Month of Memories - December 20th

Two words. Epic. Fail.

Wow... so today's surprise in the Advent calendar was "Family Game Night." I was hoping that this would go better than the last time we played a game as a family a few months ago.

So, the game of choice was Chutes and Ladders. Jon could hardly contain himself with excitement - literally bouncing with glee. Josiah was frustrated because he really had no clue what we were doing. It was a very long 45 minutes between Jon's loud boasting and Josiah's fussing. When Jon was winning, he was giddy and exuberant. And when he lost (to me), he was crushed and bitter.

"Why me!?!?"

Need proof: here it is. And the funny part was how Josiah started bawling just as soon as Jon let it rip. Why Josiah started crying, I have no clue. The sob fest lasted a good 20+ minutes. It is safe to say that it will be months until we try this again.

Even after baths, the tears flowed.

Oh - long day!

Month of Memories - December 14th

So, I am behind on this monthly thing. But you all forgive me, I am certain. :)

Big night for us here. The five of us and Mimi headed to the mall to meet Santa. It had been two years (I think) since we last visited Senor Claus. Here is my sweet Siah in 2007. Isn't he the cutest! Rachel had not yet been exposed to the mall Santa experience. So, as part of today's Advent calendar, we told the boys they could go to see Santa.

The line was l-o-n-g long but we endured. The boys, as you can clearly see, enjoyed it. I will do another post with some of our pictures. They are cute. But Miss Rachel, oh no - she was not having one bit of fun. So, now we finally have the obligatory crying child on Santa photo. Can't wait to scrapbook this one!

Month of Memories - December 9th

Three words that make my boys really happy. Family. Movie. Night. Simple but sweet. Popcorn in hand, the four of us (sorry, baby sister was in bed) convene on the same couch sharing the same blanket and watch a movie.

Tonight's showing was "The Toy That Saved Christmas" by the Veggie Tales. Any chance I get to reinforce that Christmas is not about the many catalogs that arrive daily (and provide way too much viewing pleasure for my boys) and the things they want... I'm in. The songs always crack me up. The one titled "Grumpy Kids" - I so could have written that one. This one is fun too. Take a look see.

I give this movie two thumbs up. Next time we do Family. Movie. Night., it will be to see "It's A Meaningful Life."

Month of Memories - December 8th

I'm going to take advantage of Wordless Wednesday. Here ya go!

Month of Memories - December 7th

You may recall that last Friday was a day of forced rest. It pretty much takes an episode of “stomach emptying” to make us slow down. Though I really (REALLY) do not like stomach bugs of any variety, this was not a bad one. One occurrence, one victim – wham, bam, thank you, ma’am. Had he made it to the bathroom in time and done it when we were home and not the poor dear friend watching the kids – it would have been almost a non-event. So, Friday was not too bad around here. The kids and I stayed in our PJs the entire day. And it felt kind of nice for a change.

So, we are hanging out and I catch Ray Ray playing. Like most things she does, I find this incredibly cute and decide to grab some photos. I’d like to scrapbook a page highlighting her toys. I know I would have gotten a real kick out of seeing pictures of me with my baby dolls and various play things. Here’s what my busy girl did on Friday. Enjoy the cuteness!

Month of Memories - December 6th

Well, I tried to update last night before bed but my battery ran out. I mean that both literally and figuratively. Here’s yesterday’s post today…

I believe the tradition started in 1977. I’d have to scan my mom’s Christmas tree to confirm but I am pretty confident of the year. I’m not sure how my little six-year-old self thought of it. It probably happened something like this: I see an ornament that I liked at Hallmark for my mom. It has the year on it. Said ornament is given as a Christmas present. Same thing happens in 1978 and now, ladies and gentlemen, we have ourselves a yearly tradition.

I have not yet started the same thing with my children but I have tried to have an ornament a year for them. I like to think that one day the ornament will make its way to their trees. I’ve even started to put initials on the bottoms to prevent any future disagreements. There are a few handmade ornaments that all four of my mom’s kids made since we attended the same grade school. So, we each actually did make the same wreath ornament. Now who’s lovely wreath is on the tree, that is up for debate.

Here are a few of the ornaments for my kids:

Month of Memories - December 5th

It was quite a treat for the kids and me to see JD's portrayal of Joseph in a play about the birth of Jesus. Our church did a fantastic job recreating Bethlehem for the kids with crafts and a play. Loved it. Now, JD, he's quite the thespian. The kids giggled at the sight of Daddy in a robe and sandals standing on the stage. I'm thinking Oscar buzz...


Now of the miracle birth of Jesus Christ, I recall that many a moon ago (well, not really) this blog was titled "Luke 2:19 - before it changed into Party of Five. I will share with you that I find it ironic that the verse I chose for this blog is about how Mary treasures these things in her heart. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. I picked it because, to a certain extent, I'd be sharing my heart's treasures via this blog. Isn't it funny and ironic that I chose a verse about keeping things quiet and in one's heart for something that shares things with anyone who cares to read.

Back to Luke 2. It's the Christmas story. It's wonderful, beautiful and changed my life forever.

Here's a quote I like from a little book I picked up at LifeWay called Celebrate HIS Birth:

The Christ child changed the world forever, and He can do the same for us. On this Christmas day, we, like the shepherds of old, are called to celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus. May we, like those shepherds, leave our fields - wherever they may be - and pause to worship God's priceless gift: His Son.

Month of Memories - December 4th

When I heard the words "brief accumulation" this week on the news, I did not even bother to tell the kids about it. Just didn't think it would actually happen.

Well, I was wrong! We had snow and a good bit of it. Large, puffy flakes of snow gently fell - what a joy it is to see. When I stood and looked into the sky, I felt like I was in a 3-D movie. It got me to wondering if it's true that no two snowflakes are alike. Here's what I found. I love how creative God is. His handiwork is truly amazing.

Notice the shark hats!

So, here are my snow lovers. Even sweet Ray Ray thought it was great fun as she hung out in her swing.

Month of Memories - December 3rd

So today is a pajama day. I type this update in my new, comfy pink polar bear fleece jammies. It may sound very indulgent but I am taking this fashion break for a very good reason. Funny how when life seems super crazy with too many places to go, my children find a sure way to keep us home. Yep, they get sick. And not just sick... the dreaded stomach bug.

Our dear (poor) babysitter called us last night while we were out watching my talented nephew star in his school's production of "The Importance of Being Ernest." bad news was that Jon got sick in his bed and on the way to the bathroom. Oh dear - what is the hourly rate for babysitting a sickly boy???

Thankfully, there was only one "episode" last night and all appears to be well here. So, we are watching movies and playing today. In keeping with the theme of today/most days, I cannot locate the thinga-ma-jig that I need to download the pictures I took today.

On that note... good night.

Month of Memories... December 2nd

The list in my head goes something like this... "Gotta get that Dora doll for the angel tree at the Y. Where can I find it? Does Jon's shirt literally have to be just red for the Christmas play or can he wear a red sweater? Ask teachers about that. What day is it that I get a discount at LifeWay? I wonder if I can get to that shopping day at that Cary school on Friday." and on and on and on. And then the track repeats.

On Sunday, the message from the Word was aimed directly at me. God pulls no punches and His word is alive. Here is what the good Lord shared with me and now I will share with you:

⁴¹ And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

Now I will admit that it's four days since I heard a message at church on this passage. I'm a slow learner, especially when it comes to changing my heart. So, as I scurry about, I hear this softly in my ear (not literally but my heart does stir), "Denise, Denise... you are worried and troubled about many things. This season is about my gift to you. This gift need not be wrapped. I wrapped Him myself in swaddling clothes in a manger. This gift is free though it cost me my only precious son. I know you love me, dear child. So, please stop all this busyness. Think of sweet Mary and the time she spent with me. That, my child, is what your heart and busy mind need today. Come now..."

Month of Memories... December 1st

I just concluded a 30-day Thanksgiving "challenge" on Facebook. I was really surprised and humbled that some people were actually inspired (their own words) by my little writings. So, today I stumble upon something that caught my eye and my heart. In my favorite magazine, Scrapbooks, Etc., they highlighted someone doing an entire scrapbook documenting the month of December. At first, visions of my messy kitchen, half-decorated home came to my mind. And then poured in to my overwhelmed consciousness the gifts that need to be bought (don't even mention wrapping to me today) and my desperate attempt to keep my gym attendance to at least three times a week. So, I thought, "Wow, to have that kind of time..." In my effort to just be real here, I don't have anywhere near that kind of time. You probably do not either.

So, what the heck am I doing today? Yeah, I wanna do this. Like, I really want to do this. I would love for my posts to make their way into a scrapbook but I thought updating my blog was a good first step. I may need encouragement on the way so if you are reading this and enjoy it, send me a note.

Here we go!

December 1. Day one on the Advent calendar I made with my MOPS group last year. As is unfortunately my way too often, the calendar was not ready on December 1st. It was December 5th when I got it up. How do I know the day? Was it that important to me to remember for an entire year? Um, no. Were it not for my oldest son, I'd have no clue about what happened last year.



"Mom, this year can you PLEASE start the Advent calendar on the first of December?? Last year, you did it on the 5th."

Wow, can't catch a break with this kid. Seriously, how does he remember this stuff??!!?