Peanut Butter by Candlelight

Sunday evening, December 23rd, we arrived home from church and we were all changing into our pajamas when the power flicked and then went out. We pulled out the candles and flashlights and tried to figure out what to cook without using the stove . . . peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, milk, and gingersnaps for dessert. We ate by candlelight and flashlight and then sang Christmas Carols until the power came back on just over an hour later. Fun memories!

Kim put a short video on her blog if you want to check it out.

His Name Is

Jamis.

Overheard at our House

How much is a fifty cent piece worth?

I want a toy just like that one but different!

Christmas Day 2007

Stomach Flu . . .

My Favorite

This just has to be my favorite Christmas decoration. We have had it for quite a few years. Everytime I pull it out of the box I just can't help but smile. But then . . . you push the snowman's hand and they start bobbing up and down while sing . . .

Haul out the holly;
Put up the tree before my spirit falls again.
Fill up the stockings,
We may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now.
Because we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute,
Candles in the window,
Carols at the spinet.
Yes, we need a little music,
Need a little laughter,
We need a little Christmas now.

Contents of a Pocket

Over the years I have found many interesting things in the pockets of my children. Here are the contents of Justin's jean pockets today.

And then . . . the contents of Jay's pocket . . . a worm that he had forgotten about.

Nine?!

I seem to recall a post not long ago when I felt I had a good handle on having eight children in the home. Well . . . I think nine just put me over the edge.

No, we are not just picking up children off the street. Take one look at this kid and you will know why the Department wanted him to come to our home . . .

Do you think he looks a little like some of our children?

Withdrawals

I just can't find a spare moment in the day lately to blog. As a blogaholic I think I may be going through withdrawals. By the end of the day when I sit down at the computer I am either too tired or I can't remember what I wanted to blog about earlier in the day.

The Mall

I spent the evening yesterday at the mall with Kim and Tom. It was kind of a bizarre feeling being able to look at what I wanted to without having to keep my eye constantly on little kids. And there were no complaints when I wasn't ready to go home yet. I had a great time!

Here's a picture of Kim reenacting a scene from the movie "Elf" where Elf has never been on an escalator before. He steps on with one foot and ends up in the splits. Sorry the picture is so blurry. Do you think I could get her to go back to the mall for a retake?!

Words of Wisdom

I am thankful for these words by Richard Carlson which reminded me once again . . .

"Don't sweat the small stuff."

Christmas Meme

Thanks Christy! Here is my Christmas meme.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? For Christmas, definitely wrapping with a bow.

2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial, ever since the year with a very fresh tree that left sap everywhere. And we are not very good at remembering to water the tree.

3. When do you put up the tree? I am usually very anxious to get the tree up early like right after Thanksgiving. But not this year.
4. When do you take the tree down? Around New Year's Day.

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes, I like to sip some a couple times during the season. Todd loves it!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Hummm . . .

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes. It gets rearranged several times a day by the kids.

8. Hardest person to buy for? My Dad
9. Easiest person to buy for? Younger kids

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't think of one I received but Kim once received some coffee flavored chocolates.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? One I have yet to see. I'm not much for watching a show over and over again.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Beginning of December.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I can think of.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Mike Aiello's sausage and mushroom stuffing. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? White lights on a formal tree and colored lights on a family, fun, or whimsical tree.
17. Favorite Christmas song? I love them all!

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home. We have too many kids to travel and we don't own a vehicle big enough for all of us to fit in together.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? The formal tree has an angel and the family tree has a star.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Not going overboard eating all of the great holiday treats.

23. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme? Yes. Christmas!

No, I will not tag anyone this time. But . . . it would be really great if you did the Christmas meme on your blog too. I'll be looking!

Merry Christmas!

Motivation

I am having trouble getting motivated to get ready for Christmas. The only thing we have decorated is the family Christmas tree.

Last year, as my brother, Larry, reminded me I had the decorations up by Thanksgiving.

I haven't put up the rest of the decorations or worked on Christmas Cards. We have only bought 2 presents. I would love to start some holiday baking but then I would want to eat it all.

But . . . I am playing Christmas music everyday. Love it!

I guess I will put away the blogging for today and pull out a Christmas box.

Tradition

Every year in December we each get a chocolate advent calendar. Nothing says celebrate like enjoying a little piece of chocolate everyday while you are waiting for Christmas.

Keeping Up

I have come to the conclusion that it is almost impossible to blog with a baby and a two year old who isn't sure yet what he can get into and what he should stay out of. I don't think I can keep up.