Workin' Out At Home

Here's one benefit to working out at home instead of out at the gym.... But then again, maybe I would have started a new trend!

New Moon

The first time I saw New Moon I felt awful leaving behind Andrew and my dad. They both so wanted to see it and we have shared many fond memories discussing the novel. So when my abuelos planned to come here on Wednesday, the eve of Eve, we planned a movie night - after all, grandma also loved the novels.

Instead of going to the 10:15pm showing, my mom decided to watch my kids instead. I mean really, do the grandma's get any better than that? It was such a kind, loving sacrifice and we were so grateful. My dad, Andrew, and my abuelos NEVER go to the movies - I never used to either until girls nights.... so it was a treat for all!

NO ONE was disappointed - what a memorable evening and a great start to the Christmas Celebrations!

Back in June

Here I am uploading all my 200+ pics from Christmas, and my camera spits out this video from JUNE! Yes, Andi was SIX MONTHS old and she looks so different!! Anyway, it's fun so I thought I'd post it. And it is keeping me from having to dive into those 200 something Christmas pictures.... I hope my kids appreciate these blog books one day!!

Creative!

I Forgive You

Tonight the kids pushed every button I own.... Andi especially was driving me crazy because she doesn't want to be held, she doesn't want to be put down, she wants to touch, pull, yank EVERYTHING in sight.... Oh how I wish she would learn how to walk. So tonight, after a crazy dinner and trip to Costco, all I wanted to do was sweetly tuck in my little characters. As I was dealing with the babies (Andrew is out helping Santa build something tonight), Jackson was loading up a bin with all his books. Mind you, I am putting those books back in the shelf on a regular basis. Anyway, I told him not to and to put them back. Then as I turned my back to put Ryan into his crib, Jackson started pulling the bin out of his room. I kindly told him not to, that they needed to stay in his room. Then I went back to put Andi in her crib and out of the corner of my eye... yep, you guessed it... So this time I was no where near kind (just ask the neighbors) when I told him to leave it in the room.

Babies tucked in bed, I walked out to the living room to find Jackson reading - he left the bin right outside his door. I gave him a look and I started cleaning up the living room.

Jackson: "Mom, I'm sorry. I won't ruin your heart anymore. I promise I won't ruin your heart. Because I be good now."

Then he proceeded to help me clean up the entire living room. I have to give my little guy credit because really, a lot is expected of him. As I am getting the babies ready for bed, Jackson is the one getting me the diapers, taking off Ryan's shoes and telling Ryan to listen to mommy. He's trying to make Andi lie still as I attempt to put on her diaper. He's telling Ryan it's time to clean up. He really is a BIG help. It's not fair to him that when he acts his age, I get so upset with him.

And he just told me it's THREE MORE DAYS... I didn't tell him, maybe Andrew did this morning, I don't know.

So why am I rambling on about this - I have these composition books for each kid and my intention was to write these things in their books. I HATE WRITING. I much rather type. And really, this will be in the book for them all to read, so here it is.

A Visit with Santa

Yesterday I got the kids all dressed up and took them to get pictures with Santa. Well, apparently there was no point in getting Andi dressed!!!! The second she was placed with Santa, SHE FREAKED OUT. It was so awful I couldn't bare to get a picture - and you no I am not one to baby my kids. My dad got her and he said her entire core wouldn't stop shaking. Knott's Berry Farm rides ANY DAY - but NOT SANTA! So here are some shots of her just because...

Now here's LAST YEAR - 2008. Ryan was the only one that would sit with Santa... But this year....

Yeah he was NOT happy!

Jackson LAST YEAR - 2008, wanted NOTHING to do with him, as you can see he cried hard.This year and sat, smiled, and talked. Yes, he told Santa he wants a TROMBONE!!!! WHAT!?!?!? I don't know. We asked him what that was and he showed us how you play the instrument. Where does he get this stuff??

Last night he had the toughest time getting to sleep. I thought for sure he would be out so early because he didn't have a nap, but he wouldn't fall asleep until 10:30pm. We think we figured out why...
This morning, the first thing he said was, "Did Santa Come?". That had to be it - he was thinking Santa was coming. Poor kid.... THREE MORE DAYS!

Creating New Traditions

Sunday we returned from church to smell the most delicious smell. Yes, Michalle broke into our house while we were at church, witnessed our disaster of a home, and left homemade soup.

Now let me back up - a while ago we planned this caroling night and a couple weeks ago, we discussed what we should do for dinner. When they all suggested crock pot soups, I was not thrilled. That is not a meal of choice for me.... They have all converted me. YUM! BUT the bummer was that Becky and Amber, at the last minute, weren't able to make it. But they both still made their contribution - so sweet.
Anyway, once we downed seconds, thirds, fourths - or maybe that was just me - we put together goody plates for the families we were going to go see. Now by put together, I mean we ate a lot of what Amber made - ROLO COOKIES - and gave the leftovers to the plates. YUM! Andi on the other hand was pretty fond of the fudge Andrew made.

Bellies full and content - off to our first home. Luckily Amber was able to come out with her girls; we were so happy to have them with us.
STRIKE... NO ONE THERE!!!! So we loaded EVERYONE back into our cars, to head to the next home.

So here we go again - our SECOND home.... STRIKE TWO - dang it!!!

Luckily we knew the last home would be occupied - whew!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas Linda!

The kids were so very excited to sing - they were having a blast all night.

On our way to the last home, Jackson decided to practice "Dingle Bells".

Man we're good!

Andrew's brother once told him of a place they go to see lights. We have always wanted to check them out, but never knew where to go. Then this year when Mindee I believe it was, brought up seeing lights, we were stoked. But because it was 70degrees Sunday, I wasn't too prepared for the weather. Andi was still in her church dress but I found a beanie of Jackson's in the car. Ryan luckily had long sleeves on from church but Jackson was sportin' his polo.
Basically (and I only know this because of Amber) this all began in 1994. After the earthquake these neighbors wanted a way to be united. So they hung lights from house to house and each year it got bigger and bigger. The line of cars was out of control. So we parked a block down and walked the entire way - after doing that I have NO clue why anyone would want to drive this! It was incredible, so fun and so magical.
Andi was so enthralled the entire time. She was upright, silent and in awe the entire hour or so we were there.
I thought if my mom could, she would:
Andrew and I wanted to stay in front of this house for much longer. These people were singing carols and it was awesome. We love music and it was just so refreshing to feel this Christmas spirit among so many other people.

Because Amber was educating herself, she didn't hear us calling her over for this picture. Our "photographer" seemed to be getting impatient so we stopped yelling and struck a pose. We missed Amber :(What a great group of friends.
What do you do when you're chilled to the bone... you head home for some hot chocolate. We hung out a bit at our place until the kids couldn't hang any longer.This was such a great night and we hope it will continue throughout the years!! We love you all and we missed those that couldn't make it.