White Christmas

It snowed most of the day on Christmas Eve. The boys were thrilled that they would get a white Christmas. On Christmas itself the skies cleared and we had a lovely day, free of falling snow. I'm not trying to be a snow Grinch, but we had to drive to and from Bryan's grandparents' house, and I prefer the roads to be clear for such a jaunt.

Then yesterday the heavens opened. It snowed. And snowed. And snowed. Bryan shoveled our front walk five times yesterday. And then it continued to snow overnight and this morning. This afternoon we bundled up and the kids got to use their new snow boots (thank you Nana Shari!) as we jumped around in the fluffy white powder.

Can you see how tall the snow is compared to Phoebe? It was almost up to her waist. She had to be rescued a few times because she became stuck while trying to chase the boys.

Ballerina Fairy Princess

Phoebe had a very pink Christmas. It was full of ballerina-themed clothing, pink toys, and general girlishness. In fact, she spent part of Christmas day as a ballerina fairy princess.

And yes, I know the picture is blurry, but it's the best one I took. Two-year-olds move fast.

The Nativity

A few weeks ago the kids decided they wanted to stage their own performance of the Nativity. As a child I would try to wrangle my brothers into participating in Christmas musicals that I had put together, so their artistic attempt spoke to my soul.

Phoebe played Mary, Cooper was Joseph, and Peter had the dual role of director and donkey. I love the costumes and the improvised curtain. However, I'm afraid Peter had a hard time getting his actors to follow directions.

The play is in two parts. You'll know why I had to stop filming when you get to the end of the first section.



Once appropriate consequences had been doled out, the play was able to go on. Listen carefully to what Phoebe is saying, especially at the end. Her ad-libs are definitely my favorite part.



It's not the most reverent interpretation, but I love that they were trying to celebrate Christmas, and that their Holiday performance didn't include any elves.

Merry Christmas!

Like Ambien, but Without the Pesky Side Effects

When simply reading the book isn't enough to put you to sleep...

Heartbreak

I had a handful of things to write about this week, and I kept putting it off. Then this morning happened. Now all I can think about is the families that have lost their children. I've cried. I've delivered extra kisses and hugs and "I love you"s to Peter, Cooper, and Phoebe. I've thought about home school. I've prayed, over and over and over.

I'll come up with something happy and funny next week. Tonight, my heart is too broken.

My Plans for Sunday Evening

In case you're curious what I've been up to for the last month, here it is:

I didn't make the announcement (I have a friend who's a graphic designer that worked her magic), but I am in charge of the whole shindig. It happens on Sunday evening and on Sunday night I hope to go to sleep before 1 am. But I suppose that would be Monday morning?

Anyway, I've been spending most of my time (when I'm not doing dishes, or laundry, or taking care of my children) working on this fireside. It was my brainchild, and I think it'll be awesome, but wow, it sure is a lot of work.

Well, I need to go edit the script so I can send it off to my narrator. By the way, I removed the location from the announcement, but if anyone local wants to come, let me know and I'll tell you where to go.