Elijah would like to announce.....

......that he will be officially discharged of Miss Kelly's services!! At his therapy session this past Wednesday Kelly decided that it is time to discharge Eli. He wouldn't even stop long enough for her to do any sort of therapy, he preferred more to run from her and her chase him! What wonderful news! What a wonderful day! I couldn't be more pleased. At times it seemed we would never get to this point...but we are here and it feels fantastic. We will miss Kelly, who has been wonderful through this whole process but clearly Eli is ready to move on....that is evident from all the new and exciting challenges he tackles everyday.
Miss Kelly will stay on for a small visit once a month while I have a full evaluation done of fine and gross motor skills as well as speech. It is offered to us so we want to utilize every service that is available!
To our little Elijah....all we can say is WAY TO GO! Seeing you running and and walking everywhere is just amazing. Eli, you have worked harder than any of us and we are so very proud! Guess you really aren't so little anymore....Great Job!!

Carter's Christmas Program

Carter 'the sheep' sits patiently in the front pew waiting for the program to start.
Walking up front to the manager and Baby Jesus. This was right before he gave Baby Jesus a kiss.

Right in the center smiling big for the camera.

All the children sing for the parents and grandparents in the audience.

Carter listens intently as pastor speaks.

Last night was Carter's Christmas Program. He was a sheep and looked adorable wearing his ears. He did very well.....for a spirited little boy who can have ants in his pants. He walked in and sat patiently with his class until it was time to go up to the manager where he sweetly gave Baby Jesus a kiss. All the children did a fantastic job! As I watched Carter last evening I just can't believe how quickly he is growing. He makes his Dad and I proud every single day! We have been so richly blessed with the wonderful gift that is Carter!!

O' Christmas Tree

Today we went in search of our perfect Christmas tree. Ignoring the weather reports of a blustery freezing day we embarked on our journey today since I thought it would be fun to have some snow on the ground. Well in the end the snow didn't matter since it was so darn cold we found our perfect tree in about 5 minutes flat. Even the boys who love to be outside didn't fuss when we ushered them hurriedly down the hill to the warm barn serving hot chocolate.

Carter thought this little guy was a fine tree to put in his room.
Poor Eli was so bundled that he could barely move at all.

My boys pose in front of our tree.

This year Carter helped his dad drag the tree down the hill. Carter really enjoyed watching the tree baler tie our tree neatly up.

Trimming the tree.

Our handsome little Eli poses in front of the tree.

The two best presents ever! In the end our tree looks beautiful, in spite of the haste picking it. All the lights, ornaments and glitter make it spectacular. The boys were a wonderful help. They carefully unwrapped the ornaments and helped to hang them. Carter this year remember particular ornaments and squealed whenever he unwrapped his favorites, inviting Eli to laugh in excitement as well. Today was truly a wonderful family day!

Decorating 101

Brian and Carter finished decorating the porch last night and it looks so festive and pretty. Carter was such a big helper and relished in being able to spend some time his Daddy. For those of you who enjoy riding through neighborhoods enjoying all the lights please drive by our place and stop in if you want for hot chocolate and cookies!!

Nazareth Tree Lighting

We enjoyed Nazareth's annual tree lighting last night complete with singing, a beautiful nativity and a visit from Santa. Since Mimi was working at Kate's Cafe, we had Poppy over for dinner and then headed to the cafe for some delicious hot chocolate and cookies.
Carter's cookie was chocolate, of course!

While enjoying our treats we ran into Carter's friend Jacob from pre-school. Miss Cassie is nice and warm and happy to chill.

I tried in vain to get a nice 'posed' picture of Jacob and Carter together but they were far too excited to see each other and weren't about to stand to still for a photo op.

Carter stops at a local business to admire their Christmas village on our way to the circle.Poppy and Carter sing Jingle Bells....Carter's favorite!

Eli enjoys the festivities and was a good boy considering we were out past his bedtime.

Carter and I went to look at the nativity on display and I snapped this picture not realizing that Carter had become an 'angel'.

Waiting patiently for Santa.

Here he comes, Eli!

Finally! Carter shares his list with Santa. We tried to get Eli on his lap but due to exhaustion Eli flipped out and Santa promptly returned him to his dad! Maybe we will have better luck the next time we see Mr. Claus!

Even with a few rain drops we had fun and enjoyed starting the holiday season!

School Update: The Christmas Mouse

Carter and his class are into the Christmas spirit at school. They are busily making crafts and decorating their room. Yesterday all the parents were invited into the classroom at pick-up so we could see the bells that the children made and then hung on the tree. Carter also made this cute little Christmas mouse. He picked the color for his ear and the blue pom-pom for his nose.

This weeks theme was Christmas Mice and the religion theme was The angel visits Mary. The shape a star and the colors were silver and gold, of course.

The kids have also been working hard practicing their Christmas Carols and rehearsing for the school's Christmas program. It is hard to believe that the program takes place next Thursday already.

This school year seems to be flying by!

Coolest Mom, Ever!

Yes, he is in his jammies which means I let him have a cupcake for breakfast! It was carrot with raisins and he loved it! Given the nutritional value of the carrots and raisins it was somewhat healthy.