"wise men"

 "We have been following His star."

This was Tanner's line in his Kindergarten Christmas musical. He was one of the Wise Men. It was more precious than I expected.  How can 14 Kindergarteners re-inacting the Christmas story and singing not be?  I can not believe my BABY is 1/2 way through Kindergarten:(

When we picked him up from school, he was reminding us that the Shepards were the first ones the Angel told the good news of the Jesus' birth. It was such a great opportunity to talk about how God choose ordinary Shepards to hear the Good News first not someone with riches, fancy cars or the best toys. We talked about how in our relationship with Christ, He is the Shepard and he watches after HIs flock(us). It is amazing to me how much a 5 year old can comprehend about God's unconditional love for us. Praying that the Holy Spirit will continue to work on his little heart. I love these moments when I can share God's love with the boys:)

 

gingerbread houses

We make Gingerbread Houses every year.
 It is one of my favorite traditions...maybe it's the candy and the icing! This is it went along with our ADVENT.  Tonight we talked about how Jesus is our "Rock" when we trust and obey him. Since we talking about "building" a solid rock with our faith, tonight was the perfect night to build our Gingerbread Houses. 
Chris was on "SAM PATROL". His job was to monitor Sams candy intake...it's a big job! Tanner built a village not just a house. He spent alot of time...over an 1 1/2 on his.  He laid nerds 1 by 1 on the sides, and pez 1 by1 on the roofs.

Advent reading Matthew 4:24-27

To make these EASY Gingerbread Houses you NEED:
a glue gun
graham crakers(generic works best)
your husband's candy stash
icing

...Hot glue graham crackers 1/2's (when you get the one big sheet break it...this is my 1/2) in PAIRS
...hold up for a few seconds when glueing to get right angle
...glue 2 pairs to make square for house
...add a pair on top for the roof

2011...st. jude marathon

I am proud to say I was a "spectator" only at the marathon this year.  After running it for 2 years, it was nice to watch Chris throughout his race! Tanner came with us...he loved every minute. He almost fell asleep on the way to lunch after the race...it may sound crazy but being a "spectator" is hard work. Driving or walking to different mile markers in time to see Chris was lots of work!

I loved getting to see so many good friends, friends from high school and college during the race.

So proud...full marathon #3.

Finish Time: 4:39

Best Part...he feels great! No aches or pains.

He definitely thinks road races are harder on your body than trail races...wonder what he will do next??

I know we are doing the Germantown 1/2 together...nothing to him him though for me it will be months of training...ha!

That is Brad with Chris.  They trained together.  Every Saturday morning they have been running with the Breakaway running group.  I think Chris really enjoyed the benefits of running with a friend.

So proud of his daddy.  Parents lead by example and I hope that the boys will love running as much as we do.  Tanner already loves a 5k...maybe it's the T-shirt!!

See.."spectating" is very hard work. I'm a big yeller too...having run several 1/2's, I know how it feels when you want to stop and a random person from the crowd throws out a "woo-hoo...go runners"!

cupid is back

This is Cupid...our Elf on the Shelf.

He arrived this morning.

He brought these:)

I think he may have seen the idea here via Pinterest...of course!

Mommy note:

In our effort to "simplify" the holidays, I was not particularly looking forward to this tradition we started last year.  Tanner, of course, has been anticipating Cupid's arrival for a month now. Seeing the joy in the boys eyes this morning reminded me that some traditions are worth keeping!



cookies

I love cooking with Tanner. 

 He has always been so very patient in the kitchen despite how very busy he is. He loves choosing a recipe, reading it and helping to make it.  He doesn't mind waiting while it cooks.

Sam is not so patient and would prefer to just run to Muddy's to get a cupcake. He would be an excellent food critic.

The other night we made a big batch of sugar cookie dough.  The boys love using the rolling pins and cookies cutters.  I'm not sure if Sam made cookies or just sprinkle mountains!

iphone...lAteLY

Teaching Sam to play memory.

A 30th birthday for Aunt Shelley.

The beginning of breathing treatments. I remember him being 12 or 13 months old when he got his first breathing treatment...he screamed in my arms for the whole 45 minutes.

Last day...he was sooo over them! He thought I was adding medicine bc he was sure they were taking longer.  Not to mention our machine has started making this low but very loud rumble...very annoying!

Chalk and milk painting....Sams' idea not mine!

A little school at home...this kid loves school.  Or maybe it's just his competitive side that doesn't want to miss a thing.

WATCH OUT...

this momma who NEVER lets her boys watch TV was all about it after 3 weeks of sick boys

and

I started running 102! I even parked the chairs front and center...from the looks of it they must have talked me into a show we don't normallyw atch as well!

Napping on the couch...he fell asleep watching a movie with us!

Loving the U-scan.

Wii...Sports...great for FREEZING days!

"Bobby Banana"

The boys have made friends with the butcher at our neighborhood grocery.  He gave Sam "Bobby" the other day.  "Bobby" has been many places with us, he eats with us and sleeps with Sam (yes we remove him from his bed once he falls asleep).

Oh Davis-Kidd or whatever it's called now.  We LOVE you on cold and rainy days!

donuts with mommy

Tanner had "Donuts with Dad" at EUMK the other morning! Sam and I dropped Tanner off but lingered for a little bit.  Chris had a meeting at work and wasn't sure how "on time" he would be.  Most dads are starting their day at 9ish but Chris is 2-3 hours in by 9:00.

Sam was very SAD when he discovered the donuts were not for him (even though the teachers offered...I didn't want to say he eats 4)!

Needless to say, I did not complain about heading to Howard's.  I may or may not have had a pumpkin spice cake donut...with coffee! After our bellies were full, we headed to Pinnochio's for storytime.  I really treasure my mornings with Sam...he's so funny.