Christmas Tree Lighting

The kids were thrilled to get to play at the park with all the snow. They thought it was so fun to slide down into the big drifts everywhere. We listened and sang carols then watched them light the tree. After that we headed indoors where it was much warmer.

Both the girls were happy to meet Santa. I was curious what they would say they wanted. They haven't asked for anything for Christmas this year. I take that back. Mackenzie asked for hugs. So, either it's going to be a cheap Christmas for us or she thinks she's not getting enough hugs from mom and dad. There goes the Mommy Guilt again. Anyway, Emma hopped up there first and told Santa she wanted a teddy bear. What? Really? That should be easy enough. And come to think of it, she doesn't have a teddy bear at all. Mackenzie was next and she asked for a Barbie. Hum?! Another surprise. She has quite a few already, but I guess she would like another. Okay. Finally little J. I really had no intention of even trying to get him up there. We try not to make Santa a big deal in our house anyway, so I was not going to traumatize the boy with making him sit on his lap. He usually smiles and waves at strangers, but only from the comfort of mom's arms. So, when he marched right up there and stood with the jolly old man, I thought, "Wow!" But, if you look closely, it wasn't really the beard and the belly that intrigued our little guy. Nope. He's a smart one. He saw that Santa was handing out CANDY to his big sisters and he wanted some too! It really was quite cute and he stood there long enough I was able to snap a photo.

My Snow Baby

This was Little J's first day in the snow. He thought it was pretty cool.

A Letter to Gramma Jo

Gramma Jo,

It's me Little J. I would love a robe of my own. I see my sisters wearing their purple ones and I want to be just like them. I think slippers might be kind of cool too. These ones of Emma's aren't really my style though. They are lavender with swans on them. I'm thinking I need something with a truck or a ball. I love you Gramma Jo! 

Love, Jayten

P.S. I also like to read and write like my sissies too. Mommy says I'm growing up too fast. :0)

Snow Days!

Mackenzie was all bundled up after climbing off the school bus.

We have gotten a ton of snow this winter. They were predicting the "storm of the century" and we did get a big one. They canceled school last Wednesday. The girls were so disappointed. They didn't really want to miss school. I'm sure that will change as they get older. :0) The quickly found all their snow gear and headed out for some fun. We'd had snow and rain off and on for the last week. Can't believe how early it hit. We may actually have a white Christmas this year!

Decorating the tree

Last Sunday, Nov. 28 we started decorating for Christmas. I have to admit, I finally just finished this morning. We did a little bit at a time, so it wasn't really overwhelming, but it wasn't fun having all the boxes out for more than a week! I don't know what it is, but I just wasn't too motivated to decorate. I love my decorations, and the ones I don't, I decided not to use and will donate so they can bless someone else. I love this time of year; it just seems the decorations and everything can be so overwhelming and I don't want it to be all about the "extra" stuff. My kids LOVE to decorate though and the girls were in charge of the tree. In fact, when the two of them put all their ornaments up they covered almost the whole thing, except for the top where they couldn't reach. Ha! It stayed like that for a few days. I finished the top with a few of mine and a few of Josh's. We put all his Bronco ornaments on the mini Bronco tree downstairs. Emma helped me do that this morning for a little mommy and me time before Little J woke up. We also put a few K-State ones on a mini table top tree I let the girls have. So, we're spreading the purple and blue/orange love around our home, along with the traditional red and green. This year Jayten is big enough he wants to help too. I do love watching my kids work together and get so excited about what they are doing. And MJ gave Emma the honor of putting the star on top this year. She said it was Emma's turn. So sweet!

Time with family

Jayten tried to play Wii. He just picked up a couple remotes, one being for the window blinds and was looking up at the TV and pointing.

The girls decorate a cake for dessert.

Josh had to take his turn at it too.

J and cousin Mya playing together.

Playing foosball with Aunt Stephanie.

Hanging out with Grandma Carla

My boy

Yes, that is my boy in his sister's princess slippers. He just wants to do everything they do. I'm sure he'll die when he sees these when he's a teenager, but until then, I think it's so cute!