Clara's Tea and The Nutcracker

Saturday at noon Sophia and I went with our dear friends Janita and Lauralyn to Clara's Tea and then watched The Nutcracker. Clara's Tea far surpassed my expectations! Clara greeted us and shortly after, numerous cast members mingled for pictures and autographs. The food was incredible. Sophia and Lauralyn even learned a few ballet moves from some of the cast members. The Ballet was wonderful and it was an especially nice Mother/Daughter day out! I love my children but especially enjoy the sweet alone time I have with each of them! Not to mention we couldn't have picked a better Mother/Daughter pair to spend the day with!!

School "Holiday" Parties

All three of my angels had school "holiday" parties. Unfortunately for Benjamin and Sophia we have to call them "holiday" parties in public school - one of the only disadvantages :-) We sure partied it up and "we" knew what we were partying about! The blessing in it all is that each of their teachers celebrates the "true" meaning of Christmas too. What a grand finale before Christmas break!

Y Basketball

Benjamin and Sophia are playing Y Basketball again this year! I wasn't surprised that Benjamin wanted to sign up - he loves it. Sophia on the other hand told me last year that she had decided that she liked games better than practice. When I asked her why that was, she commented "because I get to sit on the bench 1/2 the time". The Y is all about equal time on the court so if your team has 10 on the team is 1/2 time on the bench :-). I thought for sure she had her fill of basketball last year but much to my surprise she was eager to hit the court! They are both enjoying the game so far. We will see!

Yes!! That is my girl fixing her hair during the game!!!!

Polar Express Santa Lunch

Last Sunday we had tickets to the annual Polar Express Santa Lunch at the Primary School. I made sure that the calendar was clear for this event! This is an experience that even adults remember the whole year. The pitter patter of reindeer landing on the school roof with a conversation between Santa and his reindeer about stopping for a visit. In the door bursts the most joyful Santa singing his way down the cafeteria aisle!!! Santa chose Ben to go on stage with "jingle bells" and he actually went up and performed. After much song and a visit from Frosty himself Santa settled into his big chair for "Twas the Night Before Christmas." After all of the entertainment we had a delicious lunch, dessert, made crafts and got to sit on Santa's lap! What a special day!

My Three Favorite Ornaments

I, like all of you :-), have been so busy the past couple of weeks. I cannot believe it is already the 11th - Christmas is right around the corner. We have been having so much fun I haven't taken the time to blog and there is no way I can possibly catch up. All I can do is post a few pictures!

William turns 4!

My baby William turned four on the 22'nd! Can you believe it? Where has the time disappeared to? It seems like yesterday we were in a hurry to get home to make it to the Carullo's for a deep fried turkey dinner. I had him c-section Monday at dinner time and we were home on Wednesday after lunch! I was motivated to make it to Thanksgiving dinner! For his birthday we celebrated at Kangaroo Jac's - a child's inflatable heaven. We had nine including Benjamin and Sophia. His theme was, of course, Spiderman!! Who else? My baby is growing up!

My Silly Four-Year-Old Birthday Boy!

For the best effect scroll down to the bottom of this page and put my Playlist on pause.

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

I have been dreaming about and wishing for snow this week. I love the transition from Fall to Winter - the crisp air, fires in the fireplace, making hot chocolate for my little ones (coffee for me) and most of all the excitement of my children when they look out the window to fresh falling snow!! I grew up in Maine so snow was a "given" but here in coastal Virginia we are lucky if we see a few flurries in a winter - this morning was one of them!!
We were getting ready for school and at about 6:45 I looked out and the snow was plentiful in the air. Before I could say "no" all three kids were out the front door! Feet were not dragging to the bus stop this morning!! It is 8:00 and it is still snowing. Thank you Heavenly Father for this beautiful Friday morning and thank You for the children You have trusted me with to enjoy all of your amazing creations!!!

Weekend Fun!

My kids have been dying to rake leaves and jump in them. Unfortunately we live in a neighborhood with not many leaf-bearing trees - they are all fairly new and not established. We do have this one tree that drops a ton of leaves and if you catch it right, before they all blow in the lake, you can rake yourself a pretty good sized pile of leaves. This past weekend was the weekend. The yard was soaking wet from all the rain but I let them get their play clothes on and rake away!

Things have been busy lately but I haven't really taken any pictures (therefore I haven't been motivated to blog). I am more of a picture person than a writer. The kids are doing great in school. First semester is over and Sophia came home with her honor roll ribbon! She is doing fantastic and loves school. Benjamin is doing well and loving school. He came home with his math book this week and was thrilled to finally have some math homework instead of "just spelling". William is excited to be turning four next weekend. He is having a party at an area inflatable place and picked a "Spiderman Theme".
During this time of the year as we celebrate "Thanksgiving" I continue to be thankful for the family that God has trusted me with. I am thankful for my three little angels and I am so thankful for such a giving, loving husband.

My Brother

This a photo that I came across yesterday of me with my brother Jamie taken 2 years ago. I love him dearly and I am so proud of the man he has turned into!

Trick or Treat!!!

William's Priceless Quote of the Week (more like year)!

Ok... there are NO pictures for this one!
Set the scene - William is outside with Benjamin and Pete the other day - it was a chilly Fall day.
Daddy - "William, do you have to go potty?"
William - "No daddy, I don't hefta go."
Daddy - "Then why are you holding yourself down there?"
William - "I'm just keepin it warm."
I cry myself to tears everytime I tell this story - He was just as serious as could be!

Happy Fall Y'all!!

My three precious treasures!!!

Backyard Camping

Last weekend Benjamin's Scout Camping Trip was cancelled due to yucky weather. He was so disappointed. He wanted to go regardless of the rain! Pete couldn't bear to disappoint him so he told him as soon as he got off the school bus they would start their camping adventure in the backyard. They set up the tent, got dinner going and built a fire for smores. I was invited out for the evening smores. Sophia was at a sleepover so she missed all the outdoor fun. The boys were all in the tent at 7:30 to read books and do devotionals. I sat for a while on the steps to listen to the giggling and fun. Pete is such an amazing dad. He loves those boys and is so commited to help build them into strong young men! William made it for 30 minutes in the tent. Pete brought him in to sleep in his bed. At 5:00 a.m. Benjamin and Pete were both inside in their beds as well. They had such a great time and I am sure Benjamin will be talking about it for many years to come.