Welcome Fish

Our tank is still a little too cloudy to show off our 3 fish, but oh my, were the kids excited.

Only 1 has been officially named. I think Ryan would change their names everyday if his brother's would let him.

Feeding time is a big hit around here.

 I love that our fish live under this art, I made last year. How appropriate and totally unplanned.

Full House

After seeing Mim off on the train, early Sat morning, we welcomed the Nesbit family that afternoon. We were thrilled to host them for the weekend. We have missed their whole family SO much. The kids did not skip a beat. It's amazing how all 3 boys line-up with the same interests. 

The older 2 love anything sports. The middle 2, video games. The younger 2, well they just enjoy being their age and not having to do what the older ones choose for them ;)

 They managed to squeeze in some football and went to a college basketball game Sunday afternoon.

Erin and I had a great time catching up and we actually relaxed too. Amazing ;)

Christmas Day

"We have awaited His arrival with joy and repentance, expectancy and hope, and now he's here. He's here!...

Our Lord has appeared — the embodiment of the boldest, most beautiful, most personal invitation we could ever hope to receive." She Reads Truth 12/27

Christmas as the mother, reminds me just how weary the world can be. The pressures seem endless and unless we are looking at the gift of Jesus and his redemption it can be very difficult to rejoice. But rejoicing we did, not perfectly of course, there are plenty of other verbs I can think of as well.

My favorite moment was during the drive home from my parents on Christmas Day night, in the dark van, in the middle seat holding Avery's hand (or she will cry bc she is afraid of driving at night) Mason and Ryan realized we forgot to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus, when we had our cake. So they sang and both ended with "we love you Jesus." Melt my heart, hear the angels singing... no matter how imperfectly we do Christmas, our weary hearts rejoiced and this momma was reminded that God can work despite it all.

Christmas Eve dinner was at our house this year, after 4 pm service.

 Salmon, asparagus, lemon rice and bread

I gave EJ's Italian Grandmother's Cannolli Cream recipe a try. The shells were from a bakery. I am not that brave. My hubby was happy!

  Christmas Morning, before the mad dash.

 I delighted and savored his simply-joy. Could be the last year :(

 She totally got into it this year. Plus, her favorite hobby is tearing paper, score!

 Breakfast before the rest of the presents were open.

 

EJ opening Mason's gift - better to give than receive, says that smile.

 Ryan's big gift - his first pet. The tank is now set up and ready to house it's first fishes.

Avery can now jump as much as her heart desires and it won't be at the expense of our backs and shoulders.

 Christmas Day Evening was hosted by my parents. This allowed most of us an afternoon nap :)

A rare moment when my children left Tripp alone. He is SO adored by our kids.

 I am so blessed to celebrate Christmas with so many family members. I truly enjoyed it, even in the chaos.

From Our Family To Yours

I love designing our Christmas card each year. This one was no exception. 

We hope your family had a wonderful Christmas.

Leading up to Christmas

I chose the blurring one b/c that's how she rolls.

 I LOVE planning the meals and food for Christmas. I didn't sit here long b/c pinterest is my friend.

 Mason "black bear" 2nd grade performance. Third row, far left.

 

 Ryan's Christmas school party on Friday. Right after the party we picked Mim up from the train station.

 

Sat. Owen started coming down with a dreadful cold, croup-style. Text for EJ at store :( 

 

Mim allowing me to cross things of my list. Including Costco with NO kids. Yes, thank you!

We tried the no kit version this year. I suppose the candy tastes better but that's about it. Much tricker to assemble than I thought.

Now, (tues) Owen is better but Mim is down for the count :( I still managed a quick trip to the grocery store with only one in tow. She had a blast helping. I usually have way too much for her to push a little cart.

Our tradition for the Christmas table is handmade place sitting labels. I never know who is going to want to help. I only take volunteers ;) Ryan was my helper this year.

We are almost ready. And praying no one else gets sick! We are hosting Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day Breakfast, but Christmas dinner will be at my parents this year. Switching it up this year.