Twelve Days of Christmas

I have so many happy memories from the holidays that I want recorded. In fact, there were several times I wanted to drop everything to write what I was feeling, but I didn't; unfortunately, it's much easier to remember the events than the details like who smiled at what, who said what, and exactly which moments made me feel like my heart would explode with joy. Here is a summary with a few photos since I didn't get around to getting the stories fleshed out. For us, Christmas started when I got too busy to keep up the blog -- hence the 12 Days of Kaiser Christmas. Thanks, Allen, for helping me with the song!

On the first day of Christmas
My folks took our family,
To see a show: Live Playhouse Disney. (12/20)

On the second day of Christmas,
I drove to Abilene
To get Aunt Barb and see the cemetery. (12/21) On the third day of Christmas
I tried my very best
To get the house cleaned for all our guests. (12/22) On the fourth day of Christmas
Aunt Barb, Granddad, and Gramma
Came here and played, and we made treats for Santa. (12/23) On the fifth day of Christmas
We wrapped up all the gifts,
And readied for The Day. (12/24)On the sixth day of Christmas
We were joined by family
Nana and Papa came to play and eat. (12/25)On the seventh day of Christmas
We decorated,
Will's room with cars and pictures that he'd made. (12/26)On the eighth day of Christmas
Only Shelley, Jenn and I
Went shopping to the relief of all the guys. (12/27)

On the ninth day of Christmas
Allen, Jason, and Randy
Went skeet shooting without the ladies. (12/28)

On the tenth day of Christmas
The kids were cranky and it showed,
Allen and I had our last lesson in Bolero. (12/29)

On the eleventh day of Christmas
Maddie learned a new trick,
Twenty-eight toys stuck in her "pocket." (12/30)On the twelfth day of Christmas
I finished up my blog,
Then went downstairs and finished off the 'nogg.(12/31)

The tickets to the show were my parents' birthday gifts to the kids. The kids had a great time -- it was the first time we expected the little ones to sit "still" for such a length of time (not counting, car seat rides) and they did quite well. The kids alternated between all the adult laps, standing on the backs of the seats in front of us, and walking up and down our aisle trying to get comfortable but still be able to see. The best seats seemed to be Granddad's lap, but he didn't seem to mind. The kids were excited to see Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald; the Little Einsteins and the rocket ship; Handy Manny and the tools; but the little kits were definitely the most excited to see "Booh!" and "Gigger!" (Pooh & Tigger). The show kept their attention, and just about the time the kids would get fidgety, it was time to jump and dance and sing. Overall, a great show for preschoolers.

Mom was planning to get up early to head to Abilene to pick up her sister, Barb, and visit the cemetery where my grandparents are buried. Since I didn't get to go to my Mema's funeral when I was pregnant with the triplets, I thought it might be a good time to go and see to the cemetery, too. Mom and I drove to West Texas and I got to meet their cousin, Suzanne, and her husband. It was an uneventful (long) drive, but we made it back in time to grab dinner and then Allen, the kids, and I headed home. Nine hours on the road wasn't my idea of relaxing, but at least it was a sunny day and I was able to enjoy the company of family.

Monday cleaning and laundry doesn't change even when Christmas is in the air. I scurried around trying to get the house tidied for the company we would have all week. Somehow I didn't get it all done, but hopefully it was good enough. The children seemed to need extra love and care today -- they were cranky and whiney, and I was cheerful enough to take it in stride. I turned the carols up louder, smiled a bit more, and just gave them the lovin' they wanted. That night, Allen and I kissed them goodnight and left them with a sitter and went to our dance class.

Tuesday was another fun day. Dad and Mom brought Aunt Barbara to see our house. They got here just as the photography studio called to say our photos were in. My aunt and I went to get the pictures while Dad played with the little kids and Mom and Will made some candy. When we returned, everyone piled in the car to go meet Allen for lunch. Later, I baked cookies that I promised Dad, while Mom and Aunt Barbara played games with Will. It was a fun day, but here’s the secret . . . it got even better! After they left, the kids and Allen and I just played. Nothing but that – we spun the kids through the air playing “Aaa-pane”; practiced our Bolero, which made Will and Maddie start their dancing; the kids did somersaults (or tried to); we did a whole lot of laughing, and not much else. We were having so much fun doing “nothing” that we didn’t even think about dinner. Oops. Luckily, the pizza-delivery guy was fast. The kids were up later than normal, but we all had a blast! Those few hours of laughter with my husband and kids probably made my list of top five happiest times in my life. Now I’m getting teary, recalling the joy.

Aaah – Christmas Eve. Is there ever a more magical day? Not for me. Will’s anticipation and excitement was contagious. Allen and I spent much of the day baking and preparing food for Christmas day because, really, who wants to be cooking then? We did as much as we could food-wise, made sure all the gifts were wrapped, bathed the kids, read the Christmas Story from Luke, kissed the kiddos and put them in bed. The kids were all nestled, snug in their beds, you know the rest. Before Will went to sleep he left his picture for Santa next to the milk, cookies, and oatmeal (for the reindeer).

Christmas morning was different than normal (whatever that means). We tried to stretch out the gift-opening ceremonies until Nana and Papa got here. We succeeded, so now we know it is possible! While breakfast baked and cooled, the kids opened their Santa gifts. Santa brought Will a HotWheels racetrack. Ben got a bucket of farm animals, Jon got a Tickle-Me Cookie Monster, and Maddie got a stroller for her doll. After we ate our tasty apple crisp and eggnog French toast, the kids played with their new toys. When Nana and Papa got here, the kids opened the rest. Every time Allen gave Jon a gift to open, he would also say who it was from “Jon this is your present from Nana & Papa.” Then Jon would take the gift TO Nana & Papa. When we figured out he was delivering the gifts, Allen just gave the gifts to him without the explanation. Maddie immediately donned a red shirt Jon had gotten as a gift, and that is what started the fashion show. After that, any clothing Ben opened he put on. By naptime, Ben was wearing his shirt and overalls (that he started the day with), a striped onepiece pants-shirt combo, a green and white shirt, a pair of Maddie’s flowered leggings, and Papa’s boots (one facing forward, the other backward.) Jon had on almost as much, but Maddie stuck to the original clothes except occasionally. Will opened several packages and yelled, YELLED, “This is what I always wanted!” Off the top of my head, I remember hearing that about the wheeled suitcase and the remote controlled dinosaur, but I know I heard it more than twice. That afternoon while the little ones napped, Nana and Papa joined Allen and Will in a few rounds of Wii RockBand. I never imagined I would see the day when three generations of my family were jammin’ with drums, mic, and guitar, but they all had a lot of fun, and I have pictures to prove it. That evening, Will left with Randy and Shelley when they went home.

Friday was quiet for a long while – it still hard to believe how much the noise level drops when Will isn’t home. Allen came home from work early and helped me put up the border in Will’s room. We had quite a surprise for Will – he had no idea any of this was going to be done, but he came home Sunday to new sheets, duvet, pictures and shelves on his wall, and a border that matched the prints he had in his room in Kansas. After that, Allen, the triplets and I went to Randy and Shelley’s for the weekend.

Saturday, Shelley, Jenn, and I went shopping in search of the dress I would wear to the wedding. I tried on many, and Jenn tricked me by bringing me a size dress I never thought I’d wear. Funny thing is it fit, and I didn’t even know she’d done that. I was head-over-heels excited to fit in single digit sizes again! Shelley treated us to a tasty lunch, and we went back to try on shoes. We had a very full day, but I had a great time with those two ladies, and I did find a dress for the wedding. In the end, I came home with a pair of brown corduroys, two new blouses, a pretty sundress for summer, and a cranberry colored halter gown for the wedding.

Sunday morning, Allen, Jason, and Randy went skeet-shooting in the morning, while Shelley and I played with the kids. That afternoon, she took the kids outside to play, and the guys watched football. That evening we had a tasty steak and potato meal and celebrated Shelley and Randy’s 34th wedding anniversary as a family. Then we hit the road. . . again.

Monday’s the kids are always cranky – or so it seems. Maybe it is the change of being on the road then back home, who knows? I got through the day, though. That evening, the kids were introduced to RockBand, and they had fun playing with Allen while I filmed it. Then, we took the kids with us to the gym where we take our dance class. Usually our sitter comes here, but she is out of town, and we didn’t want to miss the last night of the Bolero, so the sitter at the health club kept the kids for us that night. Allen and I have been taking ballroom classes for two months, and have enjoyed it, but mostly kept it a secret. Secret’s out now.

Yesterday and today, I tried to get caught up on my blog, but kept getting sidetracked. I got several loads of laundry started, emptied the dishwasher three times, took care of the kiddos. Tonight we went to IHOP for pancakes and eggs for dinner then went to Target for some essentials. We tucked the kids in bed, and now I’m ready to sleep, too.

I didn’t know if I’d keep up the blog I started about a year ago, but it seems I DID and I enjoyed it, too. 2008 held many wonderful moments and many challenging days, and I am happy to have found a way to remember it all.

Jingle Bell Rock

Away in the Manger

Ready for a fun game? Here's the question:



What do the following have in common?

• One Mary


• One Baby Jesus sleeping


• One camel


• One shepherd's dog


• Two gray donkeys


• Two brown cows


• Two angels


• Three wise men bearing gifts


• Three shepherds


• Three white sheep


• One pilot


• One hula girl


• Six speedy cars

Think. . . think . . . think. . .

Give up yet?








Hint: Pay attention to the numbers. . . .






What do you mean you need another hint? How about a picture.









Answer: They are why Maddie couldn't sit. She stuffed the toys in her "pockey" -- which wasn't really her pocket, just the neck of her pajamas. All of them filled the legs so much so that she couldn't even bend her knees. Ben had the previous record with the 21 blocks in his jammies, but Maddie beat that by seven -- a total of 28!

Trying hard!!

I am trying to carve out a little bit of time to get caught up on my blog. We've had so much going on in the last two weeks that I want to get recorded, but it's been hard to find time to get it written and the photos transferred. Maybe later today . . .

Butternut Squash Soup

Serves 8-12 people


2 Tbsp olive oil
2 medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped
2 cups leeks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium to large butternut squashes, cut in half length-wise
2 red delicious apples, cored and chopped
4 cups chicken stock
4 cups turkey stock (or use chicken stock if you don't have turkey stock)
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon thyme leaves
1 15-oz can coconut milk
curry to taste
chili powder to taste


1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Coat cut-sides of squash lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Put squash on baking sheet in oven and roast about 40 minutes or until fork easily goes through squash but the squash is not mush.
4. Heat oil in large soup pot, then add onion and leek. Stir occassionally for 5-8 minutes until onions are translucent. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until garlic is softened but not brown.
5. Scoop squash from skins and add squash to soup pot. Add chopped apple. Saute for 5-10 minutes. Add stock, coconut milk, bay leaves, thyme, and curry. Cover and simmer about 30 minutes.
6. Cool soup and puree in blender until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a bit of chili powder for kick. Serve hot or cold.


For a well rounded meal, we enjoyed chopping grilled chicken and putting it in the soup just before serving.

You better watch out

You better watch out, You better not cry, Better not pout, I'm telling you why: Santa Claus is coming to town. He's making a list, And checking it twice; Gonna find out who's naughty and nice. Santa Claus is coming to town. He sees you when you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows if you've been bad or good, So be good for goodness sake! Oh, you better watch out! You better not cry. Better not pout,I'm telling you why: Santa Claus is coming to town. Santa Claus is coming to town!

It isn't a song we sing any more often than other Christmas carols, but yesterday made me realize how much Will has picked up on the stories and songs and their meanings.

When I dropped Will off at preschool I told his teacher "Have fun with the party! Don't fill him up with sugar then send him home with me!" I guess she thought I was joking because when I arrived he was polishing off his plate of cookies and cupcakes. PLURAL!!! When we got home, he was coming off the sugar high, and well, I think I understand where Cookie MONSTER got his name. It fits my oldest child, too. Give him lots of sugar, and he acts ugly. I put the little kids down for a nap, and when Will started his tantrums I sent him to rest, too. That set off another round on insanity as he shouted, kicked, and cried uncontrollably. When I sent him to his room again, he slammed the door. I ignored it, so he opened the door and slammed it again. By that time, he earned his spank even though I knew why he was acting out. He finally rested for awhile, just long enough for my headache to cease, but he didn't sleep. When he came out and apologized, I told him he could quietly color while I worked.

I watched as Will concentrated on his drawing. Then he told me the story behind it:

"See this little boy, Mama? It is a little boy who is very naughty. He was mean and grouchy, but now he is sad. See his sad face? Do you know anyone like that, Mama? Look. Right here, I wrote his name. This little boy's name is Will. He is very, very sad because he was naughty so Santa isn't bringing him any presents."
At that point, Will started crying. "Why doesn't Santa bring presents to naughty children? Can I tell him I am sorry and promise to be good from now on?
Then will he bring me toys? I am drawing some of the toys I'd like him to bring for me. Do you think Santa forgives children?"

It was a heart-breaking moment, yet on the edges of my heart were many other feelings, too. I was glad he was sorrowful, and sorry, and starting to connect the dots.

Each "holiday" that his preschool class celebrates, gives me more insight as to why people home-school. I don't think I have the patience to home-school, I am selfish and like time to myself, and I like for my kids to be around other children on a regular basis, too. And I know my reader-friends who home-school are saying ". . . but . . ." right now, but for me it probably won't happen. Allen and I had a discussion about it last night. I am frustrated that I send him to a good Christian-based preschool at a baptist church, but yesterday was Polar Express pajama day. That meant the kids went in PJ's, got tickets for the "train", and watched Polar Express for an hour-and-a-half, then got a bell to remember the fun. When Will got home, he told me I could only hear the bell if I believe in Santa. This is a Christian preschool, why aren't they spending that time watching a Jesus movie and talking about believing in Jesus? I am not anti-Santa, in fact, I love Santa, I just feel like the priorities at the school were skewed. And further, I am miffed that each holiday that comes means filling these little kids up with too much junk food. . . . and lets not even start with how I feel about rewarding the kids with gum and lollipops on a regular basis. It seems to be a norm in schools now, not just at this one.

Ok -- that's my piece. I am nervous about sending my kids to any school, then I don't have control anymore over what goes into their bodies and minds. That's what you home-schoolers already figured out, huh? No, I probably won't officially start homeschooling, but I will consider not taking them to school on the party days. We'll see what actually happens.

Hello Dolly Cookie Bars

Servings: Makes 2 to 3 dozen bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 14-ounce can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 350°F. In small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and
butter; mix well. Press crumb mixture firmly on bottom of 13X9-inch baking pan.
Pour half of milk evenly over crumb mixture.
Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust, then the nuts, then the coconut.
Drizzle last bit of milk over the top of the coconut.
Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars or diamonds.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature and ship them to Sarah -- hehehe, as if there
will be any leftovers.

There's a Song in the Air

I am really getting into the festive spirit now. We have just about all our gifts ready to give, I just need one more evening to finish all the wrapping. The kids and I got the tree up last week, then Saturday I made Christmas cookies, and Sunday I wrapped gifts, what's next?

It was a fun weekend even though we didn't do much. Lately, those are quite enjoyable since we aren't rushing and scurrying, just hanging out enjoying each other. Saturday, Allen watched football while I baked cookies and the kids napped. I made three different types, and got different results for each. The first I made were cookies like Grandma Ruth made. Grandma Ruth lived across the street from me in Pittsburgh when I lived there from birth to 13. She is still there, I'm not. Although I still call her Grandma (and her husband is still Grandpa Bill) she isn't actually a blood relative. As I've been told, she was ready for grandkids before her kids had them, and my parents' families all lived in Texas. So, we called them grandparents, and they treated us like grandkids. The cookies she made are part of my definition of a perfect Christmas. She always gave our family a box of cookies and I've been trying hard to remember what they all were so I could make them for my family. My favorite as a kid were small green Christmas tree cookies with colored sprinkles. I had never made them because I didn't have the cookie press needed to shape the delectable treats, but this year I found a press and with her recipe in hand, I made them. Somehow they didn't turn out as special as I remember hers bring. Mine were too brown around the edges (corrected by the third baking), but the texture wasn't quite right. I'm not sure if she has a secret that made hers so special, but I'm guessing that's part of it. The kids seemed to like them, and I ate more than my share, too. I wonder if they are just a kid's favorite because of the colored sprinkles. . .

The second recipe was based on Alton's Brown's sugar cookie recipe that he magically turned into beautiful chocolate and peppermint pinwheels. Ha! - It didn't work out quite the same for me. The chocolate part was bitter and dry, but the peppermint part was awesome. I have a few ideas for correcting it, but it will have to wait. Never fear, perfect or not, the cookies didn't go to waste.

The third set? Well, it's a wonder we have any left. I used Grandma Ruth's recipe for Hello Dolly cookie bars, and they turned out great. Such a simple recipe -- it's amazing how tasty they turn out. This is a recipe to keep making. (see next entry for recipe)

The thing about the cookies, is I wanted to reproduce the feeling I got when we opened the box of Grandma's cookies. (I know it isn't a healthy relationship to have with sugar, but that's how I feel -- they warm my heart.) There were only a couple of each, but it seems like there were 8 or 10 varieties -- to a kid that was a dream-come-true and I could count on it every year. So I wanted to make a variety, too; the dilemma is that it isn't good to have them here since they get eaten. I told Allen to take them all to work since having them here was messing up my diet. But we got to share them, and that's the fun part (I just wish they had all turned out pretty.) Overall, I haven't gained any weight with the cookies being here, but my weight loss has slowed. I am proud that I've lost 27 pounds in the last two months, and Allen has lost 30! Our goal was 50 pounds together so we are happy with what we've done so far.

As for the rest of the weekend, Allen and I had fun building and driving the GeoTrax trains with the kids. Ben and Maddie dismanteled the tracks as quickly as we built them, but we didn't get too frustrated. In the end, we had hills and mountains, valleys and bridges, and a little city spread out over then entire playroom.

Saturday night, we had a sitter and Allen took me out for a wonderful and romantic dinner. Yes, we splurged more than normal, but it was fun and we had a great time -- just the two of us. I love having a sitter we can depend on and who isn't afraid to put four little kids to bed! She is definitely a Godsend.

Yesterday was Tuesday, my normal blogging day. Since the day was different, I didn't find my time to sit down to post. Will's preschool class had a Christmas show yesterday, and I was so proud of Will fo getting his speaking part perfect. He smiled and said it clearly and loudly, without being over-the-top. "If I had been there, I would have let Jesus sleep in my bed!"

I didn't get any great photos, but I didn't want to sit in the front row with three active toddlers, either. If you can't find Will, look for the blond headed boy with a red shirt. Hehe -- he is in the front row, 7th from the right, just to the right of the table and to the left of a floating piece of paper? I usually blog during naptime, but I was busy working with two travel agents to book part of our anniversary trip. When Allen got home, I was jumping and dancing gleefully and annoyingly, I'm sure. I am so excited, even if I do have eight months to wait. We decided on Greece, and although we haven't planned the first week of it, we did get the cruise booked that will take us to several Greek and Turkish islands.

This afternoon promises to be busy, too. I have thirteen goody bags to assemble for Will's class party tomorrow, I need to get the teacher gifts ribboned, and the gift-exchange book wrapped, too. Somehow I need to get loads of laundry done before the weekend, . . . didn't I just DO the laundry? I'll bet the dishwasher need to be unloaded, too.

Deck the Halls

We finally did it! I assembled the little three-foot tree and put the lights and ribbon on. The kids all helped me decorate it. Actually the kids decorated it and I had to "fix" a few things since there were about five ornaments per branch on only the lowest branches. A few of Will's ornaments ended up toward the top, but otherwise it was a very unbalanced masterpiece. Will patiently taught the little kids how to loop the ribbons on the branches, and tried explaining that some needed to be higher, but the kids still kept them fairly low. Maddie had fun playing with the "baby" and "mama" (aka: Jesus and Mary) and driving the stroller ornament around the table. She put a few ornaments on the tree, but she enjoyed the playing a whole lot more. Ben played with the sled and tractor and rang the Sesame Street bell ornaments. He kept the plush snowmen singing "We wish you a Merry Christmas" the entire time we decorated and all three boys hummed and danced along. Jon caught on to what Will and I were doing and he was very focused when he concentrated on getting the ribbon-loops over the branches. He had so much fun doing it that as soon as he'd get one hung, he would take it down and move it to another branch just to do it all over again. The kids all enjoyed decorating the tree, and I had a blast taking pictures of the different ways they expressed their holiday cheer.

I just felt like scrapbooking it. Papers and embellishments by Shabby Princess Designs, title by Ali Edwards, and template by Yin Designs.

O, Christmas Tree

I'll bet you read the title of this entry and thought, "They put the Christmas Tree up!" Wrong. . . . it is still in the box, right next to the boxes of ornaments. If it isn't up by Saturday, we will spend the afternoon getting it set up.

Will's preschool class took another field trip and it was to an old-fashioned, out-in-the boonies Christmas tree farm. And since it was a field trip, he insisted I go, too. When I asked Will why he liked for me to go on the trips he said, "Because I like being with you, Mama. I love you and where you go I go just like in the Bible story {of Ruth}." I beamed on the inside and outside. It's nice to know he still wants me around, I know those days are numbered.

Yesterday the high here was 32 degrees, so this morning I called the school to make sure they hadn't cancelled the trip. I bundled up Ben, Maddie, and Jon in long underwear, jeans, sweatshirts, jackets, mittens and hats -- it was cute to see them waddle around trying to see out from the hats. Will was also dressed for the cold with a big cozy coat. We got to the farm and I decided to try to get around without a wagon. The little kids did a great job sticking with me, and the walking went a little faster when one of Will's classmates parents each carried one of my toddlers. Maddie got pretty attached to Mrs. Veronica and wouldn't even follow me without Veronica holding her hand. Ben found himself a buddy, too. I let the little ones walk as much as I could, but occasionally we carried them just to catch up to the big kids.

After all the fun in the cold, I gathered the kids, buckled them in, and we headed home. I knew it would happen, but I couldn't stop it -- they all slept on the way home. Unfortunately, that made for a rough afternoon since they didn't get a full nap in the car, but they were convinced they were done sleeping for the day.

The Elves Who Work For Santa

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Jolly Little Elves

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Black Forest Cake

This might very well be the first time I've made a layered cake, but I was thrilled with how it turned out. It's nice to know that it was worth the lost sleep when I stayed up late to watch Alton Brown demonstrate how to slice a cake in half for layers. I was pleased that it was even and not teetering on the brink of disaster. Even more so, I loved the taste. Will told me it was the best birthday cake he had ever had . . . until next year, I'll bet.

Ingredients

3 cans tart pitted cherries (20-oz cans)
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 chocolate cake mix (I used the "super fudgy" yummy one)
3 cups whipping cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar

1. Drain cherries and keep about 1/2 cup of the juice. Combine juice, cherries, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until sauce is thick. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

2. Make two nine-inch cakes according to directions on box of cake mix. Split each of the two cake layers in half horizontally. Crumble one of the four layers and set aside.

3. Beat whipping cream and powdered sugar with electric mixer at high speed. Continue beating cream until still peaks form.

4. Set aside 1-2 cups of whipped cream for decorative edges. Place one cake layer on plate, spread with one cup of whipped cream, then top with 3/4 cup cherry topping. Top with second cake layer, one cup of whipped cream, 3/4 cup cherry topping. Top with third cake layer. Cover entire cake top and sides with whipped cream. Gently press cake crumbs into sides of iced cake.

5. Use star tipped pastry bag and pipe stars around base of cake and around the top. Spoon cherry filling onto top of cake. Decorate with chocolate chips if you feel like it.

6. I had lots of cake crumbs, cherries, and whipped cream left, so I layered it in bowls that were great for "sampling" [ahem.]

Bring out the Jolly!

It's almost getting to be too predictable -- I blog on Tuesdays. I drop Will off at school, the babies have an early lunch and nap, then I wake them up, change them and go get Will. I blog while the little ones sleep.

Last week, when I wasn't sick and in bed, I was preparing the house and food for the family party we had for Will on Saturday. When I was working on the icing for the cake, Will asked, "Mama, how do you know how to make so many tasty things to eat?" I took it as a compliment and promised myself I would write it down to remind myself on the days when everything is called "gross and disgusting!" Another random quote was when I was leaning over Will to zip his jacket and he said, "Mama, you smell so good. You smell like. . . like. . . well, like Mama." It wasn't anything amazing, but it was just one of those little moments I wanted to remember.

Friday, the church had parents night out. We originally thought it would be convenient to take the kids then come home to prepare for the party, but we changed our minds. Allen told me that morning that if I got all the food ready, the cake made and decorated, the house dusted and vacuumed and the rest decluttered, that he'd take me out for dinner. Feeling like a modern-day Cinderella, I scurried around getting all my chores done so I could go to the Prince's ball. Somehow it all did get done, and we tried a new restaurant then did some grocery and clothing shopping.

Saturday morning, Allen's parents and brother arrived and we all walked the kids to the Christmas parade. All four kids had a good time -- Will, of course, loved gathering the candy. When the Chick Fil-A cows drove by, Jon started running down the sidewalk pointing at the cows yelling, "Doggy! Doggy! Doggy! Doggy!" When we told him they were cows, he picked up where he left off, but this time saying "Cow! Cow! Cow!" Maddie quickly figured out the candy trick. Although all the kids were pretty good about picking up the candy and putting it in the bag that Uncle Jason carried, Maddie soon learned that if she pulled and tugged on the cellophane, she would soon be able to taste the sweet treats. When I took away the candy, she pouted. Ben got so excited with all the people in the parade tossing candy, that at the end he joined in the fun. He took his new pile (that hadn't made it to Jason's bag) and joyfully threw it at the parade. All of us adults chuckled about that one. After the parade we went back to the house, and Allen and I got lunch ready and Nana colored at the table with all the kids.

Just before lunch, my parents, brother, sis-in-law, and niece arrived. We all enjoyed lunch and cake, then Will opened his gifts. He had fun opening the gifts and he didn't seem too agitated that the triplets and my niece we enjoying pulling out all the tissue paper from unopened gifts. He got some new outfits, several books, a couple of games, and a fist full of $1 bills. In the end, the biggest hit was when he opened the biggest box, and started screaming "Oh YEAH!!! Oh YEAH!!" as his entire little body shivered with joy -- it was a radio controlled monster truck from Uncle Jason and Jenn.

So what was on the menu this time? I took Shelley's advice and made soup. We had a Wisconsin Cheese soup and a Butternut squash soup. Since there wasn't much that was healthy about the cheese soup, I made the squash soup for those of us watching what we eat. We also had fresh French and rye breads. For dessert, Will gleefully blew out the big "5" candle on a three-layer black forest cake, and we sipped mulled cider later in the afternoon. Mmmm. Now I am hungry all over again. I plan to share the recipes for the soups and cake sometime this week.

Sunday was a laid-back day, but we did manage to start Christmas in our home. While the kids watched the Rudolph movie, Allen hung valences in our living room and kitchen and I started decking the halls with greens and lights. Now, I just need to make time to put the rest of the holiday decor up. Will has been begging me to find the snowmen who sing "We wish you a Merry Christmas," so I guess Christmas for him can't start without the tunes. Maybe today . . .

High FIVE!

Happy birthday to Will, Happy birthday to Will, Happy birthday dear Will, Happy birthday to you! It is so hard to believe that Will has been part of our dreamy little world for FIVE years! Time really does fly and each birthday that passes reminds me of that.

It was a fairly low key birthday for a five year old, but we all had a good time. Monday I made cupcakes with sprinkles and Spiderman paper cups for him to take to preschool today. I had planned on him bringing one of his friends home after school but due to crises with that friend's family, it doesn't look like that will ever happen. I was a bit sad that that didn't work out, but super glad I hadn't told Will about the invitation. He didn't know enough to be disappointed.

This afternoon while all four kids played in the living room, I heard the dog barking like someone was at the door. When I looked out the window, I didn't see anyone, so I assumed the UPS guy left a package. When I opened the door to get the package, there was a little boy barely taller than the door knob asking, "Can Will play?" It was an answer to my prayers regardless of what the birthday boy wished for. Will and Charlie played outside until it was time for Charlie to go home -- they raced across the backyard seeing who could run faster, they scurried up the slide to see who could do that without falling, they tried to get the swings higher, and throw sticks further. The new friendship seems to be competitive, but each time I looked out at the boys, they were being boys, and laughing and having a wonderful time. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, Charlie and his family moved into the house across the street from us. I am excited to have neighbors that I feel like aren't strangers. Charlie's dad is a home builder and he added the room on to our house before we moved in -- I've already trusted our new neighbor with a key to our home -- even if it was a year ago.

Back to the birthday celebrations -- Will was excited to get a phone call from his great-grandparents who insisted I not tell Will they were calling. Somehow Will guessed who it was pretty early into the conversation (which almost got me in trouble for spilling the beans), and he was so animated talking to his great-grandfather Ruffie and Grammie Vail. " . . . oh, Ruffie. You've got to be kidding me. Of course I go to school. You are just so silly. . . "Just a few minutes later, Great-grandma Ann called for him, too. And as we were leaving for dinner, Uncle Jason called, and after we got home he got to talk Nana, too.

Allen and I took the kids to Double Dave's for pizza and pepperoni rolls and met some friends there. It was the first time we gave Will quarters for the games, but we think Double Dave's tastes so much better than Chuck E. Cheese. Hey, if we are gonna fall off the diet-wagon, we might as well make it worth it, right? Will, Chloe, and Anden had fun playing, and after a bit we even let Ben, Maddie, and Jon join the fun, too. Just before we tucked Will into bed, he got to open one gift. He was thrilled to get a digital camera. "Mama and Daddy, this is what I always wanted and I didn't even tell you I wanted it! How did you know?"

The rest of the fun will happen when all the family joins us Saturday for a party for our big boy. And some news about Will, in his own words -- yes, he really told me all of this as I typed.

"My favorite color is orange, why do you ask? I like to play outside and I like to eat and I like to play with my friends and take pictures with my camera. I like to eat all kinds of food -- all the foods that Chinese people eat and the people in the world eat. I like all those foods. My favorite breakfast is oatmeal, hot with coffee cream. My favorite lunch is peanut butter and jelly and grapes. My favorite dinner is gravy with turkey and I like candy for dessert. My favorite book is my Bible stories, and my favorite toy is my new Mickey Mouse camera, but you already knew that. My life is great and my life is wonderful! . . . oh, and I like to be at Disney World."

Christmas Love

It seems so easy for me to get caught up in the hustle and bustle -- the cooking and cleaning as company is coming, the present making, buying, and wrapping, trying to make everything perfect. It is easy to get frustrated with the kids when they whine too much; claw each others' faces the day before we take our family photos; grab my leg and won't let go when the pot is boiling over; and take off thier shoes, socks, AND jackets just as we are getting ready to walk out the door. I get so busy making Christmas memorable for my kids, that sometimes I forget that it's the small moments that will linger longer -- the extra kiss on the head at breakfast, the smile and "Yay!" when they've done something new, the "one more" book at bedtime, the special-shaped sandwich on a normal day. This year I meant to have monthly resolutions to work on, and several months have passed that I didn't get those resolutions written. Now I have one for December. My goal is to strive daily to make the most of the little moments with my family.

This poem was shared with me last year and it's one I take to heart especially as the month of Christmas begins. It is called Christmas Love and is based on 1 Corinthians 13. I received it in an email and I only know to credit Anonymous with this message that speaks directly to me.

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of LOVE will endure.

She's making a list and checking it twice. . .

She's making a list and checking it twice. . . . I already know who's naughty and nice. This isn't about my Christmas list. I got tagged again -- this time by Karen! Luckily I only have to come up with six random things this time. I decided to wrap all my "randoms" into one package, but also list a few more than six.

On July 1, 2002, I made a list of 101 Things I Want to Do in my Lifetime. Each year I try to accomplish at least one thing from that list. I read the list at the beginning of the year to set a goal, but I revisit it throughout the year and check off some that I've accomplished. It has been fun to check things off, but I haven't really felt the need to add to the list. Some of the things that I have done include:

#7 Scuba dive - 09/2002
#26 Learn to make soap - 9/2002
#70 Make a quilt - 12/2002, 2/2003, 12/2003, . . .
#3 Have a child - 12/2003, 10/2006 x 3
#55 Have someone call me Mom - 2004, 2007 x 3
#28 Finish a scrapbook - 01/2004, . . .
#1 Have a job I am passionate about - 10/2004
#22 Learn to cook at a cooking school - 12/2004
#33 Snorkel in Belize - 12/2004, 06/2005
#72 Read a book on Texas history - 12/2005
#80 Be a bridesmaid - 01/2006

Going through the list today, I got to check off four things I completed this year.

#91 Help a child learn to read - 2008
#83 Get a pedicure - 08/2008
#39 See New England in September - 09/2008
#38 Lose 20 pounds healthily - 11/2008

And what do I have my eyes on for the next year?

#36 Learn to tango
#68 Have a cozy porch
#76 Spend two weeks on the Mediterranean

Hmmm. . . it seems I may have to get my dance partner involved in all three of these. (hint, hint)