What Are You Waiting For?

I felt compelled to give to this sweet boy. He needs and deserves a home. Why don't you join me? It is so easy to make a difference!

Wee-Ones Wednesday: Only the Beginning



Grandpa and Grandma Rydell




Grammy and Papa




Grandma and Grandpa




Our own nativity with Dan's Cousins




Our little family on Christmas morning

 We have had such a gloriously busy week, that I was not able to blog before today. Here's just a tiny look at the 300+ pictures we took at Christmas. This year, I made a conscience effort to get the girls with all their grandparents. We had a wonderful time; we started celebrating the 23rd and didn't stop until the 26th. We hope you had a blessed Christmas with your family and look forward to hearing about your traditions. I think I'll be posting about Christmas for at least a week, so stay tuned!

Merry Christmas!

"For unto you is born this day, in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:11 kjv

Wee-Ones Wednesday: Christmas Play Date

Yesterday, Lilly, Iris, and I went to Heather's house for a Christmas play date. We had so much fun! Maddie prepared a craft for all the girls, and Heather baked sugar cookies to decorate. The girls played "hot present" for their gift exchange. We've done this every year since we started having kids, and I have to say, this year was the most fun. The girls are really growing up, and they seem to need us less and less. They played together beautifully, and didn't need any mommy interventions. Lilly had a monumental first too. She did not fight, cry, or fuss when it was time to go.Watching them grow up is definitely bittersweet.

Misc. Monday: Show Time!

Lilly got to be Raggedy Ann for her Christmas program at preschool. She did a wonderful job. She sang as loud as she could and smiled her gorgeous smile. Iris was pretty well-behaved too. She ate a few snacks and put some powder on her nose. I guess our girls are growing up. On the way home, Lilly said she wants to be Mary next year. A girl can only hope!

Sew Crafty Saturday: I Heart Christmas

Here's a few little goodies I've whipped up this year for Christmas. Of course, the console table is in the spirit of the season; the typewriter tells of Jesus' birth. The art in the frames is from craftily ever after, and I found the vintage cards and illustration at an estate sale. I've made a new wreath every year, and the wire wreath is this years addition. I got the idea from Creature Comforts, online Gifted magazine. That's where I also saw the adorable yarn tree on a piece of wood that Iris is holding. It was really fun to make because Dan had to drill the holes for me. We went a bit old school on the tree. Dan threatened to downsize the Christmas boxes, so I was forced to use some decorations we hadn't seen in awhile. And of course, each girl has a pink tree in her room!

Wee-Ones Wednesday: Christmas Spirit

Lilly and I have had many opportunities this year to enjoy a little Christmas culture. Dan got us free tickets to the Rockettes Spectacular. He decided Iris was too little to go, so we took Heather and Maddie with us. We had a wonderful time. Lilly cheered, clapped, and yelled, "bravo" every chance she got, and the girls high kicked it all the way back to the car!

Next, we experienced The Nutcracker for kids at the Orange County Performing Arts Center with some dear girlfriends. It was perfect! They handed each child a program geared to kids with fun activities inside, and they each got their very own boosters to use. It was so sweet to see the girls all dressed up and excited for the show. My mom had read Lilly the book a few days before and when Clara's brother broke the nutcracker's leg, she told me that was wrong because in the book, he broke her teeth. I guess I don't have to worry about her comprehension skills! After the performance, we got to visit with some dancers and musicians. Lilly wasted no time and began asking questions right away. When the flautist told us that her flute cost $20,000 and was made of silver and gold, Lilly asked her if she had a banjo. Hilarious! On the way home, she told me that she does not want tae kwon doe lessons like Quentin. She wants to go to Ballet class like Maddie. Go figure!

Misc. Monday: Happy Birthday, Baby!

Dan turned 35 this Saturday. We celebrated by staying at La Casa Del Camino  in Laguna for the night. It was so beautiful, quiet, and relaxing. We stayed in one of the newly renovated "surf project" rooms. We enjoyed the sunset first from our window. Then we ran upstairs to the rooftop bar for a closer look and some drinks. Sunday, we went to the Sawdust Art Festival, had a late lunch, then came home to celebrate with family. Happy birthday, baby. I love you!!

Wee-Ones Wednesday: Letting Loose

Misc. Monday: Party Fun

vintage images found at http://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/

Lilly's old-fashioned party was a ton of fun. There were old toys all over. Grammy and Papa brought some flowers. The kids played hot potato, bean bag toss, and pin the tail on the donkey. My mom set up a candy necklace table, and brought the cake. The sparkler "4" she found for the cake was a hit.  Lilly was over the moon excited. Everyone was running around and yelling. It was party bliss. She was super excited about all the Hello Kitty gifts. The kids brought their present to Lilly and helped her open them, but her favorite was the "walking, talking giggle doll" from Aunt Penny, Uncle Mike and cousin Sophia. I think all of her dreams came true!

Wee-Ones Wednesday: FOUR???



I can not believe this little baby is already four!




Dan has taken the girls to Build-A-Bear for every birthday.




It's their special "Daddy & me" tradition, but he does take pictures for me!




Dan told her to smile big on her last night of being three.




Happy Birthday, Lilly! "I still feel three, you know."



First present of the day = new Hello Kitty outfit for preschool.




"What shall I wish for?"




Grammy and Grandma took Hello Kitty cupcakes to school. One of them took pictures and the other video taped for us. We are sure blessed!



The night was finished up with pizza & cake with the grandparents and a family game of Hungry Hungry Hippo.



Forgive me for posting so many pictures of our Lilly. I can't seem to help my self (and this was with me editing out quite a bit)!

Happy birthday, sweet Lilly!

You amaze me every day with your vocabulary, writing, and drawing. Your independent spirit infuriates me, until I stop and remember that you got it from me. Your prayers let me know we are doing some things right, and watching you show empathy to your sister brings tears to my eyes. I am so proud to be your mom. Last night, when I put you to bed, I asked you to stop growing up. You told me that you would always "pretend" to be my little girl. How did you know what I needed to hear? I love you sooo sooo much!

xoxo, Mommy