Traditions -- The start of the Christmas season!

The day after Thanksgiving!

Yep, Matt and I did do some shopping -- nothing CRAZY!!!

BUT we did get what we planned -- even cheaper!!!

AND

Yes, it's all TOP secret!

BUT

Today is the beginning of the MARVELOUS 

Christmas Season!

This is the most wonderful time of the year!!!

SO

I REdecorate my house!!!

I always start with the Nativity! 

Truly, this is the focus!

AND

I LOVE my Nativity!

My mom and my children have added to it -- yearly!

Last year, the boys got me the Creche!

The kids have a nativity as well!  They retell the story all of the time.  My Darling and BaJabs couldn't wait to tell Elizabeth!

The kids got into helping me!!

Elizabeth is one excited girl!!

The girls helping me with the light clips!

Still more clips :)

The girls helping with all of the angels.

One of our many traditions is ......

Each child has their OWN Christmas tree.

The tree is fake.

The tree is decorated with all of the ornaments that they have received OR made since becoming a WOLLER!

Each of the ornaments represent 'specials' in their life.

Each child decorates their tree with me.  

We talk about the firsts and specials. 

This is such a special time with each child.

MD did his own tree and lights this year.  I just had to help with some placement.  BUT he did most on his own.  We did lots of remembering -- I love his first angel!  His tree is pretty full AND beautiful!

His favorite ornament is the squirrel.  The first time squirrel hunting with Uncle Josh 2 years ago.

 A pretty good smile -- laughing, actually!

A crazy one -- he's trying to be a squirrel!

JM TRIED to do his tree and lights this year -- but needed a tad bit of MD help :)

He did most of his ornaments as well.  We had a good time remembering all the special times!

His favorite ornament is the U of M globe from last year!  His favorite football team!  I love his homemade cinnamon ornaments!

My Darling needs help -- of course :)  

She did make sure the lights worked AND got all of the ornaments out.

Finally, her and I decorate together and talked!  LOTS of talking :)

She LOVES all of her ornaments!

BUT 

her MOST favorite is her panda cloisonne from China.

My favorite -- is her angel she made in Kindergarten and a China girl ornament we got from a friend!

BaJabs and I created a beautiful tree.  

She has made MANY ornaments!!

PLUS

she has some very special ornaments from China AND when some since she arrived.

Her and I had fun!

Her favorite is a Panda Bear bulb!

Mine is her angel she made in Kindergarten and the Panda, too!

FINALLY!!!!

ELIZABETH -- who was BEYOND excited!

Daddy and Elizabeth practiced ornament placement on a dead plant while waiting her turn!

I actually called her back downstairs AFTER she went up to bed -- so her and I could finish!

She does not have many ornaments -- a few she made yesterday with my mom -- and a few we have gotten. 

 Tomorrow I will give all three of the girls their NEW special one for this year.  It has to do with the traveling to China! 

Stayed tuned for THE BIG --- REAL tree!!!

COMING SOON!!!!

AND

The special new additions to the ornaments!

Yep -- we have 31 days until Christmas!

Planning, shopping, baking, cooking, decorating, more traditions, HOMEMADE PIZZA, sea-foam, cookie night at the farm, Christmas programs, concerts, arts & crafts, cards, MUSIC, baby Jesus, break from school, parties, giving & receiving and all that anticipation -- 

Oh, it's going to be so much fun!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

From our family to yours!

We have so much to be thankful for this year.

We live in a free country where we can worship freely!  Thank-you Lord!

We have an abundance of food!

We have a beautiful and WARM home!

BOTH Matt and I have good jobs one that includes GREAT insurance!

We have a great family!

I'M THANKFUL FOR......

MD who is so willing to help out -- with the younger kids, dinner and chores!

JM who has been encouraging me and doing thoughtful things for me the last month when things have been hard at work.  He is so perceptive!

My Darling -- oh, that girl!  I am so thankful for her spunk and enthusiasm!  She definitely keeps us all going especially in the laughter department!

BaJabs --  I'm so thankful that she is blossoming this year.  She's learned to read and write AND LOVES it!  She LOVES school and is making great friends.  That warms my heart!

AND

Elizabeth -- I'm so thankful for this addition to our family!

She is crazy!!!  FUN!!!  She has the best smile and attitude.  She's tried so many new things in the last 8 months.  She takes everything in stride!  She does not complain -- she tries everything -- BUT tells us if she likes it or not!

She can WALK!  Thank-you LORD!  

OF COURSE --

I'm so thankful for my husband.

He is the BEST dad ever!

He puts up with my obsessions of cleanliness and organization!

HE IS FINALLY FOLLOWING THE CALENDAR :)

He loves me -- no matter what  -- AND I know some days are hard than others! 

FINALLY -- and most important 

I'm thankful for my salvation and this life HE chose for me!

This is NOT the life I planned but I'm so thankful HE saw more.  WOW -- it's a GREAT adventure!
THANK-YOU LORD!

We had a wonderful day at my mom and dad's house.

We ate GREAT food!
My mom cooked a tasty turkey, sweet potato casserole that was delicious, mashed potatoes and gravy, AND made the BEST gluten free stuffing ever!!!  OH -- and she made a lemon meringue pie for the first time -- YUMMY!  
My brother brought the fruit, my grandma her famous bean salad and I brought another salad -- I did PROVIDE the gluten free bread for the stuffing BUT mom made it taste delicious!

The girls made some ornaments.

The boys watched football.
BUT 
took many breaks.

My brother brought some sponge capsules for the girls.

This is something so simple BUT Elizabeth had NEVER done anything like this -- and LOVED it.

The kids also played LOTS of Connect Four.
JM is pretty much the BIG winner!

AND

of course, they had to play a game of Scrabble.
MD won!

The kids surprised me with some wonderful pictures my aunt snapped of them when she was home.  They are GREAT!!!  I can't wait to post some.  

I was able to fit in a nap next to the fireplace and search the ads for some of the Christmas items I need.

It was a great day with family!

A new driver -- in training!

MD is finally in driver's training!

Yes, it has been an issue -- 

3 times a company cancelled the classes right before they were to start -- 

AND 

too late to sign-up with another company.

Well, 

3 strikes and they are ...............

OUT!

So, it's been a bit over 2 weeks of classes and a few times driving

AND

can you believe it???

They give out pink slips ---

SO

HE CAN DRIVE 

WITH A PARENT ----- ONLY!!!

So....................

since I picked him up tonight--

I got the privilege of experiencing his driving skills ---- FIRST!!!

I know he's good at it -- he's driven a tractor and stuff at the farm for a long time.

BUT

I was still a bit nervous!

I LIKE control -- you know!

NOW --

Don't get me wrong.

I can't wait to have another driver around here!

BUT

This is really making me feel OLD!!!

We made it --- safe and sound!

November Family Birthday's

November Birthday's!

Yes, BOTH birthday people are from our house.

Elizabeth is 8

AND

Matt is ...... getting old :0

This year we have a tradition with the birthday hat.  My mom bought it and she holds on to it throughout the year.  The kids can't wait for her to bring it on their special day.  The adults -- well, we humor the kids!

This birthday celebration was large.  We decided to have both sides of the family over for one BIG party.  So, Sunday dinner was

14 kids -- ages 3 months to 15

15 adults

Matt picked the menu this time.

Homemade pork barbecue sandwiches.  They were delicious!

Green bean casserole from Aunt Kim, cheesy potatoes from Aunt Sara, fresh fruit and dip from Aunt Audrey, homemade coleslaw from my mom , chips and dip Lauren and sweet corn from Aunt Kim.

YES -- EVERYONE helps out with a big dinner!

We also made a yummy punch for everyone -- yes, even added sherbet.  

The kids were lovin it!

After dinner all the kids played while we cleaned up.  NO FIGHTS!!!  Wow!  It was great!

Next, open presents! 

Elizabeth LOVES presents -- but who doesn't!

MONEY!  She's likin that!  Yes, all the cousins sit around and watch and help out.  They are great.

Elizabeth and her Hello Kitty obsession!

She also got lined Hello Kitty crocs -- she thinks they are GREAT!

She got a doll carrier -- it can be carried on her back and the straps are adjustable.  WHICH is amazing that they go small enough for her!

   

Noise makers -- She's learning how to do it right -- She's giving pa a good laugh!

Daddy and Elizabeth sharing the special day.  Daddy's birthday is one day after Elizabeth's.

Elizabeth and her cupcakes.

Daddy with cheesecake bars made by MD!

Blowing out the candles.  LOVE daddy's -- I only had one 4 -- so I added 4 - ONE candles to make his age.

Getting daddy to pose with the birthday hat.  Elizabeth thought it was so funny.

Elizabeth enjoying homemade ice cream with all the yummy toppings that Farmer Nanny brought.

It was such a fun afternoon.  All the kids AND uncle Josh went outside to play.  The day was beautiful - It was GREAT that all the kids could play outside together before the great winter arrives.  
AND 
it was great that everyone could come and help us celebrate Elizabeth's first birthday as 
a 
Woller!

The 60's --- hahaha

PEACE, MAN!!

 

YES, this is me!!!  AND NO, I don't usually look like this :)

I had the opportunity to be part of an event at our church --

SHINE!  

It was a fashion show -- I know what you are saying, 
"Unusual fashion show!"
Well, really it was amazing.
There was OVER 200 people in attendance.
It was a very classy fashion show --

Beautiful models
Gorgeous clothing
Great servers
WONDERFUL food
Classy setting

AND

the most important ....

The love and plan of Christ was shared!

I was part of the fashion show that showcased each era.
I hope to have a picture soon of all of us
BUT
I was from the ...................

60's!! (not for real, though!)

My mom and her friend, MaryBeth made my jeans and embellished the outfit.  Yep, my mom knows first hand about this era.

 AND

I was told MANY times throughout the night that I looked a lot like my mom!

My own children have never seen my naturally curly hair straightened 

AND

they could NOT believe the way I looked!!!

I do have to admit ...
The outfit was VERY comfortable!!!

Elizabeth's Birthday

Happy Birthday to Elizabeth!!!

This is her very first birthday in our family!!

EXCITING!

You may have guessed ......

Hello Kitty theme!  Wow -- what a surprise!!!

This is first thing in the morning.  Her birthday dress, new necklace, birthday girl pin from Nanny AND all the cupcakes for her class.

She's just a tad excited!!!

Daddy even brought the girls to school!  No bus -- that brought TRIPLE excitement!

 She got to plan the supper menu -- ALL her favorites.

Fish with tartar sauce, spinach noodles with creamy sauce, a fresh salad AND pineapple.

Yep, she asked for that!

I LOVE what she says in her little accent -- 'Mom, this SOOOOO good!!!!'

She was so excited to have presents -- all hers!

We gave her a few even though her party with daddy is on Sunday.

She needed some help reading the cards each of her sisters made for her.

Each of the girls gave her something special -- of their own :)

She is so intent -- and having so much fun!

LOVE this expression!! Aunt Jeanne and Karen this is opening your card.  She is so excited for her OWN $$$$$.  Her plans have been to buy her doll (BUT she got her for her present)

Fun times!!

Opening the final gift!  Look at the tongue :)

Another great face!!  She doesn't like tape!!!!!

She still doesn't know what it is -- My Darling does and I have to keep saying, "SHHHH!"  

And BaJabs has just figured it out!

Yes, she opened the box upside down --- she is so excited to see the American Girl doll she wanted --- Josefina.

A little excited here!!

And still ......  

Now she says, "HOW DO YOU OPEN THIS THING?!?!?!"

She's so careful!

Waiting to get her out!

She wanted all the tags OFF.

She was checking everything out -- she was a bit upset she did not have undies on.  As soon as she could she ran upstairs to get a pair for Josefina. 

Beautiful!

She says she is NEVER going to change the dolls' clothes!

Singing Happy Birthday!  I love the excitement!

Blowing out the 8 candles.

YUMMY!

We are so thankful for this little girl. 

 God surely blessed our family when He brought her to us.  Yes, her disability is great BUT she is beyond amazing with it.  She is so determined!  She is SO HAPPY!  She has a ready smile.  She is always grabbing my hand and whispering, 'I love you mommy!'  She has LOTS of friends and can say to anyone -- 'God made me special -- just look at my hands!'  No she can't do everything we can do the SAME way but she finds her OWN way.  It works!!  She's also not afraid to say, 'Mom, my arm can't do that!'   Her life has been turned upside down since March and she has taken it in stride!  She's had MAJOR surgery, learned to walk, run and bicycle.  She's learned a new language, eats a new menu of food, goes to school AND church.

 AND STILL 

she is asking us, "Please!!! Can we go back and get my friends?"  

I just love this girl!  

Thank-you Lord again!!  You knew what you were doing when you gave her to us!  I didn't know I could do it BUT you did!

Happy Birthday, Princess Girl!