Christmas Program

Caspar and an Angel

Every day Isabelle would come home from school, singing

"Ten tiny fingers, ten tiny toes, two little eyes about to close, angels are watching....."

 

 

 

Yet for the entire program she was facing her fellow angel.

 

Drew had a line as king and was quite proud to memorize it.

The best was having Aunt Maggie, Aunt Emma and Uncle Mike to our house for dinner prior and then have them come watch................and of course the surprise "showing" of Santa who shared
lots of candy canes!

Decorated

Isabelle was sick today....but from where she set up her "sick blankets" she was the perfect

critic for where the next bow was needed. 

 

She topped it off with "Oh Mom, our tree looks so fancy!"

I do think it looks good....much better in the dark with the twinkling lights.

Bells: Do you see your pkg under the tree? It came today!

The kids were excited to make it the first official present.

Our Christmas Tree

With Pat working every weekend and the tree farm closing by 4p, I didnt know when we were going to get our Xmas tree!

So, one day I followed the sign that had been right at the corner of our road "Christmas trees 100yds" I thought this just might be alot easier!

We pulled in and talked to the fellow (just a guys house right behind the horses we feed during the summer); he said he had only 3 trees he was trying to sell.

We rtnd with Pat ....I think it is the prettiest tree we have had yet.

 

 
Picture of it up and decorated? ............Still coming.......................

Happy Birthday Hannah

Happy Birthday to our little Hannah Therese!

 

For a year you have been waiting for this day.

Last year was a bit hectic, we happened to have new carpet installed the next day and so had the house a bit torn up.

I did not make any cake or anything. I figured you would not remember too much just turning 3.

So, we had a bowl of icecream and 3 candles on top.

For the next 3 months I heard: "but when am I going to have my 'birthday'?"

I would explain...but you were very insistent and sincere "but, no, I did not have my birthday!"

Obviously equating your bday to an actual cake.

 

We made a cake this year.

 

 

Letting Louis eat his p.b sandwich on the counter kept him entertained.

(He has still yet to get his own sippy).

My "Crown" Cake!

 

I can do it Mom.

Louis thought it was so great and promptly blew it out each time Drew would light it.

The kids thought it was hilarious...as did Louis!

Dad had to intervene.

 

 Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you

 

Happy Birthday dear Hannah,

 

Happy Birthday to  you!

A new apron and "jewels" ...that Isabelle was soon wearing because, "Hannah said I could!"  And a puppy dog and carrying case.

 

Waiting - 1st candle

What good memories I have of my childhood Advent, the anticipation, the waiting...

the smell of matches, candle-lit faces singing O Come,O Come Emmanuel.

The stable coming out, straw in a paper bag trying to fill it to Mom's standard (soft enough for Baby Jesus) so that we could take out the rest of the nativity pcs....

really of excitement, hope and joy!

 

Now preparing with my own family, I have in past yrs concerned myself with how I could make Advent perfect like it was when I grew up (or as I viewed it).

However, last night when we lit the first candle and I saw the kids all look at each other with excitement, wonder and that same joy I always felt,  I realized I have totally missed the point.

It is all about me doing what I can in the moment and how Advent turns out is more due to my simplified, selfless heart....

if lighting the advent candles and singing O come Emmanuel each night is ALL we do,  that alone will be enough to ignite the wonder, hope and excitement I wanted to duplicate for my kids. 

 

Yet, we did get a pkg from Grandma to enjoy a few more stories about Jesus birthday, one of which Drew sat down and read right away.....

 

Drew reading Grandma's note:

 

Pouring through all the books......I loved hearing them talk to each other....

"Oh, remember this one, oh this one was my favorite......"

 

 

Enjoying the First Snow

Why is that sledding is totally possible on "grass" in November....

but come April its just an xtra heavy frost?

 

 

Best picture I could get from the living room window....

Tempting Louis at the window. 

"I guess I will just wave since this is as far as Mom will let me get."

Big Sis

Isabelle definitely has a way with Louis. He just loves her and of course it is mutully returned.

Anytime he is upset...even about something Dad or I correct him with she will hold out her arms and he runs to her and hugs her as she holds him.

Well, Dad had to run back up to the room to get something and Louis being in a tired state just lost it!

He didn't want me....well I did think it was funny so I was snapping pictures.

 

 

 So, Isabelle ran up the beach to his rescue.

She had to do a little talking "Daddy will be right back".

It didn't take long, he was soon running towards the water with her.

 

(Do you think he's sticking his tongue out at me as he goes by?!)