We are having a white Christmas this year. We watched big puffy white cotton balls fall from the sky as we ate breakfast this morning.
We had a wonderful Christmas morning. The girls were so intent upon making sure Chris and I had something to open this morning. Rhaevyn bought me a Skor candy bar. She and Aeva gave Chris an envelope with a $1 bill and some change, as well as a York Peppermint Pattie (his favorite).
Aeva wrote me a very sweet poem for Christmas. Moms Moms are very cuddly. They hold their children tight. They hug and love their children dear and don't forget the kisses. And that's what moms are like.
What more could we ask for than sweet, loving children who are all healthy?
The girls were very excited about their pioneer outfits they opened this morning.
Myles was very patient as he waited,
and waited,
and waited for Chris to get his airplane out of the box.
We had Ben and Stacey this year for Christmas gifts. Before they left for Hood River yesterday, we gave them their gifts. We figured they might need them in case they got stranded on the snowy road out there.
I made them each a really big blanket.
This is a close up of them. Stacey loves cats and Ben loves penguins. Chris was quite jealous and wants one of his own.
Ben and Stacey helped the kids make a snowman yesterday and were so wonderful to go out and play in the snow with them. I would have, but I am trying to get over a cold.
Toby, the snowman.
Eventually, Toby lost his eyes and nose. Myles kept looking out the window at him and then would come over to me and say "poor Toby, lost his eyes.....oooohhh, poor Toby."
Aeva's birthday got extended a couple of days due to the bad weather we've been having. The mailman was running behind. Grandma and Grandpa Lindsay sent some wonderful presents.
Paint! Aeva and Rhaevyn worked on painting yesterday afternoon while Myles napped. They had a blast.
She loves her new clothes too. Thanks so much Grandma and Grandpa Lindsay :)
Tomorrow is my little songbird's birthday. I can hardly believe that I brought her home from the hospital eight years ago. She's been my best Christmas present yet!
Last night we decided to celebrate Aeva's birthday a couple of days early since there is a big snowstorm coming in. First we went down to Jantzen Beach to ride the carousel. Myles didn't know what to think of it and seemed to be holding on for dear life.
Then we had a hamburger meal thanks to Wendy's 99 cent menu.
After that we all went to Baskins and Robins to have ice cream cones.
We came home to open presents.
Rhaevyn wrote Aeva a story.
I got her the game scrabble. Chris surprised Aeva by renting the movie Kit Kittredge, An American Girl Movie. It was a simple but fun birthday celebration.
After finishing up school work, the girls and Myles headed outside to play in the snow. It was freezing. Chris came home early as they were shutting the plant down early. We've had a good blanketing of snow so far today.
I am sure the entire neighborhood could hear Myles screaming at the top of his lungs, with the garage door closed, because he didn't want to come in. Even a warm shower wasn't a bribe good enough to coax him in. He wanted to stay out and play with the neighbor boy next door, Sam. Once I told him that Sam had gone in he decided to give up and take that nice warm shower.
Also, I have some more funny snippets from Aeva....
In the car yesterday we were sitting at a stop light after getting off the freeway. Aeva looked over and saw an Arby's. She said "I remember when dad used to take Rhaevyn and me on dates there. Those were the good ol' days when we had money. I wish we lived in a supreme world where prices were cheap." I just had to laugh at the "good ol' days" part.
And today during language arts, Rhaevyn was asking what donner meant. I was thinking she meant the reindeer name or the Donner Party that got stranded. What the actual word was was donor. Before I figured that out and could tell her the correct pronunciation, Aeva says "well, I know what a goner is, it means your almost dead."
With all the laughter I get from my kids, I should have a very long and healthy life :)
I thought I'd try and make Myles some pants out of fleece material. I used a pattern I had for the girls. I am amazed they turned out so well because I didn't read the directions or anything.
I thought I'd use this post to give you some snippets of conversations that go on around here.
Things that make me laugh and think, I'd never get to enjoy life more if I had a different job other than being a full time mom.
So, Chris is having trouble fitting into his pants. Now, he has tried blaming the pregnancy....saying that he always gains weight whenever I am pregnant. I will say that he is partially correct, but it isn't just during my pregnancies that he gains weight. It is partially due to the holidays. I have no self control when it comes to baking during the holidays. So, I apparently help out the expansion of his girth in two ways.....being pregnant and baking goodies. However, that said, sometimes my sweet husband shows no self control when it comes to eating a good meal. This is a compliment to my cooking, I should say.
A few weeks ago I was telling him that he might want to show more self control when it comes to second (plus) helpings. Besides, that would actually leave us with some leftovers for lunches, etc. A couple of days after that the kids and I were cleaning the house and happened to be in my room getting ready to vacuum. Rhaevyn noticed a book I had sitting on my hope chest titled "The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands." She picked it up, looked at it, and asked if I was reading it. I said that when I had bought it, several years ago, I had read some of it but hadn't read it in quite some time. She proceeded to look at me very seriously and say "well, maybe you should read it. It might help dad." Perplexed I asked how that would help. She replied "since he needs to have more self control when he eats this book would probably help." Holding back a good chuckle I replied that that was an excellent idea, and then turned to expose a huge smile and a little giggle. It was so cute that she took the title literally.
Yesterday, as I left to go to my doctor appointment Rhaevyn came running to my car window to tell me that, Luna, her caterpillar had escaped, but not to worry because she was off to hunt it down. When I returned home she came zipping out of the house to inform me that I was a suspect in a crime.
This was the crime scene.....
I was notified that, yes, I had run over Luna while backing out of the driveway to leave for my appointment. I pointed out to Rhaevyn that I was not the only guilty party in this situation. Luna shouldn't have been roaming around the driveway, and I couldn't possibly see a tiny caterpillar like that from my van. She wouldn't accept the latter excuse. Apparently, if I am going to be a safe driver in my minivan, I should be able to see small caterpillars in the way of my tire(s).
Sunday, Aeva, Myles and I were sitting on my bed reading books. It was raining, but I thought there was a downpour. I looked out the window to discover that the drainpipe seemed to be clogged. I notified Chris about this and reminded him that I had mentioned several weeks ago that he probably needed to do that before the heavy rains set in. So, he donned his rain coat and hat and set out in the rain to unclog the drains. Aeva decided she needed to document the sludge that he pulled out of the drainpipes. Then she came in and wrote this little informational piece for Chris
It is title "Husband's Information"
A child's dad or a husband should have five pieces of French toast, and should always be wise with his money. A wife's husband should listen to their wife to be aware of what might happen, so the husband will do it and he won't have to do it on a rainy day.
Again, I had to chuckle. I am not sure about the French toast, but I think she thought Chris limited himself too much that morning when he only ate two pieces of French toast.
And then there is Myles…….
Upon waking up in my bed the other morning he rolled over, gave me the most gigantic smile, caressed my cheek and said “what nice eyes mom, what a nice nose mom, what nice lips mom, what nice hair mom.” Then he proceeded to kiss me on the cheek.
and waited,
