Christmas House 2010

December fifth is Sinkterklaas. Cory and I have a lot of family around and our Christmas Eve, Day and Boxing day are filled with extended family and a lot of joy :) But sometimes we lose out on the specialness of appreciating each other within our own little family - so we decided to celebrate Sinterklaas by decorating our house and tree, eating special treats, listening to Christmas music, and watching Christmas movies.

We purchase a new Christmas movie and CD year to slowly build our collection. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer was a BIG hit. I was worried Henry may be afraid of the abominable snowman but he really loved it. Three generations later little ones are still enjoying this film!

Henry's Advent Calendar as well as 24 Christmas books that are wrapped and waiting each morning for one to be unwrapped and read

Even the Kitchen sink needs some bling!

I have been reading to Henry about the REAL Christmas story. That we are celebrating the birth of Christ. He is starting to understand in a small way. I have collected Jesse Tree Devotionals and ornaments and am planning to start that next year. How have you taught the really little ones about Christ's birth?

Birthday Party

Sunday November 28th we had a Birthday Celebration for Cory. That Sunday at Church we also celebrated Rich Ganz's 30 years in ministry. We enjoyed a Potluck Lunch and then had van der Meer's, Mains' and married siblings back for Birthday sweets. We really appreciated both Dad's making time to come -- Cory's dad was breeding cows close to two hours away and my Dad had a huge implementation at work. It was only a couple of hours spent together, but we had a lovely afternoon!

Santa Clause Parade

Our small town hosts a Santa Clause Parade of lights every year. The parade begins at 5 and the entire main street is alight with lights. Store fronts, EVERY branch of EVERY tree, and all the magical floats. Cory and I took bundled the boys and walked to the parade, sure Henry would love it. Well. . .he did enjoy the candy. And he liked the walk there. But the Firetruck horns 5 feet in front of him were just two much. He wanted to go home. 20 minutes into the parade Cory was taking Henry home. About 15 minutes later Sam and I followed. We had met up with friends and other then having to leave earlier then anticipated, we had a great time!

My Mom and sister were in the parade collecting for the Salvation Army. They said the parade was over an hour long and is one of the longest parades in Ontario!

Afterwards we had Pizza with friends and family, and got ready for the Lord's day and Cory's Birthday celebration the next day.

Henry, Samuel and their little friend Luca

Lost Photos

Sad Eleanor, Cheerful Brenna, Concerned Henry and Teething Matty

These photos were locked in the abyss of my camera when I had forgotten my photo card one afternoon. Finally, they are free!! I can hardly believe how quickly time goes. I believe these photos are from March of 2009.

My how quickly time goes and how much these little ones have changed -- this photo was taken in May of 2010

Sepia Sam

I couldn't resist. He was just oh so charming. Never before have apples and oatmeal been such a delight!

Even Still

Happy Birthday to my Cory

Hot Air Balloon Crafting

-tear tissue paper

- dip into a glue mixture (1 part glue to three parts water)

- place gluey tissue onto air balloon traced onto cardboard

- let dry (a looooooooooooong time)

- cut out air balloon and glue to a basket cut out of construction paper

Voila!

Pake

Henry and Samuel are blessed to have loving and God fearing grandparents on both mine and Cory's side.

When we bought our new home we moved about 40 minutes further from the van der Meer's. We try to see them every other week, but a few ear infections and busyness on both ends and it's 4 weeks before we see them!

Last Sunday the boys (and Cory and me!) were so thrilled to spend the afternoon with them. While they were thoroughly spoiled with attention from Oma, as well as Aunts/Uncles, I caught these sweet shots of the boys with their adoring Pake.

Samuel loved the taste of Pakes tie :) Henry and Pake poured over this beautiful book of horses (in which Cory and Tante Melissa's scribbled names were discovered!).

Trouble

Daddy Henry

Henry is all boy. He loves his trains, balls, cars and most of all, wrestling. But there is a very sweet, tender and loving side, too. I really discoverd this side of him as I watched him interact with his little brother. He is protective of Samuel, making sure he has a toy at all times, and is so quick to tell me when Sam is upset.

Most recently I found evidence of Henry's tenderness with his beloved "boy". Nearly every day after nap I have found Henry's "boy" tucked on his pillow, with his blanket and puppy close beside. I have caught him doing this only twice and each time I overheard a sweet prayer to God for "boy" before a goodnight kiss.



Goodnight "boy", sleep tight!