A New First

Last night I experienced something totally new for me as a mom. I went to an orchestra concert for one of my kids. This year Avery decided to play violin through our school's music program. Amberly decided to play the viola. Even though the girls go to different schools they share an orchestra teacher and the two schools pair up for concerts. Since they have only been receiving lessons for a few weeks they don't have their bows yet. They just pluck. The were very excited to 'pluck' a few notes to ONE song during the entire concert. I ended up being the only Hartman to attend Avery's first concert because Chris was spending his night picking up CJ from wrestling, Madi from cheerleading, and taking Kylie to dance. Thank God Karen was there. I had someone to keep me company for TWO hours. Let's see if either girl will make it to the spring concert. Maybe they will be a part of more than one song.

The first snow of the season!

There is something totally magical when the first snow of the season falls. This is Meadow and Baby's first snow with us. They both loved running around our snow covered backyard.
After dinner Chris decided to start a fire outside. Even though it's a Saturday night, we made all the kids stay home since it was snowing.
First snowman of the season.
Home Sweet Home in the snow.
Chris and the kids ended up having a snowball fight. Chris won!!!!

Give me an M-A-D-I

You can pull yourself off the floor now.....That's right...our little tomboy is a CHEERLEADER!!!!!! She looks so damn cute in her uniform.

O Christmas tree!!

Today we headed up to our favorite Christmas tree farm to cut down our tree. Everyone got in the spirit wearing silly hats and singing off key! I just love when my kids get along!

The 3 little kids and Baby dog.

Kylie, Avery, Kamryn, and Baby hanging out on the tree cart.

My awesome kids and dogs in front of our chosen tree. Hard to believe that it's only 2 days before December in PA and CJ is in as t-shirt. Most years we are cutting our tree in full winter wear.

Chris and CJ setting up 'Charlie.' Remember, all of our trees get a name. Avery chose this years name.

Time to trim the tree! It was very surreal to me to have CJ hang the ornaments on the top part of tree. So big, so fast!

TaDa! Tree is done, thanks to my fabulous, adorable elves!

Finally Chris and CJ headed outside to get our outdoor lites done!

Congratulations Christopher!

Today I start a new chapter in my life.....The mother of a teenage driver!(well sorta) He passed his permit test. I have never been so scared in my entire life.

My little girl!

I know she is 4 years old, but she still loves to cuddle. And thank God! Your baby sleeping on you is one of the greatest feelings in the world. I know she wont want to fall asleep on me forever, so I plan on enjoying every one of these moments.

Happy Thursday!

Kami is addicted to a new show on Nick. Brain Surge. As soon as it comes on she gets very serious and expects us all to be quiet...Like that's even possible!

Madi also go her hair cut today. Of course I messed up the order so this pic is the after and the lower pic is the before. She got about 4 inches cut off and looks fabulous!!!!!