Morning Song

In preparation for one of Jeff's Christmas gifts I have spent the last few months reading through old journal entries. It's been so wonderful to refresh my memory of the days when we were first married and lifestyle then compared to now. Both are equally great but tremendously different. The thing that struck me the most was the morning routine.
When we were first married we only had one car (it was a 1965 Ford Mustang) and we shared it. It was so romantic because it caused us to do everything together. From a journal entry I remember that this was the routine every morning; I would get up, go to the bathroom(this part is still true), go back and cuddle my husband who would hit the snooze over and over, get up, make breakfast while Jeff was getting dressed for work, sit down and eat breakfast together, make Jeff's lunch, drive him to work...come home and get ready myself. It was such a great start and yet, it ended.
After Braxton was born I read that I would still get up with Jeff but instead of a big bacon and egg breakfast I would simply pour his cereal and milk and sit with him while he ate it. Still made his lunch but thankfully didn't have to get the baby up and drive him to work. Still special.
Then something happened...I learned that baby's sleep is a huge essential to my whole day and started to make it a priority. Braxton learned that if he woke up and if I wasn't ready to wake up he could jump into bed with me and fall back asleep. A win, win, for all....except my cherished morning routine with Jeff. Needless to say I would still make his lunch, I would just do it the night before, and I would make sure he had breakfast within reach of the pastry tray where I would leave muffins, fresh bread...but it wasn't the same.
So....around the same time I started reading these old journals I was also feeling a bit lost in my routine. I felt mentally exhausted and I discovered it was because I was allowing my children to decide when my day started, rather than deciding myself. I recognized that I am the happiest and things go the smoothest when I am able to have some time with Jeff in the morning, one on one, and then have a bit of time to myself before the kids got out of bed.
This has been amazing and it's way more beneficial to me than an extra hour of sleep. I have re-committed myself to waking with Jeff, making his breakfast and getting his lunch ready, then having a cup of tea and self meditation before the kids crawl out of bed. It is a win, win, win, win, for everyone and I am anxious to keep it going.

The Magic of Christmas Eve

Jeff and I decided this year that even as adults there is something really magic about Christmas Eve. The excitement and anticipation was really evident in our home and hearts. Braxton was so fun this year. For the first time he was actually into the whole thing and was really anxious about Santa coming to his house. The kids got to open their Christmas Eve present before bed. Matching monkey pj's. After they put them on Jeff read the Christmas Story in Luke and then "The night before Christmas." Then we got to call Jeff's brother in Japan and wish him a Merry Christmas.

After Adelle was asleep Braxton and I decorated the last of the Christmas cookies to leave out for Santa.
Braxton, who usually does not look forward to bedtime, was anxious for bed. He was so funny. We were in his room and he kept saying that he heard something and finally during his last story he goes, "I think we should just go to bed and not finish the story." He knew that the sooner he was asleep the sooner Santa would come. Too bad this only happens once a year:)
Then the fun began. Jeff started building bikes and doll strollers and I went on a wrapping spree. I don't think I've ever been so nervous. Braxton is known to get out of bed if we are watching a movie or something and he will just sneak up on us out of nowhere. We were paranoid to say the least. We kept watching his door and every noise we would both stop and be silent. It was pretty pathetic actually but fun non the less.

This was the finished product. It was beautiful. Everything was in order and ready for the kids to wake up too. There really was something magic about the whole thing.

Christmas morning we woke up around 8:00am to discover the kids were still asleep! We laid there deciding whether or not to wake them. Adelle woke up shortly after us and we sent her in to wake up "brover." We stayed in bed and listened to this:
"Sis, we have to go to sleep or else Santa won't come."
When we told Braxton it was morning he stream lined to the front room with Adelle close behind. Then the fun began. Both the kids were thrilled with their Santa gifts. Braxton a hot-wheels bike that revs and helmet and Adelle a talking baby with a high chair, stroller, and crib. So perfect.
So fun.
Then we got to go to my mom and dad's for the traditional, amazing, Christmas brunch and to spend time with family. We got to call my brother Brent who is in Spain on a mission. It was so great to talk to him and he turned all our tears to laughter when he busted out "Felis Navidad" on speaker phone.
Then it off to my aunt Rebecca's...more good food and lots of family. We are so blessed.
The joy of Christmas is so real and so evident in the eyes of a child. I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.

Table Talk

So tonight for dinner we were eating baked spaghetti and spinach salad. Braxton and Adelle were both eating so good and so I voiced to them my appreciation by telling them how glad I was that they were eating such a good dinner. Braxton responded...
"What are you talking about, this is amazing. I wish my mouth was bigger. Tigres you've got to try this."
It's a line from his favorite movie, "Kung Fu Panda." It was so on Q and perfect. Jeff and I were laughing hysterically.
This boy is so funny and so much like his dad in this way. The rest of the meal was spent listening to them quote different lines from the movie. I have a feeling this is what many more of our meal conversations will be like.
I'm o.k with that.

Why do I love life?

Is it because....

1. My little angel girl just went to bed at 6:15pm and I get an evening to myself?
2. Our furnace is broken and we get to purchase a new one...like now!?
3. My husband is turning 28 this week and we get to be "alone" for a night?
4. We are having our third baby in less than a month?
5. I am feeling much better after feeling really lousy the last couple days?
6. Our Christmas tree lights are on from the minute the kids get up until we go to sleep?
7. I got to take a really long, hot, shower this afternoon?
8. The snow is melting?
9. The kids are healthy?
10. My mom came and picked up Braxton this afternoon to come to her house and play. Just what he needed was some alone time with Bama. They were having a tea party when I called them.?

I really love life.
I know I am glad that I was not a pioneer! I'm thankful that I'm not a single parent. And I'm glad that my mom is close and loves my kids so much. I'm thankful for good health. I'm thankful for this beautiful, peaceful time of year.

PATIENCE is a PROCESS

I think I am maturing in my old age. So many little things happen lately that before I think I would have totally lost my cool but for some reason, even being 8 months pregnant, I manage to be patient.
For example in this picture...Braxton is upset because he can't find his apron. I let him borrow one of mine and he is still upset because it is a "girl" one.
I let him eat a bite of dough and everything was all of a sudden better. However this whole experience was a patience tester. The kids loved making sugar cookies and it was worth all the flour everywhere and re-rolling the dough a million times after Adelle used her cookie cutter to destroy all of our already cut-out cookies.
They are so fun. So easily entertained and so good at strengthening my patience! I think I am almost ready to add another little personality to this beautiful mix!

to sum it all up...

We have been busy enjoying the Christmas season! We decorated our tree Saturday and got out all of our Christmas decorations.
Adelle and I played "Nativity" while Jeff did homework and Braxton took a 3 hour nap!
I guess he was tired after this!
Our "cut down the tree" tradition was carried out again this year. It was a beautiful day but so so cold! Adelle wouldn't let me put her down and I was fine holding her the whole time (extra body heat!).
The new baby anticipation is growing. The kids have been playing baby and pretending they are babies.
We have been going through lots of bins of Braxton's old baby clothes....I'm still pretty set we are having a boy but if not, Adelle's clothes are within reach as well.
just being cute...these ones are keeping me on my toes for sure. They are so busy and have so much energy! Good thing they are so cute.
Adelle is Ms. Personality. I always thought Braxton was as animated as they come but now I'm not sure....
We've spent some cold afternoons at the park. We are not complaining. It's been so beautiful, just requires some bundling.
Braxton being a good big brother and pushing his sister on the swing. This was really cute, Adelle was giggling the whole time.
Playing a little football in the dirt. The dirtier he gets, the better he thinks he's played. These activities (that I participate in daily) keep me really optimistic about this baby being on-time...if not early:)
More pretending...here we have Officer Adelle and Pirate Braxton.
Hanging out with cousin Carson. Aren't they precious together?
Decorating a ginger bread house. This was so fun to do as a family. Jeff "built" the house and I did the frosting and Braxton put on the candy decorations. Adelle ate the pieces we left within her reach.
I love this little patio off the back of our house. It's covered and the wind seems to not blow in there as much. The kids love being out there playing.
And of course, still working out in the dirt.
Hope you are all enjoying "the most wonderful part of the year." We sure are!

What I know

Andrea took a shot at a poem, so I figured I would give it a try. I am not as creative as she is so it is pretty simple, but it is truly how I feel. I call it "What I Know."

I know how to
Appreciate, Argue, Apoligize,
because of you.

I know how to
Live, Laugh, Love,
because of you.

I know how to
Trust, Teach, Tickle,
because of you.

I know how to
Desire, Dance, Due Dishes,
because of you.

I know how to
Cuddle, Kiss, Care,
because of you.

All I know, All I am, All I'll be is
because of you.

Andrea I love for all that you are and all that you have taught me. You are my best friend and the love of my life. Thank you for loving me so much.

Love,
Babe