Let's Start The Holidays Over

Since we are home and back to the grind, I thought I would catch you up on what we have been doing...the last few weeks, anyway!

We went to Yoder for an early Christmas this year to accommodate (mostly our) traveling schedules. It was wonderful to see Uncle Jon and Aunt Molly and visit some friends while we were in town.

Christmas morning was crazy as usual at Grandma Jenny's and Grandpa Bill's. This year Jack, Will, Brooke and Cade helped pass out presents before destroying the family room. Reminded me of when I was little with 5 of us opening gifts!

Jack was especially grateful for new gloves Mommy had been neglecting to buy!

THANK GOD Aunt Stacy got the boys Butler t-shirts for Christmas since Santa could not find jerseys - the main thing they asked for. Hope Fairy Valentine's Day gets a connection before the end of the month!

Brooke got lots of new clothes and baking tools for the kitchen. And a cute headband I have to teach her to keep in!

Reid just watched and didn't make a peep - til Grandpa's fire got him too hot!

Cade loved his new John Deere hat - never took it off!

And what Sorg function would be complete without a little gambling? Grandma and Grandpa played Christmas Bingo with the kiddos. Everyone won at least one game and $1. Lucky Ducks!

Next stop - Cincinnati for Festival of Lights!

Lord, Don't Let Me Forget!

Lord, please don't let me forget the big heart Jack has at the tender age of 6.

Before bed tonight, on Christmas Eve, Jack came up to me and said:

"Mom, I really hope Brooke gets the Ladybug Pillow Pet she wants from Santa. But if she doesn't, Dad, Will and I saw it at Walgreens today and we will go out and buy it tomorrow so she gets it. But don't tell her that - it's a secret."

I love this boy.
I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!
I know I will!

Christmas Play All-Stars

We had a busy morning last Friday. Jack's Christmas Play was at 9am and Will's began at 1030am. We made it to both, on time, considering there was snow, lots of traffic and 2 different locations!

Here is my angel. All 60+ kindergarteners were angels and looked adorable! We got a seat in the balcony so we could see all the action.

Pre-Play nerves

My good little catholic school boy with his hands folded!

"Go Tell It On The Mountain!"

Off to Will's performance....on the way I asked him if he wanted a snack. "Nope. I am gettin' ready. I am gettin' fired up." All-righty-then.

Posing with his amazing teacher, Mrs. Murray.

Showtime!
No-go time.

Will stood with his back turned most of the time because he was "a little shy." He sang all the words, but no motions.

He is still my angel!

Ho-Ho-Ho

The annual trip to Santa.
I have had the same Santa since Jack was 3 months old. Guess he retired.
Kids didn't notice but I DID.
Thanks a lot, Eastgate Santa circa. 2004-2009.
There goes the continuity of my pictures.

My take on the picture...

Jack thinks if he smiles big enough he will get the DS he wants...that he doesn't really know how to use or what it is all about but all his friends are asking for one.
Nope.
Still not getting it.

This looks goes with Will's signature phrase...
"You wanna piece of me?!"

And Brooke...
the look kinda speaks for itself.
Don't you think?!

Ho-Ho-Ho!

I Think He Has A Future...

Do we have the next Bob Costas or Dan Patrick on our hands?!

This is how Jack (all on his own) read the stats for the Bengals game today.



Guess he gave up (like the rest of us) after the end of the 3rd.
He did this for the UC basketball game last night, too.
And spelled everything - correctly - on his own.

Just love this little sports-minded boy.
But he is NOT happy that Will has beat him all weekend in the new game Daddy taught them -
HORSE.
Better start practicing, Jack! Your little brother is not far behind!

Family Pics 2010

Since my Christmas cards are out I can finally post my favorites from our family pics...cause you know anal retentive me can't show them until my cards are out.

I have issues.

We had our pictures taken at a cemetery. For real. Spring Grove is a cemetery and Arboretum on the west side. Again, Mandy does awesome work and we had a beautiful day.

Here are some of my faves:


This one was on the steps of the chapel.















This was leaning up against a mausoleum. Luckily, we heard nothing coming from the inside!

I always love getting family pics. Just hate waiting another year to do it again!

Week in Review

5 Days later, the flu finally left. I hope.

Kids went back to school Thursday, finished decorating for Christmas.

Black Knights prevail last night, with Jack scoring 1 basket and Will asking players
"You wanna piece of me?!" (His go-to, intimidating phrase)

Brooke cheered loudly, yelling "Hustle!" "Pass the ball!" and all the other phrases she hears people say and has no idea what it means.

Frisch for dinner with Grandparents Goshorn - our Friday night treat.

Jack is going to a Taekwando birthday party today. Young Son will attempt to break board with own hand. Hei yah!
**As a side note, this party and a Chuck E Cheese party in the same month is making my cake and ice cream parties look shameful. Thanks, other-kid-parents.

Andy has his first swim lesson today to help his time in the pool for his next Tri, hopefully this spring. If his FEMALE instructor wears a bikini, Andy may have to just drown.
Kidding.

Brutus, our Elf, has arrived to make our holidays bright - and our discipline easier. He reports to Santa, you know.

And in other Grand Parenting News, I took the advice of a friend (who shall remain nameless...you know who you are and I thank you!) and implemented a new discipline tool for Brooke's screaming. She DOES NOT LIKE hot sauce on the tongue for excessive screaming. She shuts up real fast now when the hot sauce bottle is put on the table in front of her.

If you have lost count, that is approximately 1347 nominations for Mother of the Year for me this year.
I am going to win for sure.

Have a nice, snowy weekend!