CHRISTMAS 2010

This December brought lots of holiday cheer and much happiness. Although I did work more than last year at this same time, I quickly realized I would have to allow the kids and Dad be in charge of some of the festivity planning for the family and kids. I did however, get to participate in everything except seeing and taking pictures with Santa. (sniff,sniff). I was a little okay with it since I assumed there would be a line. Then Todd called to tell me how wonderful the kids were, how they took the most sweet pictures, how they told Santa that they want a Wii (No we don't have one, and yes, this was very different from what they both told us they were going to ask of Santa), and how there NO LINE! While this did make me feel a little left out, I did realize it was probably for a reason - that Dad did it alone with no backup (other than Mall security), and I became somewhat more thankful things worked out the way they did.

Kelsey and I did get to see our favorite Christmas tradition, The Nutcracker Ballet. Next year, we will have to decided if Carter is able to handle all the formalities of attending the Ballet.Kelsey is a gem at this. She absolutely LOVES musicals and ballets. She knows how it all goes, with no talking during performance, no wiggling or standing, the intermission and what all the chimes mean. We got there early to order our intermission treats so when the chimes occur, we get to come out to a table especially for us and see our cookies and drinks waiting. Upon returning when the bells chime again, she knows the drill, sits quietly in her seat and anticipates the curtain rising again. First thing she said when the ballet finished was, "I want to stay and watch it again!". Carter wanted to go this year, however, one more thing that worked out better the way it did. I can't see him sitting so still the entire 2 1/2 hours just yet.

Christmas morning began at an early 5:30am - after a few awakenings during the night. Carter believed he could hear Santa's sleigh and Kelsey was very worried that Carter would get a lump of coal in his stocking - and with good reason - Carter has bee a bit on the rebellious side lately. He can be a little on the rough side. Kelsey was awake and woke everyone up to announce that he did not get coal. She was so relieved and happy for him. What a great big sister!

The MAGIC Part

For some of you, looking at these pictures may procduce a feeling of de ja vu. But it's not! One year ago December 19th, we took the same trip to the North Pole on the Polar Express. It was not planned to be on the same date, just sort of happened that way. It is "the most magical and fun trip" of the year Kelsey and Carter both say. I have to agree.



We got our tickets punched!!





Todd was so surprsised the Big Man showed up.



Had a blast dancing.

Carter told Santa's Elf all about our Elf on the Shelf.



Heading for Home.



How Could We Say No?!

It's been coming and we knew it! We have known for some while. Carter has such an affinity for dogs. We just knew he is certainly a boy who needs a dog! Kelsey on the other hand has never mentioned much about any type of pet other than a Chinchilla. I finally have accepted that all arrows keep pointing this direction. sometimes it takes a while for me to recognize that God is telling me which direction life is going. I guess we were trying hard to put it off as long as we could. Really there was not good reason for us to explain to the kids why we could not have a pet. We teach them to be accepting of all Gods creatures, no matter what they look like, or how they smell. 

Well, BB, sorta fell into our laps. He showed up to us instead of us looking for him. I did, however, research his breed before I followed suit. It all fit. He is a 1 1/2 yr old Cairn Terrier. No shedding, no allergens or dander, they LOVE children, and very easy to train. Woohooo!!!

BB is the sweetest dog! The children  adore him and he has all the patience in the world with them. This is one pooch I can certainly get attached to.

The ironic thing is, Kelsey has become more attached to him than any of us. She has an enormous soft spot for him - and him for her. She is so good with him. And he follows her everywhere. Now he just needs a bath!

Carter's Christmas Nativity

Every year in Pre-K, the classes participate in a Nativity program. Carter's class were the shepherds. Although there were not 22 shepherds in the real story, carter was so excited to be one. He was very excited that he got to be the leader for the entire class into the Chapel. Unfortunately, I did not get to go due to work, but fortunately, Todd did!! He got a few really great pictures of Carter, his teacher, Mrs. Alhorn, and his great friend, Carson.!

Old McCarter Had a Farm

Our baby boy turned 5 years old November 30th. To a mom like me, it might as well sound as old as 'half a decade'. November has proven thus so far, it is not always the best month to prepare for an outdoor party. However, that is exactly what we did this year.....and prayed. Carter chose Dewberry Farms to host his party. It is a farm on steroids! To our surprise, it was the best birthday party he has had to date. He cartainly knows how to pick them.

And in the midst of all Carter's excitement, Kelsey lost her second top front tooth while she was drinking. looked everywhere for that thing, but alas, we found it at the bottome of her water bottle. Love that grin!

A day that changed all our lives forever. God bless our babies!

Storybook Parade 2010

So exciting to sit and flip through dozens of favorite books. Which book will I choose? Which character will I be? There are soooo many good ones!! I want to be them all!! We finally settled on Splat the Cat. Found a costume and all the accessores. Then the morning of, 20 minutes before school, she changed her mind. Once again, she chose her favorite book, musical, play and movie....the Wizard of Oz. Only this time, she chose the the Wicked Witch of the East (Good thing we already had this costume from Halloween). The year before in Kindergarten, she was Dorothy. She marched so proudly through the school. She melts my heart!

As We Gather Around this Table.....

Dear Lord,
As we gather together around this table
laden with your plentiful gifts to us,
we thank You for always providing
what we really need
and for sometimes granting wishes
for things we don’t really need.
Today, let us be especially thankful
for each other--for family and friends
who enrich our lives in wonderful ways,
even when they present us with challenges.
Let us join together now
in peaceful, loving fellowship
to celebrate Your love for us
and our love for each other.
Amen.