Away in a Manger

Santa

Going to see Santa.

Yoga

Jaden is officially on Christmas Break this week and next so we have been at the Y a few extra times trying to help release some of that excess energy. During one of the times we are not usually there they had a kids yoga class. I asked Jaden if he wanted to participate. He said he did and after the 1/2 hour class with Michelle I asked him about it. He talked almost the whole way home about how they did different moves, "but it's not hard like when you do push-ups or sit-ups," they stretched, and they even played a game where you pick a card of an animal and everyone else has to try and guess. After going on for several minutes, Jaden asked, "Mom, what is yoga?"

Frustrated by something her brother was doing Ailia hauled off and hit Jaden. I explained that she needed to use her words when she was upset, apologize, and then do something nice for him to show him she was sorry and to make things better.
She decided to "read him a book" as her restitution and then had the two of us laughing as she proceeded to "read" a story to Jaden!

Help!

Heard from Ailia when she couldn't open her bedroom door today,
"Ayudame! Ayudame!" (help me!)
and then later "abre" (open)
perhaps a little too much Dora anyone?

Santa

At the mall this evening Jaden and Ailia had a Santa sighting. They then made plans to go see him. Jaden "prepped" Ailia by telling her she will "sit on his lap and tell him what you want for Christmas." "He will ask you if you have been a good girl or not." "I'll let Ailia go first." When we went to see Santa Jaden sat beside him, and Ailia on his lap. Jaden asked for a remote control helicopter and Ailia said she wanted a roller-coaster!

Living Nativity

Last night we attended the Living Nativity at King of Kings. They re-enact the story of Jesus' birth, outside, with live animals. This is our second year, and the kids really seem to enjoy it. On the ride home Ailia and Jaden were discussing the event and Jaden (with all of his 5 year old wisdom) informed Ailia, "that was not really baby Jesus, it was another baby who was playing baby Jesus." Thank-you Jaden for clearing that up.

Thanksgiving

 

I am so thankful for each and every one of these people. I really think I have one of the best families in the whole world. It was so good just to be home, together, safe, and cozy. We played games ~ played playdough, ate, laughed, bowled, played football (well Papa and Jaden) and just enjoyed being together. One of the best Thanksgivings ever.

Precious

So it is official. I always knew this day would come.
I just didn't realize it would happen so soon.

My son is smarter than I am.

We were at Bama and Papa's and I went to the attic to bring down some toys for the kids to play with as Papa and I watched the Giants. One of the items belonged to Aunt Hiliary and was some sort of a doll house that folded in upon itself and could be stored in a carrying case. Ailia had great fun with this. When it was time to clean up, I proceeded to pack the house up. However, it just never seemed to "fit" precisely right. Jaden kept asking if he could try, I was distractedly carrying on a conversation and attempting to make adjustments to for it to go back together.

Finally, I gave him a try.

He folded it up. It fit perfectly. And was capable of being transported.
I can't believe he's already reached my limits. And he's only five. This doesn't bode well for the future.

Love

Love this kid!

Halloween

I know there are differing opinions on Halloween, but all my children know of it are dress up, candy, and fun. I choose to participate and enjoy the fun of the day. Jaden was a transformer and Ailia was a cupcake. We went and visited Beth and Dan, and saw Elmo (June) and Cookie Monster (Rose) and a cute little puppy (James.) We also went to Grandma and Grandpa "B's" where Bama had fun treats and snacks for us and we got to see Kayla and Kyle. We then came home to trick or treat at the neighbors we knew. Several of them had special things just for our kids. It was fun to be out and see the costumes and visit different homes. The kids enjoyed themselves very much, even though it was freezing! It even snowed and hailed! But cleared in time for trick or treat.

Kindness

Me: "Ailia, please be kind. Jesus likes it when we are kind."

Ailia: "Does Jesus like it when I go poopy on the potty?"

My Savior My God By Aaron Shust

We had such an amazing opportunity to see Aaron Shust in concert tonight.
This song has special meaning to me.
God used it in my life to help heal my heart after my miscarriage.
I can remember the first time attending church after losing my baby.
We sang this song.
God spoke directly to my heart.
My savior loves, my savior lives, my savior's always there for me.
Tears streamed down my face.
No matter my circumstances, He was, He is, He is always going to be.

Urgent Care take 2

Our second trip to urgent care involved a bee sting. The actual sting occurred the night before, but continued to swell and swell throughout the following day until Jaden could no longer bend his fingers and a dark red line began moving from the sting site on his middle finger up his arm (notice the marker on his arm - the outline of the red line). The pediatrician recommended that we go to urgent care. They were unable to determine if it was an allergic reaction or cellulitis. He received both a steriod and TWO injections (in his bottom delivered simulateously by 3 nurses) of antibiotic. We followed up with the doctor the following day and he made a terrific recovery. Just a little added excitement!

Urgent Care

Jaden kept us very busy this summer, not with one, but two trips to urgent care.
The first incident involved a baseball bat to the face swung by our nine year old neighbor.
His teeth went through his face in 3 separate places. He came in covered in blood.
At urgent care they wanted us to go to the hospital to have him admitted so he could be put under
to be stitched up. Daddy did not think that was necessary and with the help of an experienced ER doctor talked him through the procedure as they sewed up his face while he was completely awake. What a trooper!
Everyone has told him how manly it is to have a scar. Several people gave the unsolicited advice, "chicks dig scars."
I have to admit it hurt my heart a bit to see my precious baby's face no longer perfect.
But I know that is pride, and this is now part of him and who he is.

Superheroes

Just a normal day. Ready to save the world.

Light

Dear Sweet Ailia,
May you always walk toward the Light. In Him is no darkness. He will guide you and protect you. Seek Him always. He will be your Rock and your protector. He has loved you with an everlasting love. He will hear you. He will meet all your needs. You need never to fear. Walk towards His unending light and look only to Him to meet every need of your heart. He will be with you always. This is my prayer for you now and always.
I love you,
Mommy

Football

Bama and Papa "B" (along with Uncle John and Aunt Roe from North Carolina (not pictured)) braved the COLD to come out and watch Jaden play football.

Touchdown!

He loves it when he gets to score a touchdown!

A boy on the run!

Jaden's first year of flag football. I can not say he has a complete understanding of the game, but he gets the concept. He likes nothing better than to get the ball and run! It is like one big game of tag as every child tries to grab the flag of the kid with the ball! He has really enjoyed it. Gotten Really muddy, and had a Lot of fun!

Crazy Tree Climbers!

Ailia is following fast in her brother's footsteps ~ she wants to be up in a tree just like him!

Laura's Home

Our favorite babysitter (and one of our favorite people) was home on fall break from college. She (and her wonderful mother) invited several of us over to play. We had a fun afternoon of chatting, sillies, and lots of delicious cookies! And somehow Ailia convinced her to take her potty no less than four times...

Thank-you

Thank-you God for these two!

Fair Fun