Cookies for Santa

I just had to share these pictures with you! Gabe is still not very independent when it comes to the potty, so that explains why he is only half dressed while helping me and Isabel make the cookies for Santa :)

Isabel wrote this letter to Santa on Christmas Eve...isn't she the sweetest girl? This was the best Christmas yet. I'll share more photos later, but for now, I hope this was your best Christmas, too.

Merry Christmas!

Yay, it's finally here! I think I am just as excited as my kids are this year, waiting to celebrate Jesus' birthday. This past Saturday we had our Christmas with my side of the family, and it was so enjoyable! The kids all got along great, the food was yummy, and we had so much fun doing a "white elephant" gift exchange...I think it was my best Christmas yet. I just love having all of my sisters (minus one) and their husbands and kids and our mom all together in my house...what an absolute blessing that we were all healthy and happy and appreciative of each other for a wonderful evening.

Yesterday, Isabel sang a solo in our church musical and she did so well! And I am such a total sap that I sat in my pew and cried. I am so blessed to have such awesome kids who WANT to worship in such a public way...I would be way too nervous to be up in front of so many people. Tonight, she and Elijah are going to perform in the family Christmas Eve service, and I can't wait to see it again! You know I'll be crying again...the Kleenex are already by the door.

I hope all of you are blessed with the peace of this Christmas season, and are able to enjoy the best gift of all...the grace of God through Christ our Lord. Merry Christmas!

Make a Wish!

In the morning, Isabel will be 8 years old! Hard to believe...isn't it weird how I can remember every detail of the day she was born? It was almost time for the Y2K drama, and lots of people were stockpiling bottled water and canned goods and generators for the big event. We didn't bother. Did you? Anyway, Elijah was only 18 months old, and Kay went with me to my OB/GYN visit, and helped me talk my doctor into breaking my water that afternoon. After only 9 hours of fairly easy labor, Isabel Nadine flew into the world at 8:28 pm! Dr. Stamler barely made it into the room in time to catch her, she came so quickly. She is such a sweet, smart, and absolutely beautiful girl, and we are so blessed to have her in our lives.

I wonder what she wished for...

Isabel's party

Although her birthday isn't until the 21st, we had Isabel's party last Saturday. I was so nervous about the weather (we had a winter storm warning), but all five of her little friends made it! She had such a great time...we did hair and makeup and did a photo shoot, then had cake and ice cream and opened presents. Thanks to everyone who came to the party! Look at these adorable girls...can't you just imagine what they'll be like in another 8 years?!

Snow Day pictures

Finally, I got these pics downloaded. I ended up switching photo software programs to try to make it easier on me...I am so computer illiterate! It's really quite an accomplishment for me to have this blog, as those of you close to me will be able to attest to. Anyway, hope you enjoy!

New Stuff...thanks, Joe!

Yes, thanks to my hubby, I now have a playlist like the other blogs that I love! If you don't like to listen to music while you read, then hit mute now. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy my picks. It's a great way to find artists that you may not ordinarily listen to...

Short post today, as I am getting ready to go work out at the YMCA. I have found a workout partner that I adore, and we have a great time together trying to work off those extra pounds. Gabe has a great time in the nursery, playing with kids and sharing (toys, germs, boogers) :)

Anyway, I'll be back more this week...I promise!

Changes

What a difference a few months makes! From two to three years old...a little calmer, a lot more talkative, and so stinkin' cute! I am so in love with this little boy. You know, with my first two, I was always in a hurry to get them to the next stage...walking, talking, preschool, kindergarten; with Gabe, I want to put the brakes on and enjoy each stage of his life, knowing this is (almost definitely) my last baby. And look at him, he's not a baby anymore. That's pretty much the whole reason I scrapbook...to capture these times so that I can look back and remember all the precious moments that make up our lives.

Feeling sentimental today, and the past couple of days, I guess. Must be the holiday season, so full of tradition and meaning. I love this time of year.

Hope this Christmas season is filled with love, family and friends for each one of you.

Snow Day!

Yay, the first snow is here, and it's a great one! Usually we only get a dusting in December, but we woke up to a good three inches this morning! For some crazy reason, Lebanon only had a one hour delay, but I decided that we were going to have our own Snow Day. Isabel has already made two snowmen, which Gabe promptly wrestled to the ground in his own Snowman WWF Smackdown. I'll post some pics tomorrow, after we play in the snow some more. Even Ellie loved it...she was burying her little nose in it and running amuck in the backyard. So cute!

Hope the snowy day gets you in the Christmas spirit! Only 20 more days!

A perfect day...

A Perfect Day...remembering this day that Gabriel and I spent at the Children's Museum at Union Terminal on his 3rd birthday in August. What a great place! I just love this picture, and I can't wait to do a scrapbook layout about all the fun we had there. Playing in the water, in the trees, with the trains and the blocks and the construction equipment...so much to do for kids, and I love watching them stretch their imaginations. We are so lucky to live in such a great town filled with so many things to do with your family. Enjoy the rest of the pics.