4 days and counting...

Today at church Sophie's class had a birthday party for Jesus. They had a cake, candles and sang. I thought it extra special that "Santa Claus" made an appearance to help sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. The kids got a kick out of the special day and Santa joining the festivites.

At church we talked about things that we were thankful for and what our "gift" to Jesus would be this year. I sat back thinking of the many things that I could focus on...be a better friend, be a more understanding wife, be a more patient mother, be a more attentive sister...the list goes on and on. What do I want my gift to be? What can be the perfect gift for Jesus this year?

This Christmas I will wrap my heart and soul and place it in my Father's hands.

This Christmas I will worry less and savor each moment of my day knowing that God has an amazing plan for me and my family.

This Christmas I will care less about material things and truly realize the value that God places on me rather than wordly things.

This Christmas I will sincerely thank God for sending his Son and loving me unconditionally.

This year Sophie has decided to make Jesus a chocolate cake. Usually we give make muffins or cookies and sing Happy Birthday on Christmas morning. I think that we might start a new tradition on Christmas Eve with cake, candles, singing, reading from Luke and a little self reflection. It will be interesting to see what the kids are thankful for and what their gift to Jesus will be. I'll let you know how it goes...

Happy Holidays!!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Winter Wonderland

Today we ventured to Angelus Oaks to visit with friends and enjoy a little lunch. Sophie and Miles had their first "snow" experience and the day was wonderful.

The kids had a great afternoon and we enjoyed watching their faces as they played in the white wonderland. It was a beautiful afternoon.

Peaceful Morning

I love mornings. Well maybe not necessarily the getting out of bed part, but I love the idea of a fresh, new day. What an amazing way to welcome the morning and truly see God's amazing work. As I sit at my kitchen table, starting the kids with their school work and breakfast, this is what I have been blessed with outside my window. It's a crisp, chilly and peaceful morning. I thought you might enjoy it also.

Bye bye Santa Claus

Today was the day. I've anticipated this day for 12 and a half years and the questioned was finally asked.

"Mom, I know that you and Pop pretend to be Santa Claus. Will you please just tell me the truth?"

And so began the Santa Claus conversation. Bubba actually handled the new knowledge quite well. He had his suspicions and needed confirmation. Pop and I explained everything to him and it was a nice opportunity to make him aware of the time and effort it takes to be "Santa." He was surprisingly grateful for the gifts that we had chosen over the years and a little relieved that a jolly old fat man was not sliding/squeezing down our chimney.

This will be the first year that Bubba helps Pop and I with the Santa rituals on Christmas Eve. He's excited to help put La-la and Pork Chop to bed and I'm thrilled with the additional hands to help wrap gifts. Pop is ecstatic that he doesn't have to consume all of the cookies, milk and carrots...it's time for Bubba to fill his belly and partake in the trickery.

A little part of me is sad. My Bubba is growing up so fast. 13 is right around the corner and I see him transforming into a young man right in front of my eyes. I still see his childish innocence when he talks about Santa to La-La. He is an amazing older brother and I someday hope that the little ones appreciate him for all that he does.

Jam Session

A perfect night:

Chilly night, warm fire, coffee, guitars, the kiddos and my Dad. Oh yeah and an impromptu jam session. Sometimes we pretend we are our own mariachi band ;) We laughed and sang and just enjoyed the moment.

My dad AKA "Grandpa Stinky" savors the little moments that he gets with his grandchildren. It's amazing to watch him as a grandfather. I'm reminded of memories from when I was little and it tickles my heart.

A little Christmas at Disneyland

This last Wednesday we took off on a Disneyland adventure. Pop, Mom, Bubba, La-La, Pork Chop, Grammy, Mandy, Jonas and Mattias created quite a group and enjoyed the warm day that Southern California brought us. It was a perfect day for Disneyland.

Sophie and Grammy enjoyed the Dumbo ride.


Jay and Jonas


This is the reason we go to Disneyland. I bet we could find a cheaper merry-go-round.


Pork Chop's first solo ride.




A little brotherly love.


Sophie had to have a photo op in front of "her" castle. Apparently Pork Chop thought the Corn Dog Stand was more interesting.


We had to experience the Disneyland "snow."


La-La was speechless.

Christmas time at Disneyland is absolutely beautiful. Go there now...