I scream, You scream, We all scream for Cheerios!

Ella likes Cheerios.  No, wrong.  Ella LOVES Cheerios.  I think it is her favorite food.  For a while now, her routine is to wake up and eat a bowl of Cheerios while watching Dora, Mickey Mouse, or one of her videos.  Just recently, Parker has decided he is big enough to share in her fun.  He even likes Dora.  Sorry, Dusty, but it's true. :)



GOT MILK?



The Real Reason for the Season

Where in the world is December going?  I cannot believe it is December 11th already!  This month is so exciting, yet so exhausting at the same time.  With a 3 year old and 13 month old, this Christmas is sure to be magical.  We were a little concerned with how much trouble Parker would get into with the ornaments, choo choo train, decorations, etc., but he is doing a pretty good job so far.  It's a great month to really make sure he knows that word, "No!" :)  It's hard to discipline him sometimes (he sure knows how to put the charm on 'ole mom and dad), but we know it is worth it.

We started off the season by taking a wagon ride through Santa's Magical Kingdom in St. Louis.  What an awesome idea...why didn't I think of that? :)  Thousands and thousands of lights strung on trees and decorations...one can take a train ride, wagon ride, or just drive in your car to see all of the lights and characters which are, of course, made out of lights.  The man fishing in the pond was pretty neat. 

Last weekend, we went to a pj party with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Zona Rosa.  It was packed, but still fun.  I managed to squeeze Ella right up there with the other kids so she could jump and dance around as the La La's played Christmas songs.  Ella can be shy, but also outgoing at the same time.  She fit right in there holding hands and dancing with the other kids.  I almost freaked out when one of the little girls kissed her.  I think it was on her nose, but of course I thought of germs.  I got over that real quick and thought about the innocent and pure spirit of children.  Parker just had to sit in his stroller on the sidelines since it was so crowded.

Dusty and I were able to get away for a couple of hours and attend my work's Christmas party.  It was great to hang out with my coworkers in a different setting and catch up with good friends.  Even Dusty knew a couple of people there from his work!  Small world!!

I love the library events...so awesome that they are free and you can take your own pictures with Santa!  We went to Mr. Stinky Feet's Christmas Concert this past week with our friends, Eve and her girls.  It was so cute...Nadine (Eve's daughter) was picked to go up to the front and sing a song all on her own!  I was going to leave Parker with Dusty, but he ended up having work to do so I brought him along.  He was as good as can be expected, but I had to hang out in the back with him as he let some of his energy out.

This weekend, we went to Santa with a Tune.  Santa played the guitar and sang with the kids and then the kids got to sit on Santa's lap.

We are hoping to visit the Santa at Crown Center (we hear he is the best!) and the Gingerbread Village.  Next weekend, I have a date with Ella planned to go see Dino O'Dell sing some Christmas tunes and then a lunch at Fritz's. 

I think that is cramming as much fun as we can into this month in anticipation of Santa coming!!  We have an Elf on the Shelf, named Uncle Joan (named after my Aunt Joan!).  That has been fun...I plan to have him get into some mischief here soon!  We also have an advent calendar that Ella calls her "calendar helper" which is a job they have at preschool.  I love her names for things...too cute.

All of the above is fun and quality family time, but the most awesome thing of all is that it is Jesus' birthday.  I cannot wait to start traditions so that my children will learn the true meaning of Christmas.  On Christmas Eve, we will sing "Happy birthday" to Jesus with a birthday cake and candles and read the Christmas Story from the Bible.

Lately, things have been really busy as I know they have been for everyone this time of year.  The other night, I realized that as busy as things get, I have got to get back to spending more quality time with my Savior.  I have different ways that I plan to do that.  It is His birthday month and just as we prepare ahead of time for our children's birthday parties, I need to prepare my heart for that incredible day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus.