Christmas Cookies

Henry has been very mindful of our Christmas traditions this year. He has a very good memory, and reminds me of his favorite traditions that we haven't done yet. Baking gingerbread cookies was at the top of his list, so that is what we did on the first morning of winter break. All the boys love to help out in the kitchen. It doesn't happen very often, so they were so giddy and silly while they mixed, stirred, and rolled. Frances was happy banging on a bowl with a spoon, but she sure looked the part in her cute apron. Aunt Elaine sent the boys cowboy cookie cutters, so we made gingerbread men and cowboys (hats and boots too!). By the time the cookies went into the oven, it was nap time for Peter and Frances. Apparently baking is quite tiring because John dozed off in a chair, and Henry curled up on the couch with a book. After nap time, the snacking/decorating began. Many sprinkles were consumed, but I am certain that more sprinkles ended up on those trays than in their mouths (or on the cookies). Frances had her first gingerbread cookie, and gave compliments to the 3 chefs. Hopefully Santa feels the same way when he gets a taste of these on Christmas Eve!

Party Mom!

I was a "party mom" for John's class Christmas party. John had been looking forward to this for months. He helped me pick out the treats to make - a family favorite, reindeer donuts. I have never made so many before, so I ended up with piles of broken pretzels (that went un-eaten because children refuse to eat broken food). Pa made the most amazing Christmas tree cornhole game 3 years ago for Henry's preschool Christmas party, and I have been saving it in my attic ever since. It's a good thing because John's class was the most competitive group of 4 year old cornhole players that I've ever seen. 

After the party ended, John and I headed to Henry's school so we could surprise him with a lunch date. The boys were on their very best manners because they knew I had Ferrero Rocher hiding in my purse.

Tub Time!

Peter and Frances are a hoot in the bath tub. Henry and John are already in bed by the time I get around to bathing Peter and Frances, and I always have to tell them to keep it down because their bath party can get a little crazy.

36!

We celebrated Gus's 36th birthday today! We had ice cream cake at home with the kids, and then Nanna babysat, so we could go out to dinner (dessert before dinner for the birthday boy!).

Just a couple days before his birthday, Gus announced that he is running for State Senate in the 32nd District, which covers East Cobb and parts of Sandy Springs. The election will take place sometime in the spring.  It looks like 36 is shaping up to be a big year for Gus!

Peter Pan

Last weekend, Nanna and I had a double date with Henry and John. We went out to lunch, and to see the musical, Peter Pan. The show was during nap time, so our very own Peter Pan had to miss out this year. Henry and John sat very quietly throughout the entire show. Their favorite character was the crocodile. And they loved intermission for the snacks.

John's Singing Debut

When John was in Pre-K3, his class has a "Spring Sing" at school. He practiced the songs and hand motions for weeks. The day of the big show arrived. Daddy took the morning off of work. I got there early so we had front row seats. Then John's teacher found me, and she said that he was in the office with a stomach ache. Our boy had a bad case of stage fright and missed the entire show.

Leading up to his "Christmas Sing" in Pre-K4, we talked a lot about conquering our fears. He sang the songs at home daily, and I prayed that he was actually going to make it to the stage this time. He did, and my heart was so proud. You'll spot him in the middle of the very top row, wearing a blue shirt and grey sweater vest. The very best part of the show was when he finally spotted me in the audience. His face lit up, and he gave the biggest wave.

Costco Twins

Every Thursday, we go to Costco. And from the moment we enter the parking lot, Peter asks, "where the snack lady at?"

This particular Thursday, I had two random strangers ask if Peter and Frances were twins. Yes, these are my 19 months apart twins.