Christmas Lights and Decorating

In morning we made a gingerbread train. It was a mess, but the boys had a blast. Jack was determined to get it completely decorated. Will was a little less focused. In the end it was a team effort.

 

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We met our friends for our annual trip to Tim's Pizza and lights on the square. Our waitress was very patient with the 17 kids in our group. The kids got most of their energy out chasing each other around the paths of the lights outside.  When we went to take pictures I didn't realize that Will's jacket had a reflective strip on it. How funny our these pictures?

 

 

 

Christmas Train Ride

 

The Polar Express has been one of Jack's favorite books throughout the whole year. I even tried to hide it once so I could save it for Christmas...he found it. So I knew the Christmas Train ride would be a big deal for our family. It has been a family favorite for the last couple of years, but it seems that these things get even more fun as the boys get bigger each year. We started our Advent Calendar so I put 2 Golden Tickets in today's envelope. Jack literally jumped up and down when he pulled his out. Will pulled his out and crumpled it up in his hand. I struggle with anxiety and control issues - Will is definitely my gift from God that teaches me to let go of the small stuff.

 

 

The March's (http://www.adollopofmylife.com/) and Allen's, some of our best friends, met us for the ride. It was only about a 45 minute ride which was perfect since our kids have tons of energy and sitting still for too long is a little unrealistic.

 

Jack, Brayden, Connor, Paige and Avery

 

 

 

Will discovered rocks today.

They are such sweet girls and so cute. They make me want to have a little girl that I can dress up! Probably not the best reason.

Boys just hanging out.

They look too big. I remember when they were newborns together.

 

Running up and down the aisles.

Notice what's missing from the Dads' pictures. No kids. Smart Dads.

What a cute picture with Santa. I think this is Jack's first picture with Santa where he looks happy!

Every year I read the Polar Express to the boys as we ride on the train.

Then we drink hot chocolate and eat goodies.

There was a pony ride after the train ride.

 

It was a great morning!! Happy boys with no melt downs. I love that at this age the boys get so excited about doing these fun activities.

 

 

We ended our day picking out our Christmas tree at Wisconsin Trees.  It's our 8th year getting our tree there. I love a tradition!!

 

 

Advent Calendar

 

This year I decided my sweet boys (mainly Jack) would enjoy an Advent Calendar. Each day in December we will count down to Christmas by opening an envelope with a fun surprise - a note of what we will be doing that day or a sweet treat. I love the Christmas season, so it will be easy to incorporate some of our fun traditions into the calendar.

Here are some of the activities our family will include:

* Christmas Train Ride
* Build and Decorate a Gingerbread House
* Shop Together as a Family for Angel Tree Presents
* Go Get Our Christmas Tree
* Meet our Community Group for Pizza and See Lights on the City Square
* Bake a Decorate Christmas Cookies
* Breakfast with Santa
* Make Red and Green Home-made Playdough
* Watch Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer
* Watch Frosty the Snowman
* Make Ornaments
* Go Christmas Caroling at the Nursing Home
* Send a Care Package to Our Friend in Iraq
* Drink Hot Chocolate with Mama - Don't Forget the Marshmallows
* Unwrap and Read a Christmas Book (some will be books we already have)

 

The envelopes were pretty easy to make. I bought a big pack of Christmas cardstock, twine, and clothes pins at Hobby Lobby. It was all pretty inexpensive. I cut the brown paper into 24 (5 1/2" x 3") rectangles and glued them into envelopes.

At first I thought they were too small, but when you hang up 24 envelopes they take up a bunch of room. Then I decorated and labeled each one.

 

Jack was so excited this morning to start opening. Will just gets excited when Big Brother does. Jack is already asking when he can open the next one!

Easter

As my family celebrated the resurrection of our Savior, my Nannie went home to see him. It was a complicated day. We started the day heading to church. Here are my sweet boys in their ties - so cute I couldn't stand it.

 Here is my Nannie the day that Will was born. This picture makes my heart warm. She loved my boys so much. They are 2 of her 4 great-grandchildren. After battling cancer, she went home with Jesus. She was a strong Christian woman - a great example.

Here are a few pictures of pre-Easter activities. We had a big egg hunt at my house last week. Unfortunately, as everyone was arriving I realized Will had a high fever. It was not a fun day for my precious baby.

So thankful for all these precious kids that I have watched grow up over the past several years. Especially thankful for their mommies - my great friends!!

We started our weekend at GranAnn's (J.J.'s mom) house. She taught us how to make this cute bunny cake. We started with 2 cake rounds and cut one into ears and a bow tie. Jack and his cousin Trenton decorated it.

My family at my parents' house with our Easter basket. What is it about being at my parents' house that makes me feel like a kid again? I love it.

Easter morning with their Easter baskets.

Easter morning

My dad went to church with us (my mom was at the hospital with Nannie). When Jack picked out his tie he told me that D'Bob would like it - he wears one to work everyday.

My honey.

I am so thankful for my family. And so thankful that my Nannie is watching over our family in heaven.

Happy Birthday Jack!

My baby is 3 years old.

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him." 1 Samuel 1:27

Dear Lord - I can not begin to thank you and praise you for my baby boy. I lift him up to you and ask that his life will bring you glory.  I pray that you protect his tender heart and use it to show empathy to others. I hope that Jack will grow into a strong Christian man that puts you first, others second and himself third. I ask that he will be a 'man after your own heart' and be in your favor. Three years of pure bliss...plus a lot of craziness. His smile, laughter, constant energy and love for life has filled a special part of my heart that was empty before I met him.

Here's some of my favorite pictures from the past 3 years. There were so many...it took me forever to just pick a few.