Polar bears

Blaise wanted me to post this picture as it was his most favorite thing he saw today and he said it was the best day ever!

Holiday happenings

We made it to Bronners and managed to get some shopping done and a little visit with St. Nick!

Bronners or bust

This morning my mom and I are taking the kids to Bronners. When Tony and I first moved out to area we realized how close we were to one of the largest Christmas stores around. I had never been to Bronners so Tony took me and it became an annual trek! We have always gone around the same time and sometimes my folks come too or just my mom and the kids or once I just took the kids by myself. We usually get there early enough to shop before we get too hungry and then we rest in the little cafe area and regroup. The kids all like to buy at least one ornament for a friend or relative and we never get bored of the same theme based trees....julia's thing is owls this year so I imagine she will be looking for those, Emerson is all about ballet and Blaise is hoping to see Lego ornaments. We love looking at the villages and of course we will snap a few shots of the jolly old fat man! I can honestly say snow, rain or sleet it has always been Bronners or bust!

Holy Day

Today is a holy day of obligation for our faith and so that means a break from studies as we head to mass this morning. Tony went last night by himself and father wondered where we were? It is nice to know he missed us. I prefer going in morning even if it means I am flying solo with the four kids. Getting everyone ready and out the door by 7:45 is no small feat but as Julia reminds me it is a small sacrifice to make in the grand scheme of life. After Mass a breakfast is provided for us early birds and then the kids and I are going to the library and then little flower meeting. No there won't be much studying today but what we will learn is far greater and more important than an old textbook can provide.

Bunnies galore

Julia had a bunny play date so to speak with another homeschooler today. They are in 4h together and plan on showing bunnies! It was a nice break after mayhem of the day to go and sit and chit chat with the mom while all kids ran and played! This is a new budding friendship for Julia and she is so excited to make a new friend. By time we came home we had to make Daisy's carrot cake and sing to her. I wonder what a rabbit wishes for when they blow out candles?

Birthday girl

Here is Daisy's homemade brunch of celery, hay, and a dash of love! Here is Benedict sitting in his high chair wondering when someone is going to actually put food on his tray instead of toys!

Carrot cake

Today is Daisy's birthday! She is officially 2 years old. Julia is thrilled to celebrate her bunny's special day! We are making a carrot cake in her honor and she is getting a spa day of a bath and nail trim. (oh the crazy things I consent too) on top of Daisy's special day my little guy turns 5months old today! As I said in past ugh it makes me sad as time passes. He waved yesterday at the doctor and blew her socks off! She couldn't believe how big and sturdy he was but mostly just how happy he was! Not to be undone Julia wishes me to mention that Daisy will be making an appearance in an upcoming talent show at our church soon! So we have two stars in our house today! Periodically today I plan on taking pictures of daisy and Benedict so enjoy!

Doctor visit

As I approach Benedict's 5 month milestone I realize this morning it is time for his baby well visit. Normally trips to the doctor are filled with anxiety or tears but I find these visits joyous. It is neat to see how much they have grown and how much they weigh. What new tricks they have accomplished or will accomplish in months to follow. Benedict has been doing this belly crawl where he gets from point a to point b without too much trouble. It is funniest thing we have seen. Last night at ballet he waved to a mom for the first time and I was mad I forgot my phone to take a picture of it. Hey at least I had a room full of witnesses. We have been practicing bye bye and peek a boo with him as he sits in his high chair getting used to the new view. He loves my plastic cooking stuff (bpa free) of course! I wonder what he thinks of us sometimes as we race around getting all this stuff done and taking in all the activity. I smiled when Blaise whispered to him this morning "don't be scared at the doctor today Benedict she is a nice lady and gives big suckers to good boys! I will eat your sucker for you since you are too little"
That's what brothers are for!

Leg warmers

Busy day of school and library but I had to blog this little quip from the kids!
As we prepare to leave for ballet Emerson put on her leg warmers and informed me that "leg warmers warm your legs, a hat warms your head but a hug warms your heart!"
On that note I hope everyone has a great night! Xoxo

The Candy Cane

The white cane speaks of purity, and the Pure One, Jesus Christ.
The red stripes on the cane remind us of the stripes Jesus bore at the Scouring. It is shaped like a Bishop's crosier, as well as the shepherd's crook, for Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

Pizza with the priest

This Sunday was the annual pizza making with the priest! I worried about going with my pink eye but my gang was not going to miss it! I poured some drops in my eye and away we went to mass. They had face painting, ornament crafts, cupcake decorating, cookies, and a surprise visit from St. Nicholas. I forgot about my eye until I came home and looked in the mirror!

Pink

I love pink cotton candy and pink tutus! I don't mind pink flowers and pink little baby toes but what I don't like is pink eye! Last night in the float I noticed my eyes were burning and itching. I assumed the hay bales we were sitting on were the culprit and I must be allergic to them! Not so much the case! I woke up and noticed both eyes red and pink and itchy and ugh! So Jan, my loyal follower send me some remedies PLEASE if you have any! For, although pink is Emerson's favorite color I prefer my hazel green eyes!

Float

It was cold and windy but the angels were angelic, the sheep frisky, and baby Jesus slept thru the whole thing!

First parade

Tonight is a parade in our downtown city kicking off the Christmas season. Our church participates and the knights decorate a float and pass out buttons that say "keep Christ in Christmas"!
The float is similar to a live nativity on wheels. The girls are going to be angels and Blaise will be a sheep ....baa he has been practicing all day!
The baby may or may not be baby Jesus depending on the weather. They have a back up doll just in case. Where will mom be? I was thinking about sitting in van keeping my feet warm but I have a feeling I will be sitting on a float. Stay tuned for pictures!

Jingle bells

The bells were jingling at 5am as cries of laughter filled our house! Blaise was asking can he look in his boot and even my late sleeper Julia strolled up the stairs to see what was in her boot. They quickly ate their gold coins and got to work on the ornament kit left for them. Later on we will watch a St. Nicholas DVD and make a cake for one of our favorite saints.