Checking his list. . .

Twas two nights before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there! 
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
Avery thinks she hears something. . . .

It's Santa!  His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

Avery and Sterling were so excited.  He came to our backyard and was reading the letters Avery and Sterling had sent to him.

 

He was also checking his list! 

Avery said, "He put a red check by my name!  We are so lucky!"  I don't think I have ever seen her so excited.  Sterling was very excited, but a little scared.  He didn't want to get too close.  And, even Avery was a little timid. 

Here's a picture of Ian, but he really didn't know what all the fuss was about.

Thank you SANTA for making our Christmas very special!!

He said, "HO! HO! HO!" and disappeared into night!  Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!

So Sick of Being Sick

In early November, I came down with the flu.  I did have a regular flu shot about a month before, so not sure if it was H1N1 or what.  I went to the doctor and was given Tamiflu and started feeling better.

Then, Thanksgiving Day, I started feeling terrible again.  I went to the a walk-in Clinic the next day and was diagnosed with an ear infection.  I started on the antibiotics and started feeling better after a few doses.  I had forgotten how bad an ear infection can make you feel.

And, now for the past 4 days, I have been feeling terrible again with a fever and horrible sore throat.  I went to the walk-in Clinic today, and now I have strep throat!  I don't think I have been this sick in the last 5 years combined.  I started on my antibiotics, but sadly I think this puts a damper on our Christmas Eve plans.  I'm sad that I'm going to miss church. 

So far, Sterling and Ian just seem to have minor colds.  In between all this sickness, a stomach virus swept through our house, and Avery, Sterling, and Juan were all sick.  Thankfully, I did not get that!  I'm just so sick of being sick!  It's really hard on everyone when Mom gets sick, and this is such a busy time of year.

Christmas Card - 2009

After several attempts at taking a family photo for our Christmas card, this is the final card.  The weather just did not want to cooperate.  It was actually starting to rain, and my hair did not stay straight in the later shots. 

I finally got them in the mail today!  I never wait this long to send out Christmas cards, but it’s been a hectic few weeks with school events, sickness (myself and kid’s included), and my mom’s knee surgery.  Merry Christmas everyone!

Sterling's Birthday Party

We celebrated Sterling's 4th birthday party at Pump it Up this year.  It made it much easier on me with the holidays and all that is going on.  And, of course, the birthday boy loved it!

Ian really had a blast sliding down the slide and bouncing with Pa!

Sterling's Birthday at School

Sterling celebrated his birthday at school last week.  He was so excited to go up on stage and have everyone sing to him.

Sterling's Christmas Program

These are pictures from Sterling's Christmas program at school.  His class sang, "He is Born" and "Yes Lord!"  Sterling was so excited.  He loves to dance and sing, but he also got a little nervous.  He was digging and picking at something on the floor during the middle of the song.  We can't wait to see the video (we should get a copy from the school).  He was hilarious!  I had tears rolling down my face.

School Christmas Party - Sterling

Sterling had his school Christmas Party last week.  They enjoyed pizza, goodies, and a book exchange.

Santa Baby - Storytime

Friday was a fun day for Avery.  She went to a fun party with friends right after school where she made lots of fun crafts and ate yummy treats.  

Then after the party, Avery, Sterling, Ian, and I enjoyed Storytime at our church.  Everyone wears pajamas, sings songs, and listens to Christmas themed stories.  After storytime, we all got to enjoy hot cocoa and cookies and make a fun ornament. 

The first picture of "Santa Baby Ian" is my new favorite picture.  He looked so cute in his Santa outfit and was so happy.  I didn't get to take too many pictures.  I was by myself--Juan had his company Christmas function the same evening.

Our very own Rudolph

Poor Avery had an accident playing outside.  She tripped and fell face first on the concrete.  Her poor nose is scraped and swollen.  But, she is taking it very well.  I told her she looks like Rudolph, and she smiled.  I only hope she does okay at school tomorrow.

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

 

We had a rare treat yesterday – SNOW! 

Even Ian was excited watching it come down. 

And, I must say, I was excited, too!  It was a very pretty change.  We couldn’t wait for Avery to get out of school.  They did dismiss 2 hours early. 

We even built a mini snowman.

 

It was a lot of fun and something new, but we decided it was too cold to play out for very long (and the temperature was dropping as the day went on).

MORE SNOW PICTURES

oh NO!  Snowman lost his nose.

SNOW ANGEL

 

 

Pics

Avery's School Picture - 2009/2010 School Year - 2nd Grade

Sterling's Soccer Picture

Sterling & Ian - Picture taken through Sterling's preschool