Under the Christmas Tree

After making our way past the ice rink and through the crowds, we finally made it to the base of the tree. Matt was unhappy at first because we went passed the LEGO store without going in. Why? because it had a line which went around the outside of the building of those people waiting to get in. After explaining to Matt we may not be able to get in but would check and see how long the waiting time would be, he perked up for this "smiling" picture.

I made Emily's day too. After she took a "regular" picture of Dave & I, I told her "this is just for you" and I told Dave to give me a kiss. She is our little romantic and always telling us to kiss. Of course, I had to convince Dave to comply. :) Emily was thrilled. Instead of mistletoe, we kiss under the Christmas tree.

Oh, as for the LEGO store, we didn't get in....it was a 25 minute wait. Matt was not that happy but was willing to go along with the plan to go to Toys R Us when we got to Time Square.

We made it to the Tree!!!

It was a short walk to the tree at Rockefeller Center from the subway but we took a small detour to the Sony Experience Center. The program Dave wanted the kids to go to there didn't have any availability until after 4 and we knew we would be heading to Time Square after our visit to the tree so we will need to head back there again on another visit. We did however got some coffee and drinks then headed to the tree. These few pictures don't show it but the crowds of people were crazy - worse than I have ever been in this time of year.

What was nice was this year I wasn't the only one taking pictures. Emily has become quite a photographer when it comes to getting pics of Dave & I.

Korilla!!!

If you have ever watched "The Great American Food Truck Race" with Tyler Florence on the Food Network you know all about Korilla. I was so excited when we came up from the subway and this was one of the first things I saw. The sad part was before heading into the city we had eaten lunch so we had no appetite to try their food. Hopefully the next time we head into the city we'll find them again and this time be hungry.

Our Annual Christmas Trip into NYC

Every year at this time, we head into NYC to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and lights. Matthew's main question when he hears about a trip into the city is "are we taking the train?" Imagine his excitement when we told him not only one, but two trains and the subway. Music to his ears and that was only in one direction. We would be taking the same route home. It was a little cold so we were bundled up to brunt the chill. New York City here we come!!!

To Dream the Impossible Dream

The other day I received the Burpee seed catalog in the mail. I love this catalog. It gives me the urge to plant a huge vegetable garden and amazing flower beds. Then it is a quick slap back into reality as I look into my backyard.....okay, my back patio. A big sigh of disappointment exhales at this moment.

I know what you are all thinking.....you can grow things in containers. I know this, I've had a few flowers and tomato plants be successful in containers but it is just not the same. No dirt to dig your hands into, weeds to pull and the crop yield just doesn't compare. Did I toss the catalog? No. I'll work a little container magic and keep on dreaming the impossible dream.

The Gift of Football

If you know Dave, you know that trying to figure out a Christmas present, okay make that any present for him is almost impossible. Even when you ask him what he wants he has trouble coming up with ideas. Finally, he gave me one idea.

Dave asked me to get him a Nerf Flag Football set so he and Matt could continue their football "games" they started doing in the Fall. It was sweet that the only gift he asked for was something he could do with his boy. Now I know why I married this man!!

They loved playing their first flag football game the day after Christmas.

When You Sleep In, all is Fair in Love and Computers

Tuesday morning Dave gave me the gift of sleeping in. It was a lovely thing. I enjoyed every tranquil sleepy moment.

When I came down to greet my family with a "very happy good morning", I was told by Matthew that my computer was now his. Emily was on her notebook, Dave was watching television and although Matthew is usually happy with using "his" computer in the dining room (the family computer) I guess this morning he wanted to be with the others so my computer became his computer. It didn't take too long before he relinquished the computer back but in the future I know that sleeping in can come at a cost. I have to say though the extra sleep may be worth a few hours of computer cut off.

One of the Best Gifts

I truly appreciate all the gifts I get especially the things the kids give me but the best gift I received this Christmas was a new ESV Bible from my good friend, Debbie and her husband, Ray. It is my understanding that some serious research went into getting just the right chocolate brown color. I'm looking forward to starting my year through the Bible reading using this wonderful gift. Thank you Debbie and Ray!!

A Little Time On, I mean With Daddy

The best thing about the kids being on Christmas break from school is the time we have to just relax and hang out. Matt found a new seating "area" while relaxing and watching television. Now I can't say it is so relaxing for Dave, however, he was a good sport and even let Matt climb into this seating perch today too!! What a dad!!!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Christmas for our family would not be complete without a birthday cake for Jesus. Late in the evening as the day quiets down, we have our birthday celebration. This year the candle was a fire truck....it was the only birthday candle I could find. Matthew was very happy to see that candle. The kids sang "Happy Birthday". Matt even interjected "cha, cha, cha" into the song for our Savior. Happy Birthday Jesus! We love you!!

Matt Was Waiting All Day

Matt was anxiously awaiting for our traditional Christmas day fire. Normally we have it first thing in the morning but today with having church in the late morning we had to postpone it until later in the day. Dave decided to wait until a little later in the afternoon in spite of Matt's occasional pleading for him to start the fire. Once lit, Matt was happy to keep watch making sure we all stayed safe. His watch however was short-lived as he went back to building his LEGOs and riding his new "Hot Wheels" scooter in house. Later in the day, as the fire was dying, Matt decided to assist in its demise by blowing at it. Believe it or not he actually did put the fire out. He is a trusty little fireman!!

Christmas Pictures

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas if I didn't get a picture of the kids dressed in their "Christmas" outfits. This was of course after church so Matt is slightly disheveled but very cute!! They looks so cute if I do say so myself - it is a mother's bias!

This Christmas Dave and I were able to get a picture too. Emily has become our little photographer. Dave is wearing the sweater that Matt got for him for Christmas. It made me the only one not in red....maybe next year!!

A Christmas Rescue

To Matt, no day is complete without a rescue taking place. Christmas morning is no exception. This morning the "country" church needed a little "assistance" from Matt and his crew of rescuers. Good news!!! They saved the church!! I love his excitement of being able to make a "rescue".

Christmas Morning Always Starts with the Story of Jesus' Birth

This morning at 7:10 a.m. we heard the pitter patter of little feet on the steps coming up to our bedroom. The next words we heard were "its time to read". Matt came up holding his Veggie Tales Devotional book. The kids know that before we do anything on Christmas morning we read the account of Jesus' birth from Luke 2. Seeing he brought his devotional book Matt went back downstairs to get Emily who came up with her "Passion" New Testament. There in our bed we read the Christmas story, then the kids went down to get their present from Santa which they opened upstairs with us. We had a nice relaxed morning having our traditional orange cinnamon rolls for breakfast. The kids got in a little play time before getting ready for the 11 o'clock service at church. What a lovely Christmas morning!!

Christmas Eve Traditions #5 - Cookies & Bed

Christmas Eve always ends with a plate of cookies being set out for Santa by the fireplace. Earlier in the day, Dave & Emily baked chocolate cookies with crushed peppermint pieces pressed into the top. Yummy!! Instead of egg nog this year, Emily chose to leave milk.

After getting Santa's treat in place, the kids were off to bed. It was a late night for both of them so they fell asleep quickly.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Nothing Like a Blanket

One of my favorite gifts came from my boy this Christmas. He gave me a nice, warm and cozy chocolate brown throw blanket. Matt chose to share it with me last night as we sat on the couch together.

Another LEGO Christmas

Matt loves LEGO's so he wasn't disappointed by the stash he received this Christmas. He was funny because he would shake the wrapped present and listen. If he heard the shaking of pieces, he would say "LEGO" and excitedly open it to see which one was inside. Looks like he'll be busy for a few days making new "creations". Then again, knowing Matt I don't think it will take a few days. He is a little bit of an overachiever when it comes to building LEGOs. :)

Christmas Eve Traditions Interrupted by Opening Presents

This year we had a little change in our Christmas Eve traditions. With Christmas day being on a Sunday and our church service at 11 a.m., we had the "dilemma" of when to open presents. We knew that if we waited until the morning by the time we were done opening presents we would have to get ready for church and the kids would probably not be to happy about leaving their newly opened possessions.

So, we asked them if they wanted to open all of the gifts on Christmas Eve, half of them at night and half in the morning or all on Christmas morning. Well, to our surprised Emily said she wanted to wait until the morning. Matt gave it a little thought and said "half & half". Of course, they had opposing ideas.

In the end, we decided on half & half. What was funny is when they finished the first "batch" they asked if there were more....so we asked if they wanted to open more and they did. After that small batch, they asked if there were still more....to that we decided we would open the remaining gifts and they could open Santa's in the morning.

After opening all the gifts, Dave opened a few to be played with and we saved the rest for the morning and after church. Well, this little interuption has led to the decision that from this Christmas on we will be a "half & half" present opening family. A new tradition has emerged! :)

Christmas Eve Tradition #4 - Polar Express Movie

For the last two years, we have watched the "Polar Express" on Christmas Eve. This year we were willing to compromise with the kids on the movie selection but insisted that we still have family movie time.

After seeing the movie "Elf" for the first time Thursday night, the kids were anxious to see it again. We decided however to watch Phineas & Ferb's Christmas special and then "The Very First Noel" an animated version of Jesus' birth from the wise men's perspective.

In the end, I was just happy that we kept with the tradition of watching a movie together. I do have a feeling that next year we will be watching "Elf".

Christmas Eve Tradition #3 - Fire in the Fireplace

One of the features we love about our home is the fireplace in our living space. We don't utilize it as much as we should but we always have a fire on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Matthew is very fond of this tradition and is always anxious to man the fire. When he isn't available, Matt makes sure that a crew is on hand to keep the fire under control and our family safe. If he doesn't do something fire related as a future career, I will be shocked.

Christmas Eve Tradition #2 - New Pajamas

On, Christmas Eve the kids receive a pair of new pajamas that they wear that night into Christmas morning. Although they both opened a new pair pajamas, Emily pleaded with us that she be allowed to wear a new nightgown we purchased for her Wednesday. We decided to concede.

So, Matt is wearing his fuzzy, warm, fleece, winter camouflage snowboarding pajamas and Emily is wearing her Chipette's nightgown (notice it has long sleeves - score for mom and dad).

Christmas Eve Tradition #1 - Reindeer Food

Yes, we still have Emily and Matt believing in Santa. Although we have clarified that only one gift is given by Santa, the rest are purchased by mommy and daddy using hard earned money. Okay, I'll admit there is a little appreciation guilt attached to that explanation.

In order to insure that Santa comes to our house, we help his reindeer see and desire to come by providing reindeer food. We mix rolled outs (the yummy eats for the reindeer) with glitter (a means by which to attract the deer as the moon shines on it) and sprinkle it on the lawn. We strategically "place" the food closest to the fireplace. I love watching as the kids toss the oats and glitter in the air. It can make for amazing pictures too if you get the "food" midair like in these pictures. Its a quick little tradition and one that the kids love to do.

Christmas Eve - Part One

Christmas Eve is always filled with family traditions in the evening but what do you do during the day?

This year we went to lunch with our wonderful friends, Ray & Deborah Cabrera and their kids Elizabeth, Caleb and Priscilla.

After a short visit at our house, we headed out on a family mission. No, we did not need to buy any Christmas presents. Dave did an awesome job of being the "Christmas shopper" this year while off work. What we still needed was a birthday cake for Jesus.

So, first we headed to Kmart. I know, not the place for a birthday cake. I was looking for something to make a craft/gift for a good friend to give to them today but I didn't find what I was looking for. Yes, even on Christmas Eve I still have crafting on the brain.

Our second stop was Shoprite, one of the local supermarkets, but all that cakes there were too big. We just wanted a little cake not one we would be eating for the rest of the week. Especially since Emily and Matt are not big on cake.

With our quest seeming unattainable, we decided to revive ourselves with a little refreshment. A new QuickCheck has opened on Route 46 and they are having a promotion of free medium coffee and 20 oz slurpees. Yum!!

Being once again up to the challenge as sugar and coffee pumped through our veins, we headed to another supermarket, Stop and Shop. With the kids not so keen on the idea of heading into another store, we bid Dave a quick "good luck" and sent him in. A few moments later he returned to the car victoriously with the goods in hand - a small birthday cake for Jesus.

With our task complete, we headed home to prepare for the night's regularly programed Christmas Eve traditions. God bless us everyone!!

Summer PJ's Finally Put Away....maybe?

I think Emily has hot blood running through her veins. This girl in the heart of winter is dressed in skorts and short sleeved shirts and her sleeping attire is no different. It usually consists of a short sleeved night gown. Well, all the recent clothing sales for Christmas motivated us to attempt at putting the summer clothes away.

Emily has decided she likes yoga/sweatpants so long as they are nice and colorful - check, she now has 4 pair. Oh, and the pajama dilemma has also been rectified with some nice, toasty, long sleeved/pant pajama sets. This is one of them....they have Christmas ornaments on them. Will we ever have her completely winterized? No, but hey no one can say we haven't given it an honest effort.

Party at the School

On Friday, I got to help out with Matthew's school Christmas party, after all I am a class mom for his class! The kids got to create their own Christmas tree out of an upside down ice cream cone, green frosting and plenty of candy for decorations. We even had coconut for snow!! They also made a Christmas tree ornament.

The most "amazing" part of the party is when we went around with a veggie platter of carrots, celery, grape tomatoes and broccoli the most requested vegetable was...........Broccoli! Can you believe it? They ate it too!! I really enjoy being class mom for his class. His teacher is highly organized and we know how much I like that attribute.

We did find out this week that his teacher, Mrs. Tronza, is expecting her first child in late May so Matt will have a substitute teacher for the last month of school. Matthew came home very excited to tell me about the baby to come. We'll have to see how excited he is when he is faced with the fact that she won't be in the classroom.

Rudolph is BACK!!!

Matt has a small stuffed Rudolph that makes his presence know around this time of year.

For most of the year, Rudolph spends his time hidden in Matt's bedroom closet but it seems the first of December Matt searches him out and makes him part of the Christmas season. Already Rudolph has been taken to school to meet Matt's teacher, Mrs. Tronza. Rudolph even spent the night at school, with Matthew's "approval" of course. It was cute...while praying that night, Matt asked God to keep Rudolph safe and not to let the beddy bugs bite.

So, when you see posts or pictures from this month don't be surprised if Rudolph is there. After all, he is Matt's sidekick for the month. :)

New Craft for Me!!

Crafting has become an obsession for me and when I see a great idea I can't help but imitate it. After all, copying someone's idea in my opinion is a high form of flattery.

I found my recent craft project on a sight called Pintrest - Shellie Papp knows what I am talking about. The woman who posted this craft listed it as an item she was making as teacher gifts and I loved the idea seeing Christmas is here and Emily alone has 4 teachers.

These are Post It Note holders. You never have to be searching for your Post It Notes because they are very "fashionably" displayed and when you use them up you just replace the pad. I love that they can be personalized by color and even initials or name. So, now I am crafting photo cubes, frames, letters, words and Post It holders......now if only I could find a market who would buy these things I am creating. Hoping to get that part resolved in the new year. :) In the meantime, I am a happy crafter!