We had a very Merry Christmas

Our Christmas celebrations didn't start until lunch at my mom's house on Monday.  The kids woke up at their usual hour of SIX AM.  We bought them to our bed to watch some cartoons and Nathan looks at me and say lets go out for breakfast.  I said, OK.  So I quickly text his parents and invited them to meet us at Village Inn at 8ish for breakfast.  I enjoyed this fun little impromptu breakfast, as did the kids, I think.  On our way home from breakfast we were discussing how it was Christmas Eve and that 'Sparkles' (our Elf on the Shelf) would go away tonight and Santa would come and bring presents.  While having this conversation Amelia informed us Santa needed chocolate milk to drink.  I don't buy chocolate milk, Amelia drinks strictly white milk, I didn't know where she got that Santa needed chocolate milk, but we complied and stop at the store and got Santa some chocolate milk.  We later found out that on the cartoon Max and Ruby (which I'm not a fan of) Santa wanted chocolate milk.  Back to lunch at Nana's,  we decided to do enchiladas and Mexican food as opposed to the traditional ham and turkey.  Amelia really got into opening presents this year.  Asher not so much, so sissy helped him out a lot.  :) 

She had just woke up from her nap when we went to Nana's so Amelia cuddled with Grandma Mary.

Her pile of presents.

 

Here Asher let me help you.

 

Tractor.

 

After mom's house we had dinner at Nathan's parents house.  We strapped the kids in their car seats and and drove around so little guy could catch a bit of an afternoon nap.  (Holiday's tend to mess up my kids sleep schedules)  After a SHORT nap is was time to open more presents and visit with more family.  Let me say we are incredible blessed to be able to spend the holidays with our family.  Nobody lives far away and we're able to get together and fellowship.

I'll open it just enough to stick my arm in.

 

Playing operation.

After Mema and Papa's house we rushed home to finish cookies for Santa, I had got them baked during Amelia's nap before Nana and papa Jim's house, but she didn't have time to ice them.  She got Santa and the Reindeer's plate ready and sit it out for them before heading to bed. 

Chocolate milk. :)

 

Ready for Santa.

Christmas morning was another early morning for us.  We managed to stay in our bed until close to 7 with the kids.  Amelia had actually forgot about the whole Santa thing until we said something to her about what she had done the night before.  Again, Amelia had a blast opening presents, Asher got into it a little bit more this time.  He was still unsure about the whole deal and preferred to play in the new truck Santa brought them.  He played in that thing ALL day long, and everyday since.  He enjoyed the chaos of all the new toys and stuff everywhere, me not so much.  Makes my house feel cluttered and small.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were able to stay in our pj's almost all day on Christmas, which was a first for us I think.  I was nice just to relax at home and let the kids enjoy their new presents.  That evening we had dinner and more gifts at my Dad's house.  Amelia and Asher got to play with Eli so they loved it.
We had a great Christmas.  This year was SO much fun having Amelia older and able to understand it a lot better.  I can not wait until next year when Asher will be able to understand all the chaos better.  :)    

Dancing with Eli

 

Dancing alone.

 

Helping Bubba again.

 

Merry Christmas Eve (I forgot to publish, oops!)

Today we start the running for here to there to fit in all our families. In all the rush we are also taking the time to emphasize the true meaning of Christmas to Amelia.
We've enjoyed the past two free days by doing several things.
Saturday morning we headed to Springfield (not for last minute Christmas shopping) to 1) get tires put on my truck and 2) get Amelia a new bed.
Sunday morning bought church and the Christmas program. Times of the services where altered, therefore it was right in the middle of Asher's morning nap, so he and I stayed home for nap time and Amelia and daddy headed to church.
Believe it or not we finished up Sunday by playing at the park (on Decemeber 23rd), having dinner at McDonalds, and driving to Monett to look at Christmas lights.   

Before heading out to Springfield.

Converting the bed.

Isn't it huge??

She likes it.

Asher say cheese.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Random Ramblings (Written Wenesday)

- Wednesday are typically 'Momma Day'. So today I am home with two wild kids.

- We actually have a free weekend, although Monday and Tuesday are packed full. But Saturday and Sunday are empty!

- I'm on the hunt for a rust colored cardigan, any suggestions?

- Asher climbed out of his pack n play that he naps in at Sara's yesterday. I'm not sure what we are going to do about this.

 

- I've been struggling with a menu plan this month. I think it's because we have been so busy, I haven't found the time to plan or grocery shop.

- I'm looking for a good book to read after the holidays.

- Recently out TV died. So Nathan went and bought a new one, well it's a smart TV. Super cool, if your an amazon prime member you can stream movies and TV shows for free. Right now I'm watching To Catch A Theft.

- Christmas is going to be so much fun this year, I can't hardle wait!

- I ended up getting a kiddie Advent Calendar. It's super cute. Amelia told my dad today that Christmas meant that baby Jesus got to come out. She was referring to the advent calendar.

- Target had these trees, and I really wanted a couple more because they are cute and super easy, but yesterday they were all out. :(

Another busy weekend!

We had another crammed pack weekend. It was a good, just busy busy busy! Saturday morning was Amelia's dress rehearsal for her Christmas dance recital. I headed off with Amelia and Nathan and bubba headed to Springfield to do some Christmas shopping. (He's a great daddy). We all met up back at home early afternoon for lunch and naps before Amelia's big recital!

 

Dress Rehersal

Ok, so we're new at this dance parent thing, and when I was told Amelia needed to be there at 6:00 for her 6:30 recital, I had her there at 6:00. Bad idea, apparently you have to arrive much earlier than 6:00 to get a good seat. With that bring said I took ZERO pictures and we just opted to record it instead. I got some good before and after pictures but none of the actually recital. 6:30 is also a horrible time for us, we ALWAYS have Asher in the bath tub at 6:30 and he's asleep around 7:00, so again no pictures during the recital because 1) bad seats and 2) wrangling above mentioned little boy. :).

Amelia did SO well. She never gets nervous or shy at these sort of things, just does her thing. It's so much fun to watch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday after church was our first Christmas of the season. It was also a hard one, it was our first at my Grandmas house without my Grandpa there. It's nice to have the kids running around oblivious to sorrow and loss. We had lots of great food and enjoyed icing cookies.

Sunday Recap

Sunday afternoon after church, and naps and lunch  We all loaded up in mema and papa's truck and headed to their farm to cut down a REAL Christmas tree.  Amelia and Asher were pretty excited.  We rolled down the windows while driving through the field and they stuck their heads out, Amelia was looking for the prefect tree, Asher was licking the wind.  :)  This was such a fun experience for all of us.   

"Looks great Poppy."

 

 

"No Mom don't take a picture."

 

He's a natural.

 

Can you tell Asher's trying to escape?

 

Sunday night was Amelia's first school Christmas program.  I was such a proud momma, she did so well and looked so cute.  She might have been a little bit of a showoff.  Since then I've had two people tell me she made the show.  Of course we all thought she was adorable. 

Ready to go!

My little sheep.