Tis the Season

When I was tucking Isabelle into bed Christmas night, she couldn't help but shed tears. "Mom, I don't want December to be over!" There are lots of things to miss but unwrapping a Christmas book every night and eating a piece of candy while listening might be at the top of her list. 

Sunday, December 22

Don't the boys look extra dashing in their new matching sweaters?

I sound like a broken record but children make Christmas unforgettable.

Things were far from perfect on Christmas Eve. There were many fits, we were scrambling to finish the book "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" and wrapped up while decorating Christmas cookies, the game we played as a family wasn't loved by all, our Chinese takeout order wasn't ready on-time and we ended up with the wrong order, I ran out of eggs and Andrew had to brave the chaos of the store, one child wept after opening their gift from a sibling because they "didn't like it," (though 3 minutes later that child changed their mind, apologized, and was happy), etc. BUT it was all worth it. Making sugar cookies for Santa was priceless even though I complained about it. I wanted to make an easier cookie. The kids put so many sprinkles on some their cookies that the cookies crumbled because they couldn't support that much weight. ha

Christmas Day was everything I fantasized it would be. Eating endless stocking candy, playing, and family. I finished a book I adored and ate so much I had to unbutton my pants. Andrew nailed the roasted chicken. I got to snuggle a newborn. I am now the proud owner of a pizza oven. I will keep you posted about that...

December is a magical month. Here is a glimpse of what our December looked like in our house:

Christmas Eve Jammies

Penny was waving and saying "hi" to the camera. For a timed photo, I think it turned out pretty cute. We had reindeer and gingerbread pajamas. 

Christmas Eve Movie

We met Grandma Langlois at the theater near her house in Lehi to see "Mufasa" which was a popular idea. We went to the 8:45am showing. Grandma would have preferred the 8:10 movie. Since when did movies start so early? I'm glad we went when we did so we avoided a lot of the mayhem. We did a gift exchange with grandma. My opinion of the movie: beautiful scenery, 2 hours was too long, and I missed the original music. The kids liked it! I didn't have to take Penny out once! We did wander the back of the theater at times.

Tuesday, December 24

Andrew took the older rascals to the movies. I went on a walk and to Jessica's to watch the newest season of a show. Sonic 3 was popular with our kids. James has made several drawings since then and I have heard them playing make believe Sonic games.

Saturday, December 21

Nativity

It didn't turn out to be a big spiritual moment. In fact, the timing was smack dab in the middle of tantrums. We did it anyway and though it might have been our shortest reenactment yet, the costumes were well liked and we watched a beautiful portrayal of the special event.

Basketball Season

James was on fire this season. I don't know what suddenly clicked but he is now a star player. James definitely has the height for basketball. He scored lots! During one game he made 5 hoops! Another time 4 baskets. The last game 2 hoops. He scored other games too and I wish I had kept better track. I shrieked, "shoot it" a lot. I wish the league kept score... James' friend Taft was on his team again. It went so well we signed James up for another season which begins in January. Yahoo! For participating in junior jazz, James got 2 free jazz game tickets. Going last year was a highlight. To prevent hysteria, we got Isabelle a ticket to join the boys at the game this time. She's ecstatic. 

Saturday, December 21

Baby Dorothy's Birthday!

Jess and Chris welcomed Dorothy Pearl to the world on Tuesday, December 17. She is an angel. So precious and tiny. Happy for the Crandalls and  for us.

Stats: 

December 17, 2024

6 lbs 14 oz

19 in

Christmas in Color

We drove through Christmas lights with the Hendricks. They spoiled us and paid to upgrade our tickets and we got the VIP experience. The kids enjoyed the light up swag in the car. Penny's animation was at an all new high. McCall said watching Penny alone made the night worth it. Penelope got to sit on daddy's lap briefly. Not being constricted in her carseat brought out giant smiles. Love these dear friends and enjoyed conversation and cookies after.

Friday, December 13

Santa

Andrew took the kids to the night of sharing in our neighborhood. Santa is always there. I was teaching at home. Penelope would not give Santa the time of day.. She was terrified of him. It surprised me in some ways because at storytime at the library the last 2 weeks, she has gone up and sat in strangers laps. She also says "ho-ho-ho" multiple times a day...

Monday, December 2

December, I will miss...

• getting the mail for once... Our Christmas card wall is full this year! 
• finding random treats on our doorstep.
• the plethora of music and playlists to listen to.
• Christmas high fitness! sooo fun and kicked my booty.
• singing Christmas carols as a family
• annual favorite things party. This year I brought the game "Santa Cookie Elf Candy Snowman." I bought a copy for us too.

Still to come this month... Our 12 year anniversary is on Saturday which makes me feel ancient. One more blog post for this year is in the works. Stay tuned for my book post for 2024. I still have time to sneak in another book or two...