Christmas Card 2012

Merry Christmas (one day late) from our family to yours!

A Birthday Party for Jesus!

I love that Braidy's school and class had a "Happy Birthday Jesus" party. They sang to him and had a (super amazing) cake, even! They were all so cute and so excited about their mommas being there. My child would hardly look at me, I think he was embarrassed with so many eyes watching them. My favorite part of every party is watching them pray (ok, and taking a picture during it too!). It's too sweet and so innocent. I wish they'd stay this age forever. After some chicken nuggets, fruit, veggies, m&ms they finally got to cut into the (super amazing) cake! It was delicious! The parents got to taste it too. One of the (super talented) momma's made it. We were in her daughters class last year too, and she made awesome cakes for every party, although this one definitely wins the award for being the best. The sleigh and every other part of it was made from fondant, completely edible (Braidy asked her if he could have the snowman, and he ate almost all of it....hello toothbrush!). Talk about alot of time and effort being put into this. I started to feel bad about my donation of the chicken nuggets, which took about 10 minutes and $15! ha! We are so blessed to be at such a wonderful school who completely centers Christmas around what it should be....Jesus' birth!

Polar Express 2012

One of our most favorite traditions every Christmas is to go on the Polar Express with Lulu! She is so gracious to take us all every year, and the boys have many memories of doing this with her! Special times. This year was no different. Well, a little different. It was much less crowded than last year (much more leg space, much less claustrophobia), a different starting place for the train, and this year we had 5 little boys instead of only 3 like last year!

On the way to the North Pole, the boys got a cookie and a hot cocoa, they were all super excited about. Braidy ended up wearing most of it on his shirt, of course, but he loved every bit of it that got in his mouth! Quin loved his cookie and drank the hot chocolate until we got off the train I think. John put it all away before we could look up and he finished off several half full cups, too. After we arrived at the North Pole, Santa came aboard the train. Quin didn't cry! It's a Christmas Miracle!!!! He actually really liked Santa and told him he wanted Thomas the Train! Braidy said he wanted "regular" blocks (Mr. Random Man), John said Legos, Crockett said a Monster Truck! The elf came by and she was so sweet to the boys, they all loved her. Towards the end of the ride, they all started getting wild and a little out of control, but we all survived and had the best time! Thank you Lulu for taking us and for the wonderful memories that we all will have forever. We love you!

a star....a star

Braidy had his Christmas program at school last week. We had been talking to him about doing his best and singing and participating and he promised us he would! Fast forward to showtime, and he stood there, playing with his angel costume, yawning, scratching his nose, looking around, staring into space, not singing a word. Well, I did see his mouth moving a few times, but not much. He was bored to tears and was not into participating. It was too funny, but he's a different kid at school, so I guess I expected it. We all got a good laugh. After the play, I praised him and praised him for what a great job he did, and he was proud, so that is ALL that matters! The music teacher, Mrs. K, assured me he knew the songs, and I know for a fact he does because he will sing them at home! Aunt Jess, Crockett, Bowen, Lulu, Daddy and I were there and loved watching him perform! He was SO excited to see his cheering section. He is and was a star in our eyes! 

Santa Visits the Tech Club!

Last weekend the Touchstone's joined us for brunch at the Tech Club! We were especially excited because Santa was going to be there! We stopped in for a visit with Santa first before we ate. Quin had a similar reaction to Santa as last year....but once he settled down he sat there without crying for a second. Braidy and John of course are pros at this Santa business by now! Santa wasn't really in the mood for talking, so I don't even think the boys got to tell him what they wanted. I guess he was in a bad mood that day.


Tabor and Titus were up next. Tabor had the same feelings toward Santa that his buddy Quin did....but Titus on the other hand, loved him! He was the perfect little baby and let Santa hold him without even a peep!

Lunch was fun (or as fun as it can be with 5 little boys with you!) Actually, they did pretty good, all things considered! The mommas and the daddys were worn out by the time we left though

We Can Share!

Last week, while Quin and I were both pretty sickly (him more than me, but I was in bed when this happened) daddy took the big boys to John's basketball game and then to buy stuff for the U-Can-Share Food Drive that was going on. City Bank was having a competition between branches, so Ryan had to do his part. He took the boys shopping and explained to him why we give and why we help out those who are less fortunate than we are. Quite a teaching moment for these little guys to experience and absorb. I am so lucky to get to do life with this man. I love that he loves teaching the boys important life lessons in a way they will understand and remember! Here are the boys with their groceries for the food bank! Braidy's faces in these crack me up....never a dull moment!

it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Notice, I did NOT say "it's beginning to FEEL alot like Christmas"....because it's in the 70's even 80's in the LBK....and I love it. Anyways, last weekend daddy put up the Christmas lights! The boys were super excited to "help" (aka climb on the roof). Braidy was not so sure about it but once he was up there he loved it. John loved it as long as he stayed away from the edge, and I can't say I blame him! even Quinny got up there after he woke up from his nap. He's just one of the guys now! Daddy did an awesome job and our house looks great (from the outside!)!!!!