Our Christmas Morning

We weren't sure what to expect from our kids Christmas morning.  We really hadn't been talking up Santa/Christmas.  In fact, I just mentioned to Cooper the day before that he was coming.  He said, "oh really?  is that when i get my skateboard?"  Oh child.  In fact, I told Adam we could definitely skip the whole thing all together and he would probably never even ask about it.  I don't know if its because we are laid back and don't build it up or just Coop's personality or a mixture of both.  

But, of course we wouldn't let it just pass by!  The kids were happy, I guess.  There was no big emotions of excitement, but we didn't expect much.  Doodles was 100% clueless.  Aunt Tanya said we just needed a little girl drama and we are sure we will have some of that in the next couple years.  

It was fun and we are happy to have celebrated at home.  However, it was a little strange to feel 'done' with Christmas on the 16th.  The biggest news of all...I was done Christmas shopping 2 weeks before the big day!  OMG.  If you know me and my procrastinating ways, you know this is a big deal.  A really big deal.  

Here's our Christmas morning in a nutshell...

 They both immediately went for the Jake and the Neverland Pirates characters that Santa left. 

 I love this.  Laney spotted Cooper in a weak moment and was taking off with the characters.

 Coop was busy with his new clubs.  I was busy making sure Laney wasn't in swinging range.

 Coopie was ecstatic when he spotted a couple wrapped presents under the tree from Mom and Dad.  He and Doodles each got a book and movie from us.

 Laney really could have cared less.

 She is always after her brother's cars, so she was loving that these hot rods were in her stocking.  I think the stocking stuffers brought the most excitement all morning.  Doodles adored these and her new Minnie Mouse sippy cup.  Cooper was super pumped about his new Jake and the Neverland Pirates underwear, tried multiple pair on immediately.  He also got a couple new cars and thought they were awesome.

 Big brother likes the ball pit just as much as little sissy.

 Lots of static.

 He was busy working on several construction sites throughout the day.

 We are definitely in the filling things up and dumping them out stage.

 Just couldn't wait to use her new cup.

And here's what our house looked like most of the day.  We went to church, came home and played, and just enjoyed.  You know you only get so many Christmas' with young kids and they are priceless.

Christmas Eve

Since we were going to be out of town on Christmas, Santa Claus made us a special deal to visit before we left.  So our Christmas Eve was December 16.  We had what I think is the perfect Christmas dinner, all pre-cooked from Central Market.  I had sushi and Ad and kids shared meatloaf and mashed potatoes.    We had chocolate chip cookies for dessert and watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

 Coop and Dad all cuddled up watching the movie,

while Laney did her own thing.

 Adam read Twas the Night before Christmas by the tree,

and once again, Laney did her own thing.

 Attempt #1 of kids in front of Christmas tree.

 The best I got.

Here's what Cooper got taking pics on Dad's phone.

Once again those fab teachers at pre-school pulled thru with a fun idea.

 The reindeer food was oats and red glitter.

 He was pretty excited.  After the kids were in bed, I realized my mom failure this Christmas...I forgot to make cookies for Santa!  

And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nick would soon be there...

Family Pictures

I have been wanting some family pictures of the 4 of us taken on my Grandparents farm.  We did my sister's wedding pictures there- it makes for the best background and has such a special spot in my heart.

I was lucky enough to convince my full time teacher/part time photographer friend, Betsy, to take on the challenge.  Seriously, a 3 year old and 1 year old can be a tough audience.  She agreed, with the stipulation that she wasn't guaranteeing all 4 of us looking/smiling in one picture.  My reply was, that's not our life right now-so why portray us as that ;).  I don't want to fool people.

It was a beautiful morning and in about 30 minutes we were done.  Perfect.  Not a doubt in my mind that she had captured exactly what I had in mind.  No disappointments, I couldn't love them more.  I told her I felt guilty sending my Christmas cards without her photography logo on them!  She's going to work on that and raising her prices, right Betsy??

 Thanks my friend for being relaxed, fun and capturing forever moments.

Here are my faves along with the one in my banner.  It was almost the Christmas card.

This cracks me up.

 Hmmm, I wonder when we will get past the cheesy smile phase???

 Aww, love that sibling love.

 I think this is the only picture I have of the 2 of us where we are both looking and smiling!

 My #1 favorite.  The kids expressions are priceless and fitting.

And here was the final pick for the Christmas card!

Tiers Of Joy Christmas Card

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A Stomach Bug

I have a legit reason for being MIA the last few days.  

Sunday night Adam got hit with a (i will spare you the details, you're welcome) stomach virus.  It hit poor Laney Faith Monday morning and my lucky self Tuesday morning.  Blech.  I haven't felt like that in a looong time and don't need to for a loooong time again.  Somehow Cooper's Super Hero powers fought it off.  

 Girlfriend didn't leave my side Monday and Tuesday.  We were so sad for her but I secretly loved it since she has never been a cuddler.

 She would just stare at me like, "Mom, do something." :(

 I sent this to my dad and his reply was, "Looks like her mom after a Dad's weekend at KU."  True statement.

 Thankful for technology when I was sick and Adam was gone for a bit.  Again, Doodles would never sit still for longer than 1.5 minutes on a healthy day.

After running a fever Monday night/Tuesday morn, we decided to take her to Doc since we were leaving the next morn for our Midwest Christmas tour.  Not flu. Not strep. No ear infection (however, she was diagnosed with that today :().  Just a nasty stomach bug.  Poor, poor Doodle Muffins.  In her almost 15 months of life, she has never been sick like this.  However, she is back to her mini Godzilla self again today.

Nineey the Elf and his Gingerbread House

Our Elf on the shelf, Nineey, was pretty routine in his visits in the beginning.  Cooper wasn't too excited about him and Nineey must have taken notice because he has definitely stepped up his game.  

 Adam thought this was a bit creepy, but Coop thought it was hilarious!  Especially since Nineey used his super hero rope.

Nineey's a Belieber!

 Nineey built a Gingerbread house overnight and brought all the decorations!

 The kids had fun decorating.  

 Coop was very meticulous,

 Laney not so much.  She decorated a few herself and then just began disassembling Coop's creations and eating them.  Do you see Lola?  She's not far when the kids have food.