Happy New Year!

Wow, another year behind us.  2013 provided us with many wonderful memories. We are blessed with three beautiful children who keep me on my toes and humble.  Throughout the year, I've learned to pick and choose my battles, that mud doesn't stain,  I should have bought stock in Crayola and that parenting is the toughest job out there.  I am grateful for my family and friends who support us each day.  I wish everyone a blessed and prosperous 2014!

Weatherwax Christmas

 The Weatherwax's came to our house to see the kids gifts and for a Christmas morning brunch.  This is a great pic of Aunt Bec with the girls.

 Later, we headed over to Mom and Dad's house.  The girls got clip on chairs so that Saige and Kit could join us for our meals. 

 I love Sage's face as he opened up this gift - its hard work!

 As you know, the Weatherwax men keep their yards in tip-top shape.  Little Sage isn't too far behind.  He loves watching his Daddy and I think he will be helping out more and more this summer!

Being the butter loving family that we are, the butter often gets sculpted by either Sage or Kate.  This was too cute not to post.

Our Christmas

T'was the night before Christmas...  Cookies, carrots and milk are set out for Santa.  Obviously, Santa wouldn't mind if Sage ate one of his cookies.

 The girls went right to bed and "didn't even talk" so Santa would come visit.

  A great action shot of Sage coming down the stairs - it's a cool hair shot too - vavava-voom!



I love seeing their excitement on Christmas morning.  Emma came down the stairs screaming "Mommy, you got a bike. You got a bike."  I told her that the bike was too small for me and that I thought it was for her and her response was; "Mommy, I got a bike I got a bike!"

Sage and his new digger.  Sage also got some new clothes, yard tools, and of course trucks.

Ah, the only thing that Kate wanted for Christmas - the Saige American Doll!  Yeah!  She also got some Hello Kitty accessories, a lap desk and some clothes.

Emma and the travel suitcase for Kit - the main item she was hoping for.  Emma also got a new bike, clothes, gym shoes, and new books.

This year at school Emma went to the Gingerbread Store to buy us gifts.  Daddy got an awesome hat.  Emma bought me a spatula with a reindeer on it to make chip dip.  Kate got a squishy ball and Sage a football.  She was so excited to give the gifts to us!

 

The gifts and presents are always fun, but being together as a family is what really matters. Seeing the excitement of the children and celebrating Jesus' Birthday are the best.  And as a parent, it marks the sweet conclusion of a chaotic but very rewarding couple of weeks!

Zinser Christmas

 We headed to my parents house the weekend before Christmas.  The kiddos posed in front of the tree while they waited for their cousins to arrive.

 The annual family picture

The annual picture by the stockings.  I opted to post the funny faces.  (James is now super cool in 2nd grade, and he isn't too thrilled about these posed pictures or sitting at the kids table.  Ah the joys of growing up).

 Sage and his new work bench.

 "The doc is in and she'll fix you up!"  Kate wearing her new Doc McStuffin's outfit to go with her check-up center.

Emma is ready to audition for American Idol after receiving this karaoke machine!

 Following the holiday, my parents came up for an overnight.  We had a fun dinner with the ONU basketball girls who live in Columbus and the following day we went to the Franklin Park Conservatory. 


Pencil vs. Candy Cane - an EARfull of a story

Oh, our sweet Kate.  Never a dull moment with our little girl.  So Kate's ear has been occasionally bleeding for a little under a week.  I figured she scratched her ear and she kept aggravating the scab.  So a couple nights ago there was a little bit more blood than expected.  So I took a peek in her ear and couldn't see a whole lot.  Then our conversation went as follows:

Mom: Kate, did you put something in your ear?
Kate:  Guilty-face, non-verbal
Mom:  Kate, what did you put in your ear?
Kate:  It was a pencil.  It hurt, but now it doesn't hurt.  Oh, wait.  Maybe it was a candy cane?  Yeah, I think it was a candy cane.
Mom:  Really Kate?  Are you serious? A candy cane?
Kate:  Guilty-face, non-verbal.

So I put some drops in her ear that I had around the house, and figured that maybe she perforated her eardrum.  I called the doctor and we shared a laugh as I asked them to schedule an appointment for "possible candy cane in the ear."

And after a couple vigorous water irrigations by our favorite nurse Stephanie, the "foreign body" was in sight.  The doc came back in and  used a pair of tweezers and...  A plastic stick-on earring came out.

Mom:  Kate, what is that?
Kate:  Sage did it.

We shared a few good laughs with the staff and Kate enjoyed a popsicle as we walked out of the doctors office.

Never a dull moment in our family.  I had to share this memorable story.

The girls take the stage for Christmas!

We have had a fun week.  On Tuesday night, Emma had her Christmas piano recital.  Emma played "Silent Night," "Holly, Jolly, Christmas," and "Up on the Housetop."  She worked very hard over the past month. We were excited to have our family with us for the performance.

On Wednesday, Kate had her preschool Christmas concert.  It was adorable to say the least!  Here are a couple video clips for your enjoyment.  Emma took the "Jesus Loves Me" video - she joins in for a verse or two.  Kate has been singing "Happy Birthday Jesus" for a few weeks.  I love their excitement at the end. 

There is no better feeling as a parent than feeling proud of your children.  This week has been a prime example.  I enjoy watching them and supporting their practice, but I love seeing their joy after their performances.  Their confidence beams in their smiles and that is so fulfilling as a parent.   I can only imagine how little brother will perform in the upcoming years!  

It's the most WONDERFUL time of the year... Christmas Parties 2014

 Grandma and Grandpa Weatherwax treated us to a fun Breakfast with Santa.  Sage lasted about 10 seconds, so here is his action shot!

 Slowly but surely Sage will learn to enjoy his presence (and presents - haha)!

 The Weatherwax's also hosted their 2nd Christmas party with one very special visitor, Santa!  It was a fun evening with family and friends.  Santa brought everyone treats and the kids had a blast.

We went to the Zoo for their breakfast with Santa.  The kids enjoyed face painting, decorating cookies (Kate LOVES sprinkles), and visiting with Santa.

 Emma is as sweet as candy!

While waiting to get their picture with Santa, the kids enjoyed watching a juggler and a magician.  

My coworker Tina got married on the same day as Zinser Thanksmas, so the children headed to Cincinnati to take part in the festivities.  Here's a great cousin shot before the party.

Another holiday tradition, the kids went to Aunt Rebecca's house for a holiday overnight so John and I could be very productive elves!  Bec took the kids Christmas shopping for John and I, they wrapped the gifts, had a pizza party and had donuts this morning - all of their favorite things to do!

Thanksgiving 2013

 Kate is looking cute at her Thanksgiving feast!  

We traveled to Aunt Donna and Uncle John's home in Nashville for Thanksgiving.  It was a fun weekend being together, and the food was delicious! On Friday, the ladies headed to Franklin for a day of shopping. 

  Kate performed "Wanted" with her cousin Jake, so feel free to check it out:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An8XmVtYUvk. 

 We visited with Johnny, Shana and their little boy Wesley on the way home and even had a post-Thanksgiving dinner with the Zinser family at BW3 on the way through Cincinnati.

Santa visited John and Donna's neighborhood, so we decided to go check it out.  Kate hopped right up on Santa's lap and she asked for the Saige American Girl Doll, Emma asked for some crafts...and this was about as close as Sage would get to him.  He's our little soldier!

We are so blessed!