Here Comes Santa Claus...

From our hearts & home to yours, wishing you a magical, wonderful & blessed Christmas!

Love, Noah , Cheryl, Isabelle & Benjamin

For the first time in as long as my memory recalls, I did not send out cards this year....it doesn't feel right, but I hope to be back on the Polar Express track next year! There is still so much to do before the big day (tomorrow, hehe), but whatever will be will be. I just plan on listening to lots of Christmas music today, finish up baking, start wrapping and EnJoY. We have so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to in this upcoming year. God Bless our family & friends. May the best be your always! Hugs & Love.

Little Bag Complaint

Christmas Programs = Precious

Here is the Preschool Christmas Program Production. At first Ben told me he was going to be a donkey, then he told me he was going to be a Shepherd, but then the day of when the children made their grand enterance, I realized that he was the part of Joseph. I can't even explain how precious these moments are. Watching these beautiful little children, come out and perform, Shy and innocent, so filled with wonder and magic. They defintely make this time such a special gift. Seriously, tears & joy witnessing these sweeties. Truly puts the meaning into Christmas, memories that I will always cherish.

I love how they do their own thing & each child adds their own specialness.

Jingle Bells. :)

Isabelle was an Angel in the Elementry School Production. Her first grade class did an amazing job! It was truly beautiful to listen to and witness all of the kids sing with all of their hearts.

I am so proud of Isabelle & Benjamin in so many ways. My Christmas has already arrived.

A little bit of Trimming

Sugar Cookies (I won't show you the candy cane ones, they were a bit of a disaster - hehe).

Our Tree

A few of the Teachers Gifts that I made. (these are called explosion boxes, you untie the ribbon and they kind of pop open to reveal the gift(s).

It seemed like I was sick for so long, I was so determined to get a few Christmas things done. I finally got to make some cookies and some peanutbutter balls (our very favorite around here). So that felt good! I hosted a brunch at my house for a special bunch of friends (this fall we had etablished a new group called: MOSAiC ((mothers of school aged children)). This group has been a true blessing, a gathering of wonderful women that I am so proud to call friends. If anyone local is interested in joining us, let me know, We would love for you to join us for our next meeting! Finally got all the house decorating done. Got the Childrens gifts mostly purchased (not wrapped). It feels like I will never catch up but at least I am in the running now.

Our big news around here is that Isabelle auditioned for the Spring Dance Recital of the Wizard Of Oz and she got the parts of : Poppy & Munchkin. "Well, I guess all my dreams have come true!" - Isabelle upon learning that she got those parts. She is thrilled to the moon. She can't wait to start rehearsing.

Animals Winter Fun

This is the chunky squirrel who has eaten all our bird food and who tortures my dog. I was just waiting for the branch to break.

Later, here is the squirrel teasing Sir Lancelot.

It's not every day that I spot turkeys taking a stroll through my yard.

SnOw DaY

No School Today! Just lots & lots & lots of SnOw.

====MiSc. RoundUP====

We are in the midst of Christmas decorations. We got our tree this past weekend. If I remember correctly its a balsm fir. We did not chop it down this year, but got it at the grocery store for the going rate of 29.99. It's glorious though. I love how the kids put 27 ornaments on one branch. I love pulling out our favorite decorations from Christmas past...what joy. Still got more decorating to do but at least the process has begun. Along with the decor- our movies & music come out as well (O Holy Night my all time favorite song, A Christmas Story (with Ralphy) my favorite movie). What comfort and memories are wrapped in these delights. I don't have much shopping done at all though. That's been the hard part so far. Trying to shop without the kids...having ideas and...actually finding what I am looking for. I am considering skipping Christmas Cards this year for misc. reasons....which I know I would regret...I hope I can manage to send them, It would be weird not to. Other news: I had my 20 week ultrasound last week and I am proud to say that I remained completely strong and I did not find out the gender of this kid. Although the answer was right in front of me....I decided to keep this one a mystery. So folks...we won't know til this baby's arrival...pink or blue..? I've been reading lots lately. Just finished: The hour I first believed by wally lamb. Good but depressing. I also read a book about Christmas Miracles and also a book about How to Hear God (still reading this one). I have ordered from the library: Revolutionary Road because I saw the movie recently (netflix) and now I want to know some more in depth to the story. I am so excited (speaking of netflix), that Julie & Julia arrived today...I have wanted to see this movie since it came out, hopefully I can drug the kids later and watch it. Speaking of drugs , I should be on some because my throat hurts like heck. I am ill I believe but I am fighting it with every ounce of everything that I have got. So, I was going to bake with the kids today but I don't have any cream of tartar (which is a requirement) nor do I have walnuts. I don't know what I was going to do with the walnuts exactly, I just know I wanted to bake with them. Im not much of a baker. There are a few things I know but the rest is scary to me to be honest. This morning I whipped opened a can of cinnamon rolls to bake and I was quite proud that they turned out. Pathetic I know , but true. Ben has really been cracking me up lately. He thinks our tWee is so beautiful...and he has been sneaking into our bed because he doesnt want to have Whitemare's. He tells me that I am a nice girl and he likes me alot....so no matter what trouble he falls into, somehow he get's away. K, I've rambled and I have clothes to dry and maybe a nap to sneak in. Starm Warm & Well!

Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving Weekend.
Ben & Isabelle at the hotel pool with Aunt Elaine & cousins.

The Little Mermaid

the T U R k E Y

The children with Aunt Mary.

FaMiLy Photo: Noah, Cheryl, Isabelle & Ben

THANKFULNESS:

For our new baby who will join us in April.

For our health.

For amazing & wonderful friends & family.

For our safe & warm home in town.

For God's Blessings every single day.

update

sorry there have been no posts for a bit. things got really busy crazy with the holidays and have not slowed down so far. I am trying to get a handle on thoughts & tasks...so update coming soon! Love, C