Letters to Santa

This week we made a trip to put our letters to Santa in the big red mailbox.  Emma had written both of the list out before we arrived, but they insisted on rewriting them when we got there.  One of Emma's favorite things to do these days is write and she has gotten really good with her letters and her handwriting.

Gavin's list consisted of candy, cookies and candy corns (sugar, sugar & more sugar. NOT!!!)  Emma requested a Leap Pad, a real ring from James Avery and a walkable Pet Shop. 

Little Man could hardly wait to get his letter in the box, as a matter of fact he stuck about 10 blank ones in there too.

Emma was so serious about her letter and wanted to make sure that it would get to the North Pole and Santa would know exactly who she was once it arrived.

Speaking of Santa, we saw the Jolly ole fella not to long ago for our yearly cookies with Santa visit.  We use a local photographer to avoid the mall lines and because it takes Gavin a good 10 minutes to decide he will get close to him.  We did not get one smile out of that boy, but at least he stood there waiting for Santa to unwrap his candy.

On the way to see Santa that evening Emma said, "Mom, now you know that is not the real Santa we are going to see don't you?"  After I nearly choked & wrecked I said, "oh Emma, help me understand what you are talking about" and she said, "Mom that is just someone who dresses up like Santa to help him because he is super busy at the North Pole."   I thought to myself, I am going to get those kids at MDO and then I just said, "that is so smart of you to think of that Emma."  However, when she saw him she had a twinkle in her eye, a smile on her face and I was relieved.

Only TWO more sleeps to go, Santa is coming kiddos and this Mommy is super excited to see your little faces Christmas morning.

My Family, My Everything

This years family pictures were quite the challenge, but when you have a photographer that is over the moon nothing stops her from gettting the results she wants and producing a Christmas card that I love year after year.

After two rainouts, Gavin having pink eye, Emma's headband being too big, me with a fever blister, Gavin with a bad haircut, it being 43 degrees outside and about 30 minutes to spare...we finally got some pictures.  I seriously called and told my photographer if we hoped to get any pictures this year it would have to be at 8:00 on a Saturday morning because our schedules were packed.  Normally we travel to some great location, but I told her we needed to stay in the neighborhood and pictures could take no more than 30 minutes, I think we finished in about twenty-two!

Did I mention I {heart} my photographer and somedays she {hearts} me (ha ha).  She did it, designed a beautiful card/adddress label and they were mailed out and arrived before Christmas.  Woo-hoo, thank you "Darwa" we love you!

My family is my everything and I love these guys with all I have and in ways that I can never describe.  They are fun, they make me laugh, they love me unconditionally and they are mine.

This boy makes me giddy inside and has the best personality of any two year old I have ever laid eyes on, seriously!

Sweet girl of mine, you are everything I always dreamed of in a daughter and so much more!

Never can get enough squeezing from my little man.  He loves his Momma and his Momma loves him.  I am telling you this kid is a miniture version of my Daddy and that makes him extra special to me.

My little girl is growing up so fast.  Seems like yesterday I was picking out her first Christmas dress and celebrating my first Christmas as her Mommy.  Here we are about to celebrate our 5th Christmas together.

From head to toe, doesn't he just make you smile, a big smile?   Look at those little short legs, I could just eat him up!

When I think of all that God has done in my life over the past 7 years it is UNBELIEVEABLE, but so worth the wait.  I pray that he will continue to bless us and promote our family in all that we do on this side of heavean. I know he has great things in store for our marriage, our kids, our careers, our finances and for everything that involves The Frazier Four.  Our God is an awesome God and he deserves all the Glory.

Darla ~ thank you once again for loving me, my kids and my family.  You are more than my photographer, you are my friend and someone that I want by my side till the very end.  I have learned so much from you over the years.  I love you girl!

Best Christmas Pageant Ever...

We had the honor of watching Emma participate in her MDO Christmas Pageant on Thursday night where the Pre K students recounted the story of the Nativity of Jesus.  Our sweet girl was chosen to be a Sheep and she did it with the biggest smile on her sweet little face.

We arrived and her teachers took her sassy little headband off, swooshed back her curled hair and smushed those sheep ears on her head.  So much for the time we spent in front of the mirror getting her ready.  Emma was so funny when they did this, she looked up at me like are you okay with this Mommy?  I just chuckled and said, "You look great Emma" but I knew what she was thinking.

These kiddos worked so hard on this little pageant and all the music that went along with it.  Emma was glowing as she was standing in the church foyer waiting her turn to lead those Shepherds down the aisle.

The closer she got to me she became more giddy and I had to put my Mommy Principal face on, while snapping to encourage her to keep moving.  I think she wanted to stop and hug us all, it was super cute.

Sweet Hannah Claire was Mary and she was the perfect little Mary.  Emma, Gracie and Hannah Claire have all been the best of friends since they were 18 months old at MDO.  It is so funny because every time I see their Mommy's these days we all tear up thinking about them going their separate ways in May.

Little Gracie was a candle that lit the way for Mary on that special day.  We love this sweet girl and her Mommy, who happens to be our dental hygienist.

Emma struggled with those ears a couple times, but she kept on singing.  Mrs. Becky told us after the program that Emma is quite the little singer and loves to sing loudly on stage, I am certain her Pawpaw was smiling down from Heaven that night.

This was the best picture I could get of the entire pageant, because I moved so close to the front and squatted down on the floor by another family.  All of these sweet babies did a great job and once again, the teachers we are blessed with went beyond our expectations.

Emma, you were the cutest little sheep in the fields baby girl and your love for Jesus in the manger melts my heart every time you talk about him.

Pajama Day @ MDO

My sweet babies jumped out of bed this morning eager to put their pajamas on and head to MDO for a day of Polar Express and fun.   Mommy was excited to because at 10:30, I am officially off for 18 days (woo hoo).

This girl cracks me up anytime I go to take her picture these days.  She is in dance mode at all times with that little pointed toe and those hands on her sassy little hips.  As I was leaving for work she said, "Mommy, do you wish you could wear your pajamas to work today?" 

My little man thought his Daddy was confused this morning when he took his one set of pajamas off and put another one on, but we finally got him to understand that it was PJ day!

Mornings at our house can often be a little chaotic with these two fighting over a pop tart, who brushes their teeth first, he's looking at me, who gets the last chocolate milk, she is pushing me BUT today was a "BEST FRIEND" kind of day.  I love these two more than I ever dreamed imaginable and I think they love each other the same way.  Being a Mommy is truly the most rewarding job in the world.

Happy Pajama Day Emma Lou & G-Man! 

Four and a Half!

Oh sweet girl of mine, you are growing up way too fast for me.  This morning you told me that you still wish you were a tiny baby and secretly I do too! 

As girly as you might be, you still love to search and rescue every little insect you can find.  Today you made friends with a grub worm and a rolly polly (we called them doodle bugs in my day).  I am thinking the grub worm is somewhere in the house because you put him down and never went back to find him. You also boldy walked up to family that was walking their full grown boxers and let the dogs lick you all over the face as if you had known them forever.  I can't help but wonder if you will chase my childhood dream of being a veterinarian or if you will, "just be a Mommy" (that is your declared occupation at the time).  Whatever it is, I know you will do it with a smile and be a success.

Emma Caroline, you are AMAZING.  You are the sweetest little girl I know and everyday you brighten by day more and more.  Tonight you told me that if I got in bed with you that you would  "kiss my face 38 times".   Thank you so much for loving me and making me feel like the best Mommy in the entire universe.

MDO Christmas Party

The hustle & bustle of the holiday season has me feeling like a fat hamster in a wheel these days.   I love all the Holidays has to offer, but our schedules are jam packed.  Everyday when I get to highlight something else off my to do list, I sigh and keep on going.  Please understand I am not complaining because this is MORE than the life I ever dreamed of, but no doubt I will look back on this season and wonder how we managed to juggle it all. 

Between birthday parties, dance recitals, school parties, work parties, our holiday getaway, Christmas pictures, decorating the house, the Christmas pageant at MDO,  the elf on the shelf, the advent calendar, hosting 3 different celebrations in our home for family, milk & cookies with Santa, looking at twinkling lights ....we are busy as can be and I would not want it any other way.  I am not willing to sacrifice participating in events or traditions because I am a working Mommy, so we make it all work and it always ends up perfect.

Today was the kids MDO party and I managed to get a couple pictures between helping set up, pass out gifts and going between two classrooms.

Gavin always enjoys his school parties and was ready to go as soon as his feet hit the floor this morning.  His little class is filled with sweet little two year olds that always want to eat the cupcakes first.

Emma is so appreciative when I come to her parties and acts surprised when she sees me as if I have never been at one of her functions.  She truly has the sweetest teachers in the world that put so much into that Pre-K classroom, no gift would be enough to thank Mrs. Becky & Mrs. Violet. 

Tomorrow we will be attending the MDO Christmas Pageant where the Pre-K students tell, sing and demonstrate the Story of Jesus.  Emma is so excited to be a sheep, while Kade is her Shepherd.  They have been practicing so hard and had full dress rehearsal yesterday.  Emma was ecstatic that her best buddy Hannah gets to be Mary and continues to tell me how beautiful she looks.  I am certain I will be crying like a baby when I see these sweet babies proclaim their love for Jesus.

So while I may be a little STRESSED, I will NEVER lose sight of the fact that I am truly BLESSED!

33 Months Old

Our BIG BOY turned 33 months old yesterday and has made us realize we no longer have a baby living in our house.  If this kid could live outside or on a farm, his bags would be packed.

We are dreaming of the day Gavin turns THREE so we can channel all of this energy  into an organized sport.  He is extremely energetic and will be a coaches dream, I promise you that. Some of his favorite things to do these days are pretend to be a dinosaur, play school with his big sister, watch Caillou, play with Littlest Pet Shops, snuggle with Daddy, wrestle, color and look at Christmas lights.

Gavin has really been into all things Christmas this year and loves the lights, the trees, Christmas music and ornaments (good thing because his Mommy does too!).  I can not wait to see him on Christmas morning, its gonna be a good time.

Happy Monthly Birthday Buddy ~ We love you!

Itty Bitty Christmas

This morning our dance studio held their Itty Bitty Christmas program for the kiddos that are in the 6 and under classes with some of the older dancers presenting parts of the Nutcracker.  It is nothing formal, just a sweet and simple little Holiday celebration.

Emma performed in a Jazz routine to "Tis the Season" and they were asked to wear any combination of red and white.  Emma has fallen in love with her Jazz class and was super excited to perform a pom routine with 13 of her jazz-buddies this morning.

Lauren and Emma have been dancing together for 2 years now and they really enjoy each others friendship. 

I could not resist getting a couple of pictures of this sweet face up close this morning while we were waiting for our number.

Emma loves to perform and never appears to be nervous, always excited.  However, this morning when it was showtime and she walked out waiting to go on stage she started bawling LOUDLY where everyone in the crowd could hear, all 300+ of them.  She was squinting and covering her face with her hands, when one of the teachers walked over to her to ask what was wrong.  Loud enough for everyone to hear she loudly says crying hysterically, "the sun is in my eyes and I can not take it, I can not take it."  Yes, the sun was bright and yes it was in her eyes, but really Emma?  By this time I was sitting dead front and center and I was dying of embarrassment while the crowd was laughing.   One of the teachers took her glasses off and gave them to Emma to calm her down.  From that point on, she thought she was super Hollywood COOLNESS and I was hiding.  They were trying to get everyone in place to start the music and I leaned over and asked her teacher, "please take those glasses away from her when you go up there."  Mrs. Christy took the glasses and everything was fine from that point on.

I was so proud of her that I did not take very many pictures because I was so caught up in watching her.  This song was super fast, but she was able to keep up and remember most of the parts, even ended perfectly in the exact spot she was assigned. 

After her Jazz performance we ran home because she did not dance again for a couple of hours.  Instead of flowers this year, we decided to buy her another ballet ornament to add to her collection.

A very PROUD Daddy & Mommy in spite of the meltdown over Mr. Sun.   Emma loved her ornament and thanked me over and over again.  Thank goodness she learned a lesson on gratefulness since the last recital when I made her sell her gift she got because she was not very nice about it, remember?

Emma's Ballet class performed to "Happy Birthday Jesus" and it gets me every time I see her dance so gracefully to this song.  They were asked to wear a Christmas dress for this dance with their Ballet slippers. I loved that we could use things we already had and it was not a huge expense to participate, but gave the kiddos a chance to perform.  If you are a dance Mommy, you know how expensive recitals can be.

I sent the picture above this one out today to family and friends in a text and I got the following back from a dear friend that has been dancing for 35+ years, danced in college, has owned a studio, directed High School drill team and is currently a Principal at a Performing Arts School.

"Precious!!! Laura, she seriously has the prettiest form...her arms are perfectly placed and her little pointed toe makes me giddy." 

Lianna, you made this Mommy smile and it meant so much coming from you.  Thank you sweet friend and I pray daily that God will bless you with a little girl one day soon. 

So many things about today make me so proud of Emma.  I love how committed she is to dance, I love that she is a great student, I love her ability to make new friends immediately, I love the way she admires her teachers, I love that she has fun no matter what she is doing, I love that she is so confident and I love that she sticks her little tongue out constantly when she dances. 

I am not kidding, 70% of the time she dances that little tongue is hanging out like a panting puppy.  Anytime she looks over at me she will pull it back in and smile.  Her teachers think it is the cutest thing ever and are so sweet and loving to Emma.

We are so blessed to dance with such a great group of girls, have such talented teachers, be surrounded by great families and most of all dance in a place that puts God first in everything they do.

ICE ~ Shrek the Halls

The last of our little Holiday getaway.  This was by far the coldest part of our trip and the most amazing part also, at a whopping 7 degrees.  The ICE exhibit is hand carved by 40 Artist that are flown in from China.  They carve over 2 million pounds of ice to create the exhibit and it is unbelievable.  Ice manufacturers spend 3 months freezing the blocks of ice required for them to produce this exhibit.  It is honestly something you have to see to believe.

Our little man all bundled up and entering the front door, looking up in amazement at Shrek.

Emma was at the perfect age this year and really took her time looking at all the characters.  At one point she picked up the top of a gingerbread carved of ice, of course you are never suppose to touch the ice.

I did not have the right lens on my camera when we went in so Daddy had a hard time getting us and the sign in the picture, but I was happy to have one of me and my sweet babies.

Fiona and the babies.  Emma was so worried about where the babies were the entire time we were at the resort.  A couple times she actually opened the door of Shrek's house looking in for the babies.

The detail of ICE this year was amazing.  We have loved it every year we have gone, but the detail this year was very different than years past.  I could have stayed in here for a couple hours in awe of the work that went into this and how talented those 40 men must be.

Sweet boy, look at those eyelashes.  We had a hard time getting Gavin to keep his hat and gloves on while inside, even thought it was FREEZING.

We love Shrek and we love him even more after seeing him brought to life in ICE.  My kids have watched Shrek the Halls about 20+ times so far this holiday season.

This is Shrek's outhouse and potty, Emma thought it was hilarious and crawled up in there so I could take her picture.

Puss and Boots could be spotted occasionally throughout the exhibit too.

Look at sweet little Gingy.  She was pullilng a wagon full of gingerbread house pieces that she was trying to get help putting together. Yep, that is were Emma got the top of the house out of till one of the workers quickly reminded her not to touch the ice.

This bench was in the area where the ice slides were and it was cute as could be.  Neither one of the kids were interested in sliding down because they were frozen by this time.  Even with all the gear on, it is SUPER cold inside.

Daddy with his two little buddies, Shrek & Donkey.

Sweet Emma Lou with Fiona and her babies, everytime she spotted those babies she was thrilled.

I took this one of Shrek up close so we could remember the great detail that went into bringing him to life for Shrek the Halls.

About 85% into the exhibit Gavin decided he had enough, stopped in the middle of the floor and ripped his hat, gloves and coat off and threw it on the floor.  It was a little difficult for him to get around with this heavy coat on, so I guess he thought it would be easier without it.

And the last stop every year before we exit is the Merry Christmas wreath.  I am so thankful that we have made it a tradition every year to get away before the hustle and bustle of the Holidays begins.