Christmas Eve

Since this holiday season has been filled with joy and merriment, I wanted to extend it with multiple postings. We have been so abundantly blessed in many ways.
We had a nice yet simple message at church during the later afternoon then we traveled the rather icy roads to Mom and Dad's. The kids had fun playing with their usual favorite toys from Grandma's house. We sat down and enjoyed a surprisingly smooth and very scrumptious dinner of Prime Rib, twice baked potatoes, veggies, and salads and I can't forget the delicious pomegranate martinis!

I would love to say bedtime was as smooth as dinner but....it wasn't. Christian was up twice, Carter-well, I lost count! And we were ALL up by 6:00 to enjoy the festivities. Boy, it was a fun day. We filled it with gift giving and receiving, merriment, and oh yes, a little demonstration of the "competitive nature" of our family stay tuned for Christmas day pics. Grandma is teaching Carter how to use this fun (old) toy.
Elle and Grandma are styling Ainsley for the festivities

Playing a game of Uno (Christian is so cute and had to squeeze in)

The beautiful tree

Sprinkling reindeer food in the driveway before bed

Listening to "The Night Before Christmas"

and to all a good ;) night!

Skip the gym and go sledding

Today we had a lovely West Michigan afternoon. We attended church together as a family and watched the fluffy huge flakes fall to the ground. We had a hearty meal of meatloaf and scalloped potatoes, followed by a hearty afternoon of playing with all the magical toys given this Christmas. The day was topped off just right by heading out to the nearest "mountain" to enjoy an hour or so of sledding fun. Elle and Carter were speed demons. Fearful of nothing! Before we left, our little Elle was purposefully and gleefully launching herself off the "jumps and bumps" with the big kids. Christian had huge tears running down his face but huger yet was the smile on his face as he cruised down the hills with mom and dad. It was a great afternoon. Filled with the wonderful memories I hope our kids tuck away in the corners of their hearts to share with their kids someday. We ended the day with hot cocoa, pizza, and game night. I tell you, we are a competitive bunch. We played Blink and Go Fish for over an hour. Scott and I were both focused and in stitches. We are so blessed. The kids made no fuss of being tucked in to bed tonight. They each have a pile of new books to peruse (which warms my heart to see). I often find myself magically drawn to their bedroom doors after tucking them in to watch or listen as they enjoy the books. One of the favorites right now is a treasured keepsake they received from Grandma Blackmer. She is notorious for the books she ALWAYS shares with them. She traditionally reads The Night Before Christmas every year. Well this year, she bought a recordable book. It is the night before Christmas book, and her voice is recorded reading it. The kids take turns each night listening to it. They think it is magical that she uses the kids names at the beginning. How special. Mom, if you read this: thank you for this special and very touching gift. They adore it!
As the snow is magically continuing to fall, I must go. There might not be school in the morning, but we have had too much fun today and laundry and ironing are calling to me! I wonder if I will be able to drag my butt out of bed tomorrow morning? I lost count of how many times I climbed that huge hill today...pulling a kid in a sled!

Twas the night before-Christmas Eve

This year we were home in Michigan for the holidays. We had a few lovely days off to get our last minute shopping and wrapping completed before we made our rounds of merriment. Since I was so fortunate to "run into" Santa in the streets of East Grand Rapids, I was able to explain that we wouldn't be home for Christmas Eve. Being the ever-understanding fellow he is, he agreed to stop by our home the night before Christmas Eve. So here are the pictures from "our Christmas morning." It was nice to enjoy a leisurely morning of gift giving and breakfast, followed by an afternoon of play (while I packed to stay the night at my parents). We headed to the Christmas Eve service at church at 3:00. It was magical and wonderful to sing Christmas carols with the kids. Carter was so exhausted he fell asleep in church. That was a religious experience in and of itself. He truly looked like an angel sleeping on my lap. I had tears in my eyes singing Away in a Manager while stroking his angelic face. We then drove an icy hike to mom and dad's.

Their home was so beautiful and cozy, all my favorite traditions, foods, sounds, and sights. It was wonderful. I would have loved to report that everyone slept like babes. However, that was not the case. Christian is recovering from a double ear infection and the hatching of ALL four of his i-teeth, all the while getting TOO big to comfortably sleep in the Pack and Play. Carter was well rested after his late afternoon nap in church accompanied by the excitement of Christmas morning. All that teamed with sleeping next to his Uncle Evan. Needless to say, we had a restless night and 6:30 didn't come fast enough. I will post the corresponding pictures soon.

Here is our Christmas morning: reader beware: MY CHILDREN WERE SPOILED this year! Stocking gifts galore

Thank goodness Santa knew JUST what this little dude needed:
Sunglasses!

We wanted Grandma and Grandpa Moorlag to be part of the festivities so we skyped with them the whole time we were opening gifts. Chaos and joy!

Good thing they were still in their jammies too!It was neat that Grandma and Grandpa got to see the kids open the gifts they had sent for each of them. I love the technology!

Ella and her magical princess alarm clock from Grandma and Grandpa

Ella's big gift from us, a salon chair for her American Girl Doll.

Toys Galore

Thrilled that Santa could find The King! (since mom and dad never could)

A big hit-- a new picnic table for the deck (or the corner of the living room) from Gma and Gpa Moorlag. We stopped to have a morning snack break.

A car of his very own.

Look out hair designers here comes Elle

Wedgits from Mom and dad.

I showed Ella how to braid--that quick whip practiced for maybe 10 minutes and had it figured out! The salon chair is hard at work.

The unfortunate fact is that these pictures only document one day of gift giving and receiving.

Snow-dles of fun

As I am preparing for all the photo opportunities that lay ahead in the next few days, I came across these pictures from the first snow day we had the second week of December. Of course, we LOVE the snow! The kids will go outside and play forever..or until their fingers turn into little icicles. They spent at least an hour outside this particular morning. You can see from the pics that Christian and I are safe inside while these too ya-hoos throw snowballs at us!

Christian was dying to get his hands on the snow - in turn "bad" mom fashion, rather than bundle us both up, I brought some snow in...for him!

Don't worry- I picked CLEAN, fresh snow since I knew he would want to eat some.

We made our own "mini" snowman. I even found some polar animals to frolic in the snow with.

Well, needless to say once the others saw how much fun we were having inside, they came in and enjoyed some more snow and hot chocolate.

Christian also decided to "go fishing". He was so focused on this activity!

I can't take credit for these adorable creations, however they were thoroughly enjoyed by these 3! They spent a long time making them at daycare last week. Scott and I were SO impressed with the details to these cute pretzel snowmen! They disappeared so quickly!

Nutcracker

Ella and I have been blessed with a very cultural weekend. On Friday evening, we enjoyed a night at the ballet with two of our dearest friends, Brooke and Kelly. We had the great privilege of attending the opening night performance of the Nutcracker ballet that was put on by the Caledonia Ballet Dance Company. What made this event so extra special was that of one the sweet girls who babysits for us (on the rare occasion that Scott and I go out) was dancing. Her name is Victoria and she is lovely both inside and out. She is so fantastic with all the kids, they are always thrilled to have her come over. However, we haven't been able to have her sit for us lately since she has been so busy rehearsing for her performance.
We made an evening of it. Kelly and I have had all the best intentions of having a "ladies night out" with our young girls, however the business of us both teaching and managing our families of 5 have left us a little on the empty side when it comes to planning a creative evening out. So we did the whole bit, got dressed up, drove the car that was freshly cleaned in and out (not the van) and then we took them out to a nice dinner in town. I picked up some cute coloring and sticker books with the Nutcracker theme and Kel wisely packed snack bags for the girls.

Dinner consisted of ooddles of giggles and slightly rambunctious behavior (but hey it wasn't at one of our homes, prepared by one of us for 10) The girls of course split mac n cheese while Kel and I enjoyed a nicer selection. We stopped to pick up some flowers for our favorite ballerina and headed to the show. Thing girls were giddy and full of energy (rightly so since we demanded naps earlier in the day). I had tried explaining how it would go to Ella. The only thing she could relate it to was the My Little Pony Show I took her to right before Christian was born. (for those who need a mental picture, think Disney on Ice but on stage and LOUDER). I was fairly confident that Ella would enjoy this experience. We sat next to Victoria's family and once the show began the girls were instantly captivated. Ella was in awe. I whispered in her ear how the story began telling they wouldn't be taking or singing. She looked at me and said, 'yea, I KNOW mom, they are going to tell the story with their dancing and the music." She was thrilled when Victoria came out of the humongous present dressed as the Queen Doll. Pointing and gasping in delight and excitement. She sat on her knees on the edge of her seat the entire time. Just before intermission she looked up at me and whispered with glee, "this is a magical wonderland". Her favorite scene was the dance of the snowflakes. After two hours of awe, just as it was finishing she says to me, "it can't be over is it???" I am sure that I spent more time watching her than I did the dancers. I thought is was so magical to watch her enjoy and understand this new venue and experience. Right before the performance began.
Ella and Brooke danced around flitting here and there (which turned into the "way past your bedtime delirium") waiting to give Victoria her flowers.

These smiles are TOO BIG and it must have taken every ounce of will power in their body to hold it together for this picture.

Visiting with their ballerina, Victoria.

Kel emailed me these pictures today (thankfully one of us had the where with all to bring the camera) and in it she told me of this adorable and oh-so-Brooke-response.

Brooke who will turn 4 next month, says the following to Kel after she has tucked her into bed. "I am so happy to be able to go to the Nutcracker with you, Ella, and Liza." Kelly replies "I am happy too Brooke, goodnight". As Kelly leaves the room Brooke says, "but mom, why didn't we get to crack any nuts?"

All of these memories we are making right now are so precious and wonderful. So many times this season I have said to Scott that I want to freeze this holiday season. The kids are never going to be more perfect than this. These are the things that childhood is supposed to be made of. The splendor, the magic, the wonder, and of course the excitement. Ahh, I am making it my goal this week to not get caught up in the bustle, but to sit down and enjoy this time with the kids.

Well Worth the Wait

Ella's birthday was back in August and Grandma Blackmer had given her tickets to the theater performance of Cinderella for this weekend. Today was filled with anticipation and excitement as we went to church this morning, enjoyed lunch, and then left for a fun girls afternoon filled with theater, giggles, coffee, and dessert. Here we are in front of our tree, just before we left for the afternoon.
Ella and Grandma in front of one of the trees at the Civic Theater.

Grandma landed us stellar seats, at times we could have reached up to touch the costumes as they floated past us. We were in the fifth row! Wow! Talk about setting a standard.

At the end of the play some of the cast came out and did a question and answer session. The audience of all ages, asked different questions. Ella was even called on. Her question was, "how did you turn the pumpkin into the carriage?" It was a pretty magical stunt. The fairy god mother rolled a pumpkin off stage and a poof of smoke appeared and then this magical carriage came rolling in. We were all awe struck. It was a wonderful performance, although not exactly the Disney movie feel Ella had anticipated. Cinderella was a brunette, there wasn't one song from the Disney movie and shock-ER.....the glass slipper didn't break at the end. :) It was so special, I hope this is one of those memories she will ALWAYS remember.

Since we were so close to the front, we were one of the last ones to leave and the Fairy Godmother (who was magical, and sparkly, and beautiful, and had the most magnificent voice) was on stage.by.herself.... so we asked for a picture and she was precious, she sat and talked with Ella (who by the way, was in tongue tied). It was very special.

We went into the lobby hoping to catch a glimpse and lucked out AGAIN... Cinderella and Prince Charming were signing autographs and taking pictures. How sweet! It was a fairy tale kind of day! The happiest of endings is that all our children are nestled in their beds. Oh wait, I think that is part of the Night Before Christmas....that post will be coming this week.

Stay tuned, we've been so busy doing all sorts of fun things but I haven't had time to blog. Hopefully, I'll be able to catch up in the next few days since we are on break for 2 weeks. Yipee! So much to do!

Nice and Naughty

I had the rare occasion of having Christian all to myself for a couple of hours tonight. Scott had hurried home to take Ella and Carter to their last swimming lesson and I sent them on their way with packed bags and a little extra joy in my heart knowing that I would have some uninterrupted time with Christian. He is perpetually adorable in all his little boy ways. Recently, he has begun running up to you and really smacking your arm or leg to get your attention. When you look into his face, his eyes sparkle and he smiles, then you know this gesture is a 'third child's' way of getting attention around here. He is in the habit of coming and "tattling" on one of the big kids. They will be playing in the other room and some confrontation will occur, he scampers in, yells, "Mooommmeeeee" and then gives the the offenders name proceeded by gibberish but said in a tattling tone. Hil-a-rious.

Currently, as I type, he has gone to the cupboard picked out some dried pasta and is feeding the family picture. It is the family picture we had taken over Thanksgiving with Scott's side of the family. He feeds each one saying, "some na-mma" "some papa, some Josie" It is precious. Since he has finished, he's taken the pasta and is smashing it on the freshly cleaned kitchen floor. Ahhh!

But I must record his conversational attempt tonight. We were snuggled in his favorite place, reading a pile of books (his favorite thing) and he SMELLED. I looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
His response, "Poopppp-eeee Mom"
Mine: "Go grab a diaper."
His: "tay- mom"
brings the diaper and wipes to me and then lays down
I open the diaper and raise another eyebrow--whew!
His response; "Ninky poopy mommeee, sowreee.....deep breath and long pause..."Pee---you stinky poopppe mom! So sowree."
I smile laugh and think to myself, hey we just had a conversation.....about poop. What else should I expect from my youngest son??

He is growing up so fast, I find myself tearing up some days over how fast it has gone.

Well the Christmas tree is swaying he is pulling the garland off. Must go!

Celebrating the reason for the season

So sweet and SOOOOO serious about singing his songs.

Our little Christmas Princess walking up to the stage

"Behold that Star"

Singing their little hearts out

Decorating the Christmas tree "snack"

Making bagel bird feeders to feed our outdoor friends. Uncle Evan is up to his elbows in crafts!

Hard at work making advent wreaths. These lovely wreaths now hold a special place on our dining room table. We light the candles each night during dinner. Last night we talked about how Jesus' birth gives us hope. I asked Carter what gave him hope. His reply, " I hope I get some toys at Christmas." :)

Sharing our projects with Grandpa