a little christmas surprise

our lovely tree went almost a whole week with no decorations.
there was never a good night for us all do decorate it, and with chris working so much-
it didn't seem like there would ever be a good time for him.

so, on a saturday afternoon i decided we would try tackling the 11 foot tree ourselves.
i told the kids we were going to surprise daddy and put the lights on the tree.
we got out the big ladder and an hour later, after all four kids helping, we had it lit!
i suggested we write daddy a note and john yelled out that he would write it.

i clipped it to the tree, and we left it to surprise our man who has been working so hard.
it was no easy task, lighting that tall tree-
and without all my helpers there's no way i could have gotten it done.

and we were able to squeeze in putting all the ornaments on together - including dad
in the short time he was home the next day...

oh christmas tree

we bought our christmas tree a few weeks ago.
it is the first time we have bought a fresh one in probably 6 years.
we have room for a pretty tall tree in our new living room.

it was such a fun outing, we went to a local nursery - whitfill, it's been around forever.
to our wonderful surprise they had cookies and hot chocolate - the kids were in heaven!
they also had goats and peacocks that they loved looking at.

and to top it off, santa was there walking around.
perfect, since we hadn't seen him yet this year!

he told the kids some magical stories that brought tears to my eyes as i took pictures.
he was so engaging with them and really talked to each of them about what
they wanted for christmas and the spirit of the season.
seriously, the best santa i have ever been around.

here is the beauty we picked out once we had it set up at home.
it smelled sooo good, instantly put me in a good mood.
and i had a smile plastered on my face for hours because it just made me so happy.
'tis the season...

happy 12/12/12

so, i am late on this - but oh well, that's the way this blog is going lately.
the kids have been talking about 12/12/12 for months now.
actually christopher was the one who started saying we needed to celebrate it.
of course, the others then got into it too.

so, on 12/12/12 we went out to eat after the boys' basketball games to celebrate.
chris could not join us because he has been completely swamped at work.
he has been working crazy hours- we appreciate all he does to provide for us.
of course miss him -unfortunately we are learning december is a very busy time for him.

the boys both had games at the same school at the same time which was great.
it has been such a busy year with both of them playing school sports,
and games almost every day, usually at different schools.

i love basketball - it is my favorite sport to watch.
and i just love that i am able to be there at their games to cheer them on.
it's so nice to see all of their friends mom's at the games too (and some dad's),
really being present for their children.

uncle tim was able to see both boys play since he is on christmas break now.

then, he shot around with the boys for awhile.

i really wish i could keep up with this blog more than i have been able to this year.
it's amazing how much your kids need you as they get older,
and how busy a mom's day is.
the days of diapers, naps and nursing are so busy and exhausting in their own way.
and they need you so much during that precious, critical time.

as they grow, they still need you so much -
and it is still busy and exhausting but in a completely different way.
i am so blessed that i am able to be there for them-
it is also a choice to be a full time mom,
one that i believe is the most important decision a mother can make.
i feel blessed that just about all of their friends' parents also have made it a priority for the mother to be there full-time for their kids too.

thanksgiving 2012

we hosted thanksgiving this year.
i think it's the third year in a row we have done it, and we have really enjoyed it each time.
it was the first one in our new house...so nice to have a little more room for everyone.

i just love how special it feels to get all of our pretty linens and fine china out for the table.

the kids always help set the table, i think it's important they are involved and a part of it.

and they really seem to enjoy doing it, seems to really get them into the spirit of the day.

ella has made the place cards for every one these last few years.

i had grand ideas for a place setting craft we could do together -

but it was too complicated and time consuming.

so, i suggested she draw turkeys on each card- i had seen how well she could draw them.

they turned out adorable...

then, she decided to hand write each guest a personal thanksgiving card.
she thanked each one of them for being such a wonderful grandparent or uncle.
it was so sweet, and completely her own idea.

i realize the silverware settings aren't totally correct,
i didn't supervise the kids too much while they were setting the table - just let them do it!
next year i'll have to teach them the right order in which to place the silverware and napkin.
here are some of the uncles (there are not aunts on this side!) reading their cards.
uncle pat...

and uncle bobby...

we have read the same thanksgiving prayer for years.

my mom cut it out of the newspaper years ago and it has become tradition to read it.

so, nani brought it and the kids took turns reading it...

and i even made a pumpkin roll this year.
i haven't made one in a few years so i was thrilled i found the time to do it this year.

we were able to get a nice group picture out back.
did it right before we ate, before everyone was stuffed and ready to relax.
that's the key, doing it before the meal!

it was a wonderful thanksgiving and so special for us to host in our new house.
we are so thankful for so many things and count our blessings each day.
thank you to everyone for bringing items for the meal,
it makes it so manageable when everyone chips in and so enjoyable for all!
we hope everyone had a happy thanksgiving!