Wordless Wednesday; Christmas Day



Leading up to Christmas

After finishing the round of birthday parties we got serious about getting ready for Christmas.

We had breakfast on a Saturday morning while listening to our friend, Olivia, sing Christmas songs with her school choir and later had the chance to catch up to the big guy himself, Santa Clause.  Olivia stayed to help me entertain the boys while we stood in line and waited our turn.  Ben had himself convinced that Santa would bring him a mini motorcycle and that is what he whispered when he had a chance.  Owen did not quite understand what he was supposed to be doing, but went along with the flow as he usually does.  Olivia told Santa that she wanted a cell phone this year, with texting. 

We took our annual drive through Longview Park to enjoy the Christmas display.  The boys were very sweet as they were pointing out the various displays.  I loved hearing Owen say "Wook (look) Mama-WOOK!" 

We made cookies and treats for a couple of our friends the day before Christmas.  Ben and Owen were in charge of lining up the pretzels and putting the Hershey kisses on top. Like most of our projects, they got bored after the first fifteen minutes.  Ben thought that it was going to take forever and he might miss something that was going on in the world of Nickelodeon.  I was able to coax them back into the kitchen when it was time to sprinkle the sugar cookies.

While we were at it, we made our cookies for Santa.  Ben received a packet of Reindeer food from his Christmas party at preschool.  We set out the treats and tucked the boys into bed.

I mentioned in an earlier post that we started a new tradition that involved "Shelfie", our Elf on the Shelf.  We made gentle reminders that Shelfie was watching when the boys were not displaying their better behaviour.  It worked like a charm.  I would also make comments when they did something sweet such as, " I sure hope that Shelfie tells Santa that he saw you sharing today" for positive reinforcement as well.  In fact-Jeremy and I enjoyed having this little guy around so much that I would not be surprised if Shelfie pops back in from time to time throughout the year. 

Just to keep the boys on their toes.

I love seeing this time of year through the eyes of Ben and Owen.  The joy and wonder that I see through them has silenced my inner Scrooge.  I even went to the mall the week before Christmas- where there would be crowds (gasp!). 



Now that he's FOUR!

Ben celebrated his FOURTH! birthday early in the month. 

I do not even know where to begin when talking about much he has grown and changed this year.  It was a gradual change that was not near as startling as his first few years but I still get choked up when watching his slide show.  (I posted it on the side bar before his birthday...)

He started preschool last January and he still loves it.  His favorite part of the day is getting to play with outside with his friends.  Jeremy, Owen and I were able to attend his celebration of life a few weeks ago.  It was a very special thing to be a part of.  The months of the year are placed around a candle.  Ben was holding a ball to signify the earth.  Each time he walked around the circle it signified the time it takes the earth to travel around the sun, one year. 

His speech has significantly improved over the year since we started therapy through the school district.  He now has the end sounds and most medial sounds. His speech therapist is great and does a wonderful job at keeping the sessions fun. 

I am sure that I have mentioned it a time or two, but Ben is not a fan of deviating  from the norm.  His routine has not changed much this year.  We start getting ready for bed around 7:30pm and he is usually tucked in thirty minutes later.  He knows almost all of the stories by heart so I started to change the words when I read to him so that he can correct me.  This tickles him to no end every single night.  If Jeremy and I are both tucking him in, he will play his version of eeny meeny miny moe to see who gets to give him a hug, kiss, high five, knuckles, then park the knuckles (in that exact order).

He wakes up around 6:30 or 7:00 every morning in such a wonderful mood.  He is so sweet when he comes into our room to let us know that it is morning and we should not just be lying around.  It is a new day and we need to get started!  Oh and could he have a waffle and some chocolate milk since we are now awake?

I am looking forward to all the fun that being FOUR! is certain to bring.