Christmas Program

Nolan did a wonderful job singing and saying his part at Miss Marissa's Christmas preschool program. His part was part of a longer poem: "red-leaved poinsettia, white Christmas rose." We were impressed with how well he annunciated the words. He did so good at knowing the songs and their actions.

My friend gave me these pictures and she also uploaded some videos to share. You can see those here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b6GNjAPwY0&feature=player_embedded

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkfUZCuELCA&feature=player_embedded

Second Santa Note

The other day the boys received a movie from Santa via Portable North Pole's website. If your kiddos haven't received one, you should check it out. Nolan loved his movie and then asked to write another note. We sent Santa the email, but here is what it said:

Dear Santa,
I'm waiting for Christmas. I can't wait! It can't be any longer. Don't do it on Christmas night because I'm waiting. The end.
Love, Nolan

It turns out that Santa really is actually coming a day early this year. With work schedules it just works better, and Santa was okay with it. Good thing, too... I don't think Nolan could have waited!

It's Official...

...the boys now have an awesome playroom to call their own. I was really wanting to put some sheet metal up on the wall, but I finally let the idea go. I think it would have looked amazing since it's a robot room, but the logistics were making it difficult and I didn't really want to spend more money on that right now. So I finally just stuck up the vinyl and called it good. Nolan said, "Look Mom! I'm holding the robot's hand!"

Ezra thinks stockings go on heads. I tried to explain by putting it onto his whole leg, but it was no use. He kept asking for help to put it on (to balance it, is more like it) and then he said, "I'm like Santa!"

Nolan has really practiced hard to make his Christmas ornaments a work of art.

And the best toy for my boys to date....

is a cardboard box and markers! I wonder if Santa will be able to top that!

Merry Christmas

We sent out a handful of cards this year, but most of our greetings go out over the internet. We hope it's a happy Christmas for all of our friends and family.

We had a good visit with Santa at our new grocery store (which has been so nice to have nearby) last week. There was no line, he gave out giant candy canes, and they even had photographers taking pictures. I thought, "Oh great, they're going to charge for pictures." But they told me to come back several days later and they'd be ready to pick up. Sure enough, they were waiting... for free! I know it's a silly thing to be so happy about, but it seems like even getting a picture with Santa can cost an arm and a leg and be such a headache to wait in line. What a relief! Ezra was silent with a little grin on his face that got bigger when Santa gave him a candy cane. Nolan told Santa that he wants a surprise this year.

I helped Nolan write a letter to Santa. He did a little of the writing and then I just wrote what he told me to. And he's sticking with the "surprise" request. Cute. It's so fun to have kids understand the magic of Santa Claus.

And we've also been doing some new traditions to help us remember Christ during the season. The book "A Christ-Centered Christmas" has been wonderful to use for Sunday activities and family home evening lessons this month.

I highly recommend it since the activities are simple and can be adjusted for kids of all ages. Every time we do one of the traditions we get to place the corresponding figure into our nativity. We're still anxiously awaiting the lamb, the wise men, and the baby Jesus. We most recently talked about the shepherds, made shepherd staff (candy cane) cookies, and shared our thoughts about Jesus by candlelight as we ate our cookies.

Ezra-isms

I occasionally mention things that Nolan says so I thought I'd share some of the phrases that Ezra has been saying lately.

Whenever I ask him to do something ("Finish your dinner" or "Time for a tubby!", etc.) he'll get his typical scowl on his face and say, "I just don't wanna talt about it, Mom." He can't say his "k" sounds yet.

When we knock on someone's door, he'll yell "Trust me!" until they open up.

I was sitting on the couch last night and he walked up to me and said, "I'm just packin' up. Just packin' up some stuff." Not to be rude, but sometimes I wish it was Ezra that went for short business trips instead of his Daddy.

Lately he's been scared of the dark. I hope it's a short phase. If I turn the light off he runs out and says, "Those monsters will get me!" Ezra still wakes up in the night when he sleeps in his room, but if I put him in the queen bed downstairs with Nolan he sleeps all night. Maybe he's scared and just needs a buddy to sleep with. I know how he feels.

I was reading a conference talk by Quentil L. Cook and Ez said, "There's Bro. Ramsey!" That's our neighbor who Ezra just adores.

And one little quote from Nolan: Today I made all of our neighborhood Christmas treats and then we drove around to everyones' houses. I was a bit exhausted. I started to sit down to watch a show (which I changed my mind and decided to blog instead) and Nolan said, "I think we better call a bunch of people and tell them to come for a party."
I said, "Why would we have a party today?"
He said, "Just 'cause I think you're pretty bored." I love how a mom can sit down for not even 10 seconds and someone mistakes her for being bored! Ha!

A Happy Thanksgiving

We had planned to spend Thanksgiving in Logan, but Justin's grandparents were going out of town and we would only have a small group for dinner, so we ended up spending Thanksgiving at home. It was the first major holiday that we had stayed home. It was just the four of us, Grandma K., Jon, and his two daughters, Amanda and Sarah. I was a little skeptical about whether or not I could cook so much food, but it turned out great. Luckily I didn't have to do everything. Kathi did the turkey, green beans, rolls, and a yummy frozen fruit dish. I was most nervous about the stuffing, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was moist and flavorful. We had a great dinner together!

After overeating, we watched the movie "Everest" on Netflix and then played a little Wii. Then it was onto the pie: pecan, pumpkin, and a yummy chocolate/whipped cream pie that Jon brought. Grandma K. slept over another night and started the boys on the "Ha Ha" laughing game. Then we settled in for a Christmas movie on Netflix. We found some old classics from the 40's. Wow, it was really old! It was so nice to slow down and have some good family time. I think I might be tempted to spend holidays at home more often.