Christmas Decor

We got our tree decorated! 

     We tried something a little different this year.  I decided since there is no chance of the kids leaving the tree alone and especially the ornaments, I would buy new decorations at the dollar store.  This way they could pick them all out, decorate the tree with me and demolish whatever and I wouldn't really care.  They had so much fun.  We picked all sorts of good stuff and it has taken a lot of stress off.  Which as almost everyone knows, allows for much more Christmas spirit!

    The kids have actually been pretty good at leaving everything alone.

I thought it would be a good idea to put these tiny little present ornaments on the tree but, as it turned out, they were far too tempting.  I tried to explain to Aidan and Ember that they weren't really presents just decorations.  I think Aidan understood but, Ember just kept unwrapping them.  After, Aidan realized Ember wasn't getting in trouble.  He went to town unwrapping as well.  So, within a matter of minutes, all we had was this!  Oh well, lesson learned.

Polar Express

My parents took our entire family (minus Chad and his wife, who had to work) on the polar express for an early Christmas present.  That means there were 14 adults and 17 grandkids, quite a group.  It was so much fun, even Ember, who had been terribly sick, enjoyed herself.  My kids are very familiar with the movie and book so, they were soo excited to climb ABOARD!

The more the merrier, right? From left to right: Zack, Aidan, Kaden, Ember and Brock

Ember is clutching the bell that Santa gave her.

Aidan admiring his bell (which he promptly lost and then later found again).

Even Eden liked her bell.

Oh, Tony, what a poop!

Ember chatting with one of the elves.  While Aidan can't keep his eyes off the tracks.

The kids with the conductor.

Showing off the tickets after they got punched!  Which Aidan also lost and then later found.

Posing in front of our train.

And of course, Santa Clause!!

Simplify

We had a terrific lesson in Relief Society today about simplifying our lives.  I think the title of the lesson was something like..."simplifying our lives can bring spiritual happiness."  When I read the title on the board my first thoughts were how true that is in my life.  I know that my life is often quite full of chaos amidst 3 kids under age 4.  Every time I feel myself getting overwhelmed by the goings on I try to evaluate what it is that is really stressing me out and 9 times out of 10 it is my need to slow down and enjoy my life.

I know that this is a really easy concept but, somehow I find myself struggling with it over and over.  That is probably why I liked this lesson so much.  I love when something I feel to be true is validated and elaborated upon by apostles and prophets. I am always so amazed at the truthfulness of the gospel in its many facets.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is so simple yet, so complex.  Leaving me eons to understand it all.  Yet, with each new insight the more sure I become of its surety.

That being said I felt truly inspired to take a look at my life and see how I might better alleviate some of the madness that occurs in my life.  One aspect the lesson focused on was finances.  It was really nice to put into perspective my financial situation.  And really made me realize how important it is to live within your means.  In the midst of this economic crisis this idea rings truer then ever.  It made me realize how grateful I am for the goals Tony and I have reached in paying off debt and for the blessing it is that I have been able to stay home with my babies.

Aidans Pirate Party

Aidan had a fun pirate themed birthday party this year.  He invited his cousins Zack and Kaden and neighbor Andre'.  They had a treasure hunt, ate cake, opened presents and played at the park.  I was amazed at the speed in which the boys completed the treasure hunt...it was so fun to watch.  

He is already trying to plan the theme of his party for next year.

Aaarg Matey!

I hid each of these maps at a different location.

They were so excited with each find.

Ahh they found it!!!  The treasure buried in the sandbox.

Blowing out candles.

My attempt at a pirate cake.

Opening presents.  Aidan couldn't keep his eyes off the gifts long enough to take this picture.

Playing at the park.  All the pirates either lost or broke their swords here at the park. 

Tumbling

     Today marked the last day for the kids tumbling class.  They enjoyed themselves more some days then others but, over had a good time...I think.  Ember wasn't old enough for me to actually enroll in the class but, the teacher was nice enough to let her participate when she felt like it. 

     Aidan struggled with the whole standing line thing. I didn't realize it could be so traumatic.  I think Ember prefered practicing her 'straight jumps' and other moves at home. 

Here are a few pictures of my little cuties.

Kids at Play.

Aidan mastering his somersaults.

Ember attempting the same thing.

Waiting in line with their friend Becca.

Ember walking on sunshine...ok just her hands.