Logan's and Kayla's Christmas Programs

I realized that while I posted about Alex's Christmas Program I didn't post about Logan's or Kayla's. Last Thursday was a divide and conquer night for our family. Logan had his Pre-K Christmas Program that began at 7 p.m. and Kayla had the 5th grade musical that began at 7:30 p.m. So I took Logan and Phil took Kayla and we were both armed with video cameras so that we could tape the event for the other.

So off Logan, Alex and I went to Logan's program. We had to leave early so we'd get a seat in a position that would allow us to videotape the program. It's funny how crazy parents get when it comes to watching their own kids and taping it. Logan had a speaking part in his program (and if I can get my dvd drive to work I'll post it). Three kids from each of the Pre-K classes each held a letter in the word Christmas. Logan's letter was M. He said, "M is for merriment for friends and family close and dear." He did very well if I do say so myself. Then after each kid said their line they all chimed in and said, "And that is the meaning of Christmas." Then each group sang some cute songs. Logan's class (along with another Pre-K class) sang Mrs. Claus, Up on the Housetops, and I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.

Then it was off to join Phil to watch the already in progress 5th grade musical. Kayla had a speaking part in her program as well. The boys and I arrived just before she said her last line and got to see about 1/2 the program. She did a really good job. We've been so busy that we haven't been able to watch the video yet but I'm sure we will this week with Grandma and Uncle Tony in town.

Now we get to relax and get ready to spend Christmas together.

Loganisms Part Two

So last night I'm laying with Logan before he goes to sleep and we're discussing our booboos. I show him the blister on my thumb and he says, "Mom you need to take it like a man." Of course I asked him when he hurt his arm did he take it like a man and he said, "No."

Don't Grow Up So Fast

You never truly realize how fast kids grow until you have children of your own. Sure you see it with the kids of your friends and family but you don't truly experience it unless it's your own child. This past week I have seen how much Kayla has really grown. It's hard to believe that just ten years ago she was experiencing her very first Christmas at six months.

Now we're having conversations about how hard it is to grow up and how sometimes friends aren't always as nice as they should be. To top that list of growing pains off it finally came time to tell her who Santa really is. We didn't force her to find out but she was ready to know as she asked some questions about it. But I think she's enjoyed the last ten years of believing in Santa. Plus Santa isn't just a person it's really part of the spirit of giving which really relates back to the birth of Jesus.

It's hard to watch your kids grow but I'm looking forward to experiencing the next stage of growth in Kayla's life as she turns more and more into a beautiful young lady. We love you sweetie.

Alex's Christmas Program

Last night was Alex's Christmas Program and while it was cute it was somewhat chaotic. Up first was the 2 year olds. Half of them didn't want to sing and were crying (ah, that was Alex last year). The poor little ones couldn't hear the music because the parents were so loud so it was hard for them to sing. But they did a good job. Then once they were done all the parents of the 2 year olds and the 2 year olds left.

Up next was the Preschool 2 and 3 classes (this is Alex's class). They did such a good job singing Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Clause is Coming to Town, Little Red Box, and the Turtle Song. Alex was so animated when he sang - a wonderful change from last year. Watching his face was the most entertaining part of the night. Good job Alex!

Loganisms

I think I'm going to need to start a weekly column of "Loganisms". It always seems he's coming up with something new and hilarious (hilarious because he says it so seriously). These are some examples from this week:

In his Pre-K class his teacher is asking another student why he is making bad choices. Logan pipes up and says, "He's listening to the devil and that's why he's making bad choices."

Last night on the way to Alex's Christmas Program he informed us that God made him "the Chosen One". Now he can control the sun and the moon.

Don't Forget a Kiss

Logan hollered from our bedroom window as I was getting ready to leave, "Mom I forgot to give you a kiss and a hug." I waited and out he ran to give me a big hug and a kiss. I sure am glad I waited.

Dessert Chef Kayla

Yesterday afternoon Kayla asked to make brownies. She has a recipe for some delicious brownies that are made from scratch. After she cleaned up the kitchen she made her delicious brownies that we were going to have for dessert after dinner. Not only did she cook the brownies all by herself she also did a beautiful job plating them too. They were plated on red plates and then sprinkled with a little sugar and drizzled with chocolate syrup.

Perhaps we have an Iron Chef in the making.

The Best Day Ever

When you have three kids (or more) it's so hard to spend any one on one time with them because someone always has something going on. But last night I got some rare just Logan and mom time. Kayla had Thai Boxing so Phil was taking her to her class and Alex wanted to tag along. That meant it was me and Logan (plus the animals) left at home to clean and make dinner. Logan happily volunteered to help me wash the dishes, wipe down the counters, and wipe down the table. While we waited for dinner (the oh so healthy chicken nuggets and tator tots) we played a game on the computer.

When dinner was ready Logan and I sat at the table to eat dinner together. Logan says to me, "Mom I'll always love you." I told him (with a slight tear in my eye), "I'll always love you to Logan." Logan then said, "Mom I'll always love you even when I'm dead." If that's not love I don't know what is and when Logan is a teenager and he tells me that he hates me (hopefully he won't but if he does) I'm going to remind him of the evening that he told me he'll always love me even when he's dead. Thanks for making my night special Logan.

The Good Ole Days

Logan to Phil: I found Alex's U of M knit hat in the lunchroom and picked it up.
Phil to Logan: That's good. It used to be yours and now you're borrowing mine.

Logan to Phil: Those were the good ole days.

Is it the Sun or the Moon?

The conversation on the way to church on Sunday:

Logan: Dad, the moon is out.
Phil: No that's the sun but it's partially hidden by the clouds.
Alex: Dad it's the moon.
Logan: No Dad, it's the moon.
Phil: No that's the sun.
Logan: Dad it's not the sun it's the moon - it doesn't have any lines.

First Concert of the Christmas Season

Last Thursday was Kayla's first Chorus concert of the season. It really was a wonderful program. The kids did a really good job and the boys weren't too fidgety during the performance. They have another chorus this Friday night at a community event that promises to be a lot of fun.

Thanksgiving

I don't know where the time seems to go but it's already been two weeks since Thanksgiving. Where does the time go? We had a nice Thanksgiving. Probably one of the most relaxing ones I've had since we've lived in Georgia. Perhaps it was the extra help I had from my mom in getting all the stuff ready in advance coupled with taking the whole day before Thanksgiving off in order to prep the pies and clean the house. We enjoyed a nice meal with mom, Dan, Carrie and Jason topped off with our delicious pumpkin pies, apple pie and cheesecake. Couple that with the tradition of watching the Thanksgiving Day parade and life was good.