Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Christmas Eve

As I sit in front of the tree, a million presents underneath and beautifully lit, I'm trying to find my Christmas cheer still. There's been lots of actions... Mass, one present open for Christmas Eve (and lots of presents at my mom's yesterday), baking for Santa, put cookies and milk and beer out... But it still just doesn't feel like Christmas. Tomorrow I'm excited for the kids to open their presents. With four of them it's hard to have that perfect thing under the tree for each, but I do think they'll all be really happy. That will definitely help my spirit!

I am so excited for Ava too. She simply loves all of this, and opens things and exclaims, "I've always wanted one of these!" Every time we're in the car she wants to turn the music and movies off and sing Christmas songs, so we've sung more versions of jingle bells loudly and off key than I care to admit. I haven't listened to many other Christmas songs, but those are certainly better than Johnny Mathis anyway.

Silent night... Will lead to a crazy morning!


8 crazy kids and a Gram and a Grumpy.


Ava's new pjs say Official #1 Puppy Hugger. It's so true... Even if she doesn't look happy about it and Buca's eyes are crazy!


Reading 'Twas the Bight Before Christmas.


And to all a good night!

Friday, December 13, 2013

Why I had 4 kids

(I published this on November 26, but in the wrong place! I don't want to lose a post... they are too few and far to come by as it is!)

Tonight was a fun night. So often it's get home, throw food in your face, rush off somewhere. And even if it's not that, it's eat and then kids watch movies/play video games/do homework until bed. Sometimes Dave and I sit in the front room and try to have a conversation, but always there ends up 1, 2, 3, 4 kids interrupting, yelling, crying or wrestling. I usually look at the clock and wonder when bedtime is, really wanting adult conversation (or just some moments of peace!). Sometimes I suggest they go watch tv to grab some sanity.

But not tonight. Tonight we started playing music and we listened to everything from Katy Perry to Jimmy Buffet. Christmas music and lullabies from when the kids were little. Then we started watching videos through the tv and we had a family dance party. We ended with Rainbow Connection, Return to Pooh Corner, and Pure Imagination from Willy Wonka. Nolan danced with Ava, and Max had his own groove going on. Abby sang her little heart out.

The kids went to bed a scootch late. They were a little tired and a little wound up. But we had fun, all six of us together. I hope some day they remember their mom and dad singing Baby It's Cold Outside as a duet. I hope they remember having three siblings as a good thing. That no matter how cramped we may sometimes feel, that once upon a time, we loved to all six of us hang out in one little room together.