December 24, 2011 Day 24

Christmas Eve!!!!!!

Christmas Eve at our house is the same for us as it is for most people....BUSY!  But we love it.  Spending time with family is so important to us.  Christmas Eve is spent with Chris's mom and Dave.  They love to spoil the kids rotten!  We love them for it.  They are so generous and giving and we appreciate them so much.  This year was so exciting to watch.  Owen opened his presents in about 10 seconds.  Olivia was also excited, she opened hers a little slower, but she was to excited to get to the last present..which was a HUGE box all wrapped up with a big bow.  She was VERY curious.  Which in true Dave Rankin fashion, there were about 6 smaller boxes inside of each all wrapped up.  There was even some weights inside the big box, just to throw her off!! When she got to the last one it was a very small box with an IPhone 4 inside.  I think she may have had a stroke! She was so excited she could not even stand it.  Owen's favorite gift?? Besides everything?? His John Wayne gun (pretend of course) that when you shoot it the shells actually kick out!

Every year is special with the kids because each year brings something different.  But this year has been extra special because this is the first year that we are getting to spend Christmas with Chris's brother Mike.  He has moved back home from Texas.  It has been such a joy watching the kids get to know him, and truly love him.  I have been with Chris for a very long time and this is the first Christmas we will be spending with his brother.  This to me is what Christmas is all about.  We are so happy and blessed to have him home and sharing in our lives.    We are looking forward to so many more wonderful Christmas's with him.  Welcome home Uncle Mike!

 One true tradition that will carry on forever!!! Story Book Lane! We absolutely love this.  This was Owen's favorite one this year, Old Mother Hubbard.

This was Olivia's favorite one.  Tom, Tom the Piper's Son. 

Cookies and milk for Santa! Two clean kids in new Jammie's, getting goodies ready for Santa.  We read our 'Twas the Night before Christmas book and now we are all ready.

Owen putting out his "reindeer food."

Olivia putting out the carrots for the reindeer.  With a note about the reindeer food. Just to make sure that the reindeer know it is there for them.  Now, a little note to Santa from the kids, they said goodbye to "Fisbee" the elf since he goes back to the North Pole tonight...NOW off to bed......Not sure who is more excited???!!!  Cannot wait for tomorrow!

December 23, 2011 Day 23

Christmas with Papa Bud.......

We always have Christmas with Papa Bud a day before Christmas Eve.  The kids love it because it means opening presents a little early.  Papa Bud always gets them great stuff.  Movies, toys, jewelry for Olivia, gift cards.  They were so excited.  This year was even more exciting because the kids shopped all by themselves for Papa's gifts.  I loved to see there face light up when Papa opened up the gifts that they got him. 

Even thought they were super excited to give there gifts to Papa, they were VERY excited to open up there gifts that Papa got for them!

Love this!! Owen giving Papa a lesson on the IPhone! Papa did get himself a new phone for Christmas.  We used to call his old phone the "jitter bug."  He got himself a phone that has a key board to be able to text! So excited for him! But now we cannot make fun of him anymore.  

December 22, 2011 Day 22

Wrapping, baking.....and lounging........

Owen really wanted to do all of his own wrapping this year.  He did such a good job.  He wanted to know why I could wrap so good.  I told him it was years of practice.  He did almost all of his by himself.  I only had to help towards the end.  Olivia of course did all of hers done days ago.  She put on Christmas music, got herself lots of ribbons and bows and went to work.  I love to see how each one did there own unique ways of wrapping.  I loved that Owen's had about a roll of paper on each present. 

These are the most awesome little dessert bites around, and what is even better is that it is the easiest thing ever.  It is a pretzel, with a rolo in the middle of it.  You then put them in the oven just til they start to melt.  You then place a whole cashew or pecan on the top and press down just a little.  They are delicious!!!! You can put anything on the top, I have also seen them with M&M's. 

This is what my dogs look like most of the time.  They LOVE to lay in front of the fire place.  After how both of there lives started out, it is safe to say that they are now "living the life."  Please always rescue.  There are to many unwanted animals already, I see it every single day. 

December 21, 2011 Day 21

Wonderful Friends.......

The annual cookie walk!!! What a great time we have every year at this.  There were 10 of us that participated this year.  Each person makes 10 dozen of ONE kind of cookie.  We then give one dozen to each person.  So you leave with 10 dozen DIFFERENT kinds of cookies! Cookie baking done!I
I
 always get cut out cookies and icing with all kinds of fun little sprinkles and candies for the kids to decorate with.  Love this picture with all the kids having a blast.  They played and played.  What great friends we have.  Thank you ladies for a wonderful day!

LOVE this! Best Buddies! Love the icing on Gaven's face!

Olivia and Jayli did a wonderful job keeping the kids occupied.  They painted nails and did make overs.  They are such a great help.  Such sweet young girls.

Make overs were not just for the "girls" They did boy make overs to.  The spiked hair is just to cute.  A wonderful ending to a cherished time with girlfriends and there kids.

December 20, 2011 Day 20

Christmas in the Park.......

What a wonderful thing that McInturf Realty does for the community.  If you have never been to Christmas in the Park, you need to experience it.  There is real animals, people making ice sculptures, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Christmas lights everywhere, sleigh rides through story book lane, hot coco, carolers, people dressed up like characters handing out candy, and of course most of the rides are open.  The only down fall??? There is a million people there!

My father in law Bud is the Manager of the rides out at the park.  So he is also in charge of getting all of the help lined up to run the rides for Christmas in the park.  My kids LOVE to help papa in the summer.  This year Olivia got to help with Christmas in the Park.  She even got a name tag that read "Olivia Schoelles, Assistant Manager."  She thought that was really neat.  She had a blast.  Thanks Papa Bud!

Owen had a blast playing with his friends.  Even though it was tough to watch the kids because it was dark and crowded, they still had a great time playing at the park!

Owen waiting in line for the train.  Us parents were no rookies at this.  One of us would wait in line then when we got close, we would just let the kids jump in line.  Then another parent would wait in the next line.  It worked great for us.  Not sure it was well received by the people behind us.  We went to Disney in May and the lines in Disney were no where near as long as Christmas in the Park lines! But the kids enjoyed it so.....WORTH IT!

December 19, 2011 Day 19

School Party Fun!

One of my favorite things about being a stay at home mom is being able to attend all of the school functions.  I think the kids really look forward to me coming to the school.  (At least this year they did) It is interesting to me how when the kids are in kindergarten there is always an over abundance of parents willing to participate.  As they get older, that number goes down substantially.  I cannot understand why.  I feel so bad for the kids who long for there parents to be there.  I try my hardest to be a mom for all of the kids. 

Olivia's 5th grad class played a relay race.  They had to run to the front of the classroom, grab a paper nose, dip it in Vaseline,stick it on there nose and run back to the line.  Then the next person would go.  Everyone on there team had to have there nose on to win.  VERY cute.  They then walked around singing Christmas songs. 

The whole class dressed like Rudolf! 

Owen got to eat cookies, play limbo, and decorated ornaments.  It is a little hard going between both classes, but so much fun.  I am so glad I was able to share in these special moments. 

Each class also sang Christmas songs in the gym. 

The 5th graders were not enjoying it quite as much as the Kindergartners.  But, still a wonderful time.

December 18, 2011 Day 18

Funny....

Oh how our lives have changed!  Our weekends are usually consumed with....wait for it......pizza and fun visits with our cousins!! AND, we wouldn't want it any other way.  Owen and Nolan took a bath in the "big tub" full of bubbles and toys.  They had a blast.  Then jammies and a snack.  I thought it was so cute the two of them sitting there all clean, enjoying a snack and a cartoon before bed.  I wanted to take a picture of this very cute moment, well Nolan had a different idea.  "Cheese."

Ok, "Nolan, LOOK at me please".......

My personal favorite.....When you tell Nolan to give you "shifty eyes" this is what you get. HA.  Which Owen told him to do that.

Well, I guess I did not say he couldn't put his hands above his head!

Try number 5, I guess this is as good as I get!  I thought this was so funny to see how difficult it is to actually get a good picture sometimes.  This is usually how it works with any group photo we try to take. 

AND.....she always smiles no problem.....as long as her patch is off!

December 17, 2011 Day 17

Shop til you drop......

So this year the kids really wanted to "shop" for everyone in the family themselves.  They have been planning this big shopping day since before Thanksgiving.  They made a list, went over it and over it checking it twice.  The way we did it was we counted out how many people they wanted to buy for and then gave them a budget.  Olivia did really good with hers.  She of course understood the concept.  She was very frugal and she realized how it doesn't take long to spend it all!  This was her day of shopping.  It was just me, Olivia, and Chris.  She got the day to herself.  I think she really enjoyed shopping for the wrapping paper the most. 

Now, with Owen just getting ready to turn 6 (I cannot believe that) his understanding of a budget was a little different.  He wanted to buy his Uncle a watch, is Aunt a necklace (that he saw in a Sunday ad from Jared's), and one of his Grammies a new TV.  LOVE it.  He also made a list himself.  So wonderful to read it.  I love to see how he is developing.  He spelled slippers - saliprs.  How cute. 

One thing that we have taught our kids is that at this time of year you cannot go buy a "red bucket" without putting money in it.  I always say......it brings good luck when you put money in it.  Which if you did not know, I am probably one of the most superstitious people on the planet next to my Grandma Zadra.  So, I hope that this rubs off on the kids.  At least it is bringing good luck to the families that the money goes to. 

December 16, 2011 Day 16

We Love Aunt Lee and Uncle Duke!

The kids get sooooooo excited when they get a package from Aunt Lee and Uncle Duke!  They always know it is an awesome gift.  This year was no exception.  Owen was spending the night with his Grammie, so Olivia had to sit and look at the wonderful box for a whole day before she could open it.  As soon as Owen walked in the door, that was the first thing she grabbed. 

The anticipation is killing them........

We laughed at Aunt Lee and Uncle Dukes card..... She said "now I know why these cards were on sale, who has a blue inside of a card?"  She had to write on the inside with a black marker.  We LOVE there sense of humor. 

Owen got the Mother Load of all Loads of Super Hero books, sticker books, and magnet games.  He was in Heaven!

Olivia got a fancy bag to put her "girly stuff" in and a speaker that she can plug her Ipod touch into and it changes colors with the beat.  It is awesome.  Her and Owen played with that all night.  Thanks Aunt Lee and Uncle Duke for always being so giving to our kids.  We are so fortunate to have so many people in our lives that are truly amazing, caring, and wonderful.  Aunt Lee and Uncle Duke are nothing short of any of those things! Our kids are so lucky to have you in there lives. 

December 15, 2011 Day 15

KARATE.........

Owen has been involved in Karate for about a year now.  It is every Tuesday and Thursday for practice.  They earn a strip each week for 8 different categories (focus, balance, teamwork, fitness, discipline, coordination, memory, and control) Then after he earns each strip he will test in order to get his next belt.  This is him getting ready for his test.  He was a white belt with a blue strip.  He has been doing so good. 

This is after his test.  He received his white belt with a purple strip.  He tested really well today.  We are so very proud of him.  He is learning so much. 

After each test we take a class picture.  Owen always gets to pick where we eat lunch after the test.  He picked Wendy's.  Now we get a two week break! So excited for some time off. 

December 14, 2011 Day 14

Our Elf........ Mr. Fisbee

This is our "Elf on a Shelf."  If you do not know what this is all about, it is an elf that appears during the holiday season and flies to the North Pole each night to report to Santa if the kids have been bad or good, and NO ONE is allowed to touch the elf or he will loose his magic.  The kids really really enjoy this.  We read the story this year again.  There was actually a cartoon on this year a few weeks ago.  The kids have watched it a million times.  Our elf this year has been a little mischievous.  The kids have gotten a huge kick out of finding him each morning, and laughing to see what he has done.  He sometimes leaves them notes, or half eaten food.  The day that he "appeared" from the North Pole he was in the refrigerator eating pumpkin pie.  He has been so much fun.  Here are a few things that he has done so far.  

Owen really thought this was funny....He got himself caught in the cookie jar.  Owen said, "I'll bet he thought it was full of cookies!  I'll bet he did not know that we don't keep our cookies in there."  

Here he is swinging from the curtain. 

This one is always a favorite.  Fisbee said he had to ride the reindeer back or he would have been late.  

December 13, 2011 Day 13

Busy Busy Busy......


Every year Central School puts on a Christmas or Spring performance.  This year it was a Christmas program.  It was called "Jingle Bell Jukebox."  Very very cute.  Olivia had a speaking part.  She was so excited to be performing on stage.  I defiantly think that we will have to see if they are doing anything at the Little Theater.  When I was about her age my mom and I did a play called "Babes in Toy land," it was so much fun.  I was Little Red Riding Hood, and my mom had many different parts.  We still make fun of her because she played a spider.   Definitely one if the highlights from my childhood. 

Olivia singing one of the many songs from the program.  She did a great job. 

December 12, 2012 Day 12

Giving Back.......

So this year the family decided to do things a little different.  Every year my side of the family (mom and dad, amy and matt, lindsey and mark, me and chris, and my grandpa) draw names for a gift exchange.  We each get one person and we spend somewhere around $100 a person.  Instead of giving gifts this year we decided as a family that we would donate the money to a good cause.....NOW, where to send our money???? That was the question.  My grandpa saw an article in the newspaper awhile back in regards to a lot of children not being able to afford lunches at school, so he asked me if Olivia and Owens school had this problem.  I went to the school and spoke to Mr. Zucal the principal and had a long discussion on how to best use the money we were going to donate.  He confirmed that one of the most lacking areas for the children was food.  Well, that settled it. No child should ever be hungry.  If you have ever been to anything that my mom (or myself) has cooked for you will totally understand that this is just NEVER an option for our family.  The schools do have a free and reduced lunch program, but some families just miss the cut off.  The other thing is that the school lunch is not cheap! It is $1.75 per day.  The way that the schools have it set up now it is like a credit card system.  You just deposit money in the account and then it is debited out each time they enter there pin number.  So, I put $50 bills into individual envelopes to help 14 kids.  Mr. Zucal would then determine the kids who needed it the most.  He wold deposit the money into there account as a "secret Santa" gift.  He would then send a letter to the family explaining that there child has money in there account to be able to buy lunch or breakfast at school.  So, here is Olivia and Owen holding the bag with the envelopes in it just before giving it to Mr. Zucal. 

This is Olivia and Owen giving Mr. Zucal the gift.  They were so excited and Mr. Zucal was so thankful and appreciative.  I hope that some children are able to have a full belly while they learn.  Teaching another life lesson.......worth every penny!!!