse! Of course, I don't go to the doctor until I literally can't breathe! When I finally got to urgent care, I found out I had a sinus infection and bronchitis! Yuck! So after a few days of antibiotics I was feeling...ok...just ok! Then I got a touch of the tummy bug on top of the flipping cough!! Then the next day Dave came home with the stomach bug as well! I quarantined him to our room and Lysoled the heck out of everything after he was better (24 hours later!) I was just waiting for the kids to get it right on Thanksgiving...luckily they didn't! I thought that we dodged the bullet!! So I am still not feeling up to par, very tired and wore out! Austyn woke up barfing last night at 12:30am and didn't stop until this morning at about 7:30 this morning. Every 30 minutes like clock work! I felt SO bad for the little guy!! So after cleaning carpets at 1:00am I was ready for bed! Well...Ayden was in bed with me after that coughing up a lung...all night! So Dave had to do barf duty! He was a trooper. Ayden felt a little better this morning, but by noon he was running a fever! Great! I always freak out about Ayden and fevers since he has febrile seizures! Ayden started his round of barfing around 5:00 this evening! So needless to say...I am in for a LONG night again...I can feel it! I hate this time of year just for this reason! I am just praying for us to be healthy for Christmas! Sorry for this long venting session, but I just had to! I feel much better now...thanks!haha

Here is Ayden at midnight....He is still all smiles even when he is sick! Notice all the towels he is laying on....that makes for easy clean up when he misses the garbage can!haha

Thankful

Thanksgiving is upon us and it always makes me think of what I am thankful for in my life!! Now days...thanksgiving is just passed by. It has become sort of the forgotten holiday! I am guilty for it myself! Stores start putting up Christmas decor the second that Halloween is over! What about being thankful? Is it not enough of a money making holiday to celebrate?? So here are just some of the things that I am thankful for!! My family. Especially my husband and boys...they are my life! Money...I am thankful that my husband has a steady job and we are able to buy the things we need. Health...I am thankful for me and my families health. I have been so sick this last week with a sinus infection and bronchitis, but in the large picture with people struggling with life threatening illness such as cancer...I can't complain about a little old cold!! A home...I am thankful for a safe, warm place to live. Heavenly Father... I have no problem thanking my Heavenly Father for all of this, because without him...I would have none of it! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!