christmas eve traditions

I absolutely love the Christmas Eve traditions we are building as a family. I think of the memories from Christmas traditions growing up- and how I want to create them for my kids! We go to Orchard and serve together as a family during one service and then attend one service. At this point in our life, having little people- the best way to serve is in the nursery! So we spend our Christmas Eve with 50 million toddlers:) It is a great reminder to me about the dedication of the nursery volunteers, year round! I love the candle lit service, singing together and praising the One who the holiday is all about.

We get home and open up one present. One guess? Yep, matching pjs!

We tried to take some cute sibling pics. Here is what we came up with!

Our Christmas Eve ends with reading the Christmas story and then settling in for a movie party on a bed on the floor! Fun times!

celebrating with my mom

I am finally updating my blog from our Christmas celebrations. We had our first one mid-December with my mom. We went there on a Friday night and spent the night. 

It was fun hanging out together and enjoying time.

Grandma Stew always spoils!

Addelyn got in on the "sock tradition" this year. Jill buys us all a matching pair of socks and last year Addelyn was sad not to get a pair- in fact, I believe there were tears! So this year, she was PUMPED about her cool reindeer socks.

Look who got matching vests too!

Who needs presents when there is wrapping paper and bows???

The sad part of our celebration, my mom woke up sick on Saturday morning. Such a bummer. We ended up going home earlier than planned- I felt so bad for her! That dang flu season, it always hits at the wrong times!

Jace loved peaking over the TV at everyone. Always trying to make people laugh.

We had a great time being together, even though it was too short!

this happens WAY too much!

This boy dumps ANYTHING he can get his hands on! 

go panthers!

We headed to a Panthers game as a family in December. Nights out like this don't happen often. Usually we split- I'll stay home with Jace and Mark will do something with Addelyn. Or I'm home with the kiddos while he goes to a game with the guys. So this was a fun change for us. The bonus, I even got some family pictures snapped!

Addelyn was so excited about her Panther's tattoo!

These are my very special boys.

And my special, sweet girl.

I have great in-laws. They were up for the weekend so they got to join us for the game.

These two love each other so much. 

We got to sit up in Mark's bosses' suite. It was perfect for a toddler. He could run but couldn't get away! The only possible way I'd take him to a game at this point. Plus, he loved the popcorn. A win-win!

What a fun night cheering on the Panthers. Hope we get to head to another game this season.

snow days

We are enjoying our winter days- especially the snow days that allow us to spend our days snuggled up at home together! (and some outdoor play too of course!)

first christmas program

Addelyn had her first ever Christmas program for preschool this year. Here is her sweet teacher, Mrs. Knapp. We just love her. The program was so cute- watching the kiddos sing. Addelyn LOVED the song, "What Can I Give Him?" She still sings it, often and LOUDLY for us. We have had many pretend Christmas programs at our house since then. She also loved dressing up.

Can you find her in the midst of all the kids?

Now for this kid, aggh! Note to self: don't assume a toddler will "make it through" a 30 minute program. The whole time he was antsy and cranky and just wanted to run. We had talked about getting a sitter for him but I went with the fact that many little people would be there and it would be fine! Yeah, this little guy was not impressed! I even broke out M&Ms to bribe him. Ah the things you'll do to make it work. 

We closed down the night with a snowstorm (a bummer because none of the grandparents could come watch!)

classic jace look

This is a classic Jace Joseph pose. Only in a diaper, wearing some random hat (that he put on!) and pinching his nipples (I have no idea why, a comfort thing?) This boy makes me smile.

This weekend we pulled out the potties from storage, as I thought they might be nice to have around so he can at least start "noticing them." I walked into the bathroom and Addelyn had completely undressed Jace and he was pooping and peeing on the potty! Cripes, I wasn't ready to potty train. But here we go, he continued to go all weekend so I don't think it was a fluke. And now to figure out potty training a boy. Whole new deal......especially when you have a five year old "helper" that is always up in his business!