Sweet Christmas Memories

Nathan and Ryan enjoyed their first ever sleepover over Thankgiving break. It was so fun! They were thrilled beyond words. Just to see them so happy was worth it all. Ryan was super excited to be sleeping in Nathan's big boy bed. We pulled out the trundle, but left it on the floor instead of raising it like we usually do. Jason informed them, that they were to go to sleep..... no playing, no talking. Jason and I then discussed that this was a special and exciting time for them, so we gave them 15 mins. to talk quietly, after that... lights out. They did great! When we went back in Nathan was reading to Ryan. It was PRECIOUS! I of course HAD to get pictures of the momentous occassion!
They had sleepover round 2 Christmas Eve, after saying "good-bye" to George. This happened to be a little more difficult, but that was certainly to be expected. They stayed in their beds, but had a had time settling down and falling asleep. I knew EXACTLY what they were feeling. I remembered all to well the many Christmas Eve nights sharing the room with my sister and us talking/giggling and singing ourselves to sleep. What precious memories! I want my boys to remember these sweet times together too!

Don't you remember trying so hard to fall asleep, then waking up REALLY early and getting your sibling(s) up to go see what Santa had brought?! Nathan was very concerned that Jason and I wouldn't be ready to get up a O'dark thirty Christmas morning. We assured him that we wouldn't sleep in like we would really want to do. We also told the boys that they were welcome to head downstairs on Christmas morning and open their stockings. Did you read that?! Yes, open their STOCKINGS! I even left them a note that morning, right outside Nathan's door to tell them Goodmorning and to remind them they could go downstairs and open thier stockings, but NOTHING else! They didn't follow that part! ARGH!!!!!!!

This momma got a little frustrated but all was not lost! I realized it wasn't the end of the world and we got back on track (surprises still happened)! However, we got off and on track A LOT that morning. Who says it's so great that kids can READ?!?! JUST KIDDING! But it sure can make Christmas morning a lot more hectic. I just had to relax and tell myself, "It's okay, SWEET MEMORIES in the making!" That's just what it was SWEET CHRISTMAS MEMORIES!

Christmas 2008

What a great month it has been. From the decorating, shopping, wrapping, caroling, festivities, baking and cooking, fellowshipping and worshipping. The list could go on and on.

I for some reason have always had a difficult time at the holidays. Usually from Thanksgiving thru New Years. I can't really put my finger on it except for things were just different, not the same as what I had always known, grown up with. Living away from all my family doesn't exactly help either. In our almost 12 years of marriage, this year FINALLY was different. Different in a very good way and I ENJOYED it immensely. I don't really know what the difference was, but it was wonderful. Don't get me wrong, I still missed all my family and the traditions of what I grew up with, with all of them.

Maybe it's the fact that the boys are getting old enough to really have fun and involved in the Christmas fun. We are starting our own family traditions and it's so neat to see them getting into them. We started this year with an advent calendar that we did together as a family. We got it from church and it was so neat. We unfortunately didn't do it EVERY day, but we got pretty close. It was a special time for the 4 of us to sit down and talk about in depth the TRUE meaning of CHRISTmas! We had some great discussions.

We also started a new tradition of making a birthday cake for Jesus... not just any cake like we'd done in years past. This cake had special meaning! (I'll post more later on it.)

Being with the boys this year, just us, was a great start for me to realize that THEY are my family too! I am so thankful that God allowed me to see this and to make it a priority. This year was a very special Christmas and it had nothing to do with the gifts, except for the gift of God's son Jesus!

1st Annual Christmas Parade

I know this post is long overdue, but it's been a little busy around our household. We've had a great time this year enjoying the Christmas season. The town we live in had it's 1st annual Christmas parade at the beginning of the month.

We bundled up, packed up the car and headed out a little early not knowing what kind of crowd to expect. We got a GREAT spot and enjoyed the warmth of the car until the parade began. Ryan however, decided to stay in the car a little while longer until the emergency vehicles passed with their loud sirens. He's NOT a fan of loud noises!

Once the parade began, we all enjoyed the festivities and the boys surely enjoyed getting TONS of candy! It was really neat to see our community come together and celebrate Christmas.

As I was standing there watching the parade, it hit me how awesome it was to see several floats telling the TRUE meaning of Christmas. It made me so proud to see that they were telling the world (even if it is just our little community) that "Jesus is the reason for the season." They were not ashamed and I was just beaming! I SO enjoyed spending that time with my guys (even if it was freezing outside) enjoying something that will surely become a tradition for our family for as long as God allows us to live here!

At some point during the 45 min. parade, I just got overwhelmed with the whole thing... I was bursting with joy and happiness. I couldn't contain my feelings and began to cry! I know, what a sap! That's what I told Jason as he turns to me and notices me crying! He was SO confused!! (poor guy) He said, "Oh, no! What's wrong?" Me: "Nothing. Absolutely, nothing." (Just what every guy wants to hear, huh? That throws them for even a bigger loop!) : ) That wasn't my intention at all, I just couldn't explain it. Once I did, he kinda understood, in his manly way! It was such a precious evening, one I will remember for a very long time.

(I will post some pictures soon..... but they won't mean anything to you, like they did to me!)

UPDATE: Here are the pictures in a slide show!

A Moment in the Life of.....

Walt Disney! Nathan had to read a biography, write a report, make a poster and read the report in 1st person. He originally chose Shaquille O'Neil, but that book was too difficult. This summer Nathan got a book in the mail. A biography to be exact of Walt Disney. He had no interest in reading it until a few weeks ago when he HAD to do a biography report. Actually, he still wasn't interested, but I began reading it to him and he was hooked!

Nathan didn't really know who Walt Disney was and he DIDN'T really understand what Disney World was. After reading about Walt's life in the book, we did some research on the computer. We even looked up Disney World and the other theme parks on Google Earth. From that day on.... he knows a lot more about Disney World. So much so, that he's been bitten by the bug! He added to his Christmas list that he would like tickets to go to Disney World.

Today Nathan turned in his report and presented it to the class. He did such a great job! I was so proud of him.

Our Little Snaggle Tooth

Our sweet Nathan has been awaiting this day for a VERY long time! Seeing how he got his first tooth when he was 11 months, the dentist had told us he would probably be 7 or 8 when he lost his first tooth.

He was really bummed all last year in first grade because all his classmates were loosing teeth and he wasn't. In June, this year, we found that his two bottom front teeth were loose. He was so excited. His eyes lit up! He knew the day was getting closer.

Last weekend we noticed that his permanent tooth was coming in behind his loose baby tooth. I of course call his dentist. He warned us that might happen. They told him to wiggle, wiggle, wiggle that tooth. I've been asking him every day. He'd wiggle it a little here and there.

Finally tonight, when I asked he said he was afraid it would hurt. I told him it would for just a second and then it would be all over with. I told him when he was ready, we could pull it. He thought he should get some string and then decided that Daddy could have the honors.

Well, Daddy scored! Nathan's tooth came out with a little "Ouch!" Then he was THRILLED it was out and now can't wait to get to school tomorrow!

If nothing else he's had to learn to be patient with this little tooth! Then again, I don't think it was too hard to be patient when he was expecting pain!

Nathan with all his baby teeth

Nathan's new look

Now for his other tooth to fall out. Who knows he may be singing "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!" Nah..... I don't think those would make his list... EVER!

Curious George -- the elf!

George always gets us laughing around here when he comes to visit. Here are a few ways we found him this week. Never know what you'll find or where you'll find him!

He "rearranged" the pantry to get to the box of marshmallows. We decided he loves chocolate because all the strawberry ones were on the floor!

Peeking out the window wanting to be outside in the snow.

Parking in the Snow

So this is what can happen after you drive almost 3 hours to get home in the snow. You dodged all the accidents, keep from sliding into a ditch and even decide to turn around after 2 attempts of not being able to make it over a hill. You finally make it home to your wife and 2 boys, starved, and park your car in the driveway like you always do! Only later to find this:

Surprisingly... the glass wasn't broken!

Gotta laugh!! It could have been worse. A least it was only the mirror and not the back end of the car and the mailbox too!

We Got T.P.'d

Yes, we got t.p.'d (toilet papered), but it's not quite what you think. It wasn't outdoors, it was indoors! Nathan woke up this morning and found the mess! He came running knocking on my door telling me I needed to come see the playroom. He was grinning and laughing and his eyes were as big as saucers.

As I walk down the hall I can see toilet paper strung everywhere. Nathan and I were laughing so hard. Right in the middle of the "maze" of toilet paper, we found the culprit. Yep, George! He was a busy little elf last night! What fun he brings us!

Nathan found the linen closet door in the boys' bathroom open and rolls of toilet paper were all over the floor. Nathan couldn't wait to go wake Ryan for him to see what George had done. We of course had to leave it for Daddy to see when he comes home tonight!

What a sneaky little elf!

Auto Show = Dreaming

Last weekend we went to the Auto Show. This is always a big deal in our household. My 3 boys LOVE cars!! Nathan has known cars and their names since he could talk, no kidding! He comes by it honestly. Jason is a car guy (for those of you who didn't know)!

Being the Pink (girl) in the house of blue (boys), I go along and join in on the fun. The Auto show here is not nearly as big as the one we attended when we lived in Birmingham, but it's fun none the less. We all take our turn sitting in the cars and dream!

That's all it is though, a dream. After looking at the price tags.... I know it won't become reality! It's fun to dream. I enjoy my car, but it's not what a would LOVE to have. It certainly serves our needs for now. I did however think down the road and I found the car that I would like to have one day (well as of right now, that could change, ya know).

GMC Acadia -- this is what I want!

The day we went was kids day and they had a face painter and balloon artist. They also had some video games set up to play. We made our stop at each one and enjoyed the afternoon together looking at the cars.

Oh Christmas Tree!

It was so much fun putting up our trees this year. I think because one, I was more relaxed with it all (that definitely helps!!). But also, because Ryan is older and is more of a help. We got to put them up as a family and it was so enjoyable! Of course we had popcorn and hot chocolate and listened to Christmas music.
Oh, wait. Let me rephrase that earlier statement. It was fun DECORATING our trees this year. I say that because our tree is a BEAR to put up. It's pretty when it's all done, but it took 3 hrs. Yes, 3 hrs. to put it together and put on the lights. It was worth it. To me! Jason on the other hand..... well, we won't ask!

I've always wanted to put up more than one tree, but Jason hasn't been fond of that idea! This year, he was so sweet to buy the boys their own little 4 ft. tree! They thought it was so cool to have their own tree in the playroom. It has some of their favorite "boy" ornaments on it. You know.... Star Trek, Hot Wheels, etc. Ryan loves to have the tree lights on at all times!

This was before it was completely done.

I still haven't gotten the house totally decked out like I want it, but little by little, it's coming along. I don't know if I will fully have it all done this year or not, but that's okay. I am just content with enjoying the tree and time with my family.

Ryan loves this Reindeer Bean Baby.

Yesterday the boys help me set up our Nativity Set. That was so fun to talk about and explain it all again. I also found a really cute Advent Nativity Set book that we are putting together piece by piece. Another thing we started this year is celebrating each night with something from a calendar we got in our S.S. class at church. It might be to read a bible verse, or make something or talk about something specific relating to Christmas.

I love that Nathan and Ryan are getting older so that we can get deeper into the true meaning of Christmas!

He's BAAACK!

It's that time of year, the time for our annual visit from our elf, George! Yep, we have an elf that visits us every year, sometime after Thanksgiving. We put out the crackers and water in anticipation that it would lure him here quickly. It worked!

When the boys woke up Saturday morning, the crackers were eaten (except for the mess of crumbs) and the cup of water was dry. Nathan and Ryan were beside themselves knowing that George had made the trip from the North Pole to our house once again for the Christmas season. They were in search to find George and would not stop until he was found. In case you don't know, elves are tricky little things, especially our elf! But, he's also very sweet too! Nathan and Ryan finally found George and the presents he was bearing for them. George was hiding under the boys' little Christmas tree in the playroom with a WebKinz ornament for each of them! (forgot to take a picture)

Here are some of the funny things he's done so far this week:

This airplane hangs in Nathan's room. When Nathan woke up he immediately began his search for George. After several mins. of looking the house over, top to bottom, he couldn't find George anywhere. That's when he remembered that he himself had done something a little tricky. We have a little chalkboard that we write the number of days until Christmas. Nathan decided to change it to read "100 Years til Christmas." Upon remembering this he was CONVINCED that he couldn't find George because he had left to go back to the North Pole because he came way too early. Nathan was so sad. I quickly reminded him, that if that were true, then once he returned to the North Pole Santa would surely send him right back letting George know that Nathan had played a trick on him! That helped settle Nathan's mind! So that night as I'm putting Nathan to bed, we were sitting on his bed and he was talking when all of of sudden looking into his mirror he says, "Uh, Mommy, I found George! I just found George!" Me: "What? George? Where? Where do you see him? I don't see him!" Nathan then turns around and points to the airplane and starts cracking up! What fun we have with our friendly little elf!

The boys were tickled to find George all set up to play the Playstation. Nathan was excited to see he was playing MX Unleashed! He thought that was cool! Stay tuned for more adventures with George!

Finally made it

At 5:32 pm on Thursday, November 6th, 2008 I turned over 300,000 miles on my 1993 Honda accord. I pulled over to the shoulder and took some pictures.

Catch up!

Well, I'm back. Sorry for the long hiatus! I haven't had the time to really sit down and post. Actually, I should be doing other things right now, but.... here I am!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving here at home this year! We had some friends over and enjoyed a wonderful day together. All the boys played so well together, that in itself is a blessing!

I've never been the girl who HAD to be up bright and early to go shopping on Black Friday. Actually, come to think of it, I've never been the girl to be up bright and early for anything! (I love my sleep!) Anyway, we had a nice morning around the house, but I decided we should get out and do a little shopping and get some great deals! I am pleased to say, as of today, I have only 4 more gifts to get. I have 2 that I am currently working on! Ooohhh.... I am so wanting them done, just so I can see the outcome!

It was a wonderful week to spend with Jason and the boys. Jason actually took the whole week off! What a treat!! Nathan had a friend sleepover one night. We took the boys to see Bolt (in 3-D). It was a great movie! We enjoyed it. We hung out around the house, played games and made a trip to an AMAZING toy store! We of course had to hit the bowling alley! The boys love to go bowling. Yesterday we went to the Auto Show! More on that to come. All the fun came to and end bright and early this morning! Well, ya know... back to the real world... Nathan back to school, Jason back to work, me back to cooking, cleaning, laundry, wrapping presents, the list goes on! We can now add nurse to the list because Jason wasn't at work long before he called to tell me he was on his way home. He's got some kind of stomach bug. I pray it isn't the flu! So, I started on a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup! Just what the dr. order! Well, Jason did. Except he hasn't eaten any yet! I hope he feels better soon.

I am so thankful that I have my sweet husband and boys and that we got to enjoy a week of relaxing and playing together. It made my heart sing to see Nathan, especially, so happy this week. We've missed seeing him like that recently for some reason. Thank you God, for that nice change! Keep it comin' is all I can say!