Christmas Day Photos

The much anticipated Playmobil Zoo.

This is the boys' tree decorated with their own things.
I think they had too much sugar!

Watching the snow fall.
It was a wonderful surprise.

"My bowling set!"

"Chocolate!"

Elliott's Santa stuff.

Christmas Cheer

On Friday, Dec 21st I shared a special moment with Owen. It was a rare occasion -- Oliver was at a friend's house and Elliott was napping. I offered hot chocolate to him. He took it and said we needed to sit by the fire to have the hot chocolate and "get warm on this cold day." We sat and he asked where my hot chocolate was. I replied that I didn't make any for myself. He responded, "Make some for yourself, Mama. I want you to have hot chocolate with me by the fire." How could I refuse? It made me happy to sit with him and share in the moment.


Christmas was different for us this year. On the 23rd, we participated in a Baby Blessing/Welcoming Ceremony for Brian's cousin Vanessa's new baby, Leon. It was a beautiful ceremony filled with the warm emotions that a new life brings to a family. I was allowed to photograph the event which pleased me greatly. Here are a couple of my favorites.


On the 24th, the boys opened family gifts, we attended a Christmas Eve function at my friend Tricia's church where her daughter Ashley gave a solo performance of Away in a Manger and Brian made pizza for dinner. Christmas Day brought lots of fun from Saint Nick. Brian made killer waffles with his new waffle iron. After breakfast, I napped with Elliott (Sweet!), the boys watched Flushed Away and played and played and played with their new toys.

My friend's daughter singing her solo at church.

The boys knew they looked awesome in their neckties.

They're mine, aren't they?

Hey, we clean up pretty well!

Hoo-wee! The man's still got it!!

Winter Break

The last day of school was quite eventful. Owen's preschool gave a short performance for the parents (and a few of the siblings). Oliver was my photographer and I videoed. It was cute. How can a bunch of 3 and 4 year-olds not be? But... well, let's just say I'm glad Brian didn't bother taking off work for the "performance." After school we met two of Owen's preschool friends and almost all of Oliver's kindergarten class at McDonald's. It was complete insanity! Evidently everyone else had the same idea because there were about 100 kids packed into that play structure. It reminded me of how the naked mole rats climb all over one another. *shiver*

Last Sunday we went to church. (Yes, you read that correctly.) Brian would really like to get the kids involved in church because he says they have no morals and need the fear of God put into them. I suppose I could take offense but I guess if it helps improve their behavior then I'm all for it. I was quite surprised when the boys went to the front for the Children's Message since it was our first visit. I was a little worried when one of the pastors whipped out a Superman toy that we have in our house. I wondered "Uh-oh, where is this going? Please don't say anything boys!" The pastor asked about Superman's superpowers and we hear Oliver school her on all things Super. Then she started talking about God's power and asked the kids what kinds of things God might be able to do. We hear Oliver yet again say, "Like if the whole world exploded he could put it back together again." It was sweet. We were surprised during the sermon when the pastor used Oliver's words when talking about God's power and the broad-sweeping claims that holiday carol lyrics contain.

Happy Brothers

Oliver and Owen wanted to wear their footed pjs too.

Elliott finds his brothers very entertaining.

Oliver and his buddies from kindergarten at a school social function last Friday night. The kids played animal Bingo, had popcorn and juice.

Boy Crazy

I had NINE boys in my house at one point today. Whew! I wish I had taken a picture to capture the craziness that ensued, but I was busy protecting the baby from being trampled. Three of the boys belonged to my friend Vanessa who is in town visiting from Australia. It was great to talk with her again and wonderful to see her kids. The two you see here are Owen and his friend Jacob.

Here I go...

I'm new to blogging and don't know if I'll like it or have the time to maintain it, but thought I'd give it a shot.

This weekend was insanely busy. We had two holiday parties to attend (one of which was in Seattle), took the boys to see Alvin & The Chipmunks and I had to clean all the bathrooms. Needless to say, the kids are worn out and so am I.

We're all set for Christmas except for teacher gifts. I always forget those! Speaking of Christmas we got our Santa photo back. It's pretty cute. I sure wish Owen would smile naturally. I'll have to scan his school photo one of these days. He looks like Frankenstein.

The boys are looking forward to their school break and Christmas, of course. Brian and I were thinking about watching A Christmas Story with the boys this year for the first time. I think they're ready for it and I haven't seen it in years.

*Sigh.* This week is going to be very busy. The kind of week where I have to write everything down or else I'll forget something. I'll be glad when Christmas is over.