Christmas Eve

A couple of years ago we changed how we do Christmas presents for the kids.  We decided that we really wanted them to give more thought to what they were putting on their lists instead of wanting to put everything on that they saw.  

We decided on doing 3 gifts:  a want, a need and something to read.

The first year they weren't convinced but after they opened their gifts, I think they realized that they got things that they had asked for and were excited about what they got.  We have continued and now they just know it as they are making their lists for us and start talking about it before we even bring it up.  I think that this is a tradition that we will continue for many years to come!

Since we were in Madison this year, we decided to open the presents from us with the kids on Christmas Eve.  They sure were excited!!

 Really Mom...a picture? ;-)

Getting ready to open their "something to read."

 Next we did "a need."

Several years ago, the kids and I started getting Jason character pj's for Christmas...this year they couldn't decide between Batman and Ninja Turtles so we got both!  Mommy got penguin and puppy pj's too!

  

A new American Girl hoodie for a girl who LOVES her hoodies and sweatshirts

A new robe and slippers for Eva...Dylan got the same thing but he refused to let me take a picture since he was "half-naked!" ;-)

 And finally it was time for "a want."  And I love that as excited as the kids are about this particular present, they are also excited about their other 2 presents.  I wish I could remember who to give credit us switching to 3 presents for Christmas because I love it! :-)

 More Disney Princess legos for Eva...she LOVES these!!

 Rainbow Loom and bag to keep everything in for Kira!

 Power Ranger Mini Figures for Dylan with a new container for keeping his "special" Legos in.

Fun times for all of us!

Olbrich Gardens

The past few years we have enjoyed going to Olbrich Gardens for their Christmas train display.  The kids were excited to go again on Christmas Eve.  We were enjoying spending the holiday in Madison this year which is something that rarely happens.  It was SUPER cold on Christmas Eve so it was nice to have something that we could do.

Cookies, Reindeer Food and Friends, oh my!

We were so excited to have Gwyn and Lorelei come over to have a Christmas Party.  The kids had been talking about it for a couple of weeks because I wasn't so smart and told them about it! ;-)  Next time, wait a bit longer perhaps! ;-)

We started out with decorating cookies!  Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures while the actual decorating was happening but I think it's safe to say that Gwyn and I were both SHOCKED at how long they stuck with it.  We were fully expecting one or two cookies a kid then Gwyn and I finishing up...but we finally had to claim a couple of cookies for us to decorate! :-)

Here's the finished products though!

Next up was Christmas shaped pizzas but, ummm, yep, forgot to take pictures of those so moving along to making Magic Reindeer food......the idea was to mix oatmeal, colored sugar and sprinkles for the reindeers to eat then add glitter which would give them power to keep flying.  They kids may have thought I was a little weird but they did have fun making it!

It was such a fun day!  Can't wait to have another reason to whoop it up together!

Sometimes I wonder about this child.....

Jason said this morning that maybe I have some explaining to do because somehow she is a morning person!...and the only one in our house that is.

And she likes, no, LOVE snow!  

That alone raises some questions...at least until you look at her little, itty, bitty nose...then we know she's ours! ;-)

A big day!

 Yesterday was the Christmas program at church.  Dylan was sick and couldn't participate this year which was a bummer because he was so excited about being in it.

 Eva was soooooo excited because it was her first one.  She couldn't wait to wear her dress and she was VERY excited that I put a curl in her bangs!  First one ever and she was just giddy!!

Kira surprised us this year and agreed to be an angel in the program.  She was nervous when we got there but fortunately a few of her friends were also angels so that helped.  These girls have been in the same Sunday School class as Kira since she was 3 and they really do care about Kira.  There were making her laugh and giggle...nerves were quickly forgotten!

I was helping with my 4 year old Sunday School class...you know "herding" them to the front of the church, making sure fingers weren't their noses, and that there was no "flashing" going on and was excited to see Kira standing in the front.  She was so excited about being there!

And then it happened.  That moment that you suddenly realize is GOING to happen and there is NOTHING you can do to stop it...we've all been there, right.  Eva was on my lap in the front pew, I looked over at my row of kiddos and back up to Kira only to realize that something was right.  In that amount of time, I also realized that she was going to pass out....and that there was NOTHING I could to 1) stop it and 2) get there in time to catch her.  It was like slow-motion but it was also happening fast.  By the time I threw, I mean, got Eva off my lap and got up front to Kira, she had passed out, falling down a step onto the floor.  :-(  She came to pretty quickly but was upset.  I was trying to help her walk out of the church and quickly realized that carrying her was a better option.

Once she calmed down, she had a cookie and drank some water...but she was so, so sad that she couldn't finish the program.  I have to say that my.heart.broke. for her.  I honestly had a moment thinking, "Really?  Why Kira?"  And if I'm going to be 110% honest, I still feel that way.  I had a good cry last night and am getting a little teary-eyed thinking about it now.

For Kira, I am trying hard to just focus on the positive...how proud of her we are that she was an angel because for Kira, that was a big step and progress for a kiddo who used to not be able to set foot in the church and certainly not be in the front of the church.  I am proud of her and I hope that she will continue to be able to try new things like this....she was really all smiles!

And really, our family just has to keep things exciting, right? ;-)

I am trying really hard.....

To just be in the moment during this holiday season.

Kira turns TEN in a month and there's something about having her hit "double digits" that is really making me realize how quickly the kids are growing up.  I mean, really, TEN!?!?!

The holiday season gets so crazy and so busy...this year it feels like that even more to me.  It's all good but it just feels busy and I have found myself saying "no" to some invitations and activities to just be at home.  The kids are loving the holiday season this year.  They are all old enough to get it and remember past years.....they are filled with excitement.

The weekend before Thanksgiving we put up the tree....Thanksgiving was REALLY late this year after all. ;-)  They could not wait to decorate and hear about each ornament as it went up in the tree.  It was fun to hear them remembering the stories that go along with some of them this year.  I loved hearing Kira and Dylan share the stories and memories with Eva.  She was an eager listener for sure.

Last weekend the kids got to start their Advent calendars on Sunday and they cannot wait each morning to open up the door on theirs to see what is waiting. (And it's been a great motivator to get up and moving since they know they can't open them until they have everything done and ready for school!)  We also made many, many ornaments for our Christmas tree and made other decorations for around the house.....cross-eyed Santa and all.

This weekend started off with the Snowflake Ball at K and D's school....a success for ALL THREE kids which was wonderful.  We decorated a gingerbread house, finished some ornaments and Kira make several other Christmas crafts.  Their excitement was through the roof when we did the gingerbread house.  Something so little but they loved every minute and again, talked about past years we've done them.

I am trying so hard to just be in the moment.  Enjoying my kids excitement.  Enjoying the time we are spending together.  I find myself looking forward to next weekend and thinking about the activities that are coming up.....all 3 kids are excited to take part in the Christmas Program at church.  Kira shocked me with her excitement about being angel.  (Believe me when I say, I will be one teary-eyed mama watching all 3 kids participate.)  We have plans to decorate cookies for Santa, make "magic reindeer food" and just enjoy the holiday season.  We're spending it in Madison this year since  Dylan's surgery is the 26th.  (nothing major)

I find myself just wanting to be at home with the kids during this season.  I know that these days will all too soon pass so for now, I am going to cherish every.single.moment.

(I have so many posts floating around in my head and so many things that I can't wait to post about but for now those posts will wait.....)