Christmas Phase 1!

Could this post BE any longer?!?! I predict phase 2 (christmas at my Mom's) will be longer.
The boys got up me up at a reasonable hour 0720. Although, Noah told me later that they had been up earlier but wanted to let me sleep. What awesome kids I have!

Stockings were opened first.

Eli loved his present from Noah.

I just love how the kids are all interested in what someone else is opening.

Lucas had spotted this present (the much desired Trash Truck) in the closet a few days before. Even though he knew he was getting it, He was still surprised that it was blue (he only saw the back of the box) and it was his fav present.

Lucas got Noah battleship.

After the boys opened all of the presents under the tree, they realized that they hadn't gotten any gifts from Santa. Were they on the Naughty List? Oh, NO! . . . . Santa had slipped a gift under the tree skirt (which Noah pointed out "It's ALWAYS under the tree skirt" I didn't remind him that last year was the first year we had a tree skirt-what he doesn't know won't hurt him) Back to the story. Santa had left a tiny box with a letter to the boys. He had left clues for the boys to find their presents from Santa.

They had to sing "We wish you a Merry Christmas"

Lucas had to read color words.

Noah had to do math problems. He was not entirely thrilled about that.

Eli had to take a spelling test.

Last they had to tell something they were going to do to show God's love in 2009. Noah is going to pray for people. Eli is going to show people respect. And Lucas is going to be nice to people.

They found out that Santa had hid 6 presents in the playroom for them to find.

Noah quickly found the first present under the stuffed animals.

But where is present #2. Not in here.

And not in here.

Finally, all gifts were found. And the boys discovered that Santa had brought them an Xbox 360. And they were THRILLED!

And Santa even gave them each a controller. That Santa is super smart!

Papa and Nana stopped by and Papa was kind enough to set up the Xbox. The boys spent most of the day playing. We did go to the movies and see The tail of Despereaux. I thought the book was much better.

It was nice to just spend a day hanging out. Phase 2 took place today, and I have LOADS of pics. But this has taken a long time, so I will save that post for 2moro or another day. The boys and I had a great Christmas, and hope that all of you did to. Treasure your family, they are a gift from God!

Christmas Eve!

The boys wanted to go to my parents church for Christmas Eve. I don't think that it was because of their live nativity story either. (And yes by live I mean donkeys, sheep, camels, etc) The boys love spending time with their cousins. Even though we spent the afternoon together. I am so thankful that my brothers live close and the boys are so close w/their cousins. However, I may need to be reminded of that when they are teenagers. Please refer my to this post on my blog for proof.

And a way we go!

The boys got free passes to Skate City from their teachers for Christmas. So, today Andrew and I took the kids to see how we move on roller skates. And the verdict is not good. Jordan was awesome and literally did circles around us. Scott was next best. I have unfortunately passed on my lack of grace and balance to my kids. But we all had fun. Well, . . . . at first the boys gave up after about 20min, but after some practice we all were getting the hang of it. And yes, even Andrew skated. In this pic, we ( Noah, Jordan, Scott and myself) are doing the chicken dance. Not easy on skates, but easier than the cha cha slide. I refuse to post those pics.

Jordan gave Noah a hand. Noah and Lucas preferred going around with me. I was surprised, and it was challenging to try to keep us both balanced. Jordan quickly passed us up since we were skating too slow.

Lucas was taking a break from skating and decided to groove out to the music.

Jordan on one of his many laps around.

Eli preferred to skate solo and stick close to the wall. But he probably spent the most time skating. I would think he was taking a break and then see that he was out on the rink again.

Lucas held on tight. But did get to the point where he could go around w/o falling and only holding on with one hand.

Jordan again laping us all.

Noah taking a break.

Scott making silly faces.

Lucas waiting for me to skate with him.

Some of the boys' friends from school were there.

We were ready to rock and roll.

Unfortunately I fell more than I wanted to, and one of the times I couldn't even blame one of the kids. Noah said it was the best day of christmas break so far. By the end, none of the boys wanted to leave and were all asking to go around again. Merry Christmas to you all!

Swimming in the rain!

Autumn came to play yesterday. It was great to have her, and awesome that the new car fits us all. We went to the gym and swam while it was raining and icy outside. The kids had a blast. I have been feeling under the weather so I watched the fun. Lucas got cold and hung out with me for quite a while. I forgot my camera, so I tested the camera on my new phone. Not to bad, if I do say so myself. Anyway, more fun today. So much to do, so little time. Enjoy your loved ones this holiday season.

And done!

And it is finally finished! I wanted to finish this last night but we played cards and watched movies instead. And I think that was more fun. Lucas kept calling Old maid- Old Navy. The boys did a great job. I don't like this kit as well as the ones we have done in the past. Hopefully Costco will get the better ones next year.

During

Before

Eli helps too!

Eli also helped yesterday, but he had homework that kept him from helping out as much as he wanted. Noah was still working on his division homework from when he was sick, and so he wasn't able to help at all. But since he finally got done with the 6-7 pages of long division, he is happy to have that weight off his shoulders. Hopefully, we can have some fun in the snow today, before the ice comes.

Chef Lucas is Back!

After a much needed break, Chef Lucas got back in the kitchen. Honestly, Lucas has been a great help. He has helped with nearly EVERY Christmas cookie that I made this year. Yesterday, Lucas helped with the peanut blossoms, peanut butter cup cookies, helped decorate the sugar cookies, and made the quesadillas for dinner. He deserved a much needed break and played outside in the snow.

Post OVERLOAD!

I know it is post overload. But LOTS happened this weekend. I hope to finish the gingerbread house, and christmas cookies tonight. So it won't get any better. So, come back and check all that we are doing this week!

Agent Rattle and Mr. T

Although, Agent Rattle aka Tyler, and Mr. T aka Trevor, were given parts in the mystery party, they just hung around and did their own thing.

Jordan's 10th Bday party!

Jordan had his 10th bday party over the weekend. He had a murder mystery party. There were cake and presents too! Everyone had a good time.

The murderer and thief!

Attention this is an APB for the suspect Frederick aka Fred. Fred was last seen tormenting babies and making them cry. If you see this man, please contact your local authorities. The public is cautioned not to approach him as he may be armed and dangerous. In addition to tormenting animals and small children he has been witnessed preying on the feelings of this young beautiful women. She is completely under his spell and has lost all capacity to listen to reason. Do not approach her as she will definitely tip him off.

The last day of Basketball/Soccer!

The boys had their last day of basketball/soccer on Sat. Eli's teacher was able to come and cheer him on. Eli made a basket, and is getting really good at stealing the ball. Lucas was a great defender and also scored for his team. Both boys really enjoyed playing sports, but are going to try some new activities after the new year.

Eli and Lucas say . . . .

Okay, I was not a witness to this conversation, but it was too funny not to post about.
The scene begins at 0630 this morning at my brother's house. Lucas and Eli spent the night w/Scott. He was getting the boys up to get ready for church ( I know, I know- should be a sin to have to get up that early:) ) Anyway, he was walking them up

Eli sits up and looks at his uncle and says, "It's 6:30!"

Andrew replies w/ "I know what time it is."

Lucas joins in w/"We know what time it is because we have watches!"

Eli looks at his brother and says, "Your watch doesn't work!"

Lucas says " I know. I don't care. I just want to go back to SLEEP!"

Can I get an AMEN?!?!

And Lucas's watch is not broken, but he pushes the buttons and gets it stuck on a different setting (ie alarm mode, timer etc) and he doesn't know how to get it back to the clock.

Okay something borrowed . . .

No not in the wedding sense. My parents are going to let me borrow their extra camera. Hopefully, Santa will get me a new one or give me some $ for a new one. Since I cancelled at work last night, I don't think a new camera will be in the budget for a while. Oh, well. Dad needs to find the software for me to be able to download the pics, so it might be a while before I have new pics to post.

My Chrismas wish list . . .

The boys and I were getting the gingerbread house ready to decorate this evening, when I discovered that my camera is not working anymore. I guess that last fall did it in. So, I will be adding a new camera onto my Christmas wish list . . . . Got that Santa ;). So, I will have to figure something out. The boys have a Christmas gathering at school tomorrow, and Santa is going to be there. I have some disposible cameras, but digital is so nice and easy. How quickly it is to get spoiled.

Noah says

Since my brother doesn't read my blog, I should be safe to tell this story.

Tonight while the boys and I were taking boxes out of the attic, I was talking to Noah about what Andrew is thinking about getting his boys for christmas. I won't say what the gift is but here is a little bit of the conversation.

Noah- "Those guys are SPOILED. They get EVERYTHING they want."

I just laughed.

Noah-"It's not funny. They are spoiled. Uncle Andrew has ALOT of money. And you know Mom, a good brother would SHARE! And he could buy us presents like that!"

I just kept on laughing only this time a little bit harder.

And then I said, "I think you should call Uncle Andrew and tell him that!"

Noah "I just think Uncle Andrew could share."

Me- "Noah you are acting like you have nothing. Like you have to play w/sticks and rocks from the backyard."

Noah- "I know I have lots of toys. But they have GERBALS! And now they are going to have _______! Its not fair!"

So, the Christmas spirit is alive and well in my house! Check out Eli's blog w/ his christmas letter. I don't think it is too much to ask of Santa!

Its begining to look a lot like . . . .

The boys and I decorated the tree tonight. It is fun to go through the years by looking at the ornaments from years past. My boys and I have a lot to be thankful for. I hope we do not loose sight of the true meaning of Christmas during this busy holiday season.