I feel like I haven't got much to say, but I have a lot to say. My heart is full. 2009 has been a wonderful year for my family. 2008 was really good, but 2009 has been great. We have been blessed beyond measure. My mom gave me a book for Christmas called, "Making Life Rich Without Any Money" and frankly, I already know how. (but don't worry mom, I'll still read the book because it does look good--gotta get through the Twilight saga first--very slow going because I don't have the energy to focus on it :) ). Anyway, I digress, which is what one of my favorite teachers in high school used to say, she also taught me the word, "ergo" which I always applaud when someone uses it because it's such a cool word. Seriously--slip it in everyday conversation and the person you're talking to will think you're brilliant. Anywhoo, back to my train of thought.

We were given a huge surprise in January, which we got to meet at the beginning of October. With his arrival, we found out how loved and blessed we really are. People brought us an abundance of food and gifts, we got phone calls, texts, messages on facebook, and all kinds of offers for help. It was really wonderful. I have never been super popular, and for once in my life I really felt popular--but loved, is really a better term for what we felt. So, thank you to everyone who made us feel loved and loved on us and our precious family.

Rori started preschool this year, and just when I think I can't be more proud of her, she amazes me even more. She was very brave starting school, she's been a big help with the baby, and my proudest moment was when she said her line at the Christmas play at church, in front of a large audience. She said it calmly, clearly, and proudly. "Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you, He is Christ the Lord." If you'd like to watch the video of her line, click on this link to my mom's blog and be sure to turn the volume up. She's just precious. My heart was full and tears came to my eyes. Our two oldest children are really learning to love the Lord and understand what that means. I really couldn't ask for anymore than that--except for maybe a magic diet pill that will let me eat whatever I want and lose the baby weight that seems to have permanently attached itself to my rear end...

12 Sticks of Butter

A few years ago, I found the best recipe for butter cookies that you roll and cutout. It has 4 sticks of butter and 4 egg yolks per batch--can you say coronary? I also found the best frosting recipe--it dries shiny and hard and tastes fabulous! So, we have started a Christmas cookie tradition.

The first batch of cookies, the kids wanted to just put sprinkles on (we were going to do half just sprinkles and half frosting, but they got carried away). We had a special helper while we made them. Auntie Val came over and helped us. We used to go to her house every year and make Christmas cookies--we called her the "Master Baker." So it was really special to have her help.
Then Bill complained that he needed ones with frosting. So, I made another batch with the kids and we frosted them with my parents and grandma. Aren't they pretty? I would warn you not to eat Liam's because my dad video taped him licking the frosting off of the one he was making, while making it, but unfortunately the cookies didn't make it much longer than a week or so before they all disappeared...So...4 more sticks of butter later, I made these.

Note the lack of coloring the frosting. I was much less enthusiastic by the third batch...at least they have sprinkles :) I've been beating Bill off of them, but fortunately they need to only last one more day!

Merry Christmas everyone! Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

ps if you want the cookie recipe, and the jiggly behind that comes with it, click here For the frosting recipe, click here. Note that these taste better the day after they are made as the butter sets in.

Cousins!

Last Christmas we gave my sister, Jenna, and her husband movie tickets and told them we would watch their kids when they went. Almost a year went by and they finally took us up on our offer. It was our first time watching Noah and Juliana. We were really excited to get to spend time with our niece and nephew--usually when we get together the grandparents are around and Noah wants to hang out with grandma and Juliana is usually with her daddy or grandpa.

When Jenna and Ryan left, I was worried that Noah would start to cry, but when he went looking for them, I explained they had to leave for a little bit and we were going to play with him. He just said, "ok." and went back to playing with his cousins. Rori and Liam taught him how to tackle. They ran around the house chasing each other and having a great time. Juliana was all smiles and we didn't want to put her down for a nap, but we were worried that Jenna and Ryan would be mad if we didn't, so we put her in the swing and she went to sleep. Then Noah, Rori and Liam all played tackle with Bill! It was NOISY but FUN! Here's some pictures of our fun day!

Winter Wonderland

Technically it's still Fall--and I know this because Jenna's husband, Ryan's birthday is December 19th and he reminds us he's a Fall baby. Looking outside, I would say winter is officially here. Fortunately, I get to stay inside with this cutie...

Bill's Day Off

Guest post by Bill :)

This past Tuesday it was my honor and privilege to be the helper in Rori’s preschool class. I had a ball, it was so much fun. I am so proud of my little girl. She is so smart. I always knew she was smart, but when you ask her what she learned at school she tells you a letter, and says I cut things out and colored. The same thing happens with Sunday school and Cubbies. What did you learn today, I ask. About Jesus she says. I’ll learned on Tuesday that Rori can count both forwards and backwards, she knows the days of the week, the months of the year and the Pledge of Allegiance. It was a treat to see her interact with others kids. I got to hear all about Spiderman and Princesses from the little boys and girls in her class. I got to help them learn the letter K and found out everyone likes Cheez its. Not Cheese Nips, but the real deal Cheez its. My fun day did not end after school though. Rori and I picked up Liam and met my buddy Dan and his son and daughter at McDonalds playland. It was hamburgers, fries and cokes all around. There is nothing like a McDonald’s coke! The kids had a great time running for the 2 and half hours we were there and I had a nice adult conversation about something other than work. You think that would be a full day, but it was not. When we got home we blew off Liam's nap (sorry mom) and got bundled up and headed out into the snow. Rori shoveled off the sidewalk for me. Liam raked the sidewalk too--we only have two shovels. After I finished the driveway, it was playtime. We had a snowball fight, made a snowman and some snow angels too. I got to watch and cheer on Rori and Liam as they went down the Jungle Gym slide to see how fast and far they could go. After being outside for an hour and a half and the kids little cheeks being red it was time to go in. Rori was ready, Liam needed to be convinced. We all shared a bowl of hot oatmeal once we got into our dry, warm clothes. It was the perfect day even if Brendan would not go to sleep for me again. I can’t wait be to sick from work again (shhh) and help in Rori’s class in the New Year. Papa

Symbiosis

Bill has always been the "baby whisperer" with our children. He could almost always get them to stop crying and go to sleep. There was a point in the early months of Liam's life that I didn't even think that he liked me. (That went away and for a while I was the only one he wanted--it was wonderful while it lasted). I assumed it would be the same way with Brendan. I was happily wrong! I feel like Brendan and I have a special relationship--symbiosis--if you will. Snuggling him calms me and it seems to work for him too. For example, the last two nights he has been crying uncontrollably while Bill was holding him. Bill tried all different ways of holding him to get him to stop, feeding him, swaddling him, nothing worked. Nothing worked, that is, until Mommy came along. Immediately, completely instantaneously, upon my putting my hands on Brendan and before he was even transferred to my arms, he stopped crying and didn't resume. It was wonderful and magical and made me feel so special. I pretty much melted into a puddle of love. I feel like I really know Brendan, I can easily figure out what he wants or needs, and I think because of this he rarely cries with me. I am not meaning to brag about my mothering skills, but I just really "get" him, you know what I mean? Bill on the other hand is a bit devastated to have lost his baby whispering skills, but we won't mention that to him.

I am going to enjoy this special time and hold onto it for as long as I can. With the other two, I couldn't wait until they could talk and walk and I just never really loved the infant stage. With Brendan, I don't want it to end any time soon. I realize now how quickly it goes by and how the snuggling and dependence for everything doesn't last forever. (Well, we still get snuggling from Rori and Liam, but sometimes I have to ask for it).

The big V

This weekend Bill and I realized that we are getting OLD! I hope this post isn't too much information or too personal--if it is, just skip it :) Anyway, we met our small group for brunch this weekend and discovered we are the only couple in the group that hasn't had the big V...vasectomy, that is. And the small group couples aren't the only ones we know who've had it done--other friends have too. I think we have more friends that are all done having kids than are in the child bearing stage. This just makes me feel old! What's next? Talking about our aches and pains and how we can't have coffee after lunch, lest we never fall asleep, or having dinner before 5pm and following it up with a trip to Wal*greens to get my Aqua Net? Oh dear, I just realized that I am watching PBS while I'm typing this...I've got to go now and turn on MTv--but I don't understand today's music and what is with that American Id*ol kid???

A Sweet Boy

Please pray for my dear friend Christina, her family, and especially her sweet three year old boy, Owen, who is having open heart surgery today. This is his third heart surgery since birth and obviously there are possible complications that I know they would appreciate prayer for. Christina is an incredibly strong woman. She has worked full time in order to carry the health insurance for her family--something they obviously couldn't go without. And she somehow manages to keep the numerous appointments with specialists and therapists for Owen all straight--while also raising an adorable toddler girl. She is a super mom--I don't know how she keeps it all together (and she looks fabulous all the time, on top of it!). I'm praying for you and I love you, Christina!

Tis the Season

It is good to be children sometimes, and never
better than at Christmas, when its mighty
Founder was a child Himself.
Charles Dickens

Advent is here! Tis the season for Christmas cards, making cookies, wrapping presents, but most of all for celebrating our Saviour's birth!