She's getting married

When I picked Beth up from school today, she told me she was going to marry Balis one day. He's a boy from church who is also in her kindergarten class. I asked how she knew she'd marry him. She told me it was a secret. I informed her that she can't have secrets from Mommy (I wonder how long that will hold). So, she says it's because she sometimes sits by him at library and they play together sometimes at recess. We'll have to work on what she'll look for in a future husband, but this is a good start.

In other Beth cuteness- she got her first report card today. We were so proud of her. In trying to figure out an appropriate reward, we asked what she'd like. Without hesitation, she told us she'd like more Magic Tree House books. That's my girl! We've been enjoying reading the handful of books we have. Then, we go online where she takes a short quiz about the book to earn a "stamp" for her MTH "passport". After nap today, we headed for the bookstore where she got 3 more books and a research guide (more information on a subject covered in one of the stories). I'm so proud that she loves reading!

Christmas at the Hales (round 1)

For the past few years, we've had Christmas celebrations with Kevin's family the weekend before Christmas. It really helps that the kids aren't so overwhelmed within a couple days right at Christmas. And, it gives us more time to enjoy visiting as opposed to worrying about being on time for the next location.

It was so much fun watching all the kids (Beth- 5, Jacob- 2, Gracie- 6, Emily- 3) open their gifts. I remember many Christmases getting exactly the same thing as my cousin since we were about a year apart. It's neat to watch Beth and Gracie be exicted about the same gifts, too. Then, having Jacob and all his boy toys is fun among all the pink.
Beth and Jacob have really enjoyed their "pillow pets" (all the kids got one). Pet Pals is Beth's new favorite Leapster game, and the closest she'll come to a real pet for a little while (I have to train Jacob before I worry about training a dog). She is also really enjoying the new rooms for her dollhouse. I think she has them all now- I had to get a bigger storage tub.

Jacob was so excited about all his toys. He especially loved his scooter. That was what he wanted us to open. For the evening, I held him off with Thomas the Train blocks and Little People firetruck and ambulance. Now that all the toys are put away at home, everyday is like a new discovery of the toys again. What fun!

Don't worry, it's not all about the kids. Grandma and Grandpa got to open their own stacks of gifts. Then, everyone got stockings (that's where the good stuff is for Mommy and Daddy!)

Also in those stockings were "whistles" (yes, I know they're really recorders) for all the kids. They had SO much fun! We decided they were best to be played with in the sunroom, with the door closed. You know, so we could get all the wrapping paper trash cleaned up. Yea, that's it.

As always, we eat too much and go for seconds, then head for the dessert. So, a walk to look at lights is in order. Once again, Grandpa was awarded 1st place for his decorations. They're so fun to look at. One year they won, it was because of Grandma's inside decorations that could be seen through the big picture window. These people LOVE Christmas, and it shows! I think I fit into the family nicely because of that.

Staying the night gave the kids a chance to try out their new roller skates and scooter. It was so much fun! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for a great Christmas celebration weekend!

Are you ready for football?

At Beth's Awana program at church, they earn points for completing lessons, attendance, bringing their Bible, etc. Then, right before Christmas, they spend points in the "store" to buy Christmas gifts for their families. Beth did a great job picking things out for us! I got a purple blanket, Kevin got a tape measure, and Jacob got a nerf football.

He's in love with that football. In fact, he slept with it in his bed a couple nights.

Kevin has really enjoyed trying to teach the kids some football plays.

Jacob just grins ear to ear while they play!

What Christmas looks like at our house

Well, the decorations are already put away, but here it is anyway. I LOVE Christmas! I have 17 tubs of decorations and dishes. Yes, that's right, I have 17 tubs that are at least 18 gallon size. Here's a little of what our house looks like while we enjoy the Christmas season.

Most of the decorations are contained in 4 rooms, but I'm working my way to have every room decorated, even just a little.

Visiting Santa

The kids wrote their letters to Santa, and we decided to take them to him at the mall. They were pretty excited. Beth kept talking about how brave she is now and not scared of him anymore. Waiting in line, before we could see him, Jacob told me "he's prolly at North Pole." Then, there he was, it was our turn, they were in awe. They handed him their letters. Beth had resquested a snake book, an American Girl doll that looks like her, a pink fishing pole and treats in her stocking. Jacob asked for a "puppy that says 'ruff-ruff'", cars, Lightning, Buzz and Woody.

Beth happily sat on Santa's lap. I had to put Jacob up there, but he didn't fuss. For once, he was actually quiet and still. Beth voiced her requests, adding the puppy to the list. Santa told the kids that the North Pole was too cold for puppies to live there, so he doesn't bring puppies. Good stuff! Jacob took some prompting, but he finally told Santa that he wanted a puppy and trucks.

It went really well. I'm hoping for a smile from Jacob next year. Santa gave them both coloring books, and the kids talked about it all day.

Photoshop is fun!

I know, I haven't posted Christmas stuff. There's lots of it for you to enjoy. Instead, I've been discovering my Photoshop Elements program. A friend told me about some "action sets" I can download to tweak photos. I'm having fun, and I still have so much to learn!

Here's before and afters side by side:

Original ~~~ No noise

Original ~~~~ Oh the Drama

Original ~~~ Color boost

Original ~~~ Sharpening

Merry Christmas!