Sam's 5th Birthday

Sam celebrated his 5th birthday on his actually birthday this year, January 3rd. He woke up on that Sunday morning and Annie was very excited to be the first one to give Sam a present. She had picked out for him two of his favorite books from school: pinkalicious and purplicious.

We had a lunchtime birthday party for Sam and all his cousins and neighbors arrived in costume (Sam's request). I was grateful to get another wear out of the Halloween costumes! Annie dressed as a ballerina, Sam was Batman. The kids really enjoyed being in costumes all day!

As was tradition, Mark decorated Sam's birthday cake. Sam had a variety of birthday themes that he picked out...Star Wars invitations, Spongebob cake and goody bags...costumes at the party. Ah, the mind of a 5 year old...

Sam loves being 5. Often that he is how he introduces himself now "I'm 5!". I am still trying to figure out where to put all the presents from Christmas and his birthday...

Christmas 2009

We had a Rockin' Christmas!

I have to say, this was one of my most relaxing holidays yet! I was less stressed during this holiday season- first time since I have had kids. The couple of days leading up to Christmas were funny- Annie kept waking up earlier and earlier everyday awaiting for Santa to come. She is usually my 8 o'clock sleeper! Her 1 year old fish died that Monday too. My parents arrived the Wednesday before Christmas, in the snow. We greeted them warmly and had Giordanno's stuffed spinach pizza for dinner. YUM! On Christmas Eve I took Annie to buy a new fish before heading off to Megan and Jay's house for a day of festivities.

You can't really see Sam's vest here, but it's a t-rex eating a candy cane. So cute! Here are my two beautiful munchkin's all dressed up for Christmas. Annie was even more excited when she realized that Santa came on Christmas Eve night and not Christmas Day night. Sam still has no concept of time, so if he sees Annie excited he just joins her! These were the best ages so far for Christmas. Almost 5 and 6.5- the kids just "got" all of it- from the birth of Christ to all the Santa hullaballo!! Just perfect!

The kids and all their cousins were great at Megan (Nana) and Jay's house. Previous years had led us to mass chaos and disorganization, but this year we sailed on smooth waters. After the kids opened presents we adults had grab bag. It was supposed to be a funny gift for 20 dollars. Mark and I got comical gifts (racing Grandmas on wheelchairs and a shower gel dispenser that was a 8 inch nose) but somewhere in electronic communication no one else got that memo and everyone else bought pretty nice and mild gifts. No fun! ;)

My favorite gift was my new bowling ball from Mark. In honor of all the women I treat at work, and for my paternal grandmother...this is the battle I choose to fight. :)

Feeling a little left out...

Annie had her first piano lessons this week and has been doing a great job of practicing her songs. Mark was hogging the piano Saturday morning, learning O Holy Night, so Annie grabbed her keyboard to play her song.
Mark has been taking piano lessons for 2 years now and played the organ as a kid. His skill continues to improve weekly and likes a good challenge. I have my certain favorites that I request at times and put a dollar in his jar (and a kiss on the neck!)

Even Sammy has been playing his keyboard around the house (Mark will go crazy if he has to hear the pre-programmed Jingle Bells one more time).

As for me, I stand here helpless. Unable to read a single note. Unable to even play chopsticks well. My entire family has been graced with a musical skill. I stand alone... playing the maracas.

Another great weekend!

Sunday morning started out a little strange with Mark eating out of the frying pan for breakfast. Sam suggested eggs but I guess he forgot to suggest a plate for dad.
We had a semi-impromptu visit to Megan and Jason's house after church on Sunday. Megan had texted me Saturday night to say she missed me (aw) so I said 'see you tomorrow.' This is a strange picture, but Sam loves holding baby Sophie. He discovered that she likes to suck on his fingers too which makes Sam laugh.

After dinner (which is always a gourmet meal at my sister's house) the kids all hopped into the tub for a grand bubble bath. They were having fun splashing and spilling water on each other. Izzi decided to wash Sam's hair (I guess I didn't do a good enough job!)

After all the kids were clean and warm in their pajamas they all took turns conducting the train under Megan and Jason's tree.

Our week in review...

Tuesday we were hit with a snowstorm. All but Mark were secretly hoping for a "snow day" for Wednesday (Mark is part postal worker- in rain or shine he goes to work). Annie got off the bus on Tuesday afternoon, handed me her backpack and stayed outside playing in the snow, alone, for 2 hours. The end result were three very cute snow children!
This is our first Saturday in many that we have had virtually no plans. I paid the kids each a dollar to clean their rooms and the play room. Surprisingly there were minimal complaints. Afterward Mark and Sam built a marble ramp.

Annie found the craft box that Nana (Megan) had given her last year. In it were bags of play-dough and pieces to make your play-dough an animal. She entertained herself for a while with this. Although after 10 minutes each animal took turns falling over.

As for me, I stayed in my pjs until 11am (and it was glorious!). I finished writing my Christmas cards out this morning, made a batch of gingerbread boys, am in the middle of washing the floors now and made dinner in the crock pot at 9 am (which is the only time of day I am motivated to make dinner). Mark and I watched ELF last night while we wrapped family Christmas presents, I laughed out loud the whole time. That movie is f-u-n-n-y! The kids have been playing in the snow for a couple hours now with the neighbors, and I am enjoying the house to myself.

Hope you are all relaxed too!

Yummy in my Tummy

Saturday was a busy day for all of us. After Mark came home from the Jingle Bell Run, he took a nap. The kids woke up from their naps and wanted to make Ginger Bread houses. At 9pm I was making gingerbread boys ad frosting them for a cookie exchange I had on Sunday. In between that we went to dinner at a friends house. Whew! It was a busy day!
This is the most fought over seat in the house-the dining room chair! That is where my laptop usually sits for school work. Mark was researching a few last presents that still need to be bought. When Mark and I aren't on the computer, the kids are playing games together on pbskids.com.

Annie had a lot of fun decorating her house. I added a little too much water to her frosting and candy kept falling down. I didn't realize it until the frosting was already in the decorating bag.

Sam also really enjoyed the decorating. He kept sneaking pieces of candy into his mouth during the whole process. Of course the best part of a gingerbread house is when you get to eat it!

Ho Ho Ho!

"It's the most wonderful time of the year..." keeps singing through my head since we've been in December. Yesterday we traveled down to hospital to have lunch with Santa! The kids were so excited that morning and of course kept asking me "can we go now?" We arrived 30 minutes early and were first in line! Sam was the first one to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what he wanted for Christmas this year (a zhu zhu pet and a race car). They had two of Santa's elves there too and I am proud to say both of my children were on the "nice" list. Even more exciting, I was on the naughty list! Woo hoo!
Annie was just beaming as she sat on Santa's lap. She also told Santa she wanted a Zhu Zhu pet and was so happy to just see Santa. The hospital did a great job this year, with face painting, crafts and three sets of carolers. We also had free lunch while we were there. In today's day, it is so rare to truly have a free event. And so great!


Here are the kids after they had their faces painted. Of course after naps they were half off, but they were cute while they lasted.

Here is Mrs. Claus giving Sammy his candy cane after sitting on Santa's lap. (see Annie in the background?)

It was a wonderful day!