We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

You better watch out!
You better not cry!

You better not pout!

I'm telling you why...

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Tonight is the night we have been waiting for...it's finally here! We sure hope Santa has seen how good we've been this year. We know that Santa will find us in our new apartment, because we told him we moved, but we still aren't sure how he is going to get in?? You need a special key to open the big doors and we are not sure Santa has the master key. My mom and dad told us he probably does, and if not, he is full of magic and can get in any house or apartment if a good boy or girl lives there.

They have been using a bobcat to plow our parking lot non-stop this week. It has been fun to watch! Our dad is so glad he is not the one out there shoveling this time. We think it is smooth enough now for Santa to park his sleigh right by the front door. The elevator might be the best option... since he will have a heavy sack of toys. It would be really hard to carry it up four flights of stairs, so that's what we think he should do. We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! We hope that you get all the things you're wishing for and more!

Gingerbread Creations

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The whole family had a lot of fun creating our homemade gingerbread house and train tonight. I am not one who particularly enjoys baking dozens and dozens of Christmas cookies, so I thought that by creating these, it would fill the holiday baking void. Holiday baking is not my cup of tea. Baking a variety of cookies not only takes a lot of time, but it creates an enormous mess...which I have a hard time dealing with. One batch of brownies or cookies on a Saturday is about all I can handle.
My thought with these kits was this: It will be something fun to do on a cold winter's night, and it will allow my kids the opportunity to create a Christmas (semi-baked) goodie with less mess. My idea proved to be good in many ways: 1) it only took 40 minutes, 2) it was a blast, and 3) it was festive! However, I was definitely wrong about it making less of a mess...by the time we finished, we were all covered in frosting! Good thing it was tasty enough to lick off. Both kids loved all the candy that accompanied the kits, and we luckily got Lilly to add some before eating the majority of it! I am afraid we won't be bringing these to any of the upcoming family potluck dinners...good thing I am not in charge of dessert this time!

My Great Depression

Last weekend, while I was out Christmas shopping, I spotted this dreadful sign. I actually couldn't believe my eyes, so I had to call them right then and there on my cell phone to see if what I read was true. Could the store I call my home away from home really be closing? I didn't want to hear it, I couldn't bear the thought of losing our Friday night hangout. My stomach hurt and my heart ached. To my horror, it was indeed true.

People aren't spending on their hobbies like they used to the owner told me. People are cutting back during this hard economic time. As hard as it was, she had to make the decision to close the store. My heart goes out to her and all the employees. Things are tough for many people right now. Many businesses and families are struggling to make ends meet...and it stinks!

I have been in a state of shock, depression, and mourning all week. I made two trips into the store, because I knew they would be my last. When I made my final purchase today, I started to cry... to some, it probably sounds silly, but it was indeed a home away from home. Scrapbooks Plus was a place where my friends and I gathered to be creative and preserve memories. I will deeply miss our hangout.

Nolan's First Debut

We have been taking Nolan to a variety of plays this past year and have observed his love for theater, singing, and dancing. He tells me that someday, he too wants to be on stage. Today, he was a shining star (actually a little shepherd boy) in the children's Christmas program at our church. He was very excited about the Saturday morning practices, and couldn't wait until he could perform for us today.

When Nolan entered the church this morning, my eyes welled with tears. Pure pride filled my heart, along with memories of my childhood days. He walked down the aisle ever so carefully looking for his mom and dad. When he spotted us and all his fans (grandparents) he blushed and got a little more nervous than I thought he would. I think the large crowd was a little overwhelming.

He performed three songs; Away in a Manger, Silent Night, and Happy Birthday Jesus. Happy Birthday Jesus was by far his favorite. After the service, his Sunday School class celebrated Jesus' birthday with cupcakes and punch. This program was a great learning experience for him. Not only did he get to perform, but he was reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.

Olive My Kids

We all know that Nolan and Lilly can get a little silly at times, but tonight put the icing on the cake. Both of my kids absolutely LOVE black olives and will eat a whole can if I let them. I've taught them to put them on their fingers and pop them into their mouths' one by one. Well, tonight they decided it would be fun to give high-fives while eating them. There were black olives rolling all over the table and floor before they were finished. It didn't matter though, because the giggles were priceless. It's moments like this that OLIVE.

I'm a Big Girl Now!

On Thursday morning, Lilly woke up and decided she didn't want to wear a diaper anymore. She insisted on putting on a pretty pair of polka-dotted panties. We tried training her at the end of August, but she wasn't quite ready, so I didn't push the issue.

I've been giving her little pep talks about how when Santa comes, she won't need diapers anymore. I have to be honest and say that I have been trying to plan this potty training thing at a time that was convenient for me...two weeks off from work sounded like the perfect time to try again. Well, she actually made the decision on when to start, and Thursday morning it was.

She was so proud to enter her daycare and announce her "big girl" news. When I picked her up, she ran over excitedly to proclaim the good news, "Mommy, I stayed dry all day!"

Lilly is not quite 100% ready, as she has had a couple of accidents, but that is to be expected. I am not really sure she truly knows when she has to go, because a couple of times she told me she had to go...right after she just went. She gets pretty frustrated with herself, but enjoys picking out another cute pair of panties. If we consistently put her on every 30 minutes or so, she does very well. If she is motivated to do it, then by all means she should be going on the big potty like the rest of us. By the new year, I believe she'll really have it down. Way to go Lilly!

All In a Week's Time

Our first week in our new apartment went very well. It definitely is different coming home each night, but we're adjusting. I guess I am not quite used to being so close...ALL the time! We did sign up for numerous activities through community education this winter to keep us busy. They are all in full swing. I thought that by doing this, we wouldn't feel so cooped up- in such a small place, but have to admit we're so busy, it's hard to even relax when we get home.
Nolan and Lilly are both playing soccer on Tuesday nights. Both are excited about going and love to run around the gym after being inside all day. On Wednesdays, Lilly is in Sport's Sampler. She played kickball and will experience soccer, baseball, football, and various other sports. Thursday is our busiest night with Nolan in gymnastics, Lilly in ECFE, and Mike in dodgeball.
On Wednesday night the management team at the apartment threw a big Christmas party for all the residents. Approx. 200 or so people showed up for the event. It was pretty impressive...tons of great food set up buffet style and gifts for every apartment. Santa came to visit with the kids and each one received a goodie bag. It was a nice welcome gift that's for sure.
Last night, we attended my grade-level Christmas party. Mike's mom and Marty came here to the apartment to watch the kids while we had a nice evening away. It was a lot of fun!
Clearly, staying busy is not a problem in our house!

Our New Home

We made it...thanks to everyone who lended a helping hand. We couldn't have done it without you! I have to admit it feels a little weird, but for the most part, good! It is just how I imagined it. It is truly the perfect pit stop. I am in love with the updated appliances, wood-work and hardware, and flooring. Not that our house wasn't decent before, but it was 15 years old...and I was ready for some updates. Our apartment also has vaulted ceilings and lots of cupboard and closet space. I was a little worried about us down-sizing, but we are making it work. In fact, the kids' closet is so big, that they're using it as a mini playroom. Yeah! No toys in the living room! We did put quite a bit in storage, but managed to bring everything we truly needed. It's amazing how much stuff a family can live without. Wow!

The kids are adjusting pretty well too. They've been sleeping well, which is a sign that they're comfortable. Lilly did ask when we were going to go home, but was okay with the idea of this being our home. They loved the pool...as did Mike and I! Mike has been to the gym twice already, and I am going to get there once I have all my mini projects done. We managed to put up a few Christmas decorations and will be taking part in a Christmas gathering scheduled for all the apartment residents this week. This place is amazing actually... the halls are decked with balls of holly. =0) Lots of Christmas spirit around here... yet, so quiet. I have honestly seen only a couple of people in the halls. Nolan is in love with taking out the trash-there is something about throwing it down the chute he particularly likes. He also likes to be our elevator operator. I loved the fact that my car was in a heated garage and registered 60 degrees when I got into it this morning. Yes, I think we're going to like it here. Stop by to see us anytime...the pool is warm!

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Change...is never easy!

The Move Is On!

Your last bath in this house.

Sweet dreams Little Lilly!

We love you Nolan!

A really big change is about to happen at our house this weekend. It has been coming since September, but is finally here. This week has not been easy...even though, it is truthfully what we want. Change is never easy- even when it's good. We've been organizing, packing, and moving things into storage for the past two weeks, but tonight marks the last night our kids will spend in this house. I knew I was going to be a little sad to leave, but I guess I wasn't really prepared for just how sad.

The house is full of so many good memories. It was our first house, the house we brought our kids home to, the house we gathered our families and friends in for the past eight years, a house we changed (more than Mike wanted) over the years, a house we looked forward to coming home to...a house we called home. Now, it is filled with boxes and is in complete disarray. It almost doesn't feel like ours anymore... I know these memories will follow us to our next home, but it's still not easy. Our apartment will be smaller than we're used to, but we'll make it a home. (Just think how big the new house will seem when the time comes.) I do have to admit how good it feels to clean out and organize an entire house. It will also be fun putting things away and being organized in the new apartment this weekend.

I will never forget the love and comfort this home brought us, but it is time to move on, and that's what I need to focus on. Our blueprints have been printed and there is more out there for us. The changes we're going to make in the year 2009 are going to be exciting and rewarding. We're very thankful to be in this position...even if it's not easy.

P.S. This computer is being disconnected tomorrow, but I am hoping to get back on here before the weekend is over...God knows I couldn't live too long without blogging. (Especially at a time like this!) =0)

Santa Letter Christmas Jokes

Santa Letter Christmas Jokes

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