Christmas Vacation

I am so glad for Christmas Vacation! I have enjoyed having my kids all home at the same time, and believe it or not, I feel like I have a little more time to do some extra things around the house! When the older two are at school, I need to play and entertain Rachel, when they are home, the three play together and I have some time to "catch up". This Christmas Vacation we have had an abundance of snow to occupy Jacob and Ashley. I just need to help with the bundling up and the unbundling over and over, but that's okay! I am also so glad we have a basement where they ride their scooters and bikes and release some energy.

This was a Sunday morning we were all dressed ready to go to church, when at the last minute we did not go due to ice, so I had time to take a couple of pictures. My girls like to dress alike. Every Sunday morning we deal with the issue of matching dresses. I do not have matching dresses for my girls, since we rely on hand me downs, but this year, I tried to find new Christmas dresses to match. Ashley is in the big girl section of clothing, so I did find a red dress to match, although it is not identical. On this particular morning all girls were happy since they "matched".

I did manage to get the kids together for a quick picture. Rachel does not like to be out in the snow since it is so deep and hard for her to walk, plus she does not like being bundled up so much. This was Violet's first time outside as well. I had her bundled up good as you can see. We are all dealing with colds and coughs, so the little ones weren't out long. I do enjoy watching Jacob and Ashley play in the snow, and did get out a little to throw some snowballs at them. I feel torn, wanting to play outside with them, but yet needing to be inside with the little ones.

The cookie making is in full swing. I have not made as many different kinds of candies and cookies this year. I just can't seem to get it done. But I do have a lot of willing helpers. I let them help and am thankful for kitchen space for them to all work at the same time. It's also interesting to see who hangs in there and works until completion and who just works a little and then they're done.

I sit Violet in her chair while I work in the kitchen. She loves cheerios, banana pieces, crackers, and throwing her sippy cup on the floor! Notice her missing sock? That seems to be her little trademark. Wow, is she growing so fast!

We are currently reading Little House in the Woods, as our reading project, and hopefully will finish this book soon and move on to the next. Well, it seems as if I have used up my time, the kids are getting restless, with all the interruptions it's hard for me to concentrate and keep my train of thought going, so until next time........

Ashley's Birthday

My dear little girl is turning 6! Wednesday is Ashley's 6th birthday, so our family gathered on Sunday to celebrate her birthday and also to dedicate Violet to God. My children's birthday affect me so much differently than my own. My birthday is another year, a different age, not really that big of a deal. On my children's birthday I reminisce. I reflect back on the birth, holding that new little baby, those feelings of happiness, the adrenaline (where did that go?), and ultimately end up thinking- how does time fly so fast? Now Ashley is turning 6- so how did that happen? Ashley wanted a tinkerbell cake-so here is Tink sitting on her tree stump. I enjoy making these cakes for her, it is fun to plan and to think about these cakes and I enjoy watching their anticipation as they watch these cakes being made.

And of course there are gifts to be opened. This one is of a wall hanging that is currently up on the wall by her bed, given by her Grandma.

Sunday morning, we dedicated Violet to God. Violet wore a beautiful gown sewn by her Grandma. This is very special as all three of my girls have worn this gown on their dedication. The details to the dress are just amazing. And, Violet did wonderful. She was presented to the congregation by an awesome friend. Violet did not cry as I thought she would, and she just did great! What a wonderful day we had! Full of so many memories I don't want to forget!

Thanksgiving

Unbelievable how quickly time is marching on. Children are growing, seasons are changing, and we are in the midst of the holiday season. We are trying to remember to be thankful for all things we take for granted and to keep Jesus as the center of our holiday busyness. Meanwhile, I am adjusting to looking over at Violet and seeing her in an upright position. I never know where I am going to find her and at times, I need to run for the camera to catch those funny moments. Violet holding on the banister made me laugh, simply because she was there laughing all by herself, I suppose she was pretty proud she accomplished this feat. The laughter is what drew my attention to her and then of course I said, "don't move, let me get my camera!" This caught my sentimental self, when I saw Jacob reading to Ashley. How kind he is to read a book to Ashley at her level of reading. Jacob is into reading chapter books that don't always have a lot of pictures, so it is nice to see him pleasing his sister.

We started out Thanksgiving with a Thanksgiving feast at Ashley's school, which I was able to go in and be a helper. I love helping at the school, and wish I could do more, but..... Ashley dressed as an Indian with a beautiful costume. Then the class had a wonderful feast of popcorn, grapes, apples, trail mix, and a turkey cookie. I believe they all had a wonderful time.

We have begun to pull out the Christmas decorations and all the beautiful Nativity scenes which I love the most. It was really neat to talk about the birth of Jesus with the children and to hear Rachel say "I want to hear more about Jesus" Rachel, I hope we do continue to keep this as a center of our conversation, and yes, I do think we will be talking more about Jesus.

It"s two o'clock.......

It's two o'clock, and the pressure is on. I have the Violet and Rachel sleeping, which hopefully will occur more frequently. Now, I have an hour to race around the house and get some things done, and here I am at the computer. However, the apple pie is in the oven and the main dish is made for supper, so I feel like I can splurge and spend a couple minutes on the computer. This past week was busy with Ben visiting family in NY, and leaving me parenting by myself. We did good and Jacob really helped me a lot. He was the man of the house and he would do what I ask him willingly and without fuss. Ashley also did not fuss in the mornings prior to school, and just did so good! I was so proud of them. Friday eve we spent with our small group from church making gingerbread houses. We had a lot of fun, and it helped the evening go by so fast. I feel so blessed to be a part of a great church with people my age, and in my stage of life. I am surrounded by young families and my children have other children to play with and to feel safe. So for this past week of thankfulness, I am so thankful for my friends. Those who listen, who share, who call me, who support me, who love, those friends who are just so special to me. I am so thankful for you! Your friendship means so much to me. Our gingerbread house.

My four children, whom I am so very thankful for.