The Christmas concert

Last Tuesday, we were able to attend the elementary school's Christmas concert. Both Josh's and Ethan's class sang 3 songs and they did wonderful. It sure is a treat to see my boys singing. Josh was singing "Santa Clause is coming to town" even before Thanksgiving. Grandpa made a comment about not singing Christmas songs until after Thanksgiving and Josh told us, "But my music teacher said that we had to practice." This is serious stuff. Both boys did great. And yes, that is Ethan's class size. I think they were missing two kids, but he has a small class. Very nice actually. That's one of the perks of a small town.

After the concert, Santa made a surprise visit! This was the first year that Abby went up to see him. In past years, she'd been too afraid. Boy was she excited. She asked for paints. Ethan asked for an electric guitar (oh dear) and when Josh was asked what he wanted, he replied that he just wanted everyone to have a Merry Christmas. Boy, Santa was taken by surprised and said that that was the nicest thing that he'd ever heard and gave Josh two candy canes. Josh sure has a sweet heart. Maybe I am teaching him some good things!

Oh Chrismtas Tree

This year, we got to put up Grandma and Grandpa's tree. Can I just say how much nicer theirs is verses ours. First, it was two pieces. Not like ours which has about a billion little branches that have to be fluffed and inserted. Next and the most important of all....it's pre-lit!!! (Yes, that deserves 3 exclamations marks.) None of the dizziness from walking around and around and around...I vow that one day we will have a pre-lit tree. It's made it to my list of must haves in the future. You know that list. I think everyone has one. It's like a Dear Santa list for adults. Unfortunately, I have a lot of things on that list. Boo hoo. Maybe I'm being too greedy? A Mrs. Scrooge of sorts. So I'm getting off topic....

The kids had a wonderful time decorating for Christmas. It feels very festive around here. Here's to a wonderful Christmas season.

The Argument

This is an actual argument between my two boys.

Josh stated to me last night that Ethan hated him. Why do you ask? Because Ethan said that he didn't like Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving just happened to be in the same month as Josh's birthday thus Ethan must hate him. Did you follow that? I'm not sure if I did either. I was too tired to even sort that one out.

Snip, Snip

Kaden's long, baby locks

Kaden's first haircut. He hated it. Poor boy was sick (look at those eyes) and when you have a kid that is as wiggly and mobile as he is, sitting still is a nightmare. Ryan had to hold him on his lap. Not a party for Ryan either. The neck line didn't quite turn out nice and straight either. But what do you expect when you have one wiggly kid and a not so professional hair cutter???

But it turned out okay. At least his hair isn't curling around his ears and neck anymore. Much more boy like than baby. Now, just to wean him off that darn bottle...

Kaden's Throne

How in heaven's name do you keep a little climber off the table? This is where I constantly find him. He spills the water in the cups, dumps the cereal bowls, eats the crayons and colors with marker on the table. We've tried to push all the chairs in but really, he just laughs at our pathetic attempts. So this is his new throne. At least we've learned to keep the table clear. How long does this phase last? Arrrg.

A Winter Wonderland

Yep, winter came. It is with great sorrow that I finally accept that I can't just wish the snow away. It's coming and will continue to come until like April. Everyone around here says that we need to have a winter sport like skiing, or snowshoeing or else we'll go crazy. We've even had offers of ski lessons and going snowmobiling. Maybe this winter won't be so bad after all...I'll let you know how it's coming along mid March.

I guess other than me, everyone else seems to be enjoying themselves. The boys are in heaven. They came home from school and immediately put on their snow gear and went out to enjoy all the white stuff. And I guess I really do have to admit that watching the big flakes falling from the window sure is pretty. (Can you tell I'm trying to be positive?)

My 9 Year Old

Yesterday at 7:47 am, my oldest turned 9 years old. Last night I pulled him up onto my lap, which is getting much harder now, and told him about the day he was born. Where did the time go? It just seemed like yesterday that he was just a tiny little baby. Now he's growing up, making friends, going to school and has his own special personality. But the change has been good. We sure love our Josh!

Josh and Ethan playing his new game. Connect 4 X 4. Or something like that!

This year Josh wanted cupcakes for dessert. So we got 9 cupcakes, shaped them like the number nine and let him make a wish! Over all I think he had a pretty great day. Here are 9 things that I love about Josh:

1. He's always willing to share
2. He's super smart
3. He's got a tender heart
4. He's a great big brother
5. He's doing great in school
6. He still will give me hugs and kisses
7. He's very creative
8. He's helpful
9. He's funny