Christmas 2011

Good time flies! When we told Emily that we had to take down our Christmas lights, she was so sad that she cried- it's hard to let go something good. We did have a wonderful Christmas. Here is a re-cap of it:

We set up the Christmas tree during the Thanksgiving weekend. The kids were very cooperative that they didn't mess up with any of the tree decoration. This year we didn't use many balls. Instead we used the "Names of Jesus" that we laminated last year and the hand made ornaments that Emily made in school or at home. It turned out great. Next year we may not use balls at all.

The Angel, the Crown, and the "King" (name of Jesus) ornaments that we made

"The Light of the world" ornament and craft

For Advent, starting from November 30th, each day we took one figure out and put onto our Advent Calendar, then hang one "Name of Jesus" ornament on the tree, then read a mini Bible story for that day (I got this Advent story books for kids to go with our Advent calendar). I also have a book that talks about all the names of Jesus and their meanings. It was a wonderful reading to go with the "Name of Jesus" ornaments.

Our Advent corner on Day 1

Emily enjoyed everything: making the crafts, hanging the ornaments, and reading the stories. What Andy enjoyed the most was watching the Christmas lights. He requested it almost every night before going to bed. Luckily we are just a block away from the famous Deerfield. We watched the Christmas lights probably more than anyone else. Emily usually asked in a more subtle way, "Can we see Baby Jesus tonight?" because every time when we watched the lights, she and I would be on the hunt for Baby Jesus. We could spot as many as 21 baby Jesus in about one hour!

Prestoncrest had the first Children's Christmas program (it was also the first time for Emily to participate in any form of performance in front of a large crowd). The kids spent lots of time practicing singing on Sundays. Finally it happened on December 11th. All the kids did great.

Here is Emily ready for the Christmas lights (I can't believe I don't have the pictures of the kids drinking homemade hot chocolate and covered with warm blankets while we drove through the lighted neighborhood)

This one is my favorite "Wise Men Still Seek Him"

David's favorite was one with Santa, reindeer, elf, snowman, penguins, rings that were lighted and danced to the music from a radio station. That was very impressive.

This year we visited Santa's Village with Dawn and several other friends. We didn't have many pictures because it was so cold and I didn't have a free hand. Here is a picture I borrowed from Dawn of Andy and Austin. They just took in everything!

We went in the building to keep warm. Emily and Andy had fun running around there

The kids were ready for the sleigh ride

We went to the annual Breakfast with Santa at church. Again we all loved it! The ladies who organized this event put so much effort in it. We decorated the wooden snowflakes, stamped the gift tags, mixed the reindeer food, decorated the bag, took pictures with Santa, and listened to Mrs. Claus' Christmas story ... Look at these happy faces:

As our annual tradition, we also watched the Prestonwood two and half hour show "The Gift of Christmas". It was so good that even Andy enjoyed it. It was the first time that we kept him up so late. He did exceptionally well. During the recession break, the old lady sitting behind us said to us "Your children are so well-behaved!" That definitely added to the enjoyment of the show.

Emily's class had a Christmas party. The kids celebrated the King Jesus' birthday. Andy did great again. When all the other kids were eating cupcakes, fruit and other snacks, he just sat next to Emily and colored all that time. (Well, Emily shared a carrot with Andy :))

The week before Christmas, we made some Christmas cookies. Emily was a great helper. We baked about 50 cookies. We had planned to make more later. Unfortunately our oven broke. As a matter of fact, it's still broken now. We managed two weeks holiday time without an oven!

A friend made these cuties (snowman and snowwoman). I just had to take a picture

We also cut out a few snowflakes to decorate the door. We fell in love with these cuties. Next year we are going to cut out more.

Amy's family and Dad came in Thursday for Christmas. We had lots of fun! Thursday afternoon we went to the North Park Mall to see the train exhibition. The kids were busy from the beginning to the end.

Afterwards we had delicious food at the food court. Andy got to drink the milk shake for the first time. See his reaction? Since then he always thought the cup that has a lid on it is a good stuff ...

On Friday we went to the Gaylord Texan to see the ICE exhibition. It was too cold and dark inside for the kids. So they wanted to be carried all the time. I think we will have a better time when they are a little older. But the kids had tons of fun just in the hotel.

The nativity scene

Andy had so much fun with the reindeer nose

We had Christmas gift exchange on Saturday. We are so thankful for the thoughtful gifts we received.

Emily could always find time to chat with Grandpa

Saturday night we continued our Christmas Eve picnic tradition. We had all kinds of snacks and the best Apple Cider. Then David tried to read the Night Before Christmas popup book. But it was too interesting to the kids that the kids took over the book. After that we watched "The Very First Noel" and sang the Christmas Carols together while Andy danced to the rythem. Andy is such a good dancer that he dances to any tune of the sound. Before the kids went to the bed, they made sure that we sprinkled the reindeer food in the backyard and put the refreshment out for Santa.

Sunday morning we had our Christmas gifts from Santa! The kids woke up to the Santa's Thank-you note for the snacks on the empty plate. They were so excited to open the gifts.

David read the Thank you letter from Santa

They loved their gifts. Emily even played her harmonica on the way to church. We had a great sermon on Christmas Day.

The family mission beach balls are still the favorite toys for both kids.

After Christmas Gayla brought the kids more gifts. David's cousin Gregg's family came for a short visit. As David and Leslie's tradition, we met Leslie for dinner at Houston's (they believe they had done this for at least 10 years). We also went to Jeff and Lea's annual Christmas party. What a wonderful time with family and friends!

As 2011 drew to the end, we wish you all have a richly blessed 2012!

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm so attempted to skip this post since it's so difficult to squeeze out a little time to update the blog. Besides I wasn't good at taking pictures while there was so much going on. Without pictures, my memory just couldn't keep up with what happened. All of these contributed to a short post. But you know the purpose of this post is to wish you all had a wonderfully blessed Thanksgiving. That's all that counts!

Emily had a great Thanksgiving at school. She did so many Thanksgiving crafts and participated in cooking the Thanksgiving feast. She learned the super turkey song and a couple of Spanish songs. We all enjoyed the food together.

We also attended Prestoncrest International Thanksgiving dinner and Highland Oaks Friendspeak Thanksgiving dinner. We had a wonderful fellowship time with some new people we met.

Amy's family and Dad came in for Thanksgiving. We had a big meal and lots of family time. Emily and Andy especially enjoyed having everyone at our house.

I really enjoyed seeing family and cooking, establishing a couple of new traditions with Emily when I had a moment. At the same time, I realized how easy it is to miss Thanksgiving in heart without pausing and giving Thanks among all the busyness. So on Black Friday when everyone went out for shopping and Andy took a nap, I decided to have a little of me-time to cultivate a Thankful mind. Then I saw this Thanksgiving prayer from a mother, which beautifully spoke to my heart:

Dearest Lord,

Tonight I walked past the girls’ room. My hands were filled high with the fifth load of laundry and I was going through the mental checklist to prepare for our trip. A heavy sigh from their room forced my head back. I set the overflowing laundry basket down and smiled. You were wise to make children look so angelic when they sleep. Even on the most trying of days you right my mommy emotions when I look in and see those sweet, still, precious faces.

Sometimes I am guilty of wishing my kids to be robots. I want them to wake when I am ready. I wish for them to run on my time and listen the first time every time. When eight PM hits I want them to fall asleep instantly. Power off.

But these are children. They are ambitious, eager little people excited about ME because you created them that way. And I am head over heels in love with them. We prayed for years. You answered in your time. And sometimes I take that gift for granted.

I want to correct my attitude, Lord. When the pitter patter of little feet wake me with the morning sun, may I welcome their enthusiasm for the new day opens the door for new memories to be made. Once we start playing house, may I cherish the imaginative play because the words that come from her mouth reflect life as she sees it and situations that she dreams for.

And, when we’ve transitioned to duck/duck/goose for the 100th time, may I give You praise as I jog myself to the point of dizziness because it means I have healthy children able to run.

God, as soon as the clock says it’s time to get out the door for school, church, and activities and they are still working to zip up the coats, pull on the mittens, and adjust their hats help me resist the “hurry up” and instead take mental snapshots of the little fingers working their way to independence.

When they are helping me to prepare the food, do laundry, set the table, and clean, may I let go of speed to nurture the homemaker skills You placed within her. During those chats that the children ask “why?” for the millionth time, Lord, may I take joy in the fact that my children want to learn. And, when the questions grow deeper may I give them the time they need to fully understand all they are seeking to grasp.

Even when conversations grow challenging, when ethical and moral discussions spring forth, or (Lord help me) when defiance ensues, may I remember that I’m fortunate they are talking to me. It provides opportunity to speak Your truth in love and influence them so that they’ll stand for you. And, at the end of the day, when they fight going to sleep and giggle themselves into
oblivion, may I soak it all in because it means they are happy.

Lord, it is the desire of my heart to stay in the moment. I don’t want the stuff of life to blind my perspective because I can’t get today’s minutes back. In the midst of all the joys and challenges I experience in each phase of parenting may I lean in deeper on You. I know that in doing so I will prioritize, act, and speak as you want me to so that I will win their hearts and reflect Your face to these incredible children. Thank you for choosing me to be their mommy.

Amen.

I don't know what it did for you. But my heart was lifted instantly after reading this prayer. I AM THANKFUL!

Here are a few pictures during November:

The kids helped me to build the Gratitude Tree. I asked Emily what she was thankful for. Without any thinking or prompting, her answer came straight out of her mouth: "No.1 is God; No.2 is Daddy;" When I asked for more options, she added No.3 Mrs. Gayla and No.4 blanket. Only David and I knew how true her answers were and how much each of them means to her!

You can tell how much the kids love to play with the leaves

A little Indian

Emily at Thanksgiving feast at school

Emily helped me to setup the Thanksgiving meal table

Thanksgiving meal