Five on Friday

Welcome to Friday!!In an attempt to keep this blog as updated as much as possible for family and friends who wanna sneak a peek into our new lives as a family of FIVE (!!!), I thought I'd share five (ha, that's kinda coincidental...perhaps) things with you from this past week. So, let's get this thing going!

{ONE}

You know I have to start with the tiny one... And, guess what?! He is a month old today! A MONTH OLD ALREADY! What?!

Yep. He is one month old already. Crazy how time flies, right? We have an awesome routine and going strong with it. Oh, and this morning he totally woke up at 5am. That's right. Jason did his night time feeding (he always does that midnight-ish one and I do the 3-ish in the morning one) and BAM! A month old and he slept for his mama. Keeping my fingers crossed for tonight! He is quite awake during the day now, too! He love checking out the Christmas tree and he likes his brothers talking to him. He has even smiled at Andrew a few times now. So sweet.

Also, side note: Today my bestie is going to have her baby girl! Please say a prayer for a quick, easy, and safe delivery!! We can't wait to meet our new little friend!

{TWO}

This was the first week the boys got to wear their Christmas gear! So stinkin' cute! I am dying over the reindeer booty. Sorry, I just love it. So cute! 

Ok, and, just so we are clear...Andrew DOES have on a Christmas shirt, but he had to wear his class shirt. You will see why in number three. ;)

See? Cute little Christmas train! And, yes. He LOVES to feed Austin. He did this for Alex, too. Love it! He is one awesome big brother!

{THREE}

The boys wore their Christmas gear for a special presentation at school. The Singing Santa came for a very special visit. It was pretty cool. This is THE Santa, by the way. If you are local, you may have heard of his visits to the malls and such. Very cool.  

 

The boys even got a chance to talk to him to tell him what they wanted for Christmas. And, yes, the orders have already been put in - phew! That's definitely checked of the list...

{FOUR}

This is also the first week of Advent that we are celebrating. So, we have been working our way though "The ADVENTure of Christmas" this week (Thanks, Pat and Terri!). 

 This is a great book for this time of the year! SO much information!

 We learned about the Star - Read a story, put the star on our tree, and made star cookies. Yum!

 We also learned about the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree. Here are the ornaments that have been made this season (so far):

Austin's baby hat and bracelet from the hospital.

Andrew's blue guy and Alex's green guy (painted the inside and added googly eyes)

Alex's ornament from school - Mary and Baby Jesus

Andrew's Start ornament from school.

Andrew and Alex colored some gingerbread men that we will add their pictures to once I get to that.

 Last night, we read the story of St. Nicholas... 

 And, this morning we celebrated his feast day! The boys each got their "gold" coins and a Hot Wheels car. Jason got his special holiday Nerds candy :) 

{FIVE}

Ok this is more of a "What the what?!" thing...

 

I mean...really? DIET Hot Chocolate... "Sensitive Sweets" with just 25 calories... Really? It's the Holiday Season, people. Just stop it. Get your sensitive sweets on January 1st like everyone else - and then drop it by the 3rd week since resolutions never actually seem to work out. LOL Come on... Diet hot chocolate... I mean, puh-leease... 

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Well, there you have it! Updates for this week's adventures! I am hoping that we will get to go out this weekend. Maybe go see the ZooLights or Christmas Parade...? We'll see. Have a great weekend, y'all!!

 

Christmas Eve!!

Yay! Pictures from Christmas Eve!! Who is ready for the extravaganza to begin? Let's start here with the finishing up of a few Advent calendars/countdowns.

Last Christmas, after everything was on crazy clearance, I snatched this up. This is the Fisher-Price Imaginext Advent Calendar and it is so cute! Each day was some guy, a tool, something that person used, etc. Very cute! We ended up getting a fireman, construction guy, policeman and all of their equipment and such. Well, silly me, I only bought ONE. Hello...? I have TWO boys... Luckily, I had a few of these Imaginext guys that I had saved for "prizes" and some other guys from a Bat Cave that Rachel gave us. They boys - all the boys - loved playing Batman!

I know, I know. It doesn't really "scream" Christmas, but we did get to that. It wasn't left out. Remember we were working though this book. After breakfast/dinner we would ready the stories and have a little talk about the things that were going on and the previous stories. The boys really loved learning about Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Which, ok, again I say...teaching the boys about Joseph is difficult. Yes, he's a kind of dad, but not his real dad...but his real dad is father to everyone and Joseph is a helper dad... It was confusing to Andy. Alex knew who everyone in the manger was, but Andy was the one with questions. Maybe he can help explain it to Alex next season. Anyway, by Christmas Eve they BOTH had the story down and knew exactly what went one that night in Bethlehem :)

 Later that morning, they boys were telling me their favorite ornaments from the tree. I LOVE that Andy calls the glitter balls "sprinkle ornaments" - it is so adorable!! Alex loved the football one...and tried to throw it. I'm glad I caught it. That guy has quite the arm!

Of course, for the 800th time... The Polar Express was showing. I couldn't you if it was on TV or if was the DVD he was watching. He LOVES that movie. I downloaded some of the music and had it playing in the car. As soon as they heard the first 3 seconds of the title song, they would squeal and giggle and both would shout, "Polar Ta Pess!!!!!"

While everyone was occupied with the movie, I got to work on getting the roast all fancied up. And, yes, I called it our "roast beast" LOL Gotta love Dr. Seuss, right?

The mail came, too! And my present to myself showed up at the door : ) YAY!! You may see me link to Catholic Mom here, on Facebook, or on Twitter, right? Well the creator of Catholic Mom wrote this book. I can't wait to get her other one, too! I think that one will be my birthday gift to myself. Anyway, she is fabulous and I can't wait to really start reading it... I'm a bit behind on things, can you tell?

We headed to Mass after a quick nap. I wish I had taken pictures of our Altar decorated for Christmas, but I feel that's a bit on the rude side snapping pictures while people are trying to pray. So, when someone updates the website and add those pictures, I'll link to it. It is so beautiful!

One our way home, the boys were getting hungry and jumpy and all kinds of excited for the ringing of Santa's bells. 

 So before bed after reading the story of Baby Jesus from Luke's Gospel and The Polar Express, we made sure we set out cookies for Santa. Andy is making that face because he thought for sure that Santa would share one right now with him... He forgot he already had 4...and brushed his teeth... LOL Silly boy...  Don't you just love his pajamas?!

Time for sleep, boys! They were so excited and tired, but they went right to bed :) They definitely wanted to make sure that they were quiet enough to hear the reindeer and the bells. I wonder what he is going to bring......

Prelude to Christmas

Found this poem in Christmas Ideals 2012. This is one of those books that I was so excited to find a few weeks ago. I grew up reading these little books with my mom and loved every minute of it. This is a wonderful book filled with beautiful pictures, poems, songs, and stories. And, PS - Mom, don't buy this... ;) 

Prelude to Christmas
by Clay Harrison

Tonight the world is white and silent
with freshly fallen snow.
Stars twinkle and shine like diamonds
above the village below.

There's gingerbread in the oven, 
spiced cider, and pumpkin pie, 
tasty echoes from yesteryear
when childhood friends stopped by.

Popcorn and cranberry garlands
are being strung with care, 
and the fragrance of pine and cedar
permeate the frosty air.

Sleighbells ring in the distance; 
all is calm and bright, 
and nearby a church choir's singing
a soulful "Silent Night."
 
There are gifts beneath the Christmas tree, 
decorations wall to wall
and hopes are high as days pass by
that God will bless us all.

In the prelude to Christmas, 
there is much to be done
as friends unite to celebrate
the coming of His Son.


  

Feast Day of St. Nicholas

Last week, I was getting a few last minute items for our stockings and I ran into a very special someone...

Can you believe that? At Books-A-Million...at night...hmm... Must be making sure that all the good boys and girls are in bed sleeping. It was about 9pm anyway on a weeknight.... Well, I, of course, had to ask Mr. Claus for a picture.

But, just who is this guy?

Santa Claus, rather St. Nicholas, is REAL. He was a real, live person. And, he did many wonderful, amazing things throughout his life. He was such an inspiration to those who heard about his life that he became a saint.

source

There are many legends about who this man really was, but the big picture told of his love for children and generosity to those in need. All over the world this day is celebrated in many different ways, but nonetheless St. Nicholas is remembered. The Dutch children leave treats for Santa's horses/reindeer in their shoes in hopes that Santa will leave a small prize for them in return. In Germany, children dress up in a Bishop costume (just as St. Nick wore in the picture above) gathering alms for the poor.

Here, however, the celebration is a little different or next to nothing. People are still madly searching for things they want and things they have to have for others and whatnot. Honestly, Christmas in the US is getting a little out of hand for me. Which is why (one of the reasons) I do not plan on doing the Elf on the Shelf idea. Sorry. No offense to anyone who loves it. It is a great idea, but it's just not for us. The little elf freaks me out... I don't do puppets. 

Anyway, basically, a way that we like to keep this particular season not so commercial is by honoring certain days such as this. They way that we remember St. Nick is with our stockings. Whether we are following this idea from the Dutch children or another legend, the stocking/shoes are a part of St. Nicholas. This is how he left little prizes or money to the children or those in need. We started this tradition last year, and here's what we did this year (remember, you can click the picture to make it bigger):

 From the top left: Alex LOVES this idea!  The layout of everything in the boys stockings - including gold coins like St. Nick left. Candy Cane Kisses - yes, please! Andrew is such a big boys this year...he's growing too fast! Jason's stocking goodies :)

Opening their stockings - love Andrew and Alex faces!! LOL

Now, yes, this year Andrew did ask more questions about this. He knows that St. Nicholas and Santa Claus are both the same guy. But he wasn't sure why we were just doing the stockings for now. We explained that today (December 6th) is when we celebrate all the good things that Nicholas did for those around him. He was good with that answer so moved along to his Christmas Goldfish :) 

We definitely do the "Santa thing" here and will continue to do so until whenever. I definitely go Christmas wild here. House is decorated, all the Christmas books are out, the DVDs, the music is on 24/7 it seems. We love this time of the year. In fact, our decorations don't come down until the Epiphany - Jan 6th (AKA the 12th day of Christmas). But that is another post for another time.

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

To learn more about the life of St. Nicholas and how you can celebrate at home, Church, or school check out the St. Nicholas Center for LOTS of ideas and stories.

Countdown to Christmas - Day 24

Bible Verse:

Mary gave birth to her baby and laid Him in the manger. It was just as Isaiah had said: "A Child is born to us, a royal Son is given! He will carry all the authority of heaven and earth upon His shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace." 

Luke 2:6-7 and Isaiah 9:6

Prayer:

 Dear God, You sent us Your Son. Thank you so very much! Amen. 

Today's Activity:

Take a moment to think about the wonderful first gift of the season.

Countdown to Christmas - Christmas Lights

Tonight, we will be going out with our little guys after dinner and after they are ready for bed to drive around to see the Christmas lights! Andy will get to bring along a cookie (or two!), Jason and I will have our hot chocolate, and Alex will probably fall asleep. All in our pajamas! HA! There are a couple of houses that we see that are ALL DECKED out and others that have only a gorgeous tree in the window. I love going to see the Christmas lights and I am so happy that we will get to start this tradition with Andy and Alex. I promise to share pictures of our night time ride :)

Our Christmas tree. :)

Confession = Free Therapy

I will continue to say this again and again. I am PROUD to be a Catholic. I LOVE being a Catholic.

But...I am not a very good one at times...

Confession is one of those sacraments that some Catholics, like me, have not fully appreciated until they realize how bad they needed it. Father Alex Steinmiller has been a guest priest at our Church for most of this week (promoting the mission of spreading the word of God's love through the Passion), and last night was the Penance Mass. I knew I needed to do this...

Side note: My confession... I have not been since...a few days before our wedding. That was a bit over 4 1/2  years ago. I would say I'm overdue, wouldn't you?

I know that many of my/our friends/family are not Catholic and do not quite understand this whole thing. Back to Fr. Steinmiller... he asked/answered the question why many Catholics no longer go... Why do we need to tell a priest what we did wrong? Why can't we just tell God in our prayers? You can still do that, yes... But, going back to a looooong time ago, Jesus has disciples...they were his followers, his students. They wanted to learn how to become like their great teacher. Today, we have priests - they are acting as Christ, just as the disciples. So, when you are going to confession, you aren't telling your priest all your sins...you are telling God. And, what really helped me was the next part that Fr. Steinmiller said, not only are well telling God how sorry we are but we are also telling the people that we may have hurt that we are sorry, too, or that we finally have let go or the anger, or whatever it is that you needed to tell someone but weren't able to do so for whatever reason.

Anyway, I went to the Penance Mass last night. There were 8 priests and a lot of people. I was nervous, too. But, with all that Fr. Steinmiller had said, I calmed down a bit...

This is where this is going get difficult. Those of you who read the blog always see the happiness and love and such within our family. We are very happy. We love each member very much, even our furbaby, Max. But, the past 8 months have been a very rocky road. Are you counting backwards yet? Yes, that puts us at April...when Alex was born. Alex is wonderful and he is amazing! And seeing Andy and Alex growing up and becoming best friends day by day...there are no words. I just love it.

However, there were MANY things that I should have done much differently. That WE should have done differently. WE as in Jason and I. Until Andy started going to Growing with God, there were days when I just didn't see the point of going to Mass. Recently, as we were getting Christmas decorations up, I didn't even feel like doing any of it. Not good feeling to have during the Christmas season, I know... But there was so much pain and seemingly unanswered prayers, that I didn't know what to do about anything anymore.

1. I couldn't breastfeed Alex
2. There was a tornado that, thankfully, didn't destroy our home, but left me feeling helpless to others (since I was allowed to due to just having a baby via c-section)
3. Unnecessary/unappreciated stress from others
4. I felt like we were making Andy grow up too fast
5. I felt like I couldn't do the same things I did with Alex that I did with Andy

The list goes on much longer...

I am on antidepressants, too. Did I mention that? Probably not. Like I've told my closest friends, I cannot talk about Alex's birth - how sad is that? That is probably why there are only pictures instead of words. Probably why I got Jason to post them instead of me. Who knows?

Finally I finish my confession. And never have I ever left confession in tears. But they were tears of happiness, I think (it's been a while so I'm not sure...). They weren't sad tears, I know. I felt better after talking to my priest. Telling him everything. Pouring it out. Realizing what it was that I was trying to find again.

I was told to say 1 Our Father as my penance. I remember, maybe about a month ago, that our priest said that every time we pray the Our Father, God hears us immediately. Yes, He always listens, but with this prayer He knows that were are much need of His help ASAP. I was also told to read Corinthians 13 when I got home. He also told me that God wants us to be happy. He enjoys our smiles and our laughter.

I did both. This morning, I woke up happier than I have been in a long time.



**Linking up with A Life-Size Catholic Blog**

Countdown to Christmas - Rest Up!

Yes, I have added a few things to the Countdown to Christmas. But with Christmas Eve right around the corner, I think that we all need a day of rest. Which of course, we all know that means cleaning the house, wrapping gifts, and doing all the other "necessary things" before Christmas morning. So, enjoy that cookies that you and your kids made yesterday and we will see you back here tomorrow!

Andy LAST Christmas - WOW he looks so much like Alex does! I cannot believe how fast they are growing up! Slow down, boys....mama's camera is still charging :)

Countdown to Christmas - Bake Cookies Today!

Today we are going to mix it up just a bit. Get into the kitchen with your little chef (or chefs) and make some cookies! We will be making Peanut Butter Kisses and Sugar Cookies after nap time! Here are some other fabulous cookies that I found and would love to do, but I just don't have the time (or energy) to make them. Anyone want to make me a batch?

Starbucks Inspired Christmas Cookies

Peppermint Patty Brownie Bites

Cookie Canes

Peppermint Milk Chocolate Cookies

And obviously...these should have been #1... Melted Snowmen!

Countdown to Christmas - Day 23

Bible Verse:

Suddenly, the sky was dilled with angels! They were praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and peace to everyone, for today God has shown you how much He loves you!" 

Luke 2:13-14

Prayer:

 Dear God, What an amazing father You are! Thank You for Your son, Jesus. Amen. 

Today's Activity:

Ask your parents about the day you were born. 

Since I started this blog after Andy's birth, I only have Alex's to share at the moment. Now, Jason "wrote" that post, so there aren't really any words. But, the pictures are all you really need. I have an old blog that I took down after having Andy, so I will search for his birth pics. 

Do you have a birth story/pictures you want to share? Send me you way!

Countdown to Christmas - Day 22

Bible Verse:

 Jesus said, "Here I am! I'm standing at the door and knocking. If anyone can her My voice, open up and let Me in. We can sit down and eat and be together forever." 

Revelation 3:20

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, Thank you for opening the door to heaven for me. Amen. 

Today's Activity:

Why did God send Jesus to be our Savior?

Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus!

We headed out for early Mass this morning so we could get to a party afterwards. A birthday party! A birthday party for Baby Jesus. How cute! I love that our church does this. During the 8:30 Mass, we have the Children's Liturgy. If you aren't familiar with this idea, it is a great program for children of all ages (typically beginning around 3 or 4 years old and to about 2nd grade). After the opening prayers, just before the first reading begins, the priest calls all children up to the Altar, then the children head out together to the Vestibule to listen to their version of the readings, do a craft, ask questions, etc. It is great! We have not had Andy start this just yet, but maybe next year. We will see.

Anyway, this week, after Mass the children who attend this program (and other Sunday school programs within the church, I believe) put on a Nativity play. It was so cute! I wish I had gotten a picture of the little "sheep" - they were so cute! The children playing the sheep wore all black and a white tee that had cotton balls all over it! Love it!

Now, you are probably wondering where the "birthday party" comes into play here... Well, remember Day 17 of Advent? Well, it turns out that Andy did pick out a lovie and a blanket (sort of) for the baby. See, at the birthday party, the gifts that were brought were all donated to Her Choice - a women's center to help those with unplanned pregnancies (like Mary) who refuse abortion. The table of gifts was overflowing! I wish I gotten a pic of this, too! It was wonderful to see! Every child/family that came in had a gift in hand.


Here is what Andy picked out to give to Baby Jesus - the duck is from him and the wearable blanket is from Alex he said :)

Just a few words before closing this post... 

Please, please. If you (or someone you know) are pregnant and are thinking about an abortion, please know and understand the consequences. Abortion is WRONG! There are so many families out there who are unable to have children. Families who pray and plead and beg for a child. Being a mother is hard, but I would not trade it for anything. 

Her Choice Birmingham

2120 7th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: (205) 252-0706 






Disclaimer:  This post is not sponsored or affiliated in anyway with Her Choice. The thoughts and feelings expressed about abortion are my own.

Countdown to Christmas - Day 21

Bible Verse:

Let us thank God for His precious gift. 

2 Corinthians 9:15

Prayer:

 Dear God, Thank You for send us Jesus in order to help us know You better. Amen.

Today's Activity:

What makes Jesus a priceless gift?

What are your priceless gifts?

Countdown to Christmas - Day 20

Bible Verse:

Since our hearts are set on the things we love, store up heavenly treasures, which can never be stolen or harmed in any way. 

Matthew 6: 19-20

Prayer:

Dear God, Please help me to remember that Jesus is the greatest of all treasures. Amen.

Today's Activity:

Make a treasure box. What special treasures will you keep inside?

Ok, I know - "Pirates" are not the theme for today...but how cute is this?! 

image via Pinterest

I did find some cute ideas for treasure boxes. And, I have the perfect one for Andy to work on tomorrow!

Use a wipe box as a treasure chest! Perfect!

 Share your children's treasure boxes with us :)

Countdown to Christmas - Day 19

Bible Verse:

 I love Your command because they are pure and right. They are more precious thank gold.
Psalm 19: 9-10

Prayer:

Dear God, Help us to follow your rules. Amen.

Today's Activity:

What are the rules at your house?

And/or

Learn to count with chocolate gold coins.

Countdown to Christmas - Day 18

Bible Verse:

Can a pot say to the one who made it, "I know more than you do"?

Isaiah 29:16

Prayer:

Dear God, Help me to remember that You are in charge. Amen.

Today's Activity:

 Have fun with play-doh today!

 Wow, I cannot believe how big he has gotten! This is my Andy last January! WOW!

Countdown to Christmas - Day 17

Bible Verse:

God put a special star in the sky. Some Wise Men who studied the stars knew what this meant: A new king had been born. They traveled a long way, following the star of Bethlehem. "We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." 

Matthew 2:1-2

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, Help me to be wise and believe in you, just as the Wise Men did. Amen.

Today's Activity:

What gift can you give Jesus?

This coming weekend after Mass, our church will be hold a birthday party for Jesus. I love this idea because it really involved the children of the church much more. Yes, we have many programs for the kids, but I love the extras, too. So, all the kids are invited to come. They are asked to bring a gift for a baby. These gifts will be donated to the local women's clinic. Isn't that a sweet idea? Sometime this week, Andy and Alex (with his big brother's help) will pick out a gift for Baby Jesus.

We have been reading many books about Baby Jesus in the past week, and Andy has become rather concerned about the baby not having any babies (like he has Tusker and Alex has Baby Bunny) or a blanket. How sweet!! It is funny though because that was always my issue when I was little: where is that child's blanket?! I mean, I guess I don't know what the weather in like in Bethlehem, but the desert does get cold at night... So, maybe they will pick out a baby and a blanket... We will see - come back and find out what they chose for Baby Jesus!

image via Pinterest

Countdown to Christmas - Day 16

Bible Verse:

Jesus said that he is our real bread. We can never be hungry in our deepest inside places when we believe and trust in him. 

John 6:35

Prayer:

Dear God, Thank you for filling me with Jesus' love. Amen.

Today's Activity:

Make some Christmas bread! 

I found some great recipes on Pinterest (shocker, right? lol). But I do have a recipe of my own to share! 

Homemade Bread

Click here for the recipe. Enjoy! :)

Countdown to Christmas - Day 15

Bible Verse:

Jesus said that everyone who drinks water will be thirsty again. But the water that comes from knowing Him will bubble and rush up from inside us and form a well that can never run dry.

John 4:13-14

Prayer:

 Dear God, Thank you for Your love that overflows. Amen.

Today's Activity:

Water activities! Here are a few ideas I found on Pinterest :)

Pouring activities for toddlers

Water play for toddlers

Andrew loves helping me pour things and fill things when we are cooking/baking. And, both Alex and Andrew LOVE putting bubbles in the cups during bathtime. So this is a PERFECT activity for us!! 

What will your be doing today?

Countdown to Christmas - Day 14

Bible Verse:

Stand up. Shine and be happy, for the light of Jesus has come into the world.

Isaiah 60:1; John 8:12

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, Thank your for lighting the dark places in our lives. Amen.

Activity:

Light a candle in a darkened room. Tonight, as we were getting ready for the bedtime routine, we dimmed the lights and "lit" our Christmas candles (we use the battery ones). What do you do to wind your toddlers down at the end of the day?