Christmas 2009

Okay, so I know it is almost February. Sorry. Our computer died over a month ago and it took us that long to realize that we needed a new one. I will do my best to remember what happened over the holidays.

On Christmas Eve, we went over to Chris' parents house to celebrate with all of his family. The kids all had a ball playing together. Unfortunately, I lost my memory card and was unable to take any pictures. My mother-in-law cooked a wonderful meal as usual and then we opened gifts. We tried to leave in time to get all of our own stuff ready and had to go in search of a memory card.

After returning home from every drugstore in Lumberton, we had to prepare for Santa's arrival. We put out the reindeer food (glitter and trail mix on the lawn for the reindeer to spot our house), cookies and milk for Santa and the celery for the reindeer. Since we did not have any carrots on hand, we decided that reindeer really like celery better anyway. We then performed my family tradition of opening one gift. It was always so exciting to open a gift on Christmas Eve for my sister and I even though we always knew that it was pajamas. This is the year of superheros, so that is what Ethan received and Emerson received pajamas complete with a tutu...which she hated, by the way.

Before going to bed, we read the kids the Christmas story. It is a tradition in Chris' family to read it before opening gifts on Christmas morning. I loved the whole idea of it, but always felt so bad for those kids having to wait to rip open those presents! Needless to say, we are changing it up a bit! We started a new tradition this year as well. I bought the book Elf on a Shelf which comes with a little elf. You name the elf and he "moves" each night to a new location in your house. Ethan named ours Jeffrey because for the past two years, he has wanted me to have a baby and name him Jeffrey. If it was a girl, you guessed it, Jeffrey too. The children are not allowed to touch him and he is there to report to Santa. When I asked Ethan what he wanted for Christmas, he informed me that he already told Jeffrey.

Christmas morning...it gets more and more fun for Chris and I each year. Ethan woke up first and came to wake us up. He whispered to Chris, "Daddy, Santa really came!" It was so sweet not only him saying that, but trying not to wake Emerson and I. Apparently, Jeffrey told Santa that Ethan wanted a scooter that made fire. That was by far his favorite gift and Emerson's was her Barbie Jeep.

My mom and RT came on Christmas night, so to the kids, it was Christmas all over again! She always goes above and beyond! All in all, it was a great Christmas! I will try to do better at updating from now on!

2009 Christmas Program

We attended Ethan's Christmas program at his school today. They sang a few songs and then Santa came for a visit! Ethan made us so proud by singing and dancing! However, I could tell that he was a bit nervous. He does not look like he is going to be our public speaker! That is okay with us because we are both the same way. Emerson was scared of Santa, but Ethan waited patiently for his turn with the big guy. I took quite a few videos because I am good friends with one of Ethan's classmates mother and she is in the hospital. She is 25 weeks pregnant and has been put on bed rest for at least two weeks to help stop labor. Please keep her in your prayers.

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Thank God for Aunt Gingie! Emerson sat with her throughout the entire program!

My little Christmas angels!

Apparently I am not the only parent who shops at Hartstrings! Ethan thought it was so cool. He said that when he saw Ian, he said, "We're twins!"

Thanksgiving

I was so excited about Ethan's new accomplishment (riding his bike without training wheels) that I neglected to blog about Thanksgiving. We had such a nice relaxing time at home, just the four of us. I had every intention of cooking, but Chris encouraged me not to. Now, that could be taken two ways, BUT I am certain he was referring to the fact that it was just us. No reason to spend the extra money when the kids wouldn't have eaten half of what I would have cooked. I did keep with my family's tradition of having heavy hors d'oeuvres though and then we went out to dinner. I did not take any pictures other than the videos, but I do have pictures in the album of Ethan's Thanksgiving Day Feast at his school.

Proud

Five

Five years old. My little boy is growing up so incredibly quick. Too quick. It was a bittersweet day for me on Thursday. I don't think that Ethan thought he actually turned five until Saturday, when he had his cake. The cupcake cake that we brought to his school on Friday didn't even count as his birthday to him! We celebrated from Thursday to Saturday! On Thursday, we went with some friends to the North Carolina Symphony. That evening we let him pick where he wanted to eat and he chose Outback. He loves the "long" macaroni and cheese. On Friday, as I mentioned, Chris and I brought a cupcake cake to his school and had a little party for him. Saturday was the big bowling party! With over 20 kids, it was a success to say the least! That was the first time that I have ever been to a bowling party and it was very easy. Ethan was very grateful for everything that he received. I am so glad that we are blessed with so many great friends and family. I have not looked through the photos very well, but went ahead and posted them anyway. There are tons of them!

Ethan Christopher - born at 4:44 pm!

The Symphony Crew - Ms. Gladys, Amanda, Isaiah, Maggie, Caleb & Ethan (Grandma had her very first symphony experience as well!).

Ethan's fancy footwork!

Emerson's first bowling experience.

My superhero!

Daddy, There's A Monster In The Garage!

Happy Fall Y'all!