Merry Christmas!

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas filled with much joy remembering the birth, life, death and resurrection of our savior.  What wonderful gifts we have been given of grace, mercy, forgiveness and salvation!

We had a fun day enjoying our time together.  Our day was filled with yummy food, games, lego building, and much laughter.

Christmas Eve

We planned a slow, relaxing, but fun day for Christmas Eve.  The kids got up before us and made their own breakfasts.  It was so nice to come out and see that all of the little ones had been taken care of and they were all playing nicely.

We made "gingerbread" houses.

Miss A slept through most of it.

We enjoyed more time just hanging out playing together.

The kids were all ready for bed and excited to have a slumber party together downstairs under the Christmas tree.

Rob and I had a sweet little helper as we stuffed stockings and set out the group gifts (we don't do many individual gifts, so this was about it from us).

Look at what happens when you go hang out with big sister while she decorates cookies.

It was fun having Miss A join us after we had set everything out.  I loved getting to see her wonder and excitement.  

A movie...

at the theater is a big deal for our family.  Some of the big kids really wanted to see a movie.  It was between Annie and Night at the Museum (the Museum Movie won).  They asked if they helped pay if we could go.  I love seeing them understanding that they are not entitled to the fun things they want to do, and taking responsibility for making it happen.  Most of the kids chipped in to pay for their own tickets and we covered the rest plus some popcorn and drinks.

Miss A was so excited and thought it was all great fun....then the movie started and she got the wiggles.  She lasted a bit longer then I took her out to run for a bit.  She fell asleep in time for me to watch a fair bit of the end.

Mr. K thought the games in the lobby were great fun.

After the movie we drove around looking at Christmas lights and then went home to put the littles to bed.  The big kids baked some Christmas cookies.

It's a snow day!

Its a snow day?

It's a snow day!

It's a snow day!

Yay!  Big sister is taking me out to play!  Its a snow day!

Miss A was so excited to see the snow, though there really was not much on the ground.  Daddy had taken some big kids up to collect logs for firewood and the rest of us were working around the house.  Miss E offered to take Miss A (and then Mr K) Out to enjoy the snow.

Winter work day

Saturdays are work days around here, though they tend to be fun work.  The girls spent the day in the kitchen doing some Christmas baking.  Miss A was so excited to see all of the candy canes being crushed for cookies, she wanted in on the action.

crushing candy canes may be fun, but eating them is better!

Outside the guys were working on the new hen house and a dog house.  No, we don't have a dog.  No, we are not planning on getting one.  Mr. S just wanted to make one and daddy figured it was a good project for him.

Ah, a sweet reward at the end of the day.

Cutie baby girl

She's just too cute!  We have so much fun with this little girl.

Early morning Starbucks fun

Rob takes Mr. S to Starbucks one morning a week for some one on one time.  Mr. S usually sweetly brings something back to share with the other kids.

The girls had expressed some interest in going with Daddy one morning.

Don't they all look so sweet and cozy?

Sweet (and smart) boy!

While shopping at Costco Mr. K noticed the flowers....

"Mom!  Look!  Flowers!"

"We get some?"

When I answered that we would not be getting flowers this time he said....

"but, Daddy always gets you flowers"  Daddy was proud of his little guy reminding Mama what a great guy he is. ;)

On our way out this same little guy noticed the quad.  He was sure we should get one of those too.  I pointed out that we really didn't have space for it.  Where would we keep it?

"Ah!  I know!  Outside!"  Was his answer.  Nice try buddy.  Thats still a no go.  Daddy was, once again, proud of his quick thinking though.

St. Nicholas Day

I grew up celebrating St. Nicholas Day.  I'm sure that Mom's catholic/Polish background had something to do with that.  My kids love celebrating this day as well.  I love how simple we can keep it, yet they love the special traditions.  I love hearing Miss C list out what she expects to find in her shoes..... 1 candy cane, 1 cutie, and some chocolate coins.... This year I added Kinder Chocolate as well.

We read about St. Nicholas, which is also a great way to learn a bit of church history.

We've started celebrating with a special meal that evening with our favorite German and Polish foods.

Pierogis made up just like my Great Grandma used to make!  YUM!

One of my kids (who will not be named) was banking on Mama's poor math skills to pull a fast one on me and add in an extra pair of shoes to be filled.  Silly boy!  

It's funny to see all of those Nike's lined up!  A BIG "thank you" to my little younger brother who earns the employee discount for us!