Happy Birthday, Jesus

The Sunday before Christmas, our church always does a unified service called "Gift To Christ Sunday." Before everyone goes to the front to drop off their gifts, there is a lot of singing of carols, as well as some special music. This year, Grandma asked if Lydia could sing with her. Jake wanted to be a part of the action as well and he practiced with Grandma, but about five mintues before their special, he whispered to me that he did not want to sing. His name was in the program, but I did not want to make him do something he was afraid to do. He did just wonderful in a group setting during the Jr. Praise team's production of Carribean Christmas, but I think the thought of just him, Lydia, and Grandma up there was too much. Lydia does not seem to have the stage fright. She walked on up, tried on her own to climb the stool in her pretty dress, accepted the help given, and waited for her song to start. She did wonderfully and I am so tickled to have this memory recorded. Thanks Grandma K., for thinking of this. I will always remember it! Also, after the video clip are a few attempts to get our anual Christmas photo of the kids at church. Let's just say Claire had a mind of her own.

"C Is For Cookies...That's Good Enough For Me!" (Cookie Monster)

This was our 3rd anual Christmas decorating event! I've baked cookies for the neighbors and a few friends for some years now, but once we started icing sugar cookies, I knew it would become a tradition. My parents and my sister come over to help head up the decorating. Usually, I am busy baking other kinds of cookies (which I made a ton of Monster cookies this year), but I got to get in on the fun part too. Grandpa didn't make it until mostly all the cookies were done, but he helped with a few. I know most of you probably don't care too much about our specific cookies, but I do this blog for my kids too, so this is more for them. Maybe I can lure you to look at the rest of this post by telling you the group favorite is pretty funny (made by Jake). And just so ya know, my kids also plead with me to let them use some non-Christmasy cookie-cutters. So, if you wonder what footballs or boots have to do with Christmas...the answer is nothing. At least we managed to go without the dinosaur cookies this year.

The Christmas Cookie Crew!

The beginnings of Lydia's plate
Very focused.

Aunt Sarah Beth's plate (her favorite she made is the cute snowman).

My plate...I like my football and Go Colts. Too bad we're not watching them anymore this season.

Grandma Kanost's plate. Grandma showing of one of her favorites she made.

Jake's plate...this makes me laugh. Look at all that candy! Claire's favorite didn't make the picture; she gobbled it up too fast.

Lydia's favorite was one that I made that said, "I love Lydia."

(We obviously kept some of them - that would have been strange to give that one to the neighbors).

And lastly, another one NOT given to the neighbors...Jake's creation! This one was a favorite by the adults and Jake too, of course.

Time To Party!

On the last day of school before Winter Break, the schools all have a party. I was able to take the girls to a sitter's house (where they had a blast themselves...thanks, Linda) and surprise Jake by showing up at his party. They had a sing-off for the first 45 minutes or so, where each class got to sing their special they had been practicing with their music teacher. After that, they played "Feliz Navidad", during which Santa made his appearance. I came to Jake's party last year and caught the end of this, so I think it may be a tradition at Indian Riffle. I sat back in a chair and watched until they played "Feliz Navidad," and then got up to snatch some pictures. This is when Jake found me. I love the look on his face. It reminded me that even though I may not think a school party is such a big deal, Jake does. And me being there made his day! I hope the excitement of seeing Mom or Dad and wanting to share a fun day with them lasts a long, long time!

I caught Jake's teacher doing the boogie-woogie! How fun is she?!

Afterward, all the classes separated and went back to their rooms to have treats and hang out.

"Want one, Mom?"

Jake and his teacher, Mrs. Codispoti (Can you tell from this picture that Jake had used his shirt as a napkin while making gingerbread houses earlier? Boys...)

Thanksgiving in January

I was going to post about our Christmas break happenings, but realized I hadn't yet posted photos of our Thanksgiving holiday. So, that comes first. One of these days I will shock everyone and post more frequently and stay up to date. But until that day comes, enjoy our day 2 months ago! We went to Indianapolis and first went to the Ollis' house, and enjoyed the company of my aunt, uncle, cousins, and lots more family! Then, we headed over to Mom and Dad Ernst's house where we stayed until the next evening. We had a wonderful time!

This was the women's table. Not that we had to be segregated...at one point, I actually made the brave move and went into the other room on the other side of the house where all the menfolk were (watching football, of course). I stayed for less than 5 minutes...they were kinda boring.

My cousin, Amanda and our Grandma Kanost (a.k.a as Nini K by the Ollis')
Lydia and Reath (my dad's cousin's daughter...not sure what that makes her to Lydia, but it doesn't matter...they love hanging out with each other every year).Thank goodness for the basement...the kid's playroom during a long day!

Dan and my Uncle Randy...probably discussing football or um...maybe the weather.

This picture needs some explanation. My uncle apparently made Claire very nervous. She was enamoured with him, but could not handle him coming near her. She would get this look of fear and whine for "mommy." I'm not sure why...he is a most likeable person. I took this picture when we were saying good-bye. She didn't know he was right around the corner amd I grabbed a picture...that's the closest he ever got. For a while, she kept talking about "Ranny."

After leaving the Ollis', we headed over to mom and dad's house for a soup dinner. We stayed there overnight and had a good time of visiting. Below is a picture of Lydia and Noelani shortly after we arrived...can you see the look of sheer delight on Lid's face? She adores her cousin!

An exciting game of Memory...can you guess who won?

The girls play Bingo

Friday morning, mom made a very yummy breakfast casserole, turkey sausages, and fruit. Dan was in charge of the pancakes!

While breakfast was being prepared, I discovered Lydia and Grandpa having some special time together. I had to capture the moment. I especially like the first silhouette picture.

Dan...all tuckered out (he was sick).

More football watching, I think.

Tickle-time with Aunt Araceli

Love these girls!

Love this grown-up girl, too!