A Very Merry Christmas

Today is our first day back to school, back to a routine that requires wearing something other then jammies ALL DAY. It was a good vacation. It's kind of a shock to the system though, at least for me. But I'm glad to be back to a routine, although I do miss having Carson around here all day, and so does Declan.

Christmas was wonderful, as it always is. The boys ate up all the magic that is Christmas and they were very sad to see Freddie the Elf go away. These kids make Christmas so amazing, so special and so memorable. I remember Christmas being so fun as a kid but as a parent, well, Christmas ROCKS!

Look at us all coordinated. Aren't we adorable and slightly annoying? 

You like that bling?

Yes I died my hair. Yes it's dark. Yes, I love it!

Jesus' birthday cake was quite tasty!

Maddox slept threw it all....even the clean up....notice there are no presents left under the tree? 

Yes, big boy underwear. Yes, we're potty training. Nope, it was not in my plan (for at least another 6 months). But he's doing it and he's doing pretty well.And he loves his underwear. Today he was a little miffed that I made him put on a diaper for nap. He's been waking up dry and only had a handful of accidents in a WEEK of training.

Looks who can skate! Hockey anyone? 

Daddy couldn't be more proud!

Tis the Season...

Funny how when your a kid from Thanksgiving to Christmas is the LOOONNGGGEESSSTTT time of the year. I remember years when I thought Christmas would never get here. Now as an adult, especially a parent, it goes 463x faster and I feel overwhelmed and would like it to slow down just a bit so I could savor that Christmas magic in my children just a bit longer. There is something so magical and fun about their innocence and imagination this time of year.

It's been especially heightened with the presence of Freddie, our Elf whose keeping tabs on the boys and reporting to Santa. I think he's had to tell Santa we have a few listening problems in our house lately. Oye! But Freddie turns up somewhere new every morning and the boys love discussing where that might be the night before and then hunting for him in the morning.

We're probably a year, maybe two away from Carson figuring all this out. That makes me sad and nervous. I hope when those questions come to the surface we can discuss without ruining it for his other brothers. But for now we'll revel in their Christmas spirit.

Carson wrote his first song the other night, complete with notes and a song number. All about the true meaning of Christmas.Wow, this little boy is growing up and learning so much along the way. He's participating in church, excited to go to Sunday school, eager to learn cursive and reading like a champ. His first big Christmas concert is tonight at the high school on a BIG stage. He's pretty excited about the whole thing and we can't wait to see him perform.

We tried to take some pictures of Max the other day. That soon intrigued his brother's who wanted to join in.

All wearing a hat of some sort and being silly of course.

Bennett's speech is moving along pretty well. He's showing Sue(speech therapist) his stubborn side when she's here. We may up our appts after Christmas to see if we can't get him going.

Declan also has a Christmas concert on Monday. He's pretty excited about it as well. Rumor has it he's playing Baby Jesus.

And this little squirt turned 3 months old last week.

He's talking and cooing and taking in all his surroundings as best he can. He loves having someone talk to him or just look at him.

And now we try to enjoy the next 10 days before Christmas. Ten, very busy days. And we are going to jam as much as we can into them, of course! But we're also going to enjoy the season and be thankful for all it brings, even the hustle and bustle.

The Stockings Were Hung....

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas in our house. And outside there is the smallest dusting of snow. The boys (that includes Trevor) couldn't be happier.

Taking a break too pop some packaging bubbles. 

Declan's favorite ornament. I might have to pull the batteries before the weekend. We've listened to two toothless chipmunks (or maybe badgers?) sing "All I Want for Christmas" at least 82 times since Saturday. 

There she is in all her glory!

Maddox's ornamnet. 

Bennett's ornament. 

Declan's ornament. 

Carson's ornament. 

Freddie taking on Woody in a game of Connect Four.

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas.

This is Freddie, our mischievous Elf on a Shelf. He's been keeping an eye on the kiddos for a week now and reporting their behavior back to Santa. The boys think it's hilarious and are quite entertained by his whereabouts in the morning. We've caught Declan more then once whispering to little Freddie....I wonder what he's telling him?

We went and cut our tree down the other day. Bennett cried from our entryway, through the entire 25 minute drive to the farm and then all the way through picking it out. Serenity now! Trevor and I often talk that it's a good thing he's so cute when he's not losing his mind because it would make his 2 year old crazies much more difficult to handle.

He even missed out on the first few pictures with our tree.

An 8 ft tree for our8ft ceilings.Daddy has big eyes! This is the first time in the 4 years that we have been cutting ours down that there has been no snow, no below zero temps and no 47 layers of clothing. Aside from some wind it was glorious out! Pictures too follow of its decorating.

Christmas Vacation

We've been out of school for 2 hours and already decorated a gingerbread house. What are we going to do with the next 12 days?

Do you see what I see?

It's the most wonderful time....

Ho Ho Ho!

I mentioned in our Christmas letter that we keep this blog. I've done it every year so maybe it doesn't make a difference but I feel like I should maybe update it for those newcomers or those who just want to see what I do around here. Hi!! Welcome, I hope you stay for awhile. It's nothing spectacular but it helps me remember moments with my kids and helps keep family updated on our ongoings. And recently, we've had many.

Tis the season though, right? Just in the past week we've had the flu (all of us), a blizzard, insulation blown into the attic, a Christmas program and we've baked 4 dozens cookies for our teachers and friends. And I still have some shopping to do with the boys, all the wrapping, more baking and a Christmas dinner to plan. Where's my Coke?

The boys were thrilled to go outside after school the other day. Bennett wasn't really a fan of the snow pants and boots. So we didn't last long. In fact I can guarantee it took longer to get out the door then the amount of time we were outside.

A Christmas Program. There is nothing more entertaining then 40 three and four year olds belting out some Christmas songs. Declan was thrilled to have a green bell. He wasn't digging the red bell he had when they practiced.

He actually sang too! Unlike his brother who stood there in a stone cold silence at his first Christmas Program.

Guess who drew this?

Declan! Can you believe it? My little abstract artist actually drew something that actually resembles something. Any ideas what it is exactly?

This one is Carson's. Looks like the baby is laying in a manger (Hint).

You can add two rather large scratches on his nose to his nice scrape and bruise on his forehead. He looks fabulous and a little beat up!

Here's hoping your enjoying the Christmas season and during the rush of it all, you can take time to enjoy the reason for the season, your kids and your family!

Merry Christmas!