A Glimpse of Christmas

After Church on Christmas Eve I was determined to take a few family pictures.  The kids did great.  (OK, so I bribed them...I told them they could open one gift before bed if they cooperated.)  They were so excited about that setup, they really started to ham it up.

I don't think we actually got any pictures where all 5 of us were looking the same way and smiling, but at least we didn't have any meltdowns. 

Brennan and Uncle Michael playing with his new toy.

Macy got Maddie up and then we had to pull Brennan out of bed.

It only took a few minutes before he was awake and ready to go!

On the 27th Mike and I left for our Bridges conference in San Diego, while my parents stayed with the kids.  We were so thankful for their willingness to allow us to go together (it was really MUCH harder than I anticipated for me to leave for so long.  I have never been away for 6 days, and I had never left Macy before.).  But, on Christmas morning, everytime the kids received a new movie as a gift mom and dad cheered!!!!

Mom and Dad got the kids the most adorable marionettes. They have enjoyed putting on little shows.  Mom's next goal is to build a stage with them!  So fun...if I had just half her energy. 

The biggest hit of the day was the selection of puppies from the "Santa Buddies" Movie from my brother.   You know it is a hit when weeks later the kids are still taking them everywhere.  The other night we were over at the Culwell's house, and Brennan's favorite dog, Butterball, got stuck in their entryway chandelier.  How?  Well, the kids were tossing them from the second story...why did we let them do that?  I don't know.  But Butterball is stuck, and we can't get him out.  I am so sorry Warren and Barbara.  They were very gracious :).  Brennan cried a river.  We are still working on a plan to rescue Butterball...or should I say to rescue the Culwells entryway.

So, by the afternoon the kids had gathered up lots of Christmas yummies, gotten a table and a cash register and set up shop in the driveway.  Maddie was trying hard to make some money, and Brennan was eating cookie after cookie yelling, "Free cookies for sale!"  Grandpa offered to buy her out for $4 and take her out to get a smoothie, but she declined the offer since that would put her out of business.  I will tell you, she made a few dollars (from us and a few sweet neighbors)  and we went out and she bought herself a smoothie!! 

And then there were the Christmas Programs

Bear with me as I play catch up :).  I am going on the Orthadox calendar this year.   The kids both had really cute Christmas programs this year.  Brennan actually sang, which was an improvement from Thanksgiving when he just hugged the kid next to him the whole time!

coming soon...Christmas Day! :)

Happy Birthday Mike!

December was full indeed!  On the 18th we celebrated Mike's birthday.  The kids and I got all dressed up in our Montana Grizzly gear (The University of Montana was playing for some title that night) and took him out to lunch.

(my fleece was a grizzly one :) )

Then, the kids made Mike cupcakes for our celebration that night...

I don't think Mike actually ate any of those, but the kids loved them and they worked very hard on them...as you can see.

In the evening, Mike and I actually got to go out and watch part of the Grizzly game.  It was fun that the game fell on his birthday...and they almost won...hehe!

Happy Birthday Mike.  We are all so thankful for you.  You are such a gracious husband and a loving, fun and hands on dad.  You bring laughter and and joy to our home everyday.  We love you!!!

Surgery Day

Her is a glimpse into Macy's surgery day...

Here we are passing the time while waiting for the doctor.  We were at a great children's surgery center.  I was very impressed by the staff and the center in general.

Macy came out of surgery all smiles and full of spunk!  The nurse said she woke up smiling and giggling and ready to play.   We tried to keep her busy until they took the IV out.  I was a little disappointed she was so wound up, because I was sure I would get lots of good cuddle time as she was coming out of anesthesia.  But I am so thankful that, even though the doctor ended up having to do more than she anticipated, everything went well.

Recovery!  Macy Grace looked pretty rough for a few days, but she bounced back so quickly.  By day 4 or 5 she just had a black eye.  She never even missed a beat.  I was looking at her eye today and there is still a bump (maybe there always will be?) and a small scar, but when it fades it will be hardly noticable.  I hope we are done with this little cyst for good!

Happy Birthday Madison

Well, this is almost a month late, but here is a little glimpse into Madison's 6th birthday!

Maddie's birthday was on a Thursday.  It was a busy day with Mike still in Mexico and Macy having her surgery while Madison was at school.  It actually worked out fine.  I was able to bring Madison and her cupcakes to school :), and then take Macy to the surgery center (with my mom) while my dad took Brennan to school.  I am so thankful that my parents were able to be here to help...I could not have done it without them.  We were released from the hospital and home about the time that Madison got home.  My main goal for the day was to balance the stressors and still make Madison feel special.  From my perspective, I wish I could have done so much more to make her day special...but I don't think all of the craziness made her feel any less loved.  I thought she would be sad that her cake was a plate of cookies that someone from Church had brought over, but you know...she didn't mind one bit.  She was thrilled that there were candles...and actually, she asked if she could just have a candy cane to celebrate!!!    On Sunday, after Mike was back, we did have a little party for her and a few of her friends.  Praise the Lord, we had a break in the cold weather, and Sunday was amazingly beautiful and so the kids played outside!  We had a butterfly theme, with crafts, a pinata and a butterfly cake.  All in all it was a great celebration. Madison's prized gift was a watch from my parents.  She wanted a watch so badly that she actually made a prize for the person that gave her a watch - isn't that cute :).

After 6 wonderful years Maddie continues to amaze me.  She is such a delightful child.  I just love to be with her.  I does not matter what we are doing, she is just a joy to spend time with.  She loves to be creative, loves order, is incredibly loyal and very competitive!  She makes Macy light up like no one else, and Brennan adores her.  So much so that he sobs when she goes to school.  I think she may be a teacher when she grows up, because she is always teaching the little ones.  Often, when we go to the grocery store, she brings her notebook and sits in the cart with Brennan and has him work on his lettrs! It is very sweet. 

Madison, I adore you.  I thank the Lord every day for the gift of you to our family.  He has made you in an amazing way.  As you grow, I pray that you would love the Lord with all your heart and continue to love your friends and family deeply.  I cherish your loving heart, your giggles, your beautiful spirit and  of course, all of the wonderful pictures you create daily for the people you love.  You make my day...EVERY DAY  I love you sweet girl!!!