Day 11...

This morning we rushed over to church for the "dress-rehearsal" of tomorrow's Christmas program. I'm so glad that it went really well! Scott then rushed the boys over to Deer Ridge for breakfast (lunch) with Santa. This has become a William's family tradition...year number 4, I think.  By the time I made it there, they had already sat on Santa's lap and told him what they wanted, so I asked if I could just get a snapshot with both of them with him.  I love the innocent belief that the boys have, but wonder if this is the last year that Elijah actually thinks Santa is real.  It makes me sad, but its bound to happen I guess....we'll just have to wait and see.
In the afternoon Elijah started on a snowman, and then later in the evening (almost dusk) we all finished him with hopes that he won't be washed away with the rain and hold out until the snowstorm tomorrow evening!

Day 10...

Its crazy to think that it is only 15 days left until Christmas.  I guess its no surprise that the last month is going by just as fast as the whole year went.  Well, today, I took no pictures : '( .  Actually, that's a lie, I took 3, all of Elijah's school building for their facebook page.  Anyway, we started the day with a 2-hour snow delay, so by the time we took E to school it was practically lunch time.  Then we set the risers on the stage for Sunday. We went home for a few and then I headed back to E's school for my Friday volunteering and experience my first fire-drill for this year.  After that, I took E to Burlington Coat Factory and took FOREVER finding a winter jacket for him.  Its crazy to me how much this child grows!!!  But then it donned on me that his previous winter coat was used for 2 winters, and I can't expect more I guess! (this next one better fit for 2 years as well).  We had planned on going to the Zoo lights, but after taking so long getting a coat, we decided to postpone to next week.  Now the boys are in bed awaiting what tomorrow may bring...possibly a visit to Mr. Claus :)

Here are some pictures we took while setting the tree up on November 28th.  The ones of mommy and daddy were taken by Elijah...not to shabby!  (and just in case you are wondering, the ornament I am holding up is the 2010 William's ornament and has 6 stockings to include Charlie & Emma....Elijah's idea)

Day 9...

So, today ended up being unexpectedly crazy.  I had to practice with 2 different choirs, Yonni came along for one of them.  Then Scott helped me get the stage ready for Sunday's cantata.  After that it was off to piano lessons and then rushing over to Bellville for 2 school concerts.  Unfortunately my second one didn't end up starting until 9pm so it was a LONG night.  The picture below from my cell phone pretty much was my view for a couple of hours!  I then came home to a quiet house, kissed my sleeping babies, and hopped into bed myself!

Day 8...

Well, I decided to have a little fun with Yonni this morning and had a mini-photo shoot. He is so photogenic, it makes me crazy! (AND he is easily bribed with tootsie rolls) So here is a sneak-peak. Elijah had an early release today from school, and when he got home, a special box from Zappos had arrived. He received an early Christmas present from Grandma Jo...snow boots. So, both boys got on boots and I dropped them off at the church with Daddy and they played in the snow while I went to go teach piano for a couple hours. Then, I ended my night directing choral practice for our program on Sunday. When I got home I noticed a piece of paper on the floor which Elijah had written on. (He goes to a Spanish Immersion school, so it was written in Spanish--well kinda) Translated it says, "Please Don't Come In Here". Apparently they wanted privacy while jumping on the bed...haha!!! I love those boys!

Day 7...

Is it only Tuesday??? So much to do this week, I'm just trying to stay afloat! I shouldn't be surprised though; December is always my craziest month of the year (it was a toss up between that and June). Anyway, for me, its been a day of practicing with choirs and then playing for one concert tonight. So glad its over, only 5 more to go.... Because of that, Scott has been a huge help today!! While I practiced this morning, he watched the boys (Elijah had a snow delay this morning) for a little bit. Then after school, he took Y & E to a swim meet in Mansfield to cheer on our favorite butterfly swimmer, Abby Kuhn (who was also celebrating her 18th birthday today) and our new favorite diver, Aiden Ford. After the concert, I made it home in time to kiss my babies goodnight and then shortly after that became brain dead :) Here are some pics that Scott took at the swim meet.

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Day 6...

A little late, but nonetheless...

On this particular Monday, I found myself in the full swing of Christmas concerts. So...I had to practice a little, and then we decided to have a game night. Yonni picked Candy Land and Elijah picked Harry Potter Scene It. The night was fun!!

Day 5...

I sit here in my darkened living room, illuminated only by the twinkling of our tree and a glistening of snow outside. I think of the day that just was and it brings a smile to my face! Our little Yonatan was finally dedicated this morning at church. And while yes, he was given to us by God, and we have already known that Yonni is His child, it just felt good to publicly say that we will make it a priority in our family to raise this child in a way that is honoring to our heavenly Father.  This is something we did with his big brother and now it was Y's turn.  I love that little guy so much....and sometimes being distracted by what an almost 4 year old independent child does, I often lose sight of the feelings of gratitude and humbleness of the fact that he is even a part of our lives.  Thank you God for such an incredible gift!

I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” 1 Samuel 1:27-28