Day 22...

Yesterday was Elijah's first day home on break. We filled the day playing in the living room, having fun with Miles, finishing up with some final touches at church for Christmas eve, making sour cream cut out cookies, hanging out with the cousins, then a sleepover AND all the boys kept saying was, "3 more days" :

Day 21...

Last Day of school for 2010!! Whoo hoo :) Elijah's day ended with combing the 2 first grades at the Spanish Immersion School and having a Christmas party. They had cupcakes, a craft, a lesson on Kwanza, and a book exchange.

Day 20...My Favorite Tradition

The moment I saw this calendar in 2006, I knew this was going to be yearly tradition for the Williams' household. It began that year with Elijah opening a new door and learning little words every night to relate the story of Christmas, then the next year he was able to say phrases and it kept on getting better! Last year was Yonni's first year with this tradition, and it was a little rough remembering, but we still went with it. This year is a completely different story. Elijah practically has it memorized from last year and Yonatan just amazes us with how much of it he remembers every night. By Christmas Eve, both boys will read US the story of Jesus' birth and I know I will be all teary-eyed and hopefully video recording it.

Other than learning the story of Christmas, this calendar celebrates children from all over the world. Every night there is a different country that is brought to our attention and then we pray for the children of that country. Its super cool when we get to day 17 because that is when we get to specifically pray for the kiddos in Ethiopia. Of all the different little traditions we do every year, this one is by far my FAVORITE!

Day 19...

Today was our last morning with Grandma; we rushed her to the airport right after church. We then had a yummy lunch at mommy's favorite Red Robin, and then headed to the Bosh-Baker wedding. It was so pretty. Brittany's dress was gorgeous!! After the wedding, we had a fun time at the reception and then left a bit early so we could make it home so Elijah could get in bed since his vacay hadn't started yet. All in all, a good day.

Day18...

I LOVE days that we can just stay warm in our pajamas!  That's pretty much what happened today.  We had a lazy morning eating Star Wars pancakes and eggs.  Then as I baked cakes, Grandma Jo made a gingerbread house with the boys.  They absolutely had a great time helping out.  For the rest of the day, the boys read books, played legos, and watched some Christmas movies with Grandma.  Mommy and Daddy ran a few more errands, and before we knew it, it was time for a bath and bed.

Day 17...

Friday, Friday, Friday! Because Scott's mom was visiting us for the weekend, Scott and I spent the night away from the boys. We awoke this morning with a mission...to, START Christmas shopping for the boys. It was a LONG day, but very successful. We made it home by 5pm and then loaded Elijah, Yonni, and Grandma in the van and headed to Columbus for the Christmas Zoo Lights. This was a first for us, and other than becoming popsicles, we had a blast!! The boys got to pet a reindeer (and snap a photo with him), decorate cookies, drink warm cocoa, and just take in all the lights.

Day 16...

Thursday was a fun day. We got to go to Columbus and pick Grandma Jo up from the airport...she was going to be spending the weekend with us (and especially came for Elijah's Christmas concert).  Elijah's concert went great, he was really nervous for some reason, but was super cute up on those risers.  After the concert, Grandma took the boys home and Scott and I enjoyed a much needed night away!

Day 15...

Not so much what happened today, but rather just a Christmas memory...

I catch myself glancing at this little tree several times a day during the month of December. At least one of those times (each day), I smile because I start thinking of my Grandma Margie.  You see, my Grandma used to put this very tree up in her house.  I remember being super little and mesmerized by the little marbles that lit up in intervals.  As I grew up, I still was very fond of that tree.  I feel very lucky that I now have it in my home.  I spent many a Christmas with my grandma and tonight as I write this I realize how much I still miss her.  So, if your Grandma is still hanging out with ya, give her a good hug this Christmas!

Day 14...

Today started out with a 2-hour snow delay. On the plus side, I always enjoy those because it gives Yonni and I a little extra time with Elijah...On the down side, he doesn't get to school until 11:00pm, so half the day is already gone by then. After school was out, I rushed my boys out in the cold to snap a Christmas card picture in the snow. Hmm, it was a bit too cold, but I think we got a winner! (unless I change my mind, the one below is 2nd place)  After that we surprised the boys with a matinee of Narnia:Voyage of the Dawn Treader.  They were excited, and really enjoyed the movie.  I liked it, but wow, they took a lot of liberties from the book!  Anywho, that was our day in a nutshell.

Day 13...

SNOW DAY!!! Yep, our first snow day of the year (which kind of scares me because we have sooooo much winter and Ohio changed legislation this year to only allow 3 snow days before having to make them up). Anyway, the boys had fun playing with their cousins this morning, a little this afternoon, and for most of the evening. Super Mario Bros. Wii was a big hit along with the DS and legos! I said this yesterday, but it feels like Christmas break should be here already!  Oh wait...I've done like no shopping.

Day 12...

This picture was taken at 3:00 this morning! We were awakened to Elijah coming to our room saying he doesn't feel well and then proceed to spew on my leg and hand....yuck!!! Well after getting everything cleaned up, we looked outside and saw a ton of wet snow falling, so I had to snap it and then head back to bed. After waking "for real" this time, I looked out and saw HUGE flakes falling. This made me nervous because it was finally the day of the cantata; I wondered if my choir people would be able to make it in and if they did would anyone else want to come out in this?? I was pleasantly surprised on both counts! The choir did great and so did all the kids!  When it was time to leave, I finally realized it had been snowing all morning.  The parking lot was crazy, the cars were covered, but the back woods were gorgeous!!  I love the snow, so beautiful, so peaceful....it just makes me happy.  I snapped a few pics of my niece and nephew, then of the woods and Yonni and Elijah, and then we spent the majority of the afternoon with some friends staying warm inside and enjoying each others company.  It made me get excited about Christmas break and being able to just chill!

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

Day 4...

Oh man!! Today has been a day! We started it off by hanging out with some of our youth group kids....making meatballs and sauce and more salad dressing than I have ever made from scratch! The kids did a great job working hard and getting stuff ready for the lunch they are serving to the Seniors tomorrow. They are really excited about hanging out with them! After that we did some housework, and the boys played outside in the little snow that was out there. Yonni came in frozen, and as I walked by the window I spotted Elijah making (as I found out later) a castle from Narnia. We ended the night with Elijah losing his second tooth!!! He was way more nervous tonight than Thursday, but it came out all the same. (at one point Yonatan told Elijah he was acting like a baby....that didn't go over well) Now, my sweet boys are sleeping soundly and I'm nervously watching the Big 12 Championship.....Come on Nebraska!!!!!

Day 3...

Well, I realize its only December 3rd, but tonight may be a hard night to beat!! My 3 guys and I enjoyed a quiet evening in. Scott made a nice ham, cheese, and oranges platter, we popped some popcorn and made some cinnamon pretzels along with hot chocolate. Then we all curled up to watch my all-time favorite Christmas movie (mentioned in Day 1) "A Christmas Story". Now, the living room is quite and dark, the boys are asleep on the floor, Scott is reading and I'm mesmerized by the twinkling lights of the tree. What a fun evening...I love my family!!