It was a hit. Well, except that Aidan kicked all of our behinds on the trivia part. He may have had an unfair advantage on that one.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Nevada-opoly
Aidan was assigned a project on the state of Nevada. He could chose among several options, but he opted to do a game, Monopoly style on Nevada. He designed a board, game cards, money and even trivia questions. When it was all complete, he asked that we have a family game night to try it out.
It was a hit. Well, except that Aidan kicked all of our behinds on the trivia part. He may have had an unfair advantage on that one.
It was a hit. Well, except that Aidan kicked all of our behinds on the trivia part. He may have had an unfair advantage on that one.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Close of Basketball Season
Aidan had his last basketball game this past Wednesday night. We were all sad to see the season over and frankly, I was surprised by this feeling of sadness because the season made life a little hectic and a whole lot crazy. We were running here, there and everywhere to get to games at schools I have never even heard of before. Last Saturday, he actually had back to back games. A game at his school, a twenty minute drive, and a second game at a school. Add in Brennan having his own youth basketball game and Griffin having dance class, and well, we were up and running around for our entire day.
I think I am sad to see it end because I enjoyed watching Aidan grow this season. He grew more confident at the game and more self assured as a team mate. I was truly proud of the progress he made. I feel really grateful that we are at a school where he can be on athletic teams at a young age and play with such great kids.
During his last game, Aidan played almost the entire game. It was honestly the best I have ever seen him play. But the highlight for me, was when he fouled someone. He fouled someone! I actually cheered a small, quiet cheer and the moms sitting next to me all gasped when they saw Aidan had actually got a foul. Compared to the other kids on the team, Aidan just isn't that aggressive, but to get a foul, was a huge stride for him.
But of course, the funniest moment of the whole thing was one of the other moms starts laughing and says to me, "But look at Aidan's face! He is so appalled that he fouled someone."
And he was. He looked truly aghast and confused. It was pretty funny to see his face. I only wish I had a picture of it.
After the game was over, I went over to grab Aidan to take him home. I thanked the coach for a great season and gave Aidan a hug. The minute I hugged him, he started to cry. He just didn't want the season to be over.
My sweet boy.
It was a great experience for him.
Brennan has a few more weeks left on his basketball season. He has also been playing really well and is known for being a bit aggressive during his games. Brennan's coach has been working with him on learning to pass the ball to his team mates, instead of Brennan's normal MO which is steal the ball, dribble it down the court and go in for the shot of glory.
I talked to Brennan about passing the ball and listening to his coach about working as a team and he cocked his head and made a face. "I get they want me to pass the ball Momma, but anytime I pass the ball my teammate loses it. Why shouldn't I just keep the ball to make my basket and get the points?"
Hmmm, I had to swallow a big laugh and let Chris handle that one. Because as a known ball hog myself in my tennis matches, I sort of get Brennan. (As Chris always says to me, "you want to play doubles as a singles player." It's sort of true.)
Brennan is in a house league for our town. He is eligible, by age, to play in the house league for another year. I emailed his coach to ask if I should keep Brennan in the house league for next year. I have to admit, I wasn't surprised when the coach told me that Brennan "absolutely" should not play in this league for next year, but that he needs something with more competition. We will have to go on the hunt for another league for Brennan.
This, of course, means that next year when Griffin is eligible to play in the house basketball league, we will have three boys in three different leagues playing during the same season. I have seen the future and it looks like it is going to give me a nervous breakdown. And it is fairly likely I will be in my car on the way to a basketball game when I have that nervous breakdown.
I think I am sad to see it end because I enjoyed watching Aidan grow this season. He grew more confident at the game and more self assured as a team mate. I was truly proud of the progress he made. I feel really grateful that we are at a school where he can be on athletic teams at a young age and play with such great kids.
During his last game, Aidan played almost the entire game. It was honestly the best I have ever seen him play. But the highlight for me, was when he fouled someone. He fouled someone! I actually cheered a small, quiet cheer and the moms sitting next to me all gasped when they saw Aidan had actually got a foul. Compared to the other kids on the team, Aidan just isn't that aggressive, but to get a foul, was a huge stride for him.
But of course, the funniest moment of the whole thing was one of the other moms starts laughing and says to me, "But look at Aidan's face! He is so appalled that he fouled someone."
And he was. He looked truly aghast and confused. It was pretty funny to see his face. I only wish I had a picture of it.
After the game was over, I went over to grab Aidan to take him home. I thanked the coach for a great season and gave Aidan a hug. The minute I hugged him, he started to cry. He just didn't want the season to be over.
My sweet boy.
It was a great experience for him.
Brennan has a few more weeks left on his basketball season. He has also been playing really well and is known for being a bit aggressive during his games. Brennan's coach has been working with him on learning to pass the ball to his team mates, instead of Brennan's normal MO which is steal the ball, dribble it down the court and go in for the shot of glory.
I talked to Brennan about passing the ball and listening to his coach about working as a team and he cocked his head and made a face. "I get they want me to pass the ball Momma, but anytime I pass the ball my teammate loses it. Why shouldn't I just keep the ball to make my basket and get the points?"
Hmmm, I had to swallow a big laugh and let Chris handle that one. Because as a known ball hog myself in my tennis matches, I sort of get Brennan. (As Chris always says to me, "you want to play doubles as a singles player." It's sort of true.)
Brennan is in a house league for our town. He is eligible, by age, to play in the house league for another year. I emailed his coach to ask if I should keep Brennan in the house league for next year. I have to admit, I wasn't surprised when the coach told me that Brennan "absolutely" should not play in this league for next year, but that he needs something with more competition. We will have to go on the hunt for another league for Brennan.
This, of course, means that next year when Griffin is eligible to play in the house basketball league, we will have three boys in three different leagues playing during the same season. I have seen the future and it looks like it is going to give me a nervous breakdown. And it is fairly likely I will be in my car on the way to a basketball game when I have that nervous breakdown.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Happy Valentine's Day!
Because nothing says Happy Valentine's Day like an airplane dropping bombs on a tank.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Thursday, February 07, 2013
Skating!
Good friends of mine may qualify for world's coolest parents ever because they built an ice skating rink in their front yard.
An ice skating rink in their front yard! With hockey nets! My boys' eyes may have exploded right out of their heads with excitement when they discovered this rink.
They invited us over to try out the rink after school last week. Thankfully, my aunts do not throw away any athletic equipment, so we are equipped with hockey skates in about every size you can imagine. I dug through our bin of cast offs and quickly found pairs to fit each of my boys. I have to admit thought, I was a bit worried about the whole endeavor. While Aidan and Brennan had taken ice skating lessons, Griffin has never set foot on an ice rink. I wasn't sure how this would go, but I envisioned us spending some time at the ER later that night.
Aidan did great on the ice. He was quickly engaged in a pick up game of hockey with his buddy David. Brennan was quick on the ice, but he was also a force. Seriously, watching him skate takes about ten years off my life. He has no fear. He goes about a hundred miles an hour. And he falls. A lot. Hard falls that make me want to grind my teeth. (And when I saw his bruised legs later that night, I almost cried. But it doesn't bother Brennan. It never does.) Every time he falls, he gets right back off and takes off at the same speed. He has no sense of caution or starting something slowly.
Griffin was a little slower to start, but even he got going. A lot of falling and some nice falls on his butt, but he loved every second of it.
The boys didn't want to leave. I have a feeling they are going to start hinting to Chris that we need our own ice skating rink in our front yard. Good lord, help me. If that happens, Brennan may not make it to the age of nine without a body part being put in a cast.
An ice skating rink in their front yard! With hockey nets! My boys' eyes may have exploded right out of their heads with excitement when they discovered this rink.
They invited us over to try out the rink after school last week. Thankfully, my aunts do not throw away any athletic equipment, so we are equipped with hockey skates in about every size you can imagine. I dug through our bin of cast offs and quickly found pairs to fit each of my boys. I have to admit thought, I was a bit worried about the whole endeavor. While Aidan and Brennan had taken ice skating lessons, Griffin has never set foot on an ice rink. I wasn't sure how this would go, but I envisioned us spending some time at the ER later that night.
Aidan did great on the ice. He was quickly engaged in a pick up game of hockey with his buddy David. Brennan was quick on the ice, but he was also a force. Seriously, watching him skate takes about ten years off my life. He has no fear. He goes about a hundred miles an hour. And he falls. A lot. Hard falls that make me want to grind my teeth. (And when I saw his bruised legs later that night, I almost cried. But it doesn't bother Brennan. It never does.) Every time he falls, he gets right back off and takes off at the same speed. He has no sense of caution or starting something slowly.
Griffin was a little slower to start, but even he got going. A lot of falling and some nice falls on his butt, but he loved every second of it.
The boys didn't want to leave. I have a feeling they are going to start hinting to Chris that we need our own ice skating rink in our front yard. Good lord, help me. If that happens, Brennan may not make it to the age of nine without a body part being put in a cast.
Friday, February 01, 2013
Basketball, Tournament Style
Aidan is playing on his school's JV basketball team. JV is essentially a team composed of fifth and sixth graders. While Aidan has played basketball before as part of our town's youth league, there is something about being on a team with his buddies that has made it click a little more for him. He seems to be more invested in the sport this time around and that confidence is definitely showing when he plays in a game.
His team is almost finished with their season. The coach operates under an equal playing time rule, but he definitely has grouped the players according to ability. Aidan started on the C line, moved up to the B line, and then got some time playing on the A line. We were all really proud of his progress.
This week, Aidan's team will have their first game in a two week tournament that is a big deal for his school. His school is the host school and it is quite an event. Before the first tournament game, all the parents received an email from Aidan's coach letting us know that as this is a tournament, most of the teams playing will only play their most competitive players. Therefore, the coach has also decided that he will only play his most competitive players. This means that some members of Aidan's team may not play very much, if at all. The coach did not identify which players will play.
I got the email and read it to Chris. I am going to be honest, I was pretty bummed about it. I understood the coach's decision and respected it, but as a parent, I was so proud of Aidan's progress that it was hard to think of him sitting the bench for the next two weeks of games. But I know that it is important for kids to understand that if you want to play, you have to work hard and show your stuff. In life, there is no equal opportunity playing rules. You have to fight. You have to work your butt off. And you have to want it.
Before the first tournament game, I let Aidan know about the coach's email so he understood that he may not play this time around. I also told him that should he get the chance to play, he has to go all out. He has to be aggressive. He has to want the ball. He has to show the coach that he deserves to be on that court.
Most JV games begin with little or no fanfare. No music. No announcements. But as this was a tournament, the gym was filled with pre-game music as the players warmed up. Then, an announcer invited the teams to line up so they could announce each player. Aidan's team was announced first. As the players were announced one by one, I saw Aidan near the end of the line of players. Then the announcer yelled, "And Nativity's starting line up for tonight!" The music swelled. People cheered. And the announcer announced the last five players for Aidan's team.
Aidan was on the starting line up. I swear, he looked right up at me in the stands and just grinned as he ran onto the court to cheers after his name was announced. My heart felt like it could burst from the sheer joy in his face in that moment. It was his moment. And I felt so blessed to be there to share in it with him.
Aidan played the entire game. I couldn't believe it. There was a play in the game when one of the other players tried to steal the ball from him and Aidan grabbed onto that ball like his life depended upon it. His face was fierce. He wanted that ball. The mom sitting next to me commented, "Wow, look at his face!"
It was a new side to Aidan. A new aggressive fierceness.
His team lost, but only by two baskets. But after the game was over, Aidan ran over to Chris and me, sweaty and tired, but oh so happy. And of course, the first thing he asked was if I saw that moment when the other team tried to steal the ball from him, but he refused to give it up. I knew exactly what he was talking about.
I was so proud of my sweet little boy, who is learning a whole new side of himself. It's a beautiful thing to get to watch and cheer on from the sidelines.
His team is almost finished with their season. The coach operates under an equal playing time rule, but he definitely has grouped the players according to ability. Aidan started on the C line, moved up to the B line, and then got some time playing on the A line. We were all really proud of his progress.
This week, Aidan's team will have their first game in a two week tournament that is a big deal for his school. His school is the host school and it is quite an event. Before the first tournament game, all the parents received an email from Aidan's coach letting us know that as this is a tournament, most of the teams playing will only play their most competitive players. Therefore, the coach has also decided that he will only play his most competitive players. This means that some members of Aidan's team may not play very much, if at all. The coach did not identify which players will play.
I got the email and read it to Chris. I am going to be honest, I was pretty bummed about it. I understood the coach's decision and respected it, but as a parent, I was so proud of Aidan's progress that it was hard to think of him sitting the bench for the next two weeks of games. But I know that it is important for kids to understand that if you want to play, you have to work hard and show your stuff. In life, there is no equal opportunity playing rules. You have to fight. You have to work your butt off. And you have to want it.
Before the first tournament game, I let Aidan know about the coach's email so he understood that he may not play this time around. I also told him that should he get the chance to play, he has to go all out. He has to be aggressive. He has to want the ball. He has to show the coach that he deserves to be on that court.
Most JV games begin with little or no fanfare. No music. No announcements. But as this was a tournament, the gym was filled with pre-game music as the players warmed up. Then, an announcer invited the teams to line up so they could announce each player. Aidan's team was announced first. As the players were announced one by one, I saw Aidan near the end of the line of players. Then the announcer yelled, "And Nativity's starting line up for tonight!" The music swelled. People cheered. And the announcer announced the last five players for Aidan's team.
Aidan was on the starting line up. I swear, he looked right up at me in the stands and just grinned as he ran onto the court to cheers after his name was announced. My heart felt like it could burst from the sheer joy in his face in that moment. It was his moment. And I felt so blessed to be there to share in it with him.
Aidan played the entire game. I couldn't believe it. There was a play in the game when one of the other players tried to steal the ball from him and Aidan grabbed onto that ball like his life depended upon it. His face was fierce. He wanted that ball. The mom sitting next to me commented, "Wow, look at his face!"
It was a new side to Aidan. A new aggressive fierceness.
His team lost, but only by two baskets. But after the game was over, Aidan ran over to Chris and me, sweaty and tired, but oh so happy. And of course, the first thing he asked was if I saw that moment when the other team tried to steal the ball from him, but he refused to give it up. I knew exactly what he was talking about.
I was so proud of my sweet little boy, who is learning a whole new side of himself. It's a beautiful thing to get to watch and cheer on from the sidelines.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Who Knows it All?
The mornings can be a bit crazy in our house during the week, particularly Monday mornings. The craziness is only compounded when the school has designated the day as a "special" non-uniform day, but requiring each child wear some random color.
Today: no uniforms, but boys must wear white shirts and jeans. You would think it would be easy-peasy to pick out non-uniform, white shirts, but I am here to inform you, it is almost impossible. After many a trial and error, we settled on "mostly-white" as working out for each of the boys. I spent all morning during this trial and error session thankful for school uniforms. I could never make it without them.
After the slight delay brought on by the switch in attire, we were rushing around to get the boys' backpacks up and ready to go so Chris could drop them at school. Griffin was putting his backpack on his back, when he stopped and said to me, "Oh, Mom, I have to ask you something really important."
As he said this, Aidan and Brennan were already on their way out the door. He watched them go anxiously and said, "You know what, Mom. don't worry about it. I will ask Aidan. He knows everything anyway."
Thank goodness for uniforms and Aidan, who knows everything anyway. What would we do without them?
Today: no uniforms, but boys must wear white shirts and jeans. You would think it would be easy-peasy to pick out non-uniform, white shirts, but I am here to inform you, it is almost impossible. After many a trial and error, we settled on "mostly-white" as working out for each of the boys. I spent all morning during this trial and error session thankful for school uniforms. I could never make it without them.
After the slight delay brought on by the switch in attire, we were rushing around to get the boys' backpacks up and ready to go so Chris could drop them at school. Griffin was putting his backpack on his back, when he stopped and said to me, "Oh, Mom, I have to ask you something really important."
As he said this, Aidan and Brennan were already on their way out the door. He watched them go anxiously and said, "You know what, Mom. don't worry about it. I will ask Aidan. He knows everything anyway."
Thank goodness for uniforms and Aidan, who knows everything anyway. What would we do without them?
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Family Band
Brennan has been obsessed with drums for about three years. He has begged and pleaded for a drum set, and Santa held him off for us by bringing him an electronic drum kit a Christmas or so ago. But now, the electronic drums just won't do. He must drum. On real drums.
He has been researching drum kits, their cost and counting up every penny he owns to see if he can afford the splurge. Today, Chris mentioned this to my Aunt Nancy at Brennan's basketball game. She laughed and said, she had a drum set for Brennan and he could pick it up today.
Brennan was in drum set heaven. And he didn't even have to bust into his piggy bank for it!
The boys were even more thrilled when my Aunt also threw in an electronic guitar and an amp. Chris set up all the instruments in the basement, including a mike for Griffin to sing to his hearts' content.
And so the band of "Death Rock" was born. They named it all by themselves. Griffin has already composed his own hit he entitled "All I Want to Do with You and Me Tonight." It's quite catchy.
They are currently touring basements everywhere.
We will throw in some earplugs for free.
He has been researching drum kits, their cost and counting up every penny he owns to see if he can afford the splurge. Today, Chris mentioned this to my Aunt Nancy at Brennan's basketball game. She laughed and said, she had a drum set for Brennan and he could pick it up today.
Brennan was in drum set heaven. And he didn't even have to bust into his piggy bank for it!
The boys were even more thrilled when my Aunt also threw in an electronic guitar and an amp. Chris set up all the instruments in the basement, including a mike for Griffin to sing to his hearts' content.
And so the band of "Death Rock" was born. They named it all by themselves. Griffin has already composed his own hit he entitled "All I Want to Do with You and Me Tonight." It's quite catchy.
They are currently touring basements everywhere.
We will throw in some earplugs for free.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
From the Kids View
I love seeing the world through my boys' eyes, particularly when they are engaged in conversation and telling it like they see it. Tonight at dinner, we were discussing a mom of a boy in Griffin's class. This mom is a casual friend of mine, and we know the family fairly well. This particular mom does not have a cell phone.
Gasp. No cell phone. No one could believe it, the boys or Chris. I mentioned that I don't think I could live a cell phone less life, particularly on the days I work because I like knowing the boys can get ahold of me if they need me.
"But what does Mrs. (insert name) do on the days she works with no cell phone?" Aidan asks.
"Well, she doesn't have a job, so it's probably not as much an issue for her," I replied.
All three boys gasp (yet again.) No cell phone AND no job. They were incredulous. I, of course, was incredulous that they were so shocked as we live in a suburb ripe with moms that stay at home. My boys may not be the most observant kiddies in the bunch.
"But what does she do then?" Brennan asks.
Griffin interjects with authority, as Griffin always does, "She babysits all her kids all day. Isn't that right Momma? She has a whole lot of kids to babysit."
This mom does, indeed, have six kids under the age of 7. So, yes she has a whole lot of kiddies to keep track of.
Griffin wasn't done with the discussion, however, "So, momma, how many jobs do you have?"
"I only have one job. I am a lawyer."
"You don't do work at home?"
"Well, I do some work at home, on the days I don't have to go into my office."
"One of the moms in my class is a homework mom." Griffin says, seriously.
"A homeroom mom?" I ask, confused.
"No, a homeworking mom." He retorts.
"Oh, she works at home, instead of an office."
"Yes, that's what I said."
Exactly.
Gasp. No cell phone. No one could believe it, the boys or Chris. I mentioned that I don't think I could live a cell phone less life, particularly on the days I work because I like knowing the boys can get ahold of me if they need me.
"But what does Mrs. (insert name) do on the days she works with no cell phone?" Aidan asks.
"Well, she doesn't have a job, so it's probably not as much an issue for her," I replied.
All three boys gasp (yet again.) No cell phone AND no job. They were incredulous. I, of course, was incredulous that they were so shocked as we live in a suburb ripe with moms that stay at home. My boys may not be the most observant kiddies in the bunch.
"But what does she do then?" Brennan asks.
Griffin interjects with authority, as Griffin always does, "She babysits all her kids all day. Isn't that right Momma? She has a whole lot of kids to babysit."
This mom does, indeed, have six kids under the age of 7. So, yes she has a whole lot of kiddies to keep track of.
Griffin wasn't done with the discussion, however, "So, momma, how many jobs do you have?"
"I only have one job. I am a lawyer."
"You don't do work at home?"
"Well, I do some work at home, on the days I don't have to go into my office."
"One of the moms in my class is a homework mom." Griffin says, seriously.
"A homeroom mom?" I ask, confused.
"No, a homeworking mom." He retorts.
"Oh, she works at home, instead of an office."
"Yes, that's what I said."
Exactly.
Friday, January 11, 2013
He Shall Take a Wife
I tried a new recipe for dinner this evening. My mom bought me a Ninja cooker for christmas and I am frankly in love with it. This has led to me digging out endless recipes that require some aspect of slow cooking to them. Tonight we went Asian, and I drummed up Orange Chicken.
Surprisingly, the boys loved it. Chris also liked it. He complimented me on it and jokingly I told the boys to listen closely to how nicely their Daddy is talking to me about my cooking because someday they should do the same with their own wives.
Brennan nodded sagely, "When I take a wife, I am going to make sure I like her cooking."
My B. He shall take a wife. And she shall cook. So be it.
Surprisingly, the boys loved it. Chris also liked it. He complimented me on it and jokingly I told the boys to listen closely to how nicely their Daddy is talking to me about my cooking because someday they should do the same with their own wives.
Brennan nodded sagely, "When I take a wife, I am going to make sure I like her cooking."
My B. He shall take a wife. And she shall cook. So be it.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Our Pup
Our pup Chewy is by far, one of the best decisions I have made. He is well loved in our house, by the boys and also by me. He is just one big ball of fluff looking for constant affection. And I know I am a bit biased, but he may just be the cutest, sweetest pup ever.
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Monday, December 31, 2012
Christmas: Mulling it Over
I love Christmas. It is truly my most favorite time of year. The carols, the decorations, the presents, the cookies, the, well, magic of it all is just compounded when you have children. But this year, kicked my behind a little bit. I think the holidays always can be a bit overwhelming, but this year overwhelming turned into nervous breakdown territory.
It was all a bit much for me. I still loved it, but I also hated it for a few minutes here and there. And I hate that I hated it, because more than anything, I want to soak it up, reveling in it. Looking back through this season, I realize much of what caused me to feel like it was too much was simply out of my control. I had a friend's wedding and friends visiting from out of town, friends' birthdays to celebrate, mandatory holiday events that just couldn't be missed. It was all good stuff, all things that were wonderfully fun, but sometimes even a whole lot of good can be too much good. And all that good pushed me to little sleep, resulting in my getting sick and hacking up a lung for a good two weeks.
But the aftermath of Christmas has been perfection. It is all I need right now. We have had endless days of pajamas, reading books and watching movies. There has been no pressure to go anywhere or be anywhere but here. Simple.
This Christmas, my favorite part of the holidays may not have been the holidays, but the end of the holidays, the days of laziness greeting us after all the hustle and bustle.
It was all a bit much for me. I still loved it, but I also hated it for a few minutes here and there. And I hate that I hated it, because more than anything, I want to soak it up, reveling in it. Looking back through this season, I realize much of what caused me to feel like it was too much was simply out of my control. I had a friend's wedding and friends visiting from out of town, friends' birthdays to celebrate, mandatory holiday events that just couldn't be missed. It was all good stuff, all things that were wonderfully fun, but sometimes even a whole lot of good can be too much good. And all that good pushed me to little sleep, resulting in my getting sick and hacking up a lung for a good two weeks.
But the aftermath of Christmas has been perfection. It is all I need right now. We have had endless days of pajamas, reading books and watching movies. There has been no pressure to go anywhere or be anywhere but here. Simple.
This Christmas, my favorite part of the holidays may not have been the holidays, but the end of the holidays, the days of laziness greeting us after all the hustle and bustle.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Christmas: In Words
As is the tradition in our family, Christmas is not just a day, but a string of days full of family and presents. We started our celebration the Saturday before Christmas with an opening of an abundance of presents at my mom's house.
With the number of presents and strewn wrapping paper on the floor, it could have (should have) counted as Christmas. But instead, it is merely a prelude. Above the multitude of presents they opened, the boys loved the lap desks my mom found and personalized for them, fluffy lap desks with secret compartments. I had already swooned over my brand spankin' new dishwasher my mom treated us to and had installed for us earlier that week, but then she went and surprised me with my new Ninja cooking system.
I was so excited I may have yelped. My brothers mocked my joy, but nothing says happy like a mom with a new crockpot. A crockpot that can roast a turkey! Yippee! I am a simple person. Truly.
After the presents were opened and much wine had been drank, we feasted on pizza, wings and subs before indulging in a chocolate fountain. The boys truly enjoyed the fountain. Brennan left a stream of chocolate here, there and everywhere: on his face, his hands, his shirt, his pants. I think he liked it.
The next day, Sunday, we celebrated Christmas with Chris's parents. More presents, more pizza and subs, and a whole lot of lego building while we took in the football game.
Christmas celebration, day three brought us Christmas Eve, my most favorite time of the year. We enjoyed an evening at my Nana and Grandpa's with our entire family. Every time I walk into a celebration like this surrounded by my family, I feel so blessed, because above all, we like each other. We enjoy each other. And boy, do we have much fun together. One of my favorite moments came when I hugged my uncle Tim hello. He grinned and said to me, "I love my family." I have to agree. Our family is full of good people.
We feasted on Nana's homemade sauce and meatballs. Chris soaked up some veal, with some good natured bickering by the men over who was hogging the veal supply. And we all enjoyed telling stories and giggling over many a good bottle of wine.
Uncle Seth and Aunt Tennille's presents to the boys were a highlight for all the "boys" on Christmas Eve. Seth had ordered the boys three remote control helicopters that shoot each other with lasers in the air. By mistake, he had placed the order twice, which gave us six helicopters for play on Christmas Eve. Travis, my cousins Patrick and Liam were quick to jump in with offers to give the helicopters a good home. The rest of us spent the night dodging helicopters engaged in mid-air laser combat.
The next day, Christmas came bright and early, the boys begging for us to get out of bed at 6:45. Griffin confessed that he had wanted to sleep more, but Brennan kept shaking him asking "Are you awake? Are you awake? Are you awake?" Until finally, Griffin said, "I just got up. I guess I was awake!"
We opened presents for what seemed like hours. Aidan loved his new set of Lord of the Rings books. We are planning on reading the Hobbit together, like our own little book club. Brennan was beyond excited over his new kindle, already loaded up with books for him to read. And Griffin, well he was thrilled to finally have his own iPod touch with all his own music for singing and dancing.
My favorite moment of Christmas morning was when Griffin closed the door to the playroom for some alone time. From behind the closed doors, we could hear his music playing from his iPod touch and then, he started singing loudly along with the music, jumping and dancing around the room. After twenty minutes or so, he opened the door, sweaty and grinning from ear to ear.
My little singer and dancer.
We spent the day in our pajamas, building legos, listening to music, watching movies and reading books. It was a family day, relaxing at home. There were more presents to be had though! Uncle Travis and Aunt Lynda stopped over with laser tag for the boys. It was a huge hit as the boys loaded it up to battle each other (and Uncle Travis.)
That night, we enjoyed Christmas dinner at my Aunt Nancy's and Uncle David's home. Christmas 2012 - four days of celebration.
It is no wonder we did not get out of our pajamas at all the day after Christmas. Poor Chris had to work, but the boys and I enjoyed a a true pajama day. There is something really nice about roasting a turkey in flannel pj pants.
With the number of presents and strewn wrapping paper on the floor, it could have (should have) counted as Christmas. But instead, it is merely a prelude. Above the multitude of presents they opened, the boys loved the lap desks my mom found and personalized for them, fluffy lap desks with secret compartments. I had already swooned over my brand spankin' new dishwasher my mom treated us to and had installed for us earlier that week, but then she went and surprised me with my new Ninja cooking system.
I was so excited I may have yelped. My brothers mocked my joy, but nothing says happy like a mom with a new crockpot. A crockpot that can roast a turkey! Yippee! I am a simple person. Truly.
After the presents were opened and much wine had been drank, we feasted on pizza, wings and subs before indulging in a chocolate fountain. The boys truly enjoyed the fountain. Brennan left a stream of chocolate here, there and everywhere: on his face, his hands, his shirt, his pants. I think he liked it.
The next day, Sunday, we celebrated Christmas with Chris's parents. More presents, more pizza and subs, and a whole lot of lego building while we took in the football game.
Christmas celebration, day three brought us Christmas Eve, my most favorite time of the year. We enjoyed an evening at my Nana and Grandpa's with our entire family. Every time I walk into a celebration like this surrounded by my family, I feel so blessed, because above all, we like each other. We enjoy each other. And boy, do we have much fun together. One of my favorite moments came when I hugged my uncle Tim hello. He grinned and said to me, "I love my family." I have to agree. Our family is full of good people.
We feasted on Nana's homemade sauce and meatballs. Chris soaked up some veal, with some good natured bickering by the men over who was hogging the veal supply. And we all enjoyed telling stories and giggling over many a good bottle of wine.
Uncle Seth and Aunt Tennille's presents to the boys were a highlight for all the "boys" on Christmas Eve. Seth had ordered the boys three remote control helicopters that shoot each other with lasers in the air. By mistake, he had placed the order twice, which gave us six helicopters for play on Christmas Eve. Travis, my cousins Patrick and Liam were quick to jump in with offers to give the helicopters a good home. The rest of us spent the night dodging helicopters engaged in mid-air laser combat.
The next day, Christmas came bright and early, the boys begging for us to get out of bed at 6:45. Griffin confessed that he had wanted to sleep more, but Brennan kept shaking him asking "Are you awake? Are you awake? Are you awake?" Until finally, Griffin said, "I just got up. I guess I was awake!"
We opened presents for what seemed like hours. Aidan loved his new set of Lord of the Rings books. We are planning on reading the Hobbit together, like our own little book club. Brennan was beyond excited over his new kindle, already loaded up with books for him to read. And Griffin, well he was thrilled to finally have his own iPod touch with all his own music for singing and dancing.
My favorite moment of Christmas morning was when Griffin closed the door to the playroom for some alone time. From behind the closed doors, we could hear his music playing from his iPod touch and then, he started singing loudly along with the music, jumping and dancing around the room. After twenty minutes or so, he opened the door, sweaty and grinning from ear to ear.
My little singer and dancer.
We spent the day in our pajamas, building legos, listening to music, watching movies and reading books. It was a family day, relaxing at home. There were more presents to be had though! Uncle Travis and Aunt Lynda stopped over with laser tag for the boys. It was a huge hit as the boys loaded it up to battle each other (and Uncle Travis.)
That night, we enjoyed Christmas dinner at my Aunt Nancy's and Uncle David's home. Christmas 2012 - four days of celebration.
It is no wonder we did not get out of our pajamas at all the day after Christmas. Poor Chris had to work, but the boys and I enjoyed a a true pajama day. There is something really nice about roasting a turkey in flannel pj pants.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
