The Eve of Christmas Eve

This post is once again long overdue. My heart has not been in it and I can't honestly say it is there tonight either. The only thing spurring me to blog is the fact Christmas is in two days and I don't want the pile of pictures from that to add to the pile I have. 

The last post I believe I blogged was about my kids and how they were making me nuts which was true. The next day didn't necessarily get better. They literally have been sick non stop always something new or one has something and then the other gets it. It makes for little sleep. Then Friday the 14th happened. It was sobering and I felt bad for even saying that about my kids even though it was true. Since then I have avoided the computer and many things truly. I don't want to read things and would rather enjoy the kids. Although many days I feel like I put more "fires" out and clean up after them rather than actually playing with them.  

I also have not been in the mood to deal with pictures. I took this month off to relax and spend time with family. Sometimes I need a break and some perspective to be creative. It has not been coming so easily so it has just been put on the back burner. I also may be throwing a bit of a pity party as I REALLY REALLY would love to upgrade my camera body. I will do it soon but honestly am frustrated with Nikon at the moment due to the camera I want has some flaws. Soooo I am trying to be patient. I know really I am just complaining but an upgrade is in the future. 

Life still has gone on................

The kids opened their first Christmas presents from Aunt Toni. 

 

 Larry brought some slippers for the kids. 

 

Ari and I spent a Monday together as Aunt Toni had the kids. He is TROUBLE!!! This particular day he showed me he is going to take after his big brother and was into a lot of things like the dog food and the Christmas tree. 

 

Like I said they all have been sick for one reason or another. It has meant some late night baths for breathing. I actually enjoy them because I can have some one on one time. Lilliana hates it but if I tell her she can have bubbles she LOVES it. I love watching the water droplets collect on her eyelashes.

 

Larry brought M&M's. This was actually rather funny. I think any parent that does the elf can relate to that moment you realize you forgot to move him. I grabbed the candy and painstakingly spelled out "Be Good." Larry fell halfway through and I had to redo it. All for nothing because Lilliana found him the next morning and began eating before I could even relay the message to my dear children.

 

Ari has spent the past couple of weeks working on his yoga skills. I could take pictures of him doing this all the time because it is soo cute!! We say he will be crawling by Christmas. I may be off by a few days but it will be close. 

 

Larry colored our milk green or blue if you ask Eli. 

 

Anthony had been out of town and working late nights so it was nice to have him home last weekend. I never grow old watching him play with the kids. He begins when they are little and does not stop. He is rough with them and they love to just wrestle and be crazy.

Lilliana has not slept well as of late and has been putting herself down for nap earlier than normal. She also does not like to go anywhere without her slippers inside. I found her like this last saturday.

 

On a side note I should use their room more for pictures because the light is wonderful!

Larry came this particular day after nap and strung some lights as we were planning to go look at Christmas lights that night. 

 

We had a wonderful time looking at lights. 

 

When we got home Ari and I snuggled and it felt wonderful! 

 

Larry brought candy canes that night and a book to enjoy for the next day. I highly recommend this book. The pictures are so nice, the kids loved it, and it has a wonderful meaning. 

 

Silly String was Larry's chose of tricks the next night.

 

 

Then Anthony was back to work this week working loooong hours and I was not getting sleep so Larry spent a few days just hanging out.

 

This week was rough due to the long hours. I have wanted to potty train Lilliana this month but she is sick a lot so I have put it off. Surprisingly she is doing it on her own and actually going. I still think I am going to end up doing the 3 day method with her but she has been going in the mornings and at nights after bath time. 

 

We also have spent many nights sitting in front the tree, talking, and just enjoying the things that make Christmas time so special. 

 

Eli has been well a little crazy. Despite my efforts to make sure we are outside everyday to burn off some of his energy and school he has been well Eli just being normal Eli times 10. This is him throwing attitude about having to go to sleep. Plus he thinks he is spiderman and as you can see was showing me his muscles. Oh and yes, that is crayon ALLL over the wall. He decided nap time was art time. 

 

Regardless of his little attitude this particular day, he has been very funny lately. 

 Here are a few of the things he has told me as of late. 

Eli, "Mom I am still hungry."

Me, "Let me finish changing your sister's diaper, then I will get you more food." 

Eli, "Ok"

Me, "Do you want graham crackers?"

Eli, "No."

Me, "How about orange crackers?"

Eli, "No, how about yellow applesauce?"

Me, "Yes." As I am getting it out I hear, "Can I have cider too?" I tell him yes. Then Eli jumps in the air and fist pumps it saying, "Yes! Mom your the best!"

I had braided Lilliana's hair in pig tails and used green ponytails. Eli told her she had two green palm trees in her hair. 

One particular day when he was in his bed and messing around I had him come out and asked him why he was not going to sleep and playing. He gives me this look that I can't even describe and with the most remorseful voice says, "This is hard for me to tell you......" I burst out laughing right then and there.

He is too cute to even get mad at. 

He also told me  Thursday that Larry could not stay where he had been all week to due to my negligence and he needed to find a new spot. That meant I needed to stop being lazy and move him.

 

We also woke up to snow. It was so cold but we went out to play while Ari took his morning nap. 

 


Saturday Anthony and I finished up our shopping. I was negligent with Larry again. The kids had went to Grandma's house so when they got home I had made sure that Larry was done.

 

 

Yes I cleaned the toilet with bleach before I placed him there. 

We also received our gifts from Aunt Holli that day. She sent packing peanuts. I have to say I dread when I open a box to them. The kids LOVE to play in them and well they are such a mess. I went against my gut and let them play. Needless to say it was a mess and took forever to clean up but they had a blast. They can't just play in them either they have to smash and tear and rip them all apart. Sometimes I need to just say yes to them and I did. 

 

 

Last night I wrapped everything and also managed to get Larry moved. We are ready for Christmas. Tomorrow I plan to bake with the kids and enjoy some family time.

 To my family, I love and miss you all. I wish I could be closer to enjoy your company. To my mom, I miss baking and all the wonderful things you made for us. I try to keep the traditions and this year we will enjoy the wonderful French Toast you made. To my dad, I now know how you feel about getting up so early on Christmas morning. I dread this year and so I am sorry for the many 4 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. wake ups Christmas mornings. I am sure I will begin receiving my pay backs this year. To my wonderful sisters I miss you and wish we could be together and watch our kids enjoy Christmas together and pass on our memories. Hopefully one year it will happen. We love and miss you all! Merry Christmas.