Merry Christmas

   

Its been a long and beautiful 48 hours.  Yesterday we started the day by baking and decorating our Santa cookies.   The kids were so cute standing around the island in their PJs working so hard to make just the right cookie for Santa.  Once we finished and clean up was done we dressed and headed to the children's service at St Lukes.  We watched the pageant, sang carols and listened to Dr Pace talk about graciousness and giving.  All three kids were very well behaved, sitting patiently and singing along the best they could.  As we sat waiting for the service to start Aidan started to belt out "Happy Birthday" to Jesus...super cute, melted my heart.  When it was over we headed to my mom's for dinner and then home to put on PJs and look at lights.  We went to Pecan Grove in search of  THAT HOUSE on Mistyvale, and it didnt disappoint.  The neighborhood does a beautiful light display, the kids absolutely LOVED it.  By the time we got home it was late, we settled in, put out a snack for Santa and sprinkled Magic Reindeer Dust (thanks Kathy!!!) up the front walk to ensure that Santa's sleigh would find its way to our house...the smell of oats and the glitter in the moonlight must have worked because it wasnt long before santa made his stop.

Cami was the first to wake and came straight to our room to deliver the news that Santa had indeed visited our home.  She then ran to Aidan's room, flipped on the light and yelled "SANTA WAS HERE AIDAN!" to which he responded by pulling the covers up and saying "no....SLEEP!".  So Camryn pulled out the big guns and yelled "He brought you a BIG DINOSAUR!".  By then, covers wer flipped off and he bounded his way out of bed and bolted to the living room, where they checked out their stockings and then proceeded to tear through the rest of their goods.  Finally, we headed to Grammy and Popa's for lunch and MORE presents.  Its been wonderfully exhausting...a truly AMAZING Christmas filled with fun, family, faith and blessings.  

Aidan's First Hot Chocolate

MMMMMMM...Hot Chocolate, yet another delightful holiday tradition.  Nothing goes better with cold weather than a warm cozy cup of hot chocolate.  A dark, sweet mug of rich creamy goodness topped with a layer of softly melting marshmallows...theres just nothing else like it.  The smell alone conjures thoughts of warm snuggles and fuzzy blankets- all around comfort for the body and soul.

Tonight Aidan enjoyed his first cup of hot cocoa.  We have been talking about it all week.  This past week was just too warm to truely enjoy it as it should be enjoyed.  Luckily, last night a front blew in bringing the cold weather, making us all feel a little more "Christmassy".  So tonight was the night.  After dinner, we warmed a cup of cocoa for Camryn and Aidan.  They carefully, one by one dropped their marshmallows on top and blew on their mugs until it was just cool enough to take a first sip.  They giggled and smiled and slurped until every last drop was gone.  Never have I seen two messier, happier content little children as tonight after their little cup of indulgence.  

During these weeks of hustle and bustle we should all make a point to take a break and enjoy the little wonders that the season brings.  When we see our children having a cup of cocoa, looking in awe at homes lit with strings of lights, singing their Christmas carols in their school performances... we get that indescribable feeling of joy, in that moment all is right with the World.  I can only imagine that that feeling is the very feeling that warmed the hearts of those that stood around the manger that very first Christmas night. That joy is the purpose of the season.  So have a cup of cocoa and count your every blessing.  

The Nutcracker

When I was 17, Ian gave me a charm bracelet for Christmas with a Nutcracker on it.  That was the first year that we saw The Nutcracker together.  When Camryn was two we took her to her first Nutcracker performance and a tradition was born.  This year was her third annual Nutcracker.  We headed downtown for dinner at 17 and then made our way to The Wortham.  I always imagine what it must look like through her eyes- the lights and sounds of downtown, going up the long escalators to the performance hall, the enormous Christmas tree and all the decorations.  Im always in awe and imagine that it must be nothing short of magical to her.

I can sense her anticipation as the conductor comes out- she always watches the orchestra pit waiting for that moment that signals the start of the show.  Then there she sits leaning forward against the rail of the box, entranced as she watches the dancers twirl and leap across the stage.  This year at intermission, she bravely approached one of the mice for a picture and an autograph.  She usually looks for the soldiers and wants nothing to do with the mice (she did after all just watch them attack Clara on stage!), but this year she was determined to change it up.

After the ballet, we headed home- tired, but not too tired for dessert.  We took a little side trip to 59 Diner and shared a banana split...the perfect sweet end to a perfect sweet evening.

I cant wait for next year when Aidan will go with us for the first time and then again when the day comes that Aislyn comes along as well.  This is one of our very favorite Christmas traditions.  Ian and I hope that our children (and then someday our grandchildren) will enjoy it and look forward to it in the many years to come.

Cami and the Gingerbread house.

                        Ian and Cami in front of the Wortham Christmas tree.                                   

Cami and I at home before we left for the Nutcracker.

Two Months Old

Where oh where does the time go!?  Two months already!  You had your two month check up this past Wednesday December 10.  Daddy took you to this one because mommy was sick sick sick!  Dr. Knoebel says you look absolutely perfect!  You weigh 10 pounds even now!  I cant believe how big you are getting.  You are still a wonderful sleeper at night, but during the day you love to be cuddled and snuggled...which is ok with me!  You have started spitting up a bit.  You used to never spit up but its becoming a habit these days.  Dr. Knoebel says that it doesnt seem to be affecting  your growth or your mood so not to worry.  The Gripe Water Marlene gave us is really coming in handy...you absolutely LOVE the stuff and it kicks in right away when you seem to have a bubbly tummy, helps with the spitting up a bit too.  Now for the bad news...FIVE shots and one oral vaccine!  You were not happy about this at all and it ruined the rest of your day and night.  However you were back to your sweet self the very next day.

On another note, Cami and Aidan have stopped constantly "bothering" you.  They still love to look at you and hold you, but its not a daily wrestling match to see who can get to you first.  Cami likes to draw pictures of you and for you and Aidan likes to sing "Hush Little Baby" to you.  Mommy and Daddy just wish we could freeze time and keep you little for just a little longer.

Snowman

Oh little man...you are so darn CUTE!  For weeks you have been practicing your snowman songs and tonight you took your little two year old self on stage and sang your heart out in front of a school cafeteria FULL of people.    You stood up there so confident and sweet.  We all (Mommy, Daddy, Grammy, Popa, and Cami) all beamed with pride as we watched you stand up there with your class.  Great job buddy!  We love you!

Mini Olympics

Today was Cami's Mini Olympics.  This is sort of a mock meet for pre-competition girls.  They learn routines on each of the 4 apparatus and go through each rotation in front of an audience.  Camryn did an AMAZING job!  She remembered all of her routines and performed beautifully.  I am constantly amazed at how talented and physically strong she is.  She had such a great time and was so proud of herself.  Her favorite event is the bars and she NAILED it!  I am so very proud of her for all of her hard work at practice twice a week, for her courage to go out in front of so many people and do what she does without a care for anything except the task at hand and for going through all the highs and lows of learning new skills without ever giving up.  You are AWESOME baby girl!

Christmas Miracle

This evening we bundled up and put on our festive faces for a visit with Santa.  It went absolutely flawlessly!  First of all, traffic was light on the way to Memorial City.  Then we easily found a parking place near the Santa entrance.  When we walked up to the Santa display, miracles continued to abound...there was absolutely NO LINE!  Finally, just when I thought it couldnt get any better, the kids all happily piled onto Santas lap and NO ONE CRIED!  Perfect right!  Until, Ian and I listened as Cami and Aidan spilled forth their hearts desire for Santa...the gift of all gifts, their greatest Christmas wish:  Aidan- A Big Dinosaur and Cami- A Princess Doll.  Well this is all fine EXCEPT we happen to know that Santa went a totally different direction that didnt include dinosaurs or princesses.  Looks like Santa will be headed back to ye olde workbench to fulfill last minute wishes...just when santa thought he could kick back with his cocoa.