Pure Excitement

Diana's look when she saw GB's Christmas Tree

Christmas Eve

The kids, well mainly Jonathan, Diana doesn't quite get it yet, were really excited about Christmas this year.  Jonathan's lego advent calendar helped him count down the days until Christmas.  I thought some sort of count down would be fun but after a few mornings of Jonathan walking up in the wee hours of the morning, i.e., before 5 am, I realized that he was a little too excited to open his legos.  Next year I will have to think of a different plan.  Jonathan's Christams list has been all over the board this year.  Last year, it was light sabres from day one, this year it was a bunch of different toys but the final and most often talked about was police legos.  Diana was fine with Santa from a far but as soon as you got her near him, forget it!  She did finally learn how to say "Ho Ho Ho" when asked what does Santa say?  The kids were very well behaved at church for Christmas Eve mass.  Jonathan sat in between GB & Grandpa Weeks and I think he enjoyed his special time with them.  GB walked him up to the front of the church after mass to see baby Jesus in the manager.  Diana was with me and her adorbale red sparkly shoes tore snags and one hole in my nylons.  Oh well, she looked cute!  At one point she did drop her pacifier and I couldn't find it so I said sorry Diana, it's gone.  She kept looking for it and believe it or not she eventually found it half way down the pew and she was trying to make her way through about 6 younger girls to get it.  She was very proud of herself when she finally got it back.  She also shared her books with a little boy behind us.  I brought about 10 books for her and the poor mom behind us only brought one for her boy.  Diana loves books!  After mass we came home and Kyle, Amanda and Natalie joined us all for dinner.  It was fun having everyone together and watching the kids together.

Oh Dear

My childhood, or at least stories from it, flashed before my eyes tonight when Diana was standing on my kitchen chair yelling "Mommy!"  When I was little, I was doing the same thing but I tipped and I broke my mom's new kitchen chair. 

Jonathan's Preschool Class

We got Jonathan's school pictures today.  Here is a picture of his class (Front L to R: Renner, Lola, Gracie, Renner.  Back L to R: Alex, Max, Stella, Lucy and Jonathan.  Mrs. Ricciardi is the only teacher obviously).  Don't worry we already had a discussion with Jonathan about grabbing his crotch for pictures.  Seriously!?!  The funny thing is I have never seen him do this before. 

Life Without Them

I have had a few reminders lately of how short life can be and how fragile life truly is.  It is so easy to get caught up in our busy schedule and forget what is important.  I know I am very guilty of this.  First, a friend of a friend had placenta percreta and was not as unfortunate as me and didn't survive.  This news obviously has hit home and reminded me of how fortunate I am.  Secondly, the shooting in Connecticut and a comment that our priest made on Sunday regarding the incident.  He was talking about how we might loose our patience with our children at times or they might make us mad but "Just imagine life without them."  This brought tears to my eyes in church and as I am writing this, because I just can't imagine life without my two precious children or getting to watch them grow up for that matter.  My heart goes out to all of the families affected by my two "wake up" calls if you will. 

Very Touching..... God Bless These Families!

twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38

when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.

their smile...

s were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.

they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.

"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."

when what to their wondering eyes did appear,

but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.

then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring

those children all flew into the arms of their King

and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,

one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

and as if He could read all the questions she had

He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."

then He looked down on earth, the world far below

He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe

then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,

"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"

"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"

"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

then He and the children stood up without a sound.

"come now my children, let me show you around."

excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.

all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,

"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."


Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Ikea

I took the kids to Ikea today for the first time.   They both had a lot of fun, I almost forgot we were shopping.  We were shopping the kids area which is right next to the restaurant and Diana starting signing more and Jonathan said he was hungry.  Ikea is very smart for having the restaurant in the store, let alone right next to the kids area.  Anyway, I go and buy a "small breakfast plate" (scrambled eggs, potatoes and bacon) and a cinnamon bun expecting to pay $2 which is still a great deal if you ask me, but it was only $1 for the bun.  The small plate is free Mon-Thurs.  Who knew!?!?!  The kids sat by the window and ate everything!  Mind you, they also had waffles this morning before we left.   Jonathan said it was a great view and had fun people watching.  Diana also enjoyed observing but I think enjoyed sitting like a big girl at the table and eating of course.  We might be going to Ikea more often.  Of course they made up for my $1 free meal with my purchases.

Happy Birthday Natalie

Happy Birthday Natalie!  I can't believe our niece/cousin is one already!  She is so stinking cute!  And such a good behaved, laid back little girl.  My kiddos were spiffed up for Natalie's party so I had to post a picture of them too.  Nana bought Diana a new dress and she is getting LOTS of compliments on it.  Diana and Jonathan actually played very well together today too, which made Brad and I both smile.  Of course they have their moments but they really are sweet to each other.