Christmas 09

It's been a long time since I've posted so here's a quick update of our Christmas:

I realize this may be a boring picture for you, but Im particularly proud of it because for the first time (ever, I think) I got Jeremy a gift that wasn't a dud! It's not that I buy him junk it's just that what he really wants is a new ski boat so everything else is slightly disappointing... until now. I know that a book and a boat are on opposite ends of the spectrum, but this book is special. It is actually the published blog of our friend, Steve Rehn. Steve was a Bible School friend of Jeremy's and he was a groomsman at our wedding. Steve's blog chronicled his last trip to Africa where he taught a course in linguistics and then fulfilled his dream of doing a cycling trip across part of Africa. He was just days from finishing his bike trip when he was hit by a car and killed. Steve was a great friend to both of us so that is why this book is a treasure.

Opening Presents


As everyone knows the boxes are the best thing about presents and this one was especially fun as it had a nice big window! Fisher Price thinks of everything!


Shockingly enough... this umbrella still isn't broken!


My sister and Brother-in-law and nephews all came for a visit after Christmas. These are the matching Olympic sweat shirts Papa and Grandma bought for all their grandkids... we were sad that the other two coats they bought couldn't be sitting on our couch with the rest of them! (In April we will all be together for a wedding and maybe we can try for a picture then.) After our little photo session we all went to "Go Bananas"... The perfect place for the kids to run off some energy on a wet, wet day!

The Many Faces of Three!

Seriously... "Three"... The hardest and most hilarious stage of parenting yet. I have mixed emotions when I think of "Three".

First there is the Frustration of repeating things time after time after time and never quite being heard... Happily we aren't having to say "Leave the cushions on the couch!" quite as often. Sadly, the new most repeated phrase is "Don't tackle your sister... be nice!".

Then there is the Confusion. The other day Sam and I were chatting and I was reminding him that he can change the world - one person at a time. His reply: "You can change the world Mom. I'm going to change the rainbow and Maarti can change the bus." What does that mean?!

There is Embarrassment too. We let our kids open a Christmas present early. It was from my parents and we even phoned them so they could hear the kids open the presents. Grandma and Papa bought them beautiful Olympic hoodies. Sam's reponse: "I don't want that... I wanted a toy." (At that point I'm pretty sure I heard my Dad say something about pay back time.) So much for my great idea of letting Papa and Grandma hear them open their presents.

And just look at this face! ...

Okay... there is some pleasure in three too, like observing pure joy in his face as he enjoys simple pleasures.

There is those heartwarming moments when he stops being busy for just a moment, looks at me and says "I love you Mom".

And at the top of this post I mentioned hilarious right? Did you know that last night we ordered pizza for supper and as Jeremy was paying the delivery guy Sam yelled "Dad, is that the Grinch!?"
I'm still giggling.

So all in all I'd say I love "Three"... especially ours!

Christmas Times A Comin'

I've decided it's time for a little honesty. No more pretense.

This is how my house usually looks between the hours of 6:30 am and 7:30 pm:

It's ugly, isn't it? It does absolutely nothing for my Christmas Spirit, but what is even uglier is if I let it get to me. If I let it bother me then the *other* Mommy comes out and NO ONE likes her!... she does absolutely nothing for everyone else's Christmas Spirit! So... I'm just trying to let my kids actually live in our house and remember it won't always look like this. In the meantime... We do have a few pockets of Christmas around the house that are out of reach of anyone 3 ft. and under.

And I do enjoy our Christmas tree too... after 7:30 that is!

The Silver Lining

Jeremy doesn't always love his job, but there is one benefit that keeps him going to work every day... the hero's welcome he gets when he comes home at the end of the day. The kids watch for him at the window and the minute he arrives I know it 'cause the house explodes with shouts of "Daddy! Daddy!" followed by the pitter patter of little feet racing to the front door. Jeremy works so hard for our family and I'm glad the kids reward him so well.

Instant Celebrity

Our care group spent some time yesterday afternoon at a local nursing home. We decided to take the kids - They were a huge hit! I think they were even more popular than a whole litter of puppies would have been. Maarti was especially well loved! The kids found some beach balls in the corner and spend the whole time running and giggling and making lots of joyful noise. I'm certain that lounge had never seen so much activity... EVER! It has made me think that nursing homes should host community playgroups since the residents got such a kick out of the kids. I have to admit I was hesitant about going, but if the kids are welcome I'd go again any day! What a blast! I just wish I would have brought a camera...

Such Talent!

Isn't it amazing how kids are so gifted at changing our attitude toward them in an instant?

Me: "Sam be quiet! You're hurting my ears!" (Can you hear the exasperation in my voice? It was there!)
Sam: "Mommy, can I kiss your ears so they feel better?"

And then my heart melted...

Trick or Treat

They're just too cute!