My Beautiful Bugs

I LOVE HER.

Wicked Good Time

Date Night! Paul and I don't get to enjoy them too often. But last night we did, and we had a Wicked good time.

My brother surprised us with tickets to see Wicked the Musical for Christmas.  I had REALLY wanted to go, but thought there would be no way I could get Paul there.  It is easily my new favorite musical, not that I have any to compare it to unless you count good ol' TWHS's spring musical productions. I am anxious to check out the book from our local library to see how it compares.  I am sure that I will not be disappointed.

You know it is good, when Paul even enjoyed himself. 

Today

When I woke up this morning, I knew that I had to blog today.  Ten years ago today, Paul asked me to marry him.  I can remember that day like it was yesterday.  I can remember trying to talk him out of going to Christmas at the Zoo.  It was so cold that the polar bears weren't even out that night.  But, he insisted that I go, and I am glad that I did.  Sadly, this entry is not about us.

Today, we gathered with Paul's family to celebrate Christmas. While we were gathered Paul's Grandpa passed.  His family thought the world of him, and he will be greatly missed.  But, Paul said it best.  Grandpa Moeller lived 80 years and accomplished many things.  We should celebrate his life in the coming days.  I have several photos with my children with their Great-Grandpa, but this photo is one of my favorites of him and Marilyn. It was taken at Scott and Stephanie's wedding in 2003.  He was a dancing machine that night.  This is how I want to remember him. . . all smiles, drink in hand, surrounded by family, and certainly recounting the Reds' baseball game.

Gingerbread Houses

It is the most wonderful time of the year.  Christmas at school is beautiful.  The kids are super excited as are the teachers.  

 The first grade classes made gingerbread houses this week.  Ethan, cleverly, transformed his house into an airplane using Twizzlers. 

One of my special helpers.  B'maw also got talked into helping.  Erica loved helping me that she ditched B'maw and stayed at school the whole day.  I think that she really wanted to eat school lunch.  She twirled all day long from excitement.  Erica did confiscate some candy.  Her pockets were filled with candy to nibble on during the school day. 

Tuck it In

Erica has a style all of her own.  We couldn't get Ethan to wear jeans for anything.  Erica loves jeans, but more than that she loves her leggings.  Hey, I would too if . . .  Well, I think that she needs a longer top on if you're going to sport leggings.  Not Erica.  If the shirt is too long, she is tucking it in.  Even things that are not meant to be tucked in.  She has a blue dress that pairs with brown leggings.  The knee-length dress ALWAYS gets tucked in.  I have given up fighting that battle at home. Out in public is a different story.  The blue dress tucked in was my favorite until she did this

Yep, that is a cheerleading skirt tucked in.  What Not to Wear here we come.

You Better Not Pout

I'm telling you why. . .

Santa Claus is coming to town.

Poor Bugs!  We bundled the kids up and raced across town to eat Breakfast with Santa.  Ethan and Erica bravely sat on Santa's lap reminding him of their wishes.  Ellie needed a little coaxing from Daddy, but she did tell Santa what she hoped to find in her stocking.  I can't help it.  I LOVE that pout.  It's priceless.

Let it Snow

It feels so much like Christmas when the ground is blanketed in white. 

This has to be my favorite photo. 

 I love that Ethan is pulling his sister on a sleigh ride and the big kiss Daddy is planting on Ellie's head. 

Dinner and a Show!

It is no secret that my children look forward to the days that B'maw and Pop-O come.  B-Maw's a really good cook and she always has something up her sleeve.  It may be trips to the library for story time, a visit to "Mommy's School" for a lunch date or most recently, a Christmas play at the museum.

The girls were thrilled to be invited on stage during the performance to play instruments.  They were even able to get a photo with the cast following the performance.

 Erica and Pop-O crafting a paper stocking.

Santa, lean your earn this way . . .

Their lunch date consisted of the girls' favorites: "chickey" nuggets and french fries, and an hour in the play place.

On the way home, they made a pit stop at target.  Erica wondered where the Christmas decorations were that belong upstairs.  So, B-Maw and Pop-O found a special tree for the girls.

 Erica and Ellie are beside themselves to have their very own Christmas tree and a pink one at that.  They have be relocating ornaments whenever possible.  Only one has been broken in the transfer.

So Thankful

 We have so much to be thankful for.  I love the time together as a family, laughing, cooking (or watching everyone else cook) and enjoying the day.  This year we were grateful that my cousin and his brood traveled down to visit with us.  Our visits are few and far between, but fun never the less. 

 Ethan and Abby

Ellie was not sure about sharing her toys with Nathan