Christmas Sunday

Not sure what's going on this Christmas, but it's not the same and that's not a good thing. Don't get me wrong, we're enjoying the Christmas season as much as possible but our home seems to be flooded with illness lately. First, Em missed church and a couple of days of school because of the flu. Rob stayed home with her last Sunday because I had a talk and had to teach Relief Society. They joined us later for one of Emery's good friend's baptism where Rob had to talk and I was asked to lead the music. Emery sat off by herself as to not breath on anyone. BTW - she begged Rob to let her attend the baptism. He caved (which is SO NOT like him when it comes to being sick) and let her go, otherwise we would've traded off. She was finally able to get back to school on Wednesday. Then Riggs became ill on Saturday. He was home all day Sunday with a temp of 103. I stayed home with him this time. We camped out in our bedroom all day long. After Rob got home from church, I headed over to the Reynolds family Christmas dinner. Mom had taken Em and Klein home with her after church so I met them at the dinner. Riggs was feeling a lot better by Monday morning. We were so happy about that but it still hasn't ended. This is just a few pics I snapped on Sunday morning. Rob, Em and Klein headed off to church with bags of gifts for a few teachers and friends. I was so sad to miss church. There were so many people I wanted to see - to give them their gift and let them know how much I appreciated all they have done (and continue to do) for our family. Rob said Em did a great job of letting them know. This makes me happy. I was also bummed that Riggs missed Primary. I heard they did a lot of fun Christmas things. It's okay though - he's better now and the rest was well needed. :)

Gift Wrapping

Took a field trip with the kids to the temple and the temple bookstore. My intentions were to have a picnic at the temple then head over to the bookstore and grab a last minute gift. Well, it was a very windy day so we looked at the temple through the windows then headed inside the bookstore. So much for the picnic. Maybe next time. Anyways, the kids all found something they "really, really liked." And to tell you the truth, they were things I would probably just buy not only because they were cheap but because they really were cute stuff - trains to go with President Monson's train book (that is already wrapped and under the tree) and a pretty CTR necklace for Em. But for some reason, I could not justify buying these things just a few days before Christmas. I called Rob and of course he knew exactly what to do. He suggested they buy it for each other for Christmas. Why did I not think of that?? Perfect idea because they wanted to give each other something anyways. When we got home, they ran to their rooms to get their money and paid for the gifts then quickly went to wrapping them for each other. Oh, the excitement! So glad it all worked out. They cannot wait to see their gifts...again. ;)

Rice Krispy Houses

We invited our friends over plus mom, dad, and Uncle Jake to help/watch the little ones decorate "rice krispy" houses. One day Rob and I will master the "gingerbread house" but until then, this is what they get. Everything is edible, except the roof because once again, we hot glued them. ;) They just stay better that way, for now. They had a great time. Klein shoveled candy into his mouth the whole time. He must have a stomach of steel because he never complained of a bellyache. Geesh. We also enjoyed lots of finger foods and Lindsey's homemade white hot chocolate. GOOD stuff. These are the times we all remember the most, and for this, I am grateful. :)

Bobby Fischer

Emery's teacher gave her (and her classmates) a chess board for Christmas. They play each other in class. Awesome Christmas gift!

Sign

Riggs asked me to make a sign for his door. He told me to write, "Riggs and Klein's Room - Only come in if you have presents." Same difference.

TCCC Christmas Program

Rob, my mom and myself enjoyed Riggs' Preschool Christmas Program last week. He played the part of a cow for the manger scene. Super cute. Emery's program was on Tuesday but she had a mild case of the flu and didn't make it. She was not a happy camper....not because she was sick but because she missed her program. No worries - she made it back on Wednesday for one last day before Christmas break. :) BTW - someone please tell this Santa to smile. Geez.

Lights at the Zoo

Tuesday night, we headed to the lights at the zoo. Mom and dad joined in the fun and craziness. We enjoyed a quick dinner on the way there, lots of lights, very few animals, a visit with Santa and ice cream to end the night. :)

Inseparable

While Em is at school, these two are inseparable. They read books, they eat, they do "school work", they fight, they play outside, they ride their skuuts, they play with their trains - all together. Rarely will one be doing one thing without the other. As soon as Riggs closes the door to walk into preschool Klein says, "Mom, I miss Riggs." Klein knows the way to Riggs' preschool. If I drive another direction he will yell, "NO MOM!!!! Pick up Riggs!!" One night (around 3am) I heard Klein screaming at the top of his lungs. I ran in their room only to find Klein standing right in the middle of Riggs' bed. When he saw me he cried, "Riggs!!" Sad thing was, Riggs was not in his bed because Riggs had made his way to our room and was sleeping on the floor in our room. Klein really wanted Riggs that night. Very sweet. I hope their brotherly love lasts forever. There's nothing quite like it.

"Mitt on a Shelf"

We finally decided to start "The Elf on the Shelf" tradition this year. He arrived on December 1st and is a fun treat for the little ones. Emery was and still is the most excited about "Mitt" our elf. Just so you know, you are responsible for naming your elf. Our top choices were Bentley (the street Rob grew up on), Zamboni (cause that's just cool) and finally Mitt (our top choice for President). Emery basically refused the first two and really liked the last one so Mitt it is. Mitt Zamboni Christensen to be exact. So now Klein calls him "Mitt on a Shelf", not just "Mitt". Funny. We have a well behaved elf. He's not messy but he will answer any and all questions promptly. Emery and Riggs enjoy leaving notes beside him in hopes he will respond. Their questions have included "Why does Santa hand out presents?", "May I have a money kit?" (aka a bag of money), "Are you a Gamecock fan?", and several other ones including questions about their wish list. Along with answering questions, he is always happy to add a spiritual thought about Christmas. So nice of him. ;) We are happy and grateful to have Mitt in our home for the holiday season.

Sleepy

This is what a sleepy, two year old, who has a sister that likes to dress him as Dorothy looks like at the dinner table....

This is what he looks like once we have removed him from the dinner table and tried various times to wake him up...

And he's finally up and going!

Training

Start 'em young. ;)

Date Night

Canning on a date night. Doesn't get much better than this. :)

Reading Time

On Wednesday, I took Emery to the library to read with therapy dogs. She really enjoyed it and so did the boys. She's excited to do it again this week. Who needs a dog when you can read to one for 15 mins, one day a week?! Not us, that's who! Here's to hoping this will fill the kid's desire of puppy love. ;)