The Claytons

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Christmas Break

I was spoiled, spoiled, spoiled over Christmas break! Seth took the whole week off and we loved having our daddy home. We, or I guess I should say, he and the children spent the first part of the week cleaning up from the loggers.

We had our woods thinned and while the loggers were here, Seth got this idea to clear out some of the pines behind our house. Now we can see our driveway from the house. We love it but it left behind one big mess.

He would take Laurel, Savannah, Landon and a cooler full of water and snacks. They would stay for hours picking up sticks and playing in the dirt. He would even take diapers and wipes so he could change Landon! Yep, I'm telling you I was SPOILT! Sawyer and I hung out in the house, um.. sleeping!

So this is how it looks. I know, not too pretty right now. Seth promises that by spring it will be pretty and green. I love how it opened everything up. I don't feel so closed in now. It is so stinkin' cute when they see daddy's headlights driving up the road. I hear squeals of, "daddy's home!"

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Christmas Morning~2011

Laurel, Savannah and Landon came running to our room around 6:30a.m. Oh my goodness, they were so excited! "Get Up!" "Can we go see if Santa came?"

When I was growing up, all of us would run into mom and dad's room and say the same things and dad would always say, "let me go see if Santa came." We would all wait in the hallway while he went to "check things out" and then he would tell us when we could come in.
I guess we like putting our children through the same torture, because we do this in our family. Seth always goes into the living room, gets the camcorder ready, turns on Christmas music, and turns on the fire.
Landon just did not get why he was being held captive in the room!

He got over it real quick and started figuring out what all this Santa talk had been about!

He loves Choo-Choo trains!

But I have to tell you, he loves his first dirtbike even more! He rode that dirtbike all over everyone and everything.
Sawyer, just let him.
He is the best little baby.

Savannah and Laurel just kept saying over and over, "this is the best Christmas ever."

I was going to start a tradition this year where I let the kids go to the dollar tree and pick out a gift for the others. But a few weeks before Christmas, Laurel and Savannah started sneaking gift bags and were spending a lot of time behind closed doors making things. They came out with gift bags of presents they had made for everyone on Christmas morning.

Daddy's gift was a sweet card and some chocolate, left over from their parties at school.

They know just what to get daddy.

I also think this was the best Christmas ever. I loved that Christmas fell on a Sunday. It was fun opening gifts but then it was great that we were able to spend part of the day at church learning more about Jesus Christ.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Christmas festivities

It's a tradition to go to granny and papa's house on Christmas Eve. We eat chicken gumbo and lots of appetizers, play dirty santa, and see family we haven't seen all year! It's lots and lots of fun!

The train was a hit with the boys, Landon and Luke! Landon loves a train.

Sweet picture of Savannah and Luke

Luke will be able to defend himself next Christmas! Watch out, Landon!

sun visors from Mexico! How cool are they? Granny and papa brought these back from one of their cruises.

Aww.... fun times! I love seeing Christmas through the eyes of children.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Tea For Savannah

Savannah is six!
Some words to describe Savannah: Sweet, quiet, prissy. She has a natural fashion sense. The girl can put together an outfit! She is a pleaser and a little mommy. She has a really big heart and tender feelings.

Savannah's birthday was November 17th. We had a little family party but she really wanted to invite some friends over for a birthday party. So, this past Friday we had a few of her friends over for tea.

Savannah loves her babies and loves having tea parties with them and, Tea For Ruby is her favorite book. So it was just fitting to have a Tea Party for her.

Now, here is a little secret...I went to a friend's wedding reception not long ago, and I have been waiting for the opportunity to duplicate the fabulous tea cup centerpieces that were on each table. A very talented friend, Charity, decorated for this reception and it was the most beautiful reception I think I have ever seen. So, now that, that confession is out, here is a close up of my version!

I went to a thrift store and could not believe, that right there in the middle of a table were three brass candle sticks. Just waiting for me to hot glue a saucer and tea cup to it!

A smaller table was set up for the girl's dolls to have a tea party.

The best part of the party was when our special guest, "Miss Periwinkle," arrived. She came to teach the girls proper etiquette. She spoke with an English accent and was quite entertaining. Miss Periwinkle, also known as Sariah, is a good friend of mine. She just so happens to have a degree in theater! Aren't I so blessed to have such talented friends!

She taught them how to walk properly in heels.

They balanced books on their heads! Our friend Ava had amazing balance!

They had a relay race to see who could set a proper place setting. Say that with an english accent. Her accent was quite infectious. I found myself talking with one.

The girls then sat down to have tea and refreshments. They were served by "Miss Periwinkle." It was so cute listening to them use their manners. This was such a fun birthday party. I loved being able to use my real china, that just sits in the cabinet and rarely gets used. The girls loved drinking from real china cups.
Without "Miss Periwinkle," it just would not have been the same. I am truly amazed at how she kept the english accent up for two hours, without missing a beat. True Talent!