Visit to Santa

We visited Santa yesterday. The kids insisted on wearing their new pajamas. I didn't really have anything special in mind for them to wear so I let them have their way.

PJ Pics

Baylor doesn't want to kiss sister!

Elf Special Delivery

Each year Santa's Elves deliver Christmas Pajamas on Christmas Eve for the kids to wear Christmas morning. This has always been tricky, as we always have guests on Christmas Eve and this year the kids were anticipating the delivery. This year the Elf delivered early so the kids could wear their pajamas throughout the holiday season. Needless to say, they were thrilled to discover their package.

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Thanksgiving Day 2008

Our first stop of the day was to my mom's where we celebrated with my family. It was a beautiful day so the kids played outside. The kids thoroughly enjoyed playing with their uncles, aunts, and cousins. After seeing Uncle Patrick up on the roof fixing a vent, Jax and his cousin Braylon tried to figure out how Patrick had gotten up there. They decided that he must have used a pole located against the house. First, Braylon tried to shimmy up the pole, but didn't quite make it. Rick turned his back, because it appeared that the boys had given up and decided that must not have been the route Patrick took. Only seconds later, he turned around to see Jaxon reaching the top of the pole and climbing onto the roof. This is something I did as a kid but not at the age of 5. Of course like all good parents, Rick summoned me to take a look and then I went back inside to grab my camera. The rest of the kids soon followed but needed a little assistance making it to the top. I must add before anyone calls DHS, we have threatened Jax about ever repeating his spiderman climb.

Our second feast of the day was at Laura's house. The kids enjoyed playing hide and go seek ,and pretty much being catered to by their older cousins. We enjoyed a huge meal. The kids even ate more than in years past, except for Jax who stuck with his diet of rolls. By the end of the day, they were exhausted. They were out within about 20 minutes of our drive home.

It was interesting to see my kids repeating some of my childhood memories, eating at the kiddie table, playing with their cousins and finding little adventures.

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So Much to be Thankful For

Every year I ask the kids what they are thankful for, but his year I thought I would lead by example and share what I am thankful for.

First and foremost I am thankful for God. I am thankful for all the joy and sorrow He has brought to my life and all the lessons He has taught me. I am grateful for the strength He gives me and most of all I am thankful for His mercy and grace.

I am thankful for my husband who is my rock. Seriously, not every man could handle the words, "you are having triplets, possibly quads." His faith in God is unwavering. I love watching him with our children and even more I love watching my children's eyes light up when they see their dad. And although life hasn't always been easy, I can say that I truly love him more with each passing day. Who knew 10 years and two days ago, I would go on a my last "first date" and my life would be forever changed.

I can't imagine my life without my children. Not a day goes by that I don't remember what a miracle times three God gave me. Living life through their eyes brings me joy and love beyond what I thought possible.

I am thankful my family....
My mother exemplifies what all mothers should be and demonstrates unconditional love. There's no one in this world like her. I am thankful for a call I received 28 years ago (day before Thanksgiving) from the Colorado Christian Service asking me if I wanted a turkey or a brother. Lucky for me, I said a brother. I can't imagine going through life without a sibling and my baby brother has grown in to a guy that EVERYONE loves including me. He chose a wonderful wife, who we are truly blessed to have as a member of our family.

I am thankful for my Grandparents and all the wonderful childhood memories they gave me growing up. Some of my fondest childhood memories include spending time with them from sleep overs to camping at the lake. We would play games, take walks, eat candy and I would feel like the most special person on earth. They truly embody the Christian spirit. And, no one makes a pan of fried okra like my Grandma.

I am thankful for Rick's family. They welcomed me with open arms, and have always been there for us. One of the best perks was becoming an instant Aunt to incredible nieces and nephews. Now my kids look up to their cousins with such admiration.

I am thankful to our extended family, church. They are an extraordinary group of people. Why else would we make a 40 minute drive to church each Sunday? From our closest of friends to those we only see on occasion, each one has lifted us up and made lasting impressions in our life.

There are so many more things to be thankful for such as friends and jobs, to monetary things like a roof over our head. All I can say is my blessings are many.

First Letters

We composed our first letters to Santa. You would think that as a teacher by profession, I could handle instructing three kids at once, but I can't. I tried writing it and letting them copy it, but they really wanted me to spell each of their words to them. Unfortunately for me, they all wanted me to spell their word "right then." So, I was trying to keep three kids on track & happy with different words (abbreviating when possible), which you will see failed miserably. Lucky for me, they don't know and I can handle the translation to Santa.
Translation: Dear Santa/Hulk Muscles (Hulk Hands & mask), Light Saber (build your own light saber), & TV Star (See your self on TV, which he requested for Delaney). JaxonTranslation: Dear Santa/TV Star (See yourself on TV dancing & singing)/ & HSM Stage (High School Musical Stage)/Delaney
Baylor who probably wants the most for Christmas, didn't have the patience to write very much. As he put it, "he was out of room & he would just tell him."

Translation: (Center of page: Dear Santa/ Light with picture (build your own light saber). Baylor

Our Tiny Dancer is Growing

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Thursday was Parent Observation. Two years ago, I watched Delaney play with her skirt and basically stare at me. I was a little worried, but it all went up from there and she began to love dance. She's always loved it so much that she seemed giddy when dancing, almost to the point of losing her poise and composure. I have to admit, I just love seeing her have fun. Although, she still has some balance issues from time to time, and is far from perfect, I can definitely see how hard she is concentrating these days. She's maturing in front of our eyes which is scary. The steps may be simple but needless to say, we are very proud of her.

It's the Thought that Counts

Today, I brought home a nice bouquet of roses given to me by the administrators at my school, as a congratulatory gift for passing my National Boards. Jax kept talking about how pretty they were and then he said, "mom..., I sure wish I could give you flowers." (This must be why all the girls at school love him). I told him I was happy with his kisses. However, a few minutes later, he returned with a small card that he had made. He had wrote "mom" and drawn hearts all over it. He proceeded to take the card out of the flowers and then using scotch tape, he taped his card onto the vase. Smooth talker & resourceful. This could be a dangerous combination.

School Thanksgiving Feast

Rick & I both were able to skip work today to enjoy the kids Thanksgiving Program & Feast. They were very cute singing turkeys.

As I took them to class today, I was able to see thier classroom bulletin which stated the things they were thankful for..

Delaney- mommy, daddy, Baylor, Jaxon, my house & cousins

Jaxon- Turkeys and the sun (he doesn't even eat turkey!)

Baylor- friends and helping others

Slumber Party

The kids have been begging for quite some time to have a slumber party. Rick was out tonight with friends, so I decided tonight was as good as any. We ate pizza, played memory, and then watched Kung Fu Panda with popcorn and candy of course. The boys had seen the movie at the theatre, but they were extremely excited to see it again. At first, the boys were glued to the television. I was all snuggled on the couch, thinking this is really nice. Then, there was Delaney! Up, down, all around, more popcorn, drink, bathroom, questions, more questions,....the girl can wear you out. She is just not a movie person unless it's something she really wants to watch. (Hmm... that actually reminds me of myself). About 30 minutes into the movie, she was actually saying she was ready for bed. She never fell asleep and before the movie was over the boys were up practicing all of their kung fu moves. As they watched the movie, they discussed which moves they knew and had used before. Such imaginations but it was quite cute. After the movie, they felt the need to begin their training right away, but I had to put the damper on the party and remind them of bedtime. It took a little bit for everyone to settle down, but everyone is happily slumbering in the living room. Now, lets hope I will be able to slumber on the couch tonight.

Mall & Muffins!

We girls spent some quality time together this morning. We had a little time to kill before the mall opened so we stopped by Panera. I absolutely love their pumpkin muffin. She insisted on trying chocolate chip . She said she liked it, but I don't think she will be trading in donuts anytime soon. I had a few returns and I was hoping she would pick out a nice dress for Christmas. For the most part, she loves and appreciates anything I buy her. But when it comes to dresses, she has a mind of her own. I really wanted the traditional holiday dress, but she just wasn't going for it. The last thing I needed was to spend a lot of money on something she refuses to wear so that she can have a melt down each Sunday. It's really just not worth the battle. So, we settled on more of a casual black and while checked jumper from Gymboree. I guess we will add some Christmas tights or a red turtle neck.