More traditions...and a once in a lifetime event!

First of all, this is one of my new favorite pics. It would be even better if Dani could have hung on too! One tradition that I have carried on from my mom is making sugar cookies at the holidays. Brayden LOVES it! He wants to do it ALL by himself. I have to fight over the rolling pin, and it turns into a really long process, but it's all worth it, right?

Dani sampling some yummy frosting, is there a cookie too?

Ellie can't get enough in her mouth!

B turned into the naked chef, because he had red frosting all over his white T-shirt. This apron seemed to work a little better, but I don't think he spilled a thing once it was on.

YUMMY!

Grandma Wagener sent a box of X-mas goodies! The kids LOVE the window clings. They fought over who could put them up the fastest! Thanks mom, it kept them busy for a long time.

Lastly, I just got back from Portland. I didn't mention what was going on with my family because I was terrified and in huge denial. My brother had to have heart valve replacement surgery on Wed. the 10th. On top of that he had an aneurysm in his heart. Luckily everything went very well! He is amazing, I can't believe what he had to go through, and he is recovering so well. The surgeon replaced one of his valves with a titanium piece. It should last the rest of his life, if everything heals properly he should never have to go through this again! Thank god, the one and only time I heard him complain throughout this whole process and the months leading up to the surgery was yesterday when he said, "This sucks, I am never going to do this again, I never want to feel this way." I had to laugh because he has such a high tolerance for pain, it's unbelievable. As kids, he would get headaches and throw up. We later found out he gets migraines, he just assumed they were regular headaches because that's all he knew, yet he never complained. I can't imagine what a typical person would be saying after heart surgery, sitting up in a chair (because the Dr.s want him up and around 2 days after surgery). I am just in awe of him, he is so strong and amazing, I am so thankful everything turned out so well!

Here is a pic. of him in recovery in ICU after his surgery. He would kill me if he knew I posted this, but I chose one where you can't really see him. All the nurses were so impressed with him, I am so proud. (I am not that creepy, he wanted a pic. of himself, because he knew he wouldn't remember anything. Luckily this doesn't show anything).

Traditions.....becoming expensive!

What a morning! We decided today would be the day we go to visit Santa! I called the mall downtown to find out what time they open, 10:00. All the kids ate breakfast and took showers, then put their pretty picture clothes on. (This took at least an hour). I was good, and made my coffee at home, and downed it all, knowing it may be a rough few hours. We arrived downtown at 9:50 raring to go. Before we left the house I raided my piggy bank and grabbed a bunch of quarters. We found a spot right out front and I plugged the parking meter for 40 minutes. We walked in the mall and Santa's chair was empty, which was fine, because we were early. We walked around and then I saw the sign that said Santa's hours. 11:00 A.M. I couldn't believe it, wouldn't you think Santa would have the same hours as the mall? We had an hour to waste! (This mall has no play place). We went to Nordstrom to get Ellie's croc sandal fixed, which took 5 minutes tops. The nice lady gave EVERYONE a balloon, which turned out to be really fun (not so much). After walking around for 10 minutes I realized I had to plug the parking meter soon. I knew I didn't have any more change so I went to a few stores and bought stuff, but they didn't give cash back as an option. (really?!) So, we went to Starbucks. We walked into this tiny Starbucks and it is PACKED out with tons of business people. Of course everyone is staring at us trying to maneuver through with our huge stroller (but few people cleared a path, it's more fun to watch me struggle). I ordered my second coffee of the day and got a chocolate donut for the kids. We waited for at least 10-15 minutes in this narrow little spot where the kids continuously banged their balloons on everyone and everything in site. Luckily a nice young girl was ahead of us, whose sister is having twins and has a nephew B's age. She was very sweet and patient with the chaos. While we were standing in line they made a wrong drink so they were giving it away for free. Well, not being shy, and with the morning going how it was, I boldly stepped up and grabbed it. It was a pumpkin frappuccino, which I love, but won't pay the money for. Plus there was whip cream on it for the kids!
Finally, I get my caramel macchiato and headed to scrounge up change in the van. (Starbucks doesn't give cash back either). The kids are waiting on the sidewalk in 30 degree weather while I stand on my head searching. All I come up with are a few dimes and nickels. This buys me until 11:10. I almost asked the nice man on his smoke break for some change, but I didn't have the nerve, I figured we could make it out in time. We head back into the mall and sit and have whip cream, donuts and coffee.

Yummy chocolate!

Still waiting for Santa!

Where is Santa?

He finally arrives! With all the chaos, I didn't actually get a pic. with the kids, with my camera. Brayden was better this year and DIDN'T scream, Dani just sat there looking confused, and Ellie made Santa work for his money. She screamed and tried to wrestle her way out of his grasp! The picture is great, but our scanner is down. Maybe later........... We walked out to the car at 11:10 and this is what I had............

With a $15.00 parking ticket, $22.00 Santa pics. and $5.00 at Starbucks it was a little more expensive than I planned for! It's all worth it though, right? Good thing I had my free, 3rd coffee (another grande) to drink on the way home.

Special Delivery!

My new friend, Angela, gave me this amazing idea! I am excited to see if it works. We had a special delivery today from Santa. He sent his special elf, Frank, to watch over my kids. He included a letter that explained that Frank will be watching the kids everyday to make sure they are making good choices. Each night he will fly back to the North Pole to let Santa know if they should be on the naughty or nice list. Then everyday, Frank will be somewhere else in the house watching over them. (I guess they make real "Elf on the Shelf" products, but I just went to Target and bought an ornament/angel thing, hopefully it will work). Dani getting excited

Brayden can't wait to open the gift!

Ellie is all smiles!

Brayden processing all of this information! Is this a good thing?

Brayden deciding where Frank should spend his first day at our house.

Way up high, so he can see everyone! (He's on the Santa's feet).

Thanks for the great idea Angela, I may owe you BIG time! Will this work throughout the year? We may have special Frank appearances!

As I'm typing this downstairs Brayden is still thinking.... He asked, "Can Frank see us when we're downstairs?" I said, "Probably, he is pretty magical!"

Homework

Brayden LOVES to draw, paint and color. He tells us, "I am going to do my homework now." This could range between all or any of the above. Last night after he finished his homework he showed me how he had written his name all by HIMSELF. I didn't even know he knew all the letters in his name. I know some of the letters are backward, but they all go left to right! We were very impressed! He said, "I had to make a capital E because I forgot how to make a lower case e." Too funny.

Yesterday it was my turn to work in B' s preschool class. It is always so fun! I love to see all the kids interacting and learning so much. Ms. Jenny sent me home with a poster for us to work on. It is an "All about ME" poster for Brayden. He was very excited to have real homework. He insisted on painting on it, so Ms. Jenny could see how beautiful it is, and how "crafty" he is. This kid doesn't miss a thing. A few things included, favorite things: beautiful pictures, and Mickey Mouse. Doesn't like: when people fight with me, lions and mean animals. Wants to be: a firefighter. Favorite color: red and blue (NOT yellow anymore). It is so fun to see his mind at work, something new everyday!

The girls INSISTED on "helping!"

Grandpa Chris' Birthday!

Happy Birthday Grandpa Chris! We celebrated Chris' Birthday Saturday night at Sandy and Chris'. It was quite the celebration. Our immediate family has grown to 20 people, it is a party whenever we are all together! Thanksgiving is usually the only time when we're ALL together. It was quite a night of fun and chaos. Now that the kids are getting older, it is much more fun for everyone. I was pleasantly surprised at how well everyone played together. We have eight kids ranging in age from 10 months to 6 years. Grandpa Chris, Hunter, Ally, Noah and Kent.

Keegan and Brayden

Grandpa Chris, Hunter and Great-Grandpa

Ellie and Ally

Noah

Owen and Uncle Pete

Uncle Kelly and Uncle Scott

Grandma Phillips (Sandy), Auntie Shelby and Great-Grandma

Auntie Sarah

Cousin Sarah and Noah

Pirate Ellie

Cowgirl Dani

Cousin Sarah reading books to Brayden and Keegan

Kent, with his brother, Kelly, sister, Shelby and sis-in-law Sarah.

Grandma Phillips (in the background) and Uncle Pete playing with ALL the kids.

First Snow!

We had our first snow Saturday morning! That is, enough where we got to shovel. The kids thought it was the best thing ever! Brayden LOVES to help shovel the driveway. Danielle quickly learned that it is not a good idea to run in the snow, especially with tennis shoes on. Ellie was right there with Dad and Brayden shoveling away and scurrying about. It was pretty dang cute. Now I can't wait until we can actually go sledding. More snow to come...????

My camera blurred most of the pics. because they were moving so fast... little worker bees.