Merry Christmas 2014

The crew was up bright and early at 5:30 ready to get the party started. I think the stockings kept them occupied until 6:00 and then we were reading the Christmas story and placing Baby Jesus in our Nativity Set. The kids had so much fun opening presents. I guess their squeals were heard by the neighbors. It is pretty fun to see them light up when they open a present they want, but it is even sweeter to see them give their siblings a gift they went and picked out for them.

By 7:00 a.m. we were already loading up for stop number two at Nonie and Papa's house. The kids were beyond excited to see a house full of presents. I am sure the clan was not too thrilled that our kiddos are now up so early. We had a blast opening gifts, seeing everyone, snapping pictures in our matching jammies, and then we were on our way to stop number 3 by 9:15.

By 9:30  we were eating my favorite potato pancakes, hanging out with my family, and opening more presents. The kids had a blast playing together and us adults were worn out and needing a nap.
We ended the night with some delicious soups and of course cioppino.

Merry Christmas Eve

The kids woke up this morning so excited and sad to find Lovee. Poor Caden was crying because he didn't want him to leave. The kids loved that Lovee wrote them a sweet letter reminding them what the reason for tomorrow is all about. They opened a special gift delivered from the North Pole. Santa and his elves worked super hard this year to deliver the most precious personalized jammies. The rest of the day we were busy prepping cinnamon rolls, cookies, and Christmas Eve dinner. The kids and Daddy had a great visit with Great Papa and I managed to get some cleaning done before church. Church service was beautiful and all 3 kids successfully held their candles in their own with out any injuries or fires. We finished our day with our special reading of The Night Before Christmas. Thankfully  the kids were worn out and ready for bed early. 

Gray belt

I'm so proud of this boy. He is the sweetest kid and has such a hard time being aggressive. He has made so much progress and tonight he earned his gray white belt. 

Merry Christmas from The Santopadres

I have learned sleep is not overrated. If you read my Christmas card you may have noted the error. Apparently it is not a great idea to work on your Christmas card around midnight after going a couple months with just a few hours of sleep. I love the design I created for the card.  Next year I will remember to have the husband read the card before I order and I need to schedule family photos in early fall. My dear friend Cari came to rescue to do a quick photo so I could finish my card. We sure did a lesson on working with lighting and shadows. That is why you pay the big bucks and hire a photographer.
Oh and did you catch the mistake??? Our family enjoyed many great trips, but Monterey was not one of them. We had a great trip in Santa Cruz.

Running out of tricks

We are all about to go a little crazy and Christmas break is just beginning! This cold, damp, and rainy weather is dragging on.... I am running out of tricks, but I managed to throw something together that kids had fun with.

That's a Wrap

I am happy to report that craft fair season has come to an end! The last of the orders are done and delivered! It was a fun couple months with my bestie and nice to make a little bit of extra Christmas money, but I am thinking my husband and my body will be happy it is over. I have gotten into a crazy habit of working on projects until 1:30 and 2 in the morning and now I can't seem to get out of that habit. Bed, it will be nice to lay there for more than a couple hours. Actually, scratch that,  maybe that is why my back has been feeling great. Perhaps I found a solution to my aching back. The key is to only sleep in my bed for a few hours!

My Family

Today Jackson wanted some paper to do "homework" like he brother and sister. After a little bit Jack wanted me to come see his picture. I had to do a double take! He pointed out everyone in our family and added a moon and sun. It was the first time his pictures really looked like something. Our little stick figure family just melted me. I can't wait to hang it up on the wall next to Caden and Emmeline's stick figure family portraits. 

Melt my heart

This sweet boy just got his preschool pictures back and I'm in LOVE! They suckered me in to buying the big package to get the digital copies, but how could I resist after seeing them??? I needed it for our Christmas card. 

His smile just melts me. Love him! And without knowing the photo backdrop I think I nailed his outfit. 

Size 7

A few years ago a good friend of mine and the kid's adopted Auntie Cari passed down one of Madison's Christmas nightgowns. When I took it home I remember Emmeline trying it on and it was huge. She was so excited to have it from Madison that we tucked it away for years later. She came out of the bathroom all slicked up from baths wearing it and I wanted to cry. How can she be getting so big and be wearing a size 7? I'm already getting emotional about the fact they will be in school all day starting next year. Sighhhhh... If only I could keep her small