Christmas 2009

Christmas Eve we had an early supper and quickly got things picked up. We really don't have any traditions as we have traveled every other Christmas so the kids didn't have any expectations for Christmas Eve. We turned the tree lights on and lit all the candles. The kids were quite excited to have family devotions by candle light. We had decided that we would let the kids open a couple of presents Christmas Eve but didn't tell them. As a result they were very patient as we sat around the candle lit living room talking and singing. It's a scene that I will hold dearly in my heart. The kids were very surprised when we suggested opening a few presents Christmas.

It ended up being nice spreading out the present opening. Christmas morning the kids woke up and played with the toys they had opened the night before not begging to open presents. And we did open the rest of the presents we we took time to play with each toy instead of continually telling the kids, "no don't open that game, let's keep opening presents." It's a tradition we may keep up.

Zach's Christmas

Baby's First Christmas

And as to be predicted he was more interested in the paper than the presents.

And much to mom's "non" delight this little guy started crawling before Christmas. I thought I had another month left before needing to baby-proof everything, but Zach decided he didn't want to wait any longer to try and catch up to his siblings. His new presents do not keep him occupied. He is a typical 4th child and is not content unless someone is in his face playing with him. Thankfully there are many siblings to fill the job.

We're Ready

It's finally up

It seems I'm a little behind this year. Usually my goal is to have all my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving. This year I didn't even start until after Thanksgiving. We put up the earlier this week and finally last night the kids and I decorated it. So we are enjoying the tree for the 7 days before Christmas.

I started a Christmas tradition a few years ago of collecting Christmas toys. That way when I put up the tree they have things to play with because really kids don't appreciate just looking all the Christmas decorations. Last year we added the fisher price nativity scene. And apparantly the fisher price castle should be sold with it becuase in our house the wise men visit Harod in a pink castle. I think the day before Christmas we'll add the wrapped presents but until then the kids are enjoying the nativity puzzle, books, and blocks which makes for a happy momma.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

More Sayings

While We Were Walking

We finished up our school work early and headed out for a walk before lunch. Each child had thier funny comments which all began with "Look Mom".

Emma: Look Mom, they have a statue in thier front yard. I hope they don't worship it. That would be breaking God's law.

Brooke: Look at me Mom. I carry heavy rock.

Mom: No that's not a rock. That's a brick and it's apart of thier landscaping. Put it back.

Elias: Look Mom at all those leaves. It's Fall under that tree.

YUMMY

Family Fun Snack

They're turkeys made out of half of a pear, slices of oranges and apples, and raisins. It's so easy to impress kids.

Another Milestone

We've got a sitter, and he's quite pleased with himself.

YUMMY

Don't let the face fool you.

He loved the sweet potatoes.

And it looks like Brooke won't be our only smiley one.

1st Day of School

And They're Off

How is it I only came home with 50% of my kids?? Elias started 1st grade and Emma started kindergarten. After they dropped off thier backpacks Elias ran to the foursquare game and started playing. A split second later he turned around and saw Emma and then I had to hold back tears. He very sweetly called Emma over and explained the game and made sure she was included. He was very proud to show Emma "his" school and teach her the ropes.

First the kids lined up, then one of the dads prayed for each of the classes, and then one last class picture.

And then we had to leave. Brooke was use to leaving Elias at school but couldn't bear to leave Emma too. She cried most of the way home asking for Emma. She will certainly have an adjustment playing by herself.

My Family

The People I Love

Keeping Them Busy

Summer Doings

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Trying to quickly get all the chores done I bribed the kids with watercolor paints. When I went to the other room to get the camera I came back to an empty water bowl. Brooke had decided the nasty brown water looked yummy and drank the whole things. Thankfully they are nontoxic.

A new basketball has brought a seige of requests to be brought to the park. Oh the woes of apartment living and no driveway to practice free throws.

The rewards of reading... After Completing his 6 hours of reading this last year at school, Elias earned a ticket to Six Flags Magic Mountain. To Mom's amazement a 7 year old is tall enough for many of the roller coasters. Thankfully it was Dad who took him and they both enjoyed a full day of roller coasters and bumper cars staying until the park closed.

Capturing the first roller coast ride.

After a whole school year of painful sessions of sitting at the table and practicing penmanship the kids have discovered a fun summer game. They write a funny sentence and then Dad corrects the spelling. The most recent sentence: "Dad likes to smell trash".

After a year of Kindergarten I scored two kids that learned to read. Emma didn't want to be left out in the learning and was always hovering over Elias's shoulder. As a result she can read and I mean really read. I often find her in her bedroom with book in hand.

The other day after completing his sweeping chore Elias announced he had named all of our chairs. Dad's chair was named "Studying", Emma's "Reading", Brooke's "Everything", Elias's "Karate", and Mom's "Milk". All the names describe what we do. Mine is milk because I "sit around and feed Zach milk all day". This explains why our summer pictures are mostly inside pictures. Tis the season this summer.