Out of School. What is school?

Last week Paul told me he almost forgot what school was like he hasn't been for so long. For the past week and a half they were out for Christmas vacation. 2 1/2 weeks ago- out for snow on the roads. 3 1/2 weeks ago- out for the flu. So it has been almost a MONTH since my kids have been to school. I am so partied out. I just want a schedule and to clean up my house. Tomorrow. Maybe, since it is almost 12:30 am. I should go to bed. But I'm on vacation. It's like "The Bernstein Bears and Too Much Birthday." Only it's "The Ernst Family and Too Much Christmas Vacation!"

My Birthday

Well, what would my birthday be without Strep? It wouldn't be my birthday!! I stayed home sick, Darren worked, and it was about the most non-eventful birthday I have ever had. I didn't even care because I was so sick. We are going to go out this week to make up for it.

Snow on Christmas Day!

I have to laugh at the picture of my laying by the fire- It looks JUST like what my mom did every Christmas day growing up. Lay in a pile of toys and wrapping paper in front of the fire and sleep all day. She never went to sleep the night before- but she also never wanted to miss out on any action. So she would just sleep in the middle of it! Same as me! Christmas was so fun! We got about 2-3 inches of snow. On Saturday night, I went out to my car to take David's kids home- but my car would not make it out of my driveway. Not even close! It was a sheet of ice!. The kids had a great time! They sledded down the driveway and waited for David to come get them. He put chains on his car, but it wouldn't make it up the hill to my house. Finally at about 10:30 he arrived with a bike trailer to safely and warmly get his kids home. Katherine and Peter rode in the trailer while Grace, Michael, and Parker walked home. It was so much fun and a great memory for Christmas 2010!

My Favorite Christmas Tradition

A couple of years ago, Darren and I watched this movie. The Nativity Movie. I found it breathtaking. Mary is beautiful, Joseph is so kind, and Harod is so evil! It brought the story to life. I love it. I love the charachters. So Darren and I have started a tradition. We watch this movie every Christmas Eve- by the time it is over, I don't even care about the presents or anything- I am just so amazed by the Saviors birth. It never fails to make me cry. It is so touching. I even watched it after Christmas this year, just because I love it so much. I think it is a great movie to watch any time of the year-especially at Christmas. It might not be a movie for young children. My kids watch it- they don't quite understand it, and there is a scary part, (even though it is rated pg) when Harod orders all the babies killed. I think you can buy it at Walmart for $10.00. I highly recommend watching it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbjNnq1BkRw&feature=related

Christmas! 2010

Wow, what a wonderful Christmas we had! It was stock full of love and good times! I can't believe how much nothing matters but my family! Without my family- holidays would have no meaning. But WITH my family holidays are AWESOME! They are full of good food, warmth, love, games, pajamas, naps, movies, sugar, chocolate, gingerbread houses, toys, and more! During my teenage years, and before I had kids, Christmas was fun- but not much more. Now that I have kids, I feel more joy seeing my kids excited than I could have thought possible. On Christmas Eve Kyle said, "I am so excited, I am going to pee my pants!!!" And he was serious to!! How fun and magical Christmas is!!! It is glorious to see my kids marvel in the magic of Christmas. I thought that Christmas couldn't get any better than when I was a kid. But it only gets better and better. Being the giver and seeing your kids happy and excited Christmas morning beats it all.

Letters to Santa

Paul is such a good kid. He is such a joy to have in our family. I love this letter he wrote to a Santa that he still wants to believe in- even though he knows who the real Santa is. It's ok, though because he gets to help be Santa- and he really likes that. When he found out I said, "There are 2 kinds of people- those who believe in Santa, and those who are Santa. Once you don't believe- you get to BE Santa- which is even funner!" Last year he helped put out cookies and milk- and then wrote the letter to Kyle and Ellie from Santa. It was super cute. I love you Paul!

My Favorite Christmas Decoration

Of all my Christmas decorations this is one of my favorites. I scored it at a yard sale this summer. When I saw it I knew I had to buy it. It reminded me of one exactly like this that my Nana had. I loved to look at it as a child- it was just magical! With the little glowing birds, lights, butterfly's, ornaments, and a star on top- I just couldn't take my eyes off of it. The colors were so beautiful, especially when you would turn off the lights and watch it shine in the dark! I think they wanted $10.00 for it, and wouldn't go any lower- that is a lot for a yard sale- but I didn't care. I loved it, brought it home, and it has been on- night and day from Dec. 1st. It reminds me of my Nana, and of my childhood. 2 great memories. Every time I look at it I smile.