Stockings. . .

While she was supposed to be taking her Pull-Up off and putting her pants on, she decided to wear this instead.

She provides the laughter in this house!

The Christmas Picture

I was trying to think of a way that we could make the holiday picture easy this year.  I asked the girls to stand in front of the tree so that we could try a picture in order to get a feel for what it would look like.  WHY do they all smile and stand so sweetly when they are posing for a practice picture?  WHY weren't they wearing their pretty dresses with their hair done?  WHY will I never be able to replicate the pose???? 

WHY does my oldest keep growing up when I tell her stop?

A Moment

We had one of those moments, when we stand back and realize how lucky we are, while decorating the Christmas tree this year.  I have been having many of these lately and feel like I still can't comprehend how fortunate my family is.  It all could be so different, that I do understand.

This year, when pulling out the ornaments, I took a big deep breath.  I had been told all day how excited my girls were to decorate the tree.  I knew they planned to hang the ornaments and I worried what kind of disaster the experience would be.  I figured there would be grabbing, dropping, complaining, and a lack of patience on my part.  I was surprised when I realized it was going to be an ENJOYABLE experience.  My girls are growing up!

It seemed like I didn't have to tell the girls to be careful or to wait their turn.  The just did it.  There was no need to be the one to hang their ornament first or the one to hang the the most ornaments.  They were just happy to be around the tree as a family.  I often heard the girls helping each other find a hook or see an ornament that they knew the other would like and hand it over.  There was a moment when I had tears in my eyes.  My sweet loving girls were interacting just as I had dreamed.  They were loving, kind and joyful.  It was absolutely amazing!

The girls told me time and time again how beautiful they thought my ornaments were.  There kindness was overflowing.  Lila even felt the need to come up and kiss me from time to time.  It was really cute when they all stood back and looked the tree.  They were very proud of the job they did.  There was an obvious cluster of ornaments at the bottom of the tree but it just made me smile. 

 We ended the night with some therapeutic belly time which strengthens the twins' core and shoulders.  It was magical as we passed the snowman stacker around and watched every family member take their turn while using the tree a source of light.

These girls are so good!!!

Holiday Happenings

It has been a crazy past couple of weeks.  We have been gearing up for the holidays while trying to keep pace with our hectic everyday lives.  Here are a few events worth reporting.

The girls made their annual trip to see Santa.  Sadly, Savannah thought that she was too young to make Santa a gift this year.  In years past she has made sure that she brings Santa gifts in fear that he is the only one that doesn't get one on Christmas.  Savannah did make sure we stopped to get Rudolph some glowsticks for his harness so she isn't too old just yet.

The girls were so excited and came with lists in hand.  They know exacly what they want Santa to bring and made sure to point out each item.  Santa listened carefully but was a man of little words.  It was sort of disappointing.  The girls jumped up in his lap and smiled for the best Santa picture yet.  Leave to me to not make it home with the picture.  I can't believe I sat it down somewhere when it so cute - the cutest one  to date.  Ugh!

Next on the Savannah's agenda was a Christmas craft. Luckily, I was able to pull some odds and ends together which helped each girl creat a cute Christmas tree. I was really suprised at how percise each girl was with their artwork. It is a sign that the little girls are getting older.

Adeline got creative and made her favorite - a Baby Einstein caterpillar.

Savannah's tree took on a life of its own. I didn't help her create the scene at all. She drew it, colored it, cut it, and taped it up all by herself. I find it pretty amazing.

Now that we had Christmas trees made of handprints, it was time to and get a real one.  We all managed to have fun though.  The girls liked riding the train to the trees even if it was super cold. Well, I should say that Adeline and Savannah enjoyed themselves. Lila said that she was sick that morning and by the time we got her to the tree farm, it was clear she didn't feel good.