"When he came, there was no light.  When he left, there was no darkness."

                          Martin Luther

Merry Christmas

Checking Things Out

I wondered how long it would be until Lucy noticed the presents under the tree.  She actually didn't pay much attention the first day.  Then I found her checking things out.  Love it.

Fun Day

We went to the library this morning in search of Christmas books.  My favorite librarian was working.  She is always so chipper and quickly engages the kids.  She even let me look through a stash of books she had behind the counter.  We found plenty!  The first we read was Gus and Grandpa and the Christmas cookies.  Such a sweet story!  The second was The Night Before the Night Before Christmas by Richard Scarry.  Cute book and it reminded us of our friends from the cul-de-sac in Charlotte.  Thanks to Bonnie, I picked up Miss Read's Christmas which is already proving to be a cozy read.
Last night some friends of ours came over and brought gifts for the kids. Sammy's was a Sheriff Woody pillow/stuffed guy.  He has not parted with it all day.  Woody even came to the library with us.  The nice librarian asked Sam if he was planning on reading all these books to Woody when we got home.  Sammy grinned ever so slightly and nodded his head.  Fun day.

p.s.  Do you notice a trend in pictures of Sam with no shirt?  I don't know what it is but that's the way he likes it right now.

Perfect?

I declared today our Christmas cookie and craft day.
We baked cookies and decorated with the sprinkles.
We sprinkled (or dumped) glitter and glued sequins.
We had our music playing in the background.
And it was fun.
But if I'm honest, I'd have to say it was not all Currier and Ives.  Somehow looking back, getting out glitter and cookie dough at the same time might not have been the best idea.  I was a little on edge.  Sometimes impatient.  I can't tell you how I wish I had more patience.  It seems like I get a little less patient the older I get instead of the other way around.  That saddens me.
And I need to add that bit in here with all the pictures and smiles because if you're even a little like me,  you look around and hear about other families enjoying all of these holiday activities and wonder where you went wrong.  I want to create these cozy, perfect memories.  Not that I didn't enjoy our day.  I'm just saying, it wasn't perfect and I think that's ok.  One more reason why I need the Christ of Christmas more than I need a good memory from a perfect day.

Having said that, I did get some cute pictures and I think the kids had a good time.

I've not seen so much glitter poured in one place in a long time.

(He was just getting started!)

Not had so much tempting sugar around in a while either.

Sam said to me, "Mom, I guess you've never seen anything like this before."

HAHA!  There were an awful lot of sprinkles on his cookies!

Sweet Sam

Two things from Samuel:
Kayla and I were getting ready to make Rice Krispie treats today.
He said, "Great!  The girls will do the making and the boys will do the eating!"
Love it.

The other night as I tucked Sam in, I said, "Good night, Sammy.  Mommy loves you."
He said, "Good night, Mommy.  Sammy loves you, too."
So sweet.

A Snowy Day

Well it snowed.  It was so pretty to watch.  The kids had a great time outside.  Lucy and I stayed in- she hasn't been her usual happy self.  I haven't felt quite right all day either- just a little off.  Maybe a good night's sleep will help?
Brian and the kids planned a festive dinner, complete with holiday dishes, candles, even ties for the guys!  Sparkling cherry juice and more homemade bread.  This time Brian made two loaves of whole wheat.  Yum!

For some reason he looks so big in this picture.

The three amigos

One of our first snows in our backyard

Just because I stayed in doesn't mean a good hot drink didn't hit the spot.  I learned how to make lattes this week.  This one is vanilla cinnamon.

Thanks a Lot!

It's been a while since I've had a haircut.  Got one today.  So glad!
Until Jack says to me, "Mom, I thought you were getting your haircut today."
"I did."
"Oh, it doesn't look shorter.  Just, uh, brushed."
Oh well.
Stay warm.  It looks like another winter storm is brewing!
By the way, the cinnamon bread that Brian and Kayla worked on together was quite the involved process.   They got up at 6:30 the next morning to finish it and believe me when I tell you, it was impressive.  The texture was perfect.  Yum!