What a wonderful Christmas! I can't believe how quickly the holidays came and went. Ruthie is sad that her Christmas tree is gone and asks me everyday if we'll be getting our new tree soon. She's sweet as we sit and talk about Christmas and how much fun we had this year. We already are planning next year and the fun we're going to have.
Polar Express- we began what we hope is a family tradition of reading the Polar Express- watching the movie with friends, and going downtown to our local library for a reading of the Polar Express, receiving a magic bell and one gold coin to be used at a little gift shop after riding the trolley! Ruthie had a blast and especially loved that she shared it with her friend Ava.
(Waiting for the Polar Express)
(Getting Her Jingle Bell)
(Riding the Polar Express)
Baking Cookies- with money tight yet again this year, I tried to find practical ways to bless others and have a fun time with my daughter and Abby. And fun!! we had! We baked gingerbread, chocolate chip, temptations, candy canes, and so much more! We had fun delivering them to our maintenance crew, bus drivers, and friends! Ruthie and Abby are hoping we carry on the tradition for not just Christmas, but Valentines Day, Columbus Day, and Just For Fun Days too!Santa- We were delighted when we heard that our dear friend Laney Parrott was coming to visit. We quickly decided that we should make a trip to the mall to see Santa while she was in town. The girls had a blast sitting on Santa's lap as did Brayden. Ruthie's requests were simple this year- when Santa asked what Ruthie wanted most for Christmas this year, she simply stated "cake". I love her!! Girl after her mama's heart!
What Christmas Means To Me- I grew up with Good Ol' St. Nick ... Santa Claus-- and have been looking forward to being Santa for my dear children. Ruthie was eager to get into Santa with me- and so we had a lot of fun listening for jingle bells and talking about presents under the tree. This also opened the door to share with her the true meaning of Christmas and why it's mommy's favorite holiday. With that- we talked about how much fun it is to give presents to those around us that we love and our thankful for. Of course, she was also very excited to receive presents-- and it was so much fun to watch her face as she opened some fun gifts from so many special people. Brayden also enjoyed Christmas this year! Loved crawling around the gift wrap and boxes!! Ruthie was a great help with opening his presents and helping play with his toys too! We are definitely blessed.
Christmas Eve- We had a truly wonderful Christmas Eve. We went to my grandma Yingling's house for our annual Christmas Eve celebration. We opened presents, had our $5 dollar gift exchange, & ate yummy lasagna. Ruthie and Johnny kept us all entertained as they played and danced around the living room. After our Christmas Eve service and some yummy cookies- my parents came over to our house and we watched as Brayden and Ruthie opened a special Christmas Eve present from mommy and daddy-- our Stube tradition of Christmas Pajamas! The kiddos looked sooo cute in their matching jammies (or Bluejays as Ruthie says). After the kiddos went to bed- my parents, Jon and I stayed up WAY too late to play some cards and then get ready for Christmas morning!
Christmas Day- Christmas morning after mommy and daddy got a total of 3 hours of sleep, Ruthie came running into our room with excitement for Christmas morning. We got the coffee started and then came downstairs to watch my daughter and son open their Christmas presents. Because Christmas fell on Sunday this year, we had a lot to do in a small amount of time-- so... we finished opening presents and then Ruthie and I went up to get ready. Ruthie was in her 1st Christmas Program and we were very excited and didn't want to be late! Ruthie brought to church her microphone (a birthday present) and wore her cute Christmas dress (a present from Auntie Kristen). She looked adorable! Ruthie brought the audience so much delight as she stood up front holding her microphone and singing along like a pro! I was so proud of her. She had one line and she said it along with others in her class as clear as day! "For to us a child in born, to us a Son is given!"
(Spotting her new kitchen!)
The Day After Christmas- the day after Christmas we planned to drive down to Lancaster to celebrate Christmas with Granddad and Grandma and Jon's mom's side of the family. We had a few bumps along the way as we woke up to find out that my grandpa Marshall passed away that morning. My oven also exploded that morning leaving me to drive to my grandma's to finish up the cookies I was baking for our stockings exchange. Even with the bumps- we had a fabulous time visiting with Granddad and the family. The kids LOVED being the center of attention and running all around the floor. After visiting-- we headed back to our home with Opa and Gaga Stube. It was wonderful having them in town- even if I was running to and from my parents home as we got ready for my grandpa's funeral.
New Years- we had planned that on Thursday, Jon's parents would take the kiddos down to Philly and Jon and I would get a day for the two of us before heading down to visit Nat and Heather and our sweet nephew, Miles. Jon and I had a nice time to ourselves as our kids enjoyed their grandparents and Aunt and Uncle. I would be lying if I didn't think of them the entire time, but we Gaga sent lots of pictures and Ruthie shared with us how much fun she had with everyone while we were gone. Jon and I drove down to Philly on Friday night and we had a great time bringing in the New Year with everyone. Of course, with all these parties, there was lots of eating... so guess who is starting the New Year back on her diet... ME!!
Putting Away The Decorations- the tree is down, the presents are unwrapped and put into there special places, and we're back to school/work. We are excited to see what the New Year brings.
Upcoming Winter Events:
Brayden's 1st Birthday- Feb 10th
Baby Boy Drakes Arrival (Some time late Feb/Early March)
Jon's 29th Birthday (March 30th)
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