Wordy Wednesday

Christmas has come and gone and I will be so glad for some time to take my tree down. But with two curious helpers I may have a hard time.

The kids had the most magical Christmas. Reese's shouts of glee and River's smiles were enough to make anyone feel merry and bright. They got so many wonderful things and we will have many fun days ahead playing and creating and getting check ups.

Our Christmas was everything I had hoped for the kids. They were so fun and happy. They got along well and got gifts for each other. Reese got River a puzzle set and he got her a crib for her dolls that hasn't left her side. She kept hugging him and saying, "thanks, big guy!"

I'm thankful for their sweet smiles and their hugs. I'm thankful we made church a priority on Christmas Day. I'm thankful that everyone seemed to like what I got them. And that everyone is able to be together at Christmas and healthy besides our minor aches and pains and colds.

I hope everyone had a weekend full of joy and happiness!!

Wordless Wednesday

Tis the Season!

During our Advent we have been preparing ourselves for Christmas. When I became Catholic much emphasis was put on the expectation of making room for a new child. On clearing out the clutter and putting aside non-essentials to make room in our hearts. This year we have made time for stories each night, we have made something or helped someone each day. We have spent more time together and less time zoning out to tv. Reese points out Jesus, Mary, and "Josen" all over town. She might not fully grasp the concept but she knows Jesus is in her heart (River too she says) and she is happy to know him. If I accomplished no else, I am proud of this one thing during our holiday season.

Some things we have done this week include putting money in the Salvation Army bank, wrapping presents, making crafts for friends and family, a Christmas program, spending time with cousins, aunts and uncles, making gingerbread men, watching The Polar Express, drinking hot cocoa, and wearing Christmas pjs. We've had lots of fun!

Our elf has been busy too. He's been busy fighting the no-good Grinch. And many other fun things. He's just the right bit of ornery and clever!

Wordless Wednesday

Advent Activities

Advent has been pretty amazing. We've had so many fun things to do and seeing it through the eyes of the kids has been magical.

Sunday- we read Christmas books.
Monday- Christmas lights tour.
Tuesday- Christmas card address labels.
Wednesday- cereal garland stringing.
Thursday- carols.
Friday- candy came pipe cleaner ornaments.
Saturday- Candy Land Christmas Craft House.
Sunday- salt dough ornaments.

I have more pictures but my phone will only upload so many at a time and mow i don't know how to delete the ones ive chosen. Darn it. But i think I'll put them all in a collage before "the big day!"

The Elf Again!

Silly Wally! He's been busy! The funniest thing yet was when we caught him eating our leftover icing. We made pancakes that morning and left one for him and then later when I got a drink I found that Reese had left a little ham from her sandwich for him. I guess she was in the Christmas spirit!

Wordless Wednesday

9 Months

Yesterday we had a fun day at Reese and River's check ups. We did a little shopping and the kids were great. Reese is getting so tall and is as healthy as a horse. Her funny for the day was when the doctor checked her private parts. We had just had a long talk about how those were areas no one was allowed to see so as the doctor approached she said, "Mama? What are you doing?" She had a sound in her voice like, whoa! Red alert! Not okay! Next time I'll give her a little more prep about that!

River was great, a little small but he's been down and out with the flu and had lost almost 2 pounds so hopefully he beefs back up soon. The doctor loved his faux hawk. And a lady in Target informed me that we were not allowed to fix it any other way.

They both have double ear infections and are just feeling overall cruddy. We've had crazy routines with thanksgiving and appointments and all kinds of stuff so we are hoping for some miracles to happen with these antibiotics! (And some rest).

Advent

I decided this year that I was going to go all out for Christmas. Reese is old enough to be thrilled at every event and River is here making our family complete. There's no better time to start long lasting traditions and create joyful memories. Sappy, I know, but I truly mean it and I want my kids to grow up thinking of the holidays as they should be. A time of preparing your heart for joy and wonder.

I prepared a list of things I wanted to do with the kids for each day. I made it into a cute little pattern and printed them out but unfortunately left them at school. But I chose a couple of things from the list to do over the weekend. I intentionally chose activities so we could do things altogether or for others.

Activity #1 was making Christmas cookies. You want to talk about fun! Measuring, stirring, cutting and sprinkling with a very helpful 3 year old. I finally just figured if you can't beat 'em, join 'em! And really it wasn't anything a vacuum couldn't clean up.

Activity #2 was kind of an easy way out because we have all been sick as a dog this weekend. We found Once Upon A Christmas Mickey Mouse style and we all curled up on the couch and watched that. I have a feeling that won't be the last viewing of that movie!

We also happened to have 25 Christmas books so I set them under the tree to read one per day too. Reese loves The Polar Express! River's more into reading the chewy board book. :)

So our tree is up, our lights are on, gifts are finishing up, and advent has begun. Our silly elf is still up to his adventures. It's really beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here!

Wally's First Week

Wordless Wednesday

Grateful

I'm so grateful for my family. We were able to spend the entire weekend with everyone and it was nice. No agenda. No schedule. Just get up, hang out and enjoy our time together. Here are some sweet pictures of everyone.