Some Christmas Moments

 

Jim has been taking the boys individually for some father-son time (aka mommy sanity time lol)

 

They are building a gecko cage!

 

The family night before Christmas we did a family nativity with scriptures and hymns. Things went a lot better than last year. It helped to not do it on Christmas Eve when they were so keyed up already.

 

Three Kings

 

Christmas morning!

 

Jake in his box. We would hand him a present and he would open it and stay in his box playing with his gifts. Pretty cute.

 

Diana's stocking was stuffed with a gift from the kids- chocolate graham cracker animals. She sat there eating and eating while the rest of the kids opened presents. She REALLY liked her gift!

 

She also got this kitty that she adored in Target every time we went. It was sweet to see her love it!

 

 

Here's a video of the kids coming down the stairs for presents!

 

 

Here's another video- some of Diana's first moments with the her kitty. Videos can be watched on the blog- http://delbifamily.blogspot.com

Shoes, Preschool Christmas and Lollipops

 

Nicole: In just a few months wore a hole in the front of her shoes. We're on the third pair this school year, this girl loves to run and run!

 

Michael and Jacob: Preschool Christmas program was today and they sang songs (even one in Spanish!). My favorite parts: Michael's constant movement and swaying side to side; Jacob bouncing around to Jingle Bell Rock; both of them waving to each other during the singing and how Jake kept looking at his big brother. Love my boys! (Mike is top row third from left; Jake is prettymuch in the center of the pic)

Diana: Went through two lollipops during the program and REALLY enjoyed the blue one. By the time she finished this one it was ALL over her mouth and her teeth were really blue which made her smile look hilarious.

Here's a video with clips from the boys preschool program.

December fun

 

Jacob used a roll of floss to create his very own spider web. He was so proud of it and I thought it was pretty amazing how it looped around sinks, drawers, doors, and faucets. I vacillated between wanting to scold him and being impressed with his accomplishment. As far as messes go, no big deal, so I just told him to ask me for string next time.

 

Michael was line leader again, and a on a special day where the kids were going to frost gingerbread men. He got an itchy throat cough the day of and his teacher had me bring him home which was really hard for him- until I told him he could decorate one at home. It's all about the cookies I guess! The sad part was that his cough turned into nothing- he usually gets an asthmatic type cough this time of year- but I couldn't blame his teacher a bit with all the sickness that goes around this time of year! This picture is of Michael with Curious George, the class mascot.

 

'Tis the season! I've begun making the fudge- 12 lbs at a time. Usually when the boys are in preschool and during Diana's morning nap. I've learned a lot about the process and the smell is heavenly.

 

Since my allergies don't allow me to eat any, I think there is a significantly greater amount that makes it out of the house this year. We are at 36 lbs made so far.

 

 

The fudge has kind of taken over the fridge! But Jim delivers it the next day, so each time it's just one day of cramming everything else to make room.

We've had some very special family nights in December. This Monday I had the kids color these parts to the nativity scene while I read from the New Testament the story of Christ's birth. Then when we had put it all together I asked them to tell me how they feel about Jesus. Their sweet, loving thoughts were so precious! We decided this year to let them make a wish list for presents in November, and then buy and wrap all of the presents before December so that way none of us are really thinking about presents during the month. It seems to help us keep the real reason for the season in focus. Sharing this special time with the kids is such a highlight of the year!