It's Christmas!

Christmas Day has already come and gone but the kids are still enjoying their many toys they got throughout the past several days. We started out on Christmas Even by attending the candlelight church service. It sets the mood for the remainder of the week for us all and really lets us not forget the true meaning of Christmas. We then packed our bags and headed over to Jeremy's sisters house for Christmas with the Belote's. The kids scored some awesome Ninja Turtles, Monsters Inc, and Ninaijo toys. They loved them all and begged to play with them right then. We had a great supper and then headed back to our house because Santa was coming!

We tucked the kids into bed and the fun began.... 

Seth was up bright and early but we made him stay in our room quietly until Noah woke up. They were excited to see their new toys!

Noah was thrilled to get the monster truck and some more Ninja Turtle things. 

And Seth loves his Sully and Mikey from Monsters Inc.!

Santa got them a soccer goal to put out later on when it gets warm. They wanted it set up right then! We hung around the house for a few and then got ready slowly to head to the Wagoner's. The kids scored more Lego's, Monster trucks and other cool items. They were spoiled! We had a wonderful lunch and the kids took naps :-). or so we thought. Noah laid down for about an hour but could not sleep he said. We later on packed our bags and headed home. The kids were thrilled to get to play with all their new toys! I'm excited too! New toys for the big and small ones!!!

Christmas Blessings

Luke 2:1-21

The Birth of Jesus

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Fun Sundays!

Jeremy scored two free tickets to the panthers games. He took Noah and he was beyond excited. We had to keep a secret from Seth because he would get upset knowing his brother was off having fun. But I surprised Seth and took him to McDonalds and he was thrilled!!!

We had lunch in our pajamas and watched a Christmas movie! He said just me and mommy! He had fun and that's what's important! 

Pajama day!!!

They are ready for pajama day!!!!

"Biggie Crew" Christmas

We got together at our house Saturday night with some of Jeremy's long time friends. We look forward each year to hanging out with them. We switch off houses and this year it was our turn. We all came dressed in pajama's or comfy clothes. It made for a relaxing night!

Seth was excited about having people over!

Trying to take a picture of these 2 is not easy!

Our group keeps expanding! We've added tons of kids over the years!

The guys with the kiddos!

and all the adults with kiddos!

We had a great time! We ate good food, enjoyed one another's company and the kids had a blast running around! Looking forward to next years party!

Christmas Concerts

The kids were beyond excited about this past Friday. It was there Christmas Concerts. Seth's class did not do much but just a few songs unrelated to Christmas. Seth turned shy when we got into the room and wanted nothing to do with his class or friends but only to sit with mommy. To be as wild as he can be, he sure does become a mommy's boy very quick.

Noah was super excited about his concert. He reminded me everyday this past week about it... "mommy, please don't forget to come to my concert. don't forget mommy, my concert is Friday. if you forget i'll be very upset." Get the hint, We better not miss this concert or a certain someone is going to be very upset!

We made it in plenty of time and Noah spotted us right away. He was not shy at all but thrilled to see we were in the crowd. He was on the end...

He sang his heart out and did such a good job! I think we might have a singer on our hands. He loves to sing and we have found him many of times just singing in the car, bathroom, etc. 

We had a blast and Noah I'm so glad I got to come to your performance! You melted my heart!

Poor Baby!

Seth was not feeling 100% on Sunday after church and of course the doctors office was closed so I did the next best thing I knew to do since I thought I knew what he had. I found a MinuteClinic and went there. We got to the closet one but they had already put a sign up saying they were closed for patients even though they really didn't close for another 2 hrs. I was asking the lady behind the counter where the next closet one was and after figuring out how to get there, this very kind man named "Richard" came up to Seth and me and said "Why don't you take my spot? I know how it feels to have a sick little one at home. I've got 3. Hope he feels better. Have a Merry Christmas!" And he walked off. I cried right there in CVS. Yep knowing this man gave up his spot for Seth brought tears to my eyes. There are some kind people out there! He also touched the other individuals there also. They were amazed but what he did. Anyway, I knew Seth had an ear infection and I was right. Go me! 

We got the dreaded call from school at 4:30 that Seth was running a fever. Funny, he had not run a fever at all proir to this one. We get home and tuck him into the couch with a good movie on. We check his temp and yeah it's gone without meds. That always happens. He has a fever at school, we got to get him, check it at home, and it's gone. They said it was 103 and we got 99.6. Oh well. He was out for Tuesday and we stayed at home today. He got up and wanted to lay on the steps. This didn't last long cause within seconds he was running to the table to play with play-dough and mess with his brother. He's doing much better now and on the mend. Back to school tomorrow!

Riding a Bike!!!

We went for a bike ride this afternoon and had a blast!!! ( I was offered the afternoon off and I took it. A nice surprise!)

I thought the little trike Seth was riding was getting small so I pulled out Noah's other bike and Seth did great for the first time!

So proud of Seth!!! He had fun and it wore him out!

Homework!

The boys are back into the routine for school after being out for a couple days. Noah came home with 3 new words to work on for his vocab quiz on Friday. He's knocking them out and doing a great job! We are so proud of him. 

Well Mr. Seth knew he had homework too. And let me tell you, he pitched a fit until we did his homework. He was beyond thrilled to do homework. He was to create a snowman and give him a name. We went around the house collecting supplies and came up with lots of stickers. I didn't feel like getting paint or anything else out. 

He had a blast creating his master piece! He carried it around the house Monday night waiting to take it back to school. I'm just hoping in about 5 yrs he still excited about doing homework!

Excited about the Holidays

Noah is so excited about the holidays! He drew this sweet picture today at school. It's our family!

He then asked me how to spell "Merry Christmas" so he could put it onto the picture! He was so proud of his picture!!!

Ninja's

The kids and I had some fun this evening...

I enjoy my moments with them! They won't be small long!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 Oh how the list of thankfulness could go on and on... I'll keep it short and sweet...

These 2 brightened my day after working all day to pick up the phone without a hello but "mommy, I love you!" I cried. Yes I cried walking out the door of work. My babies melted my heart. 

And for my wonderful husband whom I told I was overwhelmed with the house responsibilities today and did the laundry, ironed (which I have never in our 7.5 yrs of marriage seen him do), and put the Christmas lights outside.  

The list is endless but most importantly thankful for my salvation and for a wonderful Christian church to raise our kids in. They love the Lord and remind me each day of how to be a Godly parent. 

May today not only be a day for giving thanks but each and every day throughout the year!

Harry the Elf

Our favorite Elf is back and watching the kids....

So you better watch out Noah and Seth... Harry is watching you!!!

Celebrating Seth!

This weekend, we celebrated Seth and the wonderful 3 years he has been with us. I so wish I could bottle the energy he has! He is constantly moving and on the go...

No birthday cakes this weekend but we did go out and get a Wendy's frosty for everyone to have. It was a nice treat from the usual cake and cookies! Happy Birthday Seth! We hope you enjoyed staying in you pj's all day and that you had a great day!!!

Seth is 3 yrs old!

I can't believe my baby boy is 3 years old! He is the light (and energy) of the house!!! He has tons of smiles to give to anyone, lots of hugs and kisses, is a mommy's boy, loves to eat, and has lots of energy!!! He is very different then Noah. 

Likes...

to eat - salad with ranch dressing, chicken nuggets, steak, green beans (who am i kidding you eat anything!)

to drink - milk, milk, milk

favorite sport - soccer (it's a good thing cause you can get out your energy)

loves to hang out with Noah's buddies (he can hold his own ground with the big boys)

best friend - Noah (just the sweetest)

loves his doggie that he sleeps with at nighttime. 

going to the store with mommy and screaming!

Dislikes...

leaving mommy at nighttime for some reason.

pants. you would rather wear shorts all the time. 

not many dislikes at all. 

Seth you light up our house. Our family is complete with our Seth. You light up the house and bring lots of laughter and joy. We love you and can't wait to see what the next year holds!!!

Love - mommy, daddy, and Noah

Thanksgiving Lunch

At the kids daycare, they had their annual Thanksgiving Day Lunch. This was the 1st year I went and I made sure I was going. You see I was unable to go last year because they changed the date from the original one and I was unable to get off work and a certain little one, Noah, reminded me today, "hey mom remember at last thanksgiving lunch you didn't come." Thanks Noah I do remember and you did not let me live that down. So I was going to make it this year. When I walked into the door, it was all smiles by Noah. I was greeted with a warm hug and a big smile! I think I made his day!! We went downstairs to get Seth so we could be a little family and we had a wonderful lunch together. 

We met some other of his friends parents and friends and then it was time for me to go. Noah and I took Seth back to his class where he insisted he show us his cot that he would take a nap on...

A kiss and a push out the door and no tears!!! I was amazed. I was afraid Seth might be upset when I left but he understood that I could only stay for lunch and did great when I left! I dropped Noah off and back to work I went. I was excited to participate in something so minor to me but major to Noah. He was beyond thrilled I came to his Thanksgiving Day Lunch!!! And I was equally glad I made his day!!!

Visiting Santa...

No Lines, No Waiting, A 5 year old that says he's not scared of Santa, and did I mention no lines... 

Yep we did it. We visited Santa. Well hello there Mr Santa, good to see you today!

I seized the opportunity to visit Santa today while at Concord Mills with the kids. Noah's eyes got wide and Seth took off running down the long mall hall in the opposite direction but hold on, I'm a mother and I grabbed him up to savor the moment. Everyone needs a good photo with their child screaming on Santa's lap.

Anywho - when asked what Noah would like he responded with Legos, Ninjago, and Ninja Turtles. 

And Seth wanted nothing to do with the Jolly ole Man. Thanks to the Elf's we were able to capture a photo. Pretty sure if it had been any closer to Christmas she would have made me purchase this photo. Seth is saying "get me out of here" and I'm not joking. Priceless. All because mommy wants to look back at this photo and remember....

So Santa, get busy!!!!

Birthday Celebrations!

The kids have been planning their birthday parties since August and when today finally arrived they were beyond excited!!! (And so was Jeremy and me!) They said they wanted a fire truck, a bounce house, brownies, and named off all their friends. And that's exactly what we planned...

Enjoying some cookies before everyone came...

Jeremy (32), Seth (3 on Nov 17th), Noah (5) and Me (31 on Nov 10th)

Seth didn't know what to think of the fire truck. It came riding in the neighborhood with sirens on!

All our friends and family members!

Cousin Jay

Seth couldn't wait to jump into the firetruck

Noah with his buddy Matthew from school. Noah was so excited he got to come!

Colton

The fireman put all his stuff on to show the kids so they would not be scared and Bryce loved it!

Thanks Mint Hill Fire Dept for coming to the party!

The kids had pizza and chips. Noah made sure we got pringles cause they are his favorite chip now. 

Seth handing with his friends.

Silly boys!

Noah was thrilled to have an all boy table with his guy friends. 

Happy birthday kiddos!

Oh Seth you are a mess!

And they got their bounce house too! They loved jumping. I should have signed a wavier cause some kids kept bouncing on one another!

We had a great time and even mommy got to socialize a little with her buddies!

The party turned out to be a great celebration! Can't believe my boys are getting so big!!!