"Christmas Time Is Near...

Happiness and cheer

Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the year..."

"It's that time of year when the world falls in love
Ev'ry song you hear seems to say, 'Merry Christmas'..."

The sounds and smells of Christmas are filling our home and we are making every effort
to "feel" Christmas too.
I asked Max why we celebrate Christmas and he said, "Because it's Jesus' birthday, Mom!"

That's my boy! :) Ah, a happy moment for a mother.

I feel so sorry for our bodies during Christmas time. It's cold/flu season so we are all eating more vegetables and saying no to the second helping of dessert, right?
Ha ha ha. I have eaten more sugar in the past two weeks than...well, let's just say I've had far too much. I gave into the temptation at the grocery store and bought these delicious delights. I am a sucker for mint and chocolate!


I had to post Bensy's first birthday cake. Oh, I could eat him!!!
This is the before...

...and this is after.
He enjoyed massaging his cake more than devouring it.

James first grade school picture.

We put up our tree the day after Thanksgiving, as is our tradition. Max got excited about something and James replied exuberantly, "See Max! You're already feeling the Spirit!"

Melt my heart! These two are such darling friends. It is such a joy to watch them grow and learn together.

James was out running errands with Brandon while I was in Cali for my birthday and he asked, "Dad, when are we going to be home?"
"Soon, why Son?"
"Because I want to get home so I can keep playing a game with Aubrey" (the neighborhood girl who is five).
"And what game is that?"
"The kissing game!"
"Uhhh, how do you play that game?" (haha)
"I would run away and Aubrey would try to catch me and kiss me."
"But James, your not supposed to kiss until your 16!"
"Well that's a BIG number and I'm not waiting!!!"

We are SO in for it with this little heart breaker :/

Here is further evidence of the Aubrey and James crush.
Aubrey wrote in side walk chalk right outside our front door:
"I lic you Jams."
Translation: "I like you, James."

I think its time to move?! I'm afraid that no matter where we live there will be "Aubreys" on the prowl for my boys. This is going to get interesting...