Thomas' Christmas program

Our sweet Thomas had the most precious Christmas program ever today! I was filled with joy for my sweet children and our saviour as I watched the Day school children. There is something so special about Christian school. Watching the children re enact the birth of our Saviour and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. After the play the children enjoyed a super fun Chritsmas party. They were read a fun story, ate a yummy lunch, gave the teachers their presents and decorated cookies! We are so thankful that Thomas has such a precious school, friends and teachers.

The weekend

We've had a laid back busy weekend, is that possible? Yesterday day we ran all over town for odds and ins and today we stayed in all day. I had a ton of baking to do for upcoming events. Gluten Free cookie swap, sweet treats for the boys class parties, treats for the neighbors and friends, gingerbread men for a class project for Thomas, sugar cookie so he'll have something to decorate at the party for the "craft" etc. Being gluten free means that around this time of year I have to provide a lot of extra stuff for both children so they don't feel left out. I don't mind at all but it is a lot more work than the average parent has to do:)
Both children love music and the piano, we were playing some Christmas carols tonight and here is West, ( and his trains) accompanying me:)

Our week

The Christmas holidays are busy & fun with 3 little ones. Two class parties, sweet treats, shopping, keeping up with the house, planning dinners, attempting crazy kitchen adventures etc. We had a good week, it has been really really cold. Many days after Thomas gets out of school we stay on the playground, but a couple of days this week it was just too cold. We retreated to the chick fil a playground with friends 2 afternoons to burn some energy and break up the day. Tommy finished his fall semester on Wes day so he's home now for about a month. We are thankful!! Last night Tommy and I took Hartley and we attended his work Christmas party out at Bowen's Island. Hartley slept in the sling the whole time while we ate oysters and Frogmore stew. The boys played at moms and we grabbed them on our way home. We made our annual Christmas presents at Kilin Time this week also, as you can see the boys loved it but sweet Hartley wasn't too thrilled, that paint was cold on her little foot! Speaking of Hartley she really has done a complete 180, she's so happy now, smiles and even coos some. Sleeps very well and for nice stretches at night. Doesn't nap for any extended time during the day and still cries more often than not in the car, coming from where we were we are thrilled with her progress. I am not sure if I ever admitted it here on the blog but I honestly thought she was missing part of her brain that would allow her to be happy. In all my time of taking care of children she was by far the most unhappy infant I have ever been around. We can't say enough how thankful we are that those days are behind us! The countdown to Christmas is here, 2 weeks from today, we're all getting really excited, hope you are too!

Through the years

Yes folks she is smiling! We have had the best week we've had in 8 weeks, I am so thankful! Todaay we took the children to breakfast with Santa. I want to post all of our pictures through the years of Breakfast with Santa, really such a fun tradition.
The boys did well but I must say that it gets harder and harder to take pictures of them as they get older, as you can see from the pictures they are ether uninterested, silly or have some fake smile on their faces..

Today's it has gotten really cold here, don't really like cold weather but it does make it feel more like Christmas is coming! My big kids are so excited they just can't stand it. Today we decorated some Christmas cookies, they LOVE to cook and be right in the middle of it. I am learning to let go and allow them to do things well, the way a child would. Hartley's stocking came in today! It's so sweet and so girly!!! Hartley has had good days and nights since Monday!! I think I had a alittle too many accidental exposures over Thanksgiving and she has now come out of that. Thank you Lord. Everyday this week she and the boys have been down by 6:30. Hartley will get up and down to nurse but they will all stay asleep until 600-630 tomorrow. It doesn't take much for me to refuel and nights like these are just what I need! Hartley also had her 2 month appointment today, at 10 weeks. She's doing well, 10 pounds 11 ounces, 10% for weight and 25% head and length, little just like her brothers:)