Christmas is HERE!

We have our first family Christmas party tomorrow night. The kids are way excited. Ryan's immediate family is getting together at 5:00. We always do appetizers for this party. I am doing pigs-in-the-blanket, hot sausage dip, apple pie and a chocolate fountain with different dippers. I love that kind of food. Saturday, we may go to visit Santa. I don't think Sadie has ever even seen him before and Brooks was scared the last time we went. We are going to go with Lynette and her kids after Cobe's soccer game at some point. Mary Jo and Jim are taking the boys to Saugatuck Saturday night for carriage rides and out to dinner, so I got a babysitter for Sadie so Ryan and I can go out to dinner.

Today Brooks was much better. The antibiotics have kicked in and he is back to his old self. He hasn't had a full appetite, but he has been happy and had energy. I went to Cobe's market day at school this morning and then went to work early to get caught up from being gone for 2 days. Cobe had a birthday party tonight at Lost City from 5:30-7:30. Ryan, Sadie, Brooks and I went and picked up a daybed that we bought from a lady at work (for $55 only!) that Sadie is going to use while we still live in this house. Don't worry mom- when we move, she'll use the other furniture! :-) Ryan came right home and put it together and she was all excited to sleep in it. Until the time actually came for her to go to bed... she decided she'd rather sleep in her crib after all. If anyone knows of anyone in need of a beautiful white crib and changing table, let me know. It's for sale.

I am heading to bed now and looking forward to catching up on some sleep this weekend. G'night!

STREP attack!

Good thing I took Brooks in this morning. He has strep throat and an ear infection. The doctor said his ear drum had ruptured at some point during this illness. Nice! He is a real trooper. I could barely tell he's been in pain these last few days. He has been fine during the days and even last night, he was totally fine. Glad to get some antibiotics and get him well before Christmas festivities begin. He hit the gagger when the doctor did the strep swab, and let's just say it wasn't a pretty sight. He threw up in his shoes, in my purse, on me and on himself. He hit the chair and the floor of the office as well. He threw up 4-5 times and the doctor grabbed a bedpan at some point and caught the last few. I didn't think I could stomach it, so I wasn't much help. Yuck! I was glad to get out of there and give them baths and get cleaned up myself. Sadie and Brooks are both bathed and in bed, and I am about to go rest myself. Pray for health for Brooks and that nobody else gets it. Thanks!

Home again tomorrow

I didn't go to work today, and I have already taken off the day tomorrow. Brooks is sick and was running a fever this afternoon. I called and made an appt. for him in the morning just to be on the safe side. I can't send him to school since he ran a fever today, and Ryan has to work tomorrow. Monday we had a good day though. The kids and I went to the Cityside b-ball game at 4:00 and it was an awesome game! It was such a close game and our school ended up winning. Both teams were undefeated up until that game. Cobe can't wait to go to another one. I should go to more b/c my students like it when I go and my kids have plenty of babysitters to hover over them. We rushed home then I went to a fellowship for BSF. Lynette took Cobe to his class so I could go early. Thanks Lynette! Today was pretty boring. Brooks slept all afternoon and Sis slept for a few hours as well. Ryan had court so he was gone for awhile.

Tomorrow night is the last Wednesday night at church before Christmas so I spent tonight making cookies for my 4 year old class. I am taking frosting and sprinkles for them to decorate them and then we are counting that as their craft and snack. Easy night- we are showing the Veggie Tales Christmas Story DVD as well. Brooks probably won't be able to make it, so just Cobe and I"ll go. He has his derby race on the 19th at church, so he is pumped for that. He was so disappointed last year when his car wasn't fast, so I hope this year he places. He wants a trophy so badly.

My dad just called and while I was talking to him, 2 little boys got back up out of bed. Stinkers! I knew Brooks wouldn't be tired. He slept ALL afternoon. I am off to tuck them back in.

*SIGH*

I am up late tonight. It must be something in the air. We have always been blessed with good sleepers and at some point tonight, all 3 of my kids have already been up. Hmmm... and now I can't sleep for the life of me. I could tell Ryan was still awake as well as I finally came down at 12:15 to find something to do since I couldn't sleep. Let's hope this will make me tired and put me to sleep. I was blog-surfing and ran across the True Meaning of Christmas. So very important when we tend to focus on the not so true meanings more often than we should.

i wanted to share the story here:

The True Meaning of Christmas

Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room, and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out. "What are you doing?" I started to ask him.

The words choked in my throat, as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement, TEACH THE CHILDREN! I was puzzled: What did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree.

As I stood there bewildered, Santa said, Teach the Children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that a now-a-day Christmas has forgotten!

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it on the mantle. Teach the Children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind. All the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven.

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. Teach the Children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of that promise.

He then reached into the bag and pulled out a CANDLE. Teach the Children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.

Once again he reached into his bag and then removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. Teach the Children that the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.

He then pulled out from his bag an ornament of HIMSELF. Teach the Children that Santa Claus symbolizes the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December.

He reached in again and pulled out a HOLLY LEAF. Teach the Children the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent blood shed by Him.

Next he pulled out a GIFT from the bag and said, "Teach the Children that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift. Teach the Children that the wise men bowed before the holy babe and presented Him with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We should give gifts in the same spirit as the wise men."

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. Teach the Children that the candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. The crook on the shepherd's staff helps bring back strayed sheep from the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper.

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. Teach the Children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang 'Glory to God in the highest, on earth, peace and good will.'

Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL. Teach the Children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of a bell, it should bring people to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.

Santa looked at the tree and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the Children the true meaning of Christmas, and not to put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the ONE WHO IS, and I bow down and worship Him, our Lord, our God."

Weekend Pictures

Yesterday we started the day at Cobe's 10:00 soccer game. They won 9-1, and Cobe scored 3 of the goals. He had a really good game. Their team is now 4-1. We play the one team that beat them next, and the coach seems to think now that Cobe's team has "gelled," that we'll beat them this time. We'll see! Here I was thinking we only had 3 more games total, and I found out at yesterday's game that we have 17 more games!!!!! The season starts back up in January and continues until April. Cobe was excited; me.... not so much.

We came home; the boys watched a movie while Sadie napped; then Cobe went to Chuck E Cheese's for a birthday party. The other 2 and I went to the mall to look for Brent a present. We didn't have any luck. We then went to Medendorp's and Brooks got a much needed hair cut. After the party, Cobe decided he wanted Lisa to highlight his hair, so we went back to Medendorp's for that. That took awhile, so I quick ran the kids to Jen's around 6:00, ran back home to get ready, then Ryan and I went out to dinner at The Curraugh. We had a great meal and great conversation. I had Pesto Rotini and he had a salmon dish. We were both stuffed! Some pictures follow of our different activities:

Here is Cobe in action- the glass partition between the field and bleachers was a little smudged- can you tell?????? Cobe is number 5.
Here he is again.
Brooks after his haircut. Lisa had gelled it up so cute on top, and he smooshed it all down, but he still looked cute!
Cobe acting silly BEFORE the torture of pulling his hair through the cap began. He wasn't so silly a few minutes later- it did really hurt him, but he said he'd do it again! What we are willing to do to look cool!
This is actually not the end result. This is when he had pure blond streaks in his hair, so after this, she put in a toner to tone it down a bit. I forgot to take a picture of the end result.

We are staying home from church. I have had a cold all week, and yesterday and today, my left eye is swollen and pink. So since I would have to deal with all 3 kids, we are staying home. Hope everyone has a great week!

Tidbits about Christmas

Saw this on someone's blog and thought it would be fun... join in and do your own for me to read.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate with marshmallows or whipped cream. (but I really don't drink either)

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Neither- he leaves them in a designated place in the den

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No

5. When do you put your decorations up? The day after Thanksgiving usually

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Broccoli casserole that my mom makes, sweet potato casserole and oyster dressing- I could skip everything else!

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: I loved going to my grandparents' house. We'd go to my dad's dad every Christmas Eve and get to open presents from him, then return to my mom's parent's house to spend the night. There were 10 cousins and we always had a blast! I remember one year I told my cousin Holly to ask her mom what they got me so she could tell me, and how disappointed was I when she came back and told me her mom had gotten me wine-colored knee socks!!!!!! :-)

8. How and When did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't remember, but I do remember my mom telling me that if I didn't believe, then Santa wouldn't come. So I believed until I was in my 20's so he'd keep coming!!!! I have told Cobe the same thing b/c he keeps questioning me this year.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Not usually. We have already had several Christmas gatherings by the time Christmas Eve rolls around, so we don't feel the need.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Ryan drags the tree up from the basement storage room and puts the lights on. Then the kids and I put on all of the ornaments.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I used to love it in NC because we missed school and didn't get much. Now that we get feet upon feet of it, don't like it so much. I have to admit this year the boys are having a blast playing in it so maybe it will be okay for a few years.

12. Can you ice skate? Yep- have my very own ice skates.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Hmmm... I remember getting a pair of diamond earrings in my stocking one year that I STILL wear everyday to this day. It definitely wasn't the wine-colored knee socks from my aunt Manchie!!!!! :-)

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Being with family, taking time to be kind to others, giving- I love to give presents!

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? I am not really into pies, but I do like pumpkin pie- especially if someone makes a pumpkin cheesecake pie- Yum Yum! Otherwise, when I go to mom's at Christmas, she usually has about 3,000 different treats that she has gotten from students. They are all good- especially one called Kotecki crunch or something along that line.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Opening stockings- lots of little trinkets in there.

17. What tops your tree? A star

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Giving

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? We Three Kings or Angels We Have Heard on High

20. Wrapping paper or gift bags? both

21. Real tree or artificial? fake

22. When do you put up the tree? Day after Thanksgiving usually

23. When do you take the tree down? Either before we leave for NC or soon after we get home

24. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, but I don't have it out this year. I decorate the outside of my house, but only hang stockings inside since we aren't home for the holidays

25. Hardest person to buy for? BRENT- Hands down, no doubt about it!!!!! My dad and Jim come in a close second

26. Easiest person to buy for? The kids, my mom, Ryan

27. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Wine-colored knee socks! I remember one year my brothers got E.T. knee socks! Haha- mine weren't that bad at least!

28. Mail or email Christmas cards? Definitely mail- love sending and receiving Christmas cards

29. Favorite Christmas movie? Don't really have a favorite. Ryan's is A Christmas Story, but I can't say I have even seen that one. I like Christmas cartoons like Rudolph- Wait! Come back! You're my friend! (right Jeff?)

30. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Sometimes in the summer, but definitely by late Sept./ early October

31. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I have recycled presents, but they might have not been Christmas ones (can't remember)

32. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? the many, many yummy treats that seem to appeareverywhere- Buckeyes from my neighbor Kendra rank right up there

33. Travel for Christmas or stay home? Travel

34. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? You know Comet, and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, Dasher and Dancer and Vixen????? and Rudolph????? (obviously not!)

35. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?All throughout the Christmas season!

36. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Crowds at the mall/no parking spaces

37. What I love most about Christmas? What DON'T I love... I love the lights, the warmth, the gifts, the treats, family and friends, time off from school, the excitement of kids, church programs, choosing gifts/shopping

38. Favorite Christmas Traditions? putting up the tree, stockings, church on Christmas Eve, holiday meals, family gatherings

39. Favorite Christmas Memory? trying to stay up late with the cousins and catch Santa in the act! (It never happened though which is hard to believe!)

Stay with this L-O-N-G post...

First of all, as you can plainly see, SOMEBODY (not mentioning any names Lynette, Lynette, Lynette) taught Cobe how to post a blog. (See previous post) We'll have to see what this leads to in the future. I am hoping he is like his mom and not too quick to catch on to this thing. :-)

We had a really great day today. Sadie woke up a crab, so it was really nice to have Presley and Josh over this morning to play. She still was a frump for part of the time, but not a crab. She and Presley both wanted to watch Barney for awhile and then they got over that and started playing. Josh toodled around perfectly happy the whole time. Presley wasn't too sure about "that boy" being here though. :-)

I went to work, then picked up the kids from Lisa's. I came home to get Cobe off the bus and he had a gift for me from Emily. I admired some lip gloss she had last night- it smelled just like Andes mints- my absolute favorite candy (well okay, I like Junior Mints, Peppermint Patties, etc. just as much), and she went by the mall to get it for me!!!!!!! Wow! What a great friend- thanks again Emily! And did you all notice??? She DID post a comment after I dedicated a post to her! :-) I then ran to pick up pig-in-the-blankets from the Baar's, Vitale's to get pizza, then back home again. Jennifer called and then ran over with a nice surprise. She brought Sadie 3 Barney videos and me a gift card to Logan's (our favorite Tuesday night restaurant!). Ironically, she read my blog about Sadie's obsession with Barney and remembered that I had given her kids my Barney videos at my garage sale last year. Her kids weren't really watching them, so viola! they return to our house. Perfect timing! And she was thanking me for watching Katie on Monday mornings with the gift card. Thanks so much Jennifer- you didn't have to do that, but we will really enjoy using it. Then the Overzet boys came over and wild WWF began for the night- wrestle-mania! All the kids had so much fun being with each other. Mary Jo and Jim stopped by as well and had a drink with me and Ryan and chit-chatted for awhile. Lynette ended up coming over as well for awhile and brought us homemade decorated sugar cookies! So, what I thought would be a boring hum-drum day, turned out to be a day full of friends and family once again reminding me how blessed I truly am.

So... our day tomorrow- Cobe's soccer game at 10am, he has a birthday party from 2-4 at Chuck E Cheese's and then Ryan and I go out to dinner. Thought this post would be longer, but I ain't changing the title. Here are some pictures from today (on MY camera- not the better one Lynette let me borrow)

Brooks and I shoveled the sidewalk and driveway this morning before he went to school. He ABSOLUTELY loves the snow this year and wants to be outside in it all the time. Sadie was a crab, so we left her inside and spent about 30 minutes shoveling. Mom- thought you would be interested in seeing how much snow we have.
The 2 goofballs this morning when all they wanted to do was be in my bed watching Barney. As you can see, the bed had not been made. :-)
Three cousins- they played a huge game of tackle football inside for about the first hour they were together. Amazingly, nobody got hurt.
Joshy boy wanted me to take a picture of his sippy cup so he could then see it on my camera. He is a hoot! He is so much fun and busting full of personality!
Sadie and Brooks playing with Diego stuff. They lined it all up right in the middle of the football game. Once again, surprisingly, nobody got hurt. :-)

And I leave you with this: something I can truly relate to and so can Ryan. I think this is hilarious because it is me to a tee when Ryan is driving. He never gets upset with me, he only mocks me more and tries to make me more nervous, and his one standard reply is, "Honey, I am a P.D. on a C.C." like that is supposed to make me feel better. (Professional driver on a closed course)

A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband.Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen. 'Careful,' he said, 'CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh my gosh! You're cooking too many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh my gosh! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They're going to STICK! Careful. CAREFUL! I said be CAREFUL! You NEVER listen
to me when you're cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY? Have you LOST your mind? Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the! salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!' The wife stared at him. 'What in the world is wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?' The husband calmly replied, 'I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm driving.'