Nona and Papa Christmas

Watch out...Grant has a Nerf Gun


Rachel and Mini Rachel, otherwise known as Sofia


Still smiling


Blowin on Papa's Trumpet (I have a picture of me doing this same thing, at about this same age...awww, how sweet right?)


Princess Stella


Mags


And Papa in a Box

After our Christmas Morning celebration, we headed over to my parents house for the Sheldon family Christmas. With eight cousins running around, we have a blast. We are so thankful to be able to all get together and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior! Presents, white elephant, leg massagers (don't ask), yummy food and drink, trumpet playing, reminiscing, and of course poker! Great time as always!

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve


The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...


Christmas Morning...waiting on the steps


Zhu Zhu Pets (Matt scored these cheap, but huge toys of the year, at CVS...good work hon!)




Charley's Gift from Santa...and where she happily stayed while the other two opened presents

Christmas at Grammie and Grandpas

Lily


Evy


Molly and Uncle Wade


Matt and I


Santa Matt and Grant


Who's next?


Molly Girl


Princess Molly


Happy Birthday to Jesus!

We spent Christmas Eve at Matt's parents for Christmas this year. Their home is so warm and inviting at Christmas time. Matt's mom has a definite talent in decorating, especially for the holidays. The kids had a great time, waiting for Santa Matt to tell them who was next to open a present. We had a wonderful meal and a great time together. Happy Birthday to Jesus cake and all!

My Baby Boy

Not so much a baby boy anymore...Grant turned SIX today! I cannot believe that it has been six whole years since we came home on that Christmas Day with our new baby boy, our firstborn, our best Christmas present ever. I still remember driving home from the hospital with him on Christmas morning, through the snow...pulling off into Walgreens parking lot to get some pain medication...sneaking a quick peek in the backseat to make sure that our baby boy was doing okay...only to see his poor little head completely slumped over into his chest!!! I screeched and jumped back there make sure he was still alive! Obviously he was fine, but I'll tell you this, I thought I was to be the worst mother ever, not even able to keep my new baby safe just on the way home from the hospital!! I rode in the backseat from then on. :) It has been a whirlwind of changes. He is growing up so fast, enjoying kindergarten and tormenting his sister. He'll make you smile and laugh and in an instance make you want to scream. He is a charmer, a joy...and challenge. He loves to build things and make things work, and says he wants to be an artist when he grows up. He's never short of 'I love yous' and gives really good hugs.

Happy Birthday Grantster! We thank God for the gift of you!

Opening gifts at Nona and Papas house


Celebrating all the December birthdays (Dad, Peter, Drew, Ryan, Grant and Stella)


Celebrating at Grammie and Grandpa's House...(Grant and Grammie share the same birthday!)


And one more time at our house...


The birthday boy!

Lovin' the Leonards

Two...


Three...


Four...


and Five...(Zach, Charley, Molly, Taylor and Lauren...missing is Grant)

A few weeks back, we had the chance to go visit my very good friend Carrie for the day. We always have a great time chatting and catching up...even when one of my kiddos decides not to take a real nap. It's been so fun to watch our kids grow and change and have fun together. Who knows, maybe a couple of them will end up at Hope together!

Chocolate Covered

As I have mentioned, I am not a cook...baker...chef...what have you. But I do like to try to be creative. So for Grant's teacher's Christmas present, in addition to gift cards, this is what I've come up with. I really have a lot of fun doing it and its so easy! And I think its pretty too! All you need is Candiquik, colored chocolate melts, pretzel rods, a microwave, wax paper, and plastic baggies to drizzle the colored chocolate. Package and decorate any way that you'd like!!

Mommy and Me

 

A couple years back, I went looking for a picture of my mom and us three kids. Honestly, I think I found one, and it was not a picture of us when we were little. Now I know picture taking was a bit different back then, but I am determined to get a picture of me with my three kids every year from here on out. The mom is always the one taking the pictures, which is why you hardly ever see pictures of her. So here is our first go...Grant is nearly six, Molly is two, and Charlotte is 8 months old. I Love being your mom!

Because She Makes Me Happy

 

Timber!

Okay, so not really timber...we did not cut down our own tree...but we did go to the tree place behind the liquor store to pick out our fancy tree! This is actually where we go every year. It's quick, and unfortunately pricey, but it's easy. We had a litte "discussion" about the size of our tree this year. As we are in a new house, Matt thought we should try a taller tree...which I said was too tall. But he won and we took it home. And we brought it in. And we stood it up. And it touched the ceiling before it was even in the stand. So we snipped off the top branch. Still too tall. I was trying SO hard not to smile. Matt said, Oh I'm sure you're loving this...and I was. So back on the top of the car it went, and he brought home a suitable sized tree. They were very kind to let us exchange it. The kids had a great time decorating and our first tree in this house looks beautiful!

 
 
 
 

Christmas at Meijer Gardens

 

We had a nice night last week at Meijer Gardens. Its a family tradition for us to go there at this time of year to look at the trees, watch the train, see the lights, and this year, sit on Santa's lap. As you might see from the pictures, it didn't go so well...we had two screamers. But Grant got a good moment with Santa. He was a bit nervous at first, and I had to ask why. He said, I don't want him to tell me I'm on the naughty list! HA! Maybe I should stop saying that so much. :) Santa told him that it was pretty hard to get on his naughty list...ahem...Santa...don't you know what I'm trying to do here. It was beautiful night and trees were lit up so beautiful outside too!