Zip up jammies

This Christmas season there has been a new reality.....Jay thinks he's too old for a few of the things we are doing.  He tolerates the Advent Calendar - although today he scored a new Yo-Yo so he was happy about that.  Nick, on the other hand, loves everything that comes with the season - bless his heart!  He insisted on new zip up jammies for the season.  How could I possibly say No even though finding size 6 jammies was somewhat challenging.  Mommy came through.  He wears them every night.  Soon there will be holes in the feet but until then I'll sure enjoy my precious, smiling 6 year old in his zip up jammies.

Fun with friends

Last night Jay taught his friends to play his favorite card game, Rummy! They caught on quick and played for a good 30 minutes!  Thanks to my mom for teaching Jay how to play!  It has sure been a good filler the last few weeks.

Skillet cookies.....for breakfast

I will not get a mother of the day award today in terms of what I served my children for breakfast.  Yesterday the advent said we would make skillet cookies and watch "The Polar Express."  Mike was out of town on business so I figured it would be the perfect night.  But yesterday afternoon I received a dire phone call from a dear friend who desperately needed my help.  I ended up having her 3 boys until about 8:30 p.m. last night.  Jay (more so than Nick) was disappointed we didn't get to make the skillet cookies last night.  Using everything as a teachable moment (Jay "loves" this about me) I pointed out to Jay that as Christians God calls us to help others and our friends needed us last night.  He acknowledged the truth in that (mission accomplished) and I said we'd make skillet cookies for breakfast which delighted both boys.  After all what child doesn't like having pure sugar for breakfast?  Ha!  As I'm blogging the boys have inhaled their skillet cookies and they are happily watching "The Polar Express" so maybe (just maybe) I should give myself a mommy award today.  LOL!

Random December thoughts

December always flies by but doesn't it for most parents?  For kids it seems to drag on in the anticipation that Christmas is coming.  I find my mind is spinning throughout the day - trying to stay on top of my "to do" list.  A few years ago I thought it wold be a "good" idea to make red velvet cakes for people - like 6 of them!  This year I decided I was making one cake for the teacher's at Jay and Nick's school.  I am sending out 40 Christmas cards instead of 60.  And last night when I was at a store I simply picked up three gift cards (for my teacher gifts).  I am trying to simplify my list and get things done when I can.  So far so good.  On an entertaining note I went to paint pottery with Nick last night.  It was a delight.  He and I really enjoyed it and it's something we'll do again.  When we got home Nick was eating a cup cake.  He asked me if I had a wedding dress.  HUH?  I said No, I got rid of my wedding dress, why?  His response, "Because this cup cake is so good I want to marry it."  He makes me laugh.  Jay has been busy, busy with basketball.  He is really enjoying it this year and he's improved leaps and bounds.  That boy can run down that court like lightening.  And the highlight:  During one game last week he scored a three pointer!  His face had a look of shock and then his arms went straight up in the air.  It was quite a moment!  We have much to be thankful this December.  Mike and I are both employed, our children are healthy and we have extended family close by.  In preparation of the birth of Christ I try to keep all these blessing close to my heart.

Jack the elf

Okay, Okay so this isn't the real elf on the shelf.  Let me explain.  I've been hearing about elf on the shelf for years now.  I should have purchased him years ago as my window of opportunity has almost expired at this point.  But I realized if anyone could appreciate the elf on a shelf concept it's my Nick.  So I purchased Mr. Elf (affectionately named Jack by Nick) for a whole lot cheaper and the boys found him in Mike's underwear drawer this morning with a note attached to him saying he was sent by Santa from the North Pole to watch the boys' behavior this season.  Jay immediately said, "Mom, you put him in here."  I didn't lie, after all Jay is in 5th grade. he knows how the game is played but I asked him if he liked using his imagination and having fun during the christmas season.  He replied he did so I quickly told him that's exactly what I'm doing......using my imagination and having fun and to play along with Nick and I and enjoy it - laugh with us!  Jay quickly checked Mr. Elf's tag and pointed out he was made in Vietnam, not the North Pole.  Just the same, Nick loves Jack and is sleeping with him tonight, the fact that Jack is "cuddly" is an added bonus.  At some point during the night Jack will need to fly out of Nick's bed and find a new hiding place for the  morning.  Something tells me Jack is dying to sit on a four wheeler!

How is this possible?

Weather, that is.  We are literally experiencing a heat wave for December in central Illinois.  It's been unseasonably warm since Thanksgiving but the last 2 days it's been downright balmy.  Yesterday Jay, his friend, Aaron and Nick played outside all day and by 2 p.m. Jay was in a T-shirts and shorts.  After school today the boys and I took a ride on the four wheeler with our spring/fall jackets and then we played dodge ball and kick ball in the yard.  I'm in the Christmas spirit but it feels weird to sing......"Oh the weather outside is frightful," knowing the weather is almost tropical (for where we live anyway) right now!

Schmidt family christmas

We headed to Rockford on Dec. 1 to celebrate with my mom's extended family.  I believe there is 26 of us in all.  The above picture is my grandparents great grandchildren (minus 2).  What a crew!

I have high hopes for Nick one day.  He is a clever little guy.  He drew pictures and sold them at the gathering.  He came home $2.50 richer......kid you not. 

My grandpa and my nephew, Luke. 

Typical Nick!  This is Nick with his 2nd cousin, Aalin. 

My sister, Jay and my uncle Mike. 

Nick and Lauren......so cute. 

Kim and Lukie

Jay and his 2nd cousin, Carter.

Jay and his cousin, Lauren. 

Here's the final picture of Schmidt's doing what they do best...playing cards.  However, adding the Siebert men (Mike and Jay) to the mix is something new.  My mom turned Jay onto Rummy and he loves it.