Life as a Leach

I'm sorry for the delay in Christmas posts!  We were obviously busy Christmas day, and then we left early the day after Christmas to spend a few days with Matt's family in North Carolina.  We got back late Saturday night to a huge mess of luggage, Christmas presents, and laundry, which we slowly waded through over the last few days. I've got lots of pictures to show you, but I'm going to do it in a few different posts.  For now, here's Christmas morning! In case you didn't know, Christmas was a little different this year.  The kids are getting an amazing Ewok-style treehouse.  It has a hatch and a door that leads to a walkway and patio.  While it's not quite done yet (it was supposed to be done in time for Christmas, so we are hoping that it will be completed very soon!), the kids are very excited and have already played in it a bit.  We're waiting on shingles, the siding, and the walkway railing to be done, along with a few other details.  It...

I made the mistake of leaving my camera at my sister's house.  This is part of what I found once I got it back!

I made the mistake of leaving my camera at my sister's house.  This is part of what I found once I got it back! I feel the need to give a little disclaimer that I did not take this pictures and do not condone the photography.  If you don't like it, talk to Bruce! :)

The preschool where Abby and Anna go had an adorable little Christmas program.  The kids sang a few songs, played their bells, and enjoyed some treats! Of course, Abby and Anna were side by side.  Double trouble! The both kept talking to Lucy in the audience. Proof that Abby sang.  :) Anna started trying to think of ways she could get into trouble... ...and decided to just take a step off of the stage.  Abby was quick to say, "Ah, ah, ah!  No, no, no!" and attempt to pull her back to her spot. The pastor shared a little story with the kids.  He started talking about presents, and Abby jumped up and gasped, "I have presents TOO!" complete with dramatic hand motions.  It was pretty cute! Making smiley faces at Lucy Her hot date, apparently.   I loved every minute!

Calebism:  (while praying before bed) "And please help there to not be a storm while I'm taking a shower so that I don't get struck by lightning."  (I have no idea where this came from.) Abbyism:  (after calling for me when she should have been taking a nap):  "I'm too busy."    Me:  "Too busy for what?"    Abby:  "I'm just too busy to take a nap today, Momma."

I made the mistake of leaving my camera at my sister's house.  This is part of what I found once I got it back!

Every year, Caleb and Abby have an Advent Calendar where there's a special activity or treat for each day of December until Christmas.  One day it could be going to look at Christmas lights, the next day we might do a little craft, and another day Caleb might find out he can buy a $5 book from the book fair at school.  (Since Abby is still little, some of the activities are more geared toward Caleb for now, but she can do a lot of them too!) The other day, the day's treat was making a gingerbread house.  This is a tradition that Caleb has just loved throughout the years, and I think Abby really enjoyed it this year too! Since Abby was really into the decorating this year, I had to have a little talk with Caleb about letting Abby decorate her part of the house the way she wanted!  He was actually really good about it (I was a little surprised!) and we really didn't have any issues! The finished product!

Christmas 2011 Christmas 2012 Christmas 2013

I made the mistake of leaving my camera at my sister's house.  This is part of what I found once I got it back!