What's on the list?

Every year as Christmas approaches, our family loads into our vehicle and drives about 30 minutes south to a local mall.  This isn't the closest mall to our house, but it's tradition.  This is the mall we have taken the kids to, to see Santa since Sassy's first Santa visit when she was 9 months old (13 years ago).

While a couple of our kiddos were definitely a bit reluctant (and perhaps thought I was crazy for having them do this), they smiled and had fun with the experience ~ for their little sister's sake!

Speaking of their little sister, Smiley was fun to watch.  She was filled with nervous excitement and couldn't wait to give Santa her list and tell him what she really wants for Christmas.

As she was waiting in line, you could simply "see" her little brain working as she was rehearsing what she was going to say.  While I couldn't hear what she was saying to herself as she waited in that line, I could see her little mouth moving as she was preparing for her minutes with Santa.

When at last, it was our turn, the kids sat around Santa and posed for a picture.  Then, they each had a  moment to tell him what was on their Christmas list.  Sassy expressed she wanted books and movies, Action: an iPad mini and Minecraft for our playstation.  And Smiley, well, after all of that mental preparation, she asked Santa for.........warm pajamas.  Her wish made me giggle a little bit.

Here is a pic of her list (front and back) before she gave it to Santa.

Curious, what are your kiddos asking for this year?

Windy Wednesday

Windy

definition: • (informal)  using or expressed in many words that sound impressive but mean little

Since I haven't been blogging lately, I have a whole lot to say.  Here's where we've been, what we've done and potential random thoughts of my own:

Christmas was nice.  Busy but nice.  Holidays get a bit crazy for us as our families live out of state and we try to see everyone.

The 22nd ~ Our little Christmas at home.  Pizza and gifts from each other.

Passing out gifts and new rollerblades for Action

A Minnie Mouse blanket Sassy made for Smiley

Sassy modeling some new clothes

The 23rd ~ hubby's parents and Christmas Celebrating with his parents and sister's family

Pittsburgh Steeler golf towel and snowball gun

Movie watching with cousins

Someone was wiped out

Hot-tubbing 

The 24th ~ Hubby's Grandma's house to celebrate with Grandma, Aunts, Uncle and cousins.  Chili, Oyster Stew (I stick to chili), gifts, cards, midnight mass.

The 25th ~ my Parents house.  Here we celebrate with any of my siblings who can make it (this year it was only my youngest sister and my little brother), Aunt, Uncle, Cousins and their kiddos.  This year was very low key, which was ok.

The 26th ~ Home sweet Home to see if Santa made a stop.  AND....... he did.

Relaxing at home

Hubby had the week off of work.  We spent some good quality time picking out new bathroom tile and accessories.  Then he "relaxed" by ripping out the old and putting in the new ~ floor anyway.  I am still working on painting the trim and next up are the walls, now that I've decided on a paint color.

Goodbye old powder room! 

At the end of the week, we decided to head up to another state to see my sister and her family.  Her and her husband just built a new house and moved it just before Thanksgiving.  We had yet to get up there for a visit and decided it would be a good weekend to go.  So the kids exchanged Christmas gifts, we went to a college basketball game and rang in the new year together!

Admiring the gift for her cousin

Fondu time

Ringing in the new Year!

Hey Auntie E..... next year, wait LONGER than 7pm to pass out noise makers! :)  

Live and learn ~ HA!

Happy New Year everyone!  

And don't worry, I have lots more to say :)

On this Christmas Day

May you remember to not get wrapped up in the little things, 

the gifts and the show and truly remember the real reason to celebrate.

(Source)

Luke 2: 11-12

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Visiting the Jolly old Man and Santa... if you're reading this:

Last week, I mentioned we took the kids to see Santa.

It seems 2 of 3 kids have some high expectations this year.

Sassy asked for a nice camera "with lenses that can be changed and zoom in and out.  Like my mom's."
FYI, "mom's" camera is a Nikon D90.

(source)

TO SANTA ~ if your not to busy to read this:

Santa, here is my word of advice.  Sassy loves to take pictures.  She wants to be a photographer when she grows up.  However, I think it's a bit risky to give such a nice camera to a 10 year old.  Not that she wouldn't take care of it, or doesn't deserve it, because for the most part ☺ she is a really great girl.  Respectful, hardworking, honest, helpful.  Don't get me wrong, I get the sass now and again ~ that is her nickname ~ and she does bother her brother and sister from time to time.  But anyway, I just think that that camera may be a bit fancy to take on school field trips, to the lake, camping and places like that, which I know is where she wants to use it.  A camera perhaps, maybe just not that one :)


Action.  Action looked at Santa with his baby blues and LONG eye lashes.  Flashed his charming, dimpled smile and told Santa he really wants a puppy.

(source)

TO SANTA ~ 

Santa, you were right to tell him that you would only bring him a puppy if it was ok with Dad and Mom.  Because quite honestly, one dog in the house is quite enough.  He certainly was bummed that night.  But I'm glad you were honest with him.  I appreciate that.   Especially after the time he asked for a punching bag and you asked him, "isn't that what your sister is for?" I still haven't gotten over that one!  Besides a puppy though, I'm not quite sure what he wants for Christmas.  I hope you or your elves have been watching.  If you come up with any ideas I could use, please let me know.... my email is ordinarymol@hotmail.com.  Thanks!


Smiley was excited and nervous to see Santa. She had really been thinking hard about what she was going to ask for when she got on his lap and had her opportunity.    Lipstick.  Lipstick is all she could come up with when her time came.

(source)

SANTA ~ 

So little Smiley climbed on your lap with the help of her sister, smiled for a picture and then it was time.  Time to tell you all of the things she was hoping for.  And what did she tell you?  Lipstick.  And she does want lipstick, let me tell you.  But, if you do decide to go with that, please stick to a flavored kiddy chapstick.  I don't need anything drawn on with real lipstick :)  But besides that, the rest of the things she had on her mind to tell you, but just couldn't get out were this:

* princess panties (she ~ along with her mom! ~ is very excited about being potty trained and loves checking out all of the fancy panties at Target ~ she is especially fond of the princess ones :)
* beds for her doll house
*shoes
*and dress up clothes.

THANK YOU SANTA!

And because, what's a post without a bunch of pictures?  Here are the kids and Santa through the years (and yes, these are pictures of pictures, so they aren't the best quality, but you'll get the idea):

2001

 our first experience with visiting Santa with our kids ~ Sassy was 9 months old

2002

My ABSOLUTE favorite Santa picture 

Sassy was so excited to see him, but was terrified when it was actually her turn

2003

2004

Actions first experience with Santa

2005

2006

2007

2008

Wow ~ hard to believe Smiley was this little :(

2009

Another one of my favorites ~ love love LOVE Smiley's expression!

2010

Sassy was home sick (super sick) with the flu ~ very bummed she couldn't go

2011

Everyone was all smiles ~ this was before the puppy got denied :(

So, what's on your (or your kid's) Christmas list this year?