Christmas Continued

Christmas Day at Mama and Papa's house is always a lot of fun. I don't think anyone loves Christmas more than my mom. The kids always have a great time at her house because she goes all out. Trey received more trains and loved wrapping himself in wrapping paper. Delaney received her American Girl doll Samantha and Taylor finally has real Uggs. My sisters and brothers always spoil our kids as well with great gifts and a lot of attention. It is so nice that all of us live close enough that we can be together on the holidays. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Day

Christmas Day was filled with excitement, family and LOTS of FOOD! I have so much fun watching the kids open their presents. I have always said that I do not need anything at all, as long as I can watch the kids open their presents. This year we had the kids make something for each other. They could not not purchase anything from the store. Taylor gave Trey a car she made at school in Industrial Tech and gave Delaney a coupon book filled with activities they could do together. Delaney made a paper train track and train for Trey and a used a craft kit we had at home to make a stained glass puppy for Tay. I didn't have Trey do anything since he is so little, but I should have known he would know what was going on. He announced that he didn't make anything because no one helped him. Poor guy, next year we'll make sure he makes things as well.
We opened presents and then had enough time to fit in a little Guitar Hero with drums and mic, which was a family present. We then headed over to Mama and Papa's and then Memaw's house to continue the festivities.

Christmas Eve Continued

After we celebrated Christmas Eve with my Dad's family we returned home to read Twas the Night Before Christmas. Darnel reads this book to the kids every Christmas Eve. With everyone in their new PJ's (thanks Mama) we took a pic in front of the Christmas tree before we headed off to bed. After we went to bed Santa made his Christmas delivery.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is always exciting! We spend the day visiting family, we attend the Family Christmas Eve Service at church and of course Santa comes. This year all of the kids were part of the service. Many family members attended the service to see the kids perform. Trey and Delaney both sang in front of the church and Taylor was Mary! What an honor for us to have our daughter playing the role of Mary. I remember the day the youth director asked me if Taylor would be Mary. I immediatly said, "yes"! When I told Darnel he asked if I had asked Taylor. I told him she didn't have a choice, you're not asked to be Mary every year. Besides the other two were in the service, so it just made sense for her to be a part of it as well. They kids did a great job. They looked so angelic!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Radio City Rockettes

Tonight the girls (Mom, Katie, Kara, Delaney, Taylor and I) headed to the Fox to see the Radio City Rockettes. Taylor and I have seen them before, but this was Delaney's first time seeing the Rockettes and going to the Fox. All of us met at Katie's apartment for dinner and then due to the freezing temps our Super Fantastic Dad drove us right up to the front door of the Fox and dropped us off, knowing he would be back in 2 hours to pick us up in the very same spot. When we walked in Delaney's mouth dropped open. She couldn't believe everything she saw. We didn't even have to see a show, seeing the Fox itself was enough for her. The show was Fantastic! The live Nativity at the end was amazing. Delaney couldn't believe there were real camels and sheep on the stage. Hopefully they'll return to St. Louis again soon!

Gingerbread Houses

While Daddy was away at the Blues game with a friend we went to Mama and Papa's house to make Gingerbread Houses and watch Christmas Movies. Trey and Laney were so excited to decorate the houses. They knew exactly what to do using patterns and all. Trey was a little disappointed that Mama didn't have little gingerbread men to go into the gingerbread house. He thinks of all the details. After we finished the houses we watched ELF which Trey thought was hilarious. Trey didn't allow much time to pass before he was licking the gingerbread house. Hopefully we can get those pics from Aunt Katie and post them later.

Dickens Christmas Festival

What a great night! A local church held a Dickens Christmas Festival complete with characters, crafts, plays, games and snacks. We listened to carolers as we solved the clues on the store front windows. We enjoyed hot chocolate, hot apple cider, delicious cookies and hot kettle corn. After we strolled through the village and made candles we headed inside to make paper ornaments, a nativity scene and dress the parts of Mary, a wise man, a shepherd and angels. We then went to play games, have our silhouettes made, make a family wreath, watch a play and Trey's favorite take a picture in a sled (Many of you have read on the blog and witnessed his sled obsession). We were so impressed by the many church members who made the event possible. They had to spend many hours preparing the event and the roles they played during the event were fabulous. Even my mother believed their English accents. We are definitely adding this to our holiday plans next year.

Addition to the Previous Post

Dad,

Here's your request for the rest of the Kwanza story.


When Delaney asked Darnel if we could celebrate Kwanza he told her that he would have to see. He said he didn't know much about Kwanza so he'd have to research about it.

That means "NO"

Delaney

Today on our way home from Girl Scouts Delaney was quite talkative

Delaney: "Mom is Dad African American?"
Me: Yes
Delaney: Can we celebrate Kwanza? African Americans celebrate Kwanza.
Me: Ask Daddy when we get home.

Always Looking for a Reason to Celebrate!

At school Delaney has been learning about different traditions. One day she came home from school and said, "Joey celebrates Gotcha Day, when is my Gotcha Day?"


We explained to her that Joey is adopted, so they celebrate Gotcha Day. We celebrate her Birthday. She seemed content with that.

Slip of the tongue!

I always try to set a good example for my kids. I take care of myself, work hard, volunteer at church, their schools and treat others the way I would want to be treated. I don't make a habit of using inappropriate language but it does slip occasionally when I'm frustrated.

Yesterday Trey was playing with the sled and Santa. When the sled fell over Trey said, "Damn it" Darnel instantly looked at me, because he knows that is what I say when I break something or am frustrated. I told Trey that we don't say bad words and that nice little boys don't talk like that. I always ask him to tell me what I said, so I know he heard me and understood what I said. He said, "Don't say Damn it"

Does he understand? I'm not sure since he did say it again without a second thought.