Snowy Monday Activities

B/c we woke up to fun snow fall this morning, I did an early morning grocery run instead of going running.  (I was happy to get out of running & happy to get groceries alone.)  We honestly are just lazy around here (or too busy trying to keep up with laundry and clean dishes) and have decorated only a little for Christmas and haven't gotten a tree.  But the snowfall this morning got me more in the mood.  So I picked up some decorations and treats at WalMart.  I've seen garland over other doors in our neighborhood & thought it was pretty... so I added balls and lights to this garland... and the pretty twirly thingys to this wreath... its festive and pretty.  I only wish I could see it from the inside, not just when I go and come!

Then I had Peter unwrap a bunch of kisses to add to these pretzels.  He was totally into it.  We will definitely be making these again soon.  Good for his hands too.  :)

 Then he got to eat *one* after lunch- I am a stingy mama.

He told me that the treat was too-licious!

As I put him down for his nap, I said "Peter, that was so fun to make treats with you!"  He said "Actually, it was YUMMY!"  My funny boy!

an early Christmas weekend

We had the treat of having Will and Emily in state for a long weekend.  I went down early with the kids last Thursday then headed back on Friday eve for Mike's work Christmas party.

This pic was taken after standing and mingling for 4+ hours.

Thanks for babysitting, Kathy and Ski!

It was fun to get dressed up and have yummy drinks and hors d'oeuvres! 

 Then we all headed back to my parents for the NC Christmas party that Mom hosted this year.

Later in the eve, we exchanged sibling presents.

Peter's gift  from Emily and Will was the hit of the night- Automoblox- he played with them for the rest of the evening!  They come all apart and the parts can intermingle- perfect fine motor skill toy!

 Lily got this hat from Aunt Emily... does her expression say enough?!  ;)

 J&J got some baby carrying gear!

 and baby clothes :)

 Everyone joined in the Automoblox fun!  

She learned this "driving stance" from her brother!

(see... this is how he drives cars too!)

 Lily got this car at the NC gift exchange- she was CRAZY about it!!!

Seriously, she cracked me up b/c she didn't get off it it the rest of the day.

Uncle John took her for fast rides and "donut" turns- she squealed with excitement.

 Her eyes are red in both but I had to add anyway to capture her happiness!

It pays some loud music...

 Does this thing have an ON-OFF switch?!?!?

Nope.

Off they go!

We had a great time everyone!

Thanks for a fun party, Mom!

Mike and I have been going to a Wed night class on marriage at our church.  We've watched the video series... What did you expect?!  Redeeming the Realities of Marriage.  We've only gone half of the time but its been good.  Its mostly been good for my relationship with Peter (and Mike too).  Tonight he talked about Worshiping God as Creator (He created the people in my family as they are, it's not my job to re-create them) , Worshiping God as Sovereign (He put me together with the people in my family for my good and His Glory), and Worshiping God as Savior (He gives grace to me and the people in my family, even as we don't deserve it).  Thinking on these 3 characteristics was really freeing and helpful to me as I thought about each person in my family (me included).  

A little update on Peter...

We have been so blessed this year by his time at preschool.  He has an amazing teacher who has been so kind about picking up on things with him.  One thing we are discovering is that he may have low muscle tone (which has contributed to his speech delay and now some fine motor delays).  So we are working on getting him some help in the areas he needs it.  Thinking about these 3 characteristics of God (and reasons I can worship Him!) was really helpful to me in processing the way God has made Peter's physical body, and in thinking of how I want to teach Peter to think about it.

Before Thanksgiving, his teacher wrote "I am so thankful for Peter's enthusiasm and joy."  We are also very thankful for that.  I get frequent reports about his concern for others and his manners at saying thank you.  (None of this to my credit for sure!, but thanks be to God.)