We let the kids open one of their Christmas presents last night...Christmas sheets! I found these crib/toddler bed sheets for the girls awhile ago at Pottery Barn, but I couldn't find any reasonably priced twin sheet sets for the boys until I found these at Target last weekend. Caleb was a little disappointed that his present wasn't a new DVD, but he warmed up to his gift eventually.
Here's Gracie playing on Caleb's bed.
I like to bring Phil something warm to drink while he's studying at night. Tonight's specialty is a decaf peppermint mocha. I don't have whipped cream. Oh well. Milk foam is much healthier anyway, right?
The boys enjoy Advent calendars during the month of December. I found these adorable 3-D village church calendars at the Hallmark store this afternoon. I redeemed my Gold Crown Reward Certificate and paid only $1 for each!
Nobody told me that being a mama would do this to me--that I would understand God's unconditional love just a little bit more; that my children would have me in stitches one minute, frustrated the next; that at times this fierce love I have for them would wring my heart so and hurt like anything; that I would see Phil in their sweet little eyes and love him in a much deeper way; that I would pray more fervently; that during those sought after moments of peace and quiet, I would spend that time thinking about them, dreaming dreams for them, talking about them, and even shopping for them. 
Jared, I love to watch you protect your little brother and sisters. I love how much you love Jesus and want to be "on His team."
Caleb, I love how you want to "suggle" with me all the time. I love making your stuffed animals talk to you at bedtime, and how you talk back to them as if they were your best friends. 
Gracie, I love to hear you talk. I'm starting to understand your words now. I love to watch you color...how did you learn to hold pencils and crayons correctly?
Lily, I love your sweet, quiet spirit. I love to watch you walk around the house in your little play heels and hats. I love how you can stain every piece of clothing imaginable!
Jared and I went outside during nap time today and made this snowman.
This is something that needs to be done when his little sisters are otherwise occupied. He doesn't always appreciate their help with these projects.
The cutest snow angel ever!
Caleb went back inside before I could grab my camera, so I don't have any pictures of him in the snow, but here are a couple of the girls taken on Tuesday when Addie came over to play.
Here's our family Christmas tree in our living room for all to enjoy.
Here's the little tree that the boys decorated for their room. It also makes a great nightlight.
And last but not least, here's my little tree. This is the first year I've done this. Is it a little over the top? Tell me what you think.
When Phil got home from school last night, we had calzone and then boysenberry swirl cheesecake. Phil's so good to wear a birthday hat for the kids. After he opened his presents, we decorated our Christmas tree.
Here's Lily brushing her teeth all decked out in one sandal, one high heel, and Jared's army combat helmet.
We woke up to plenty of snow for the kids to enjoy. It took me almost a half an hour to get the boys dressed to go outside this morning. Caleb was back in the house shortly after going outside. The boys think it's safe to play in the street now that it's covered with snow. Lily wanted to join her brothers, so she went into her room to get ready. She came out in sandals and her diaper. Our neighbor graciously removed the snow from our walkway, sidewalk and driveway with his snow blower.
At my Dad's request, I'm posting a few pictures of little touches of Christmas in our home.
And last but not least...a little touch of Christmas outside!
Today was Gramma and Grampa's last day to visit. Phil left for school this morning after enjoying a nice long Thanksgiving break. Gramma, Grampa, the kids and I went to Chuck E. Cheese for lunch. We arrived shortly after they opened, so we were their only customers for awhile.
Jared was the only one who was willing to visit with Chuck E. Cheese. The girls ran away, and Caleb hid in the play structure.
Four children and only 3 horses! Jared was a sweet brother to share with Lily.
Lily rode on this clock ride 3 or 4 times, and only wiggled out of her seatbelt once when she saw a lady with an olive pizza walk by.
Yes, I'm the reason why some of the toys have pizza sauce all over them. Lily's my fourth child, so I let her walk around with food...sorry. Jared probably would have been strapped in a booster chair wearing a bib.
Caleb enjoyed winning tickets. He chose a Tootsie Roll for his prize.
The kids had child-sized drinks, but Gracie managed to snatch one of the larger cups at the table. 
Here's Gracie telling me "No" when it was time to go.
Here is a sampling of some of the games we (meaning my girls) play at 3:00 a.m.
Slide--this involves draping a blanket over the side of the bed and yelling "Wheeee!" while sliding down the blanket.
Dolly's Stuck--this game involves sticking a doll between the toddler bed safety rail slats and calling out, "Help! I'm stuck!" so that Mommy will come and rescue the doll. Mommies usually only come to help an average of 3 times, though.
Brooke and I took Addie and Jared to see The Velveteen Rabbit this afternoon at the Spokane Children's Theater. Brooke picked us up, and right away we knew it was going to be a special afternoon with the kids. Addie and Jared, both in carseats, carried on the cutest conversation in the backseat of the car--something about Santa Claus being dead.
We had a great time. The kids got autographs from several cast members, including the Velveteen Rabbit, the Fairy, and the Toy Doll, who also doubled as one of the Real Bunnies.
Not much snow, that is. Put plenty enough for Jared and Flat Stanley!
Jared decided to take Flat Stanley out for a ride in the sled.
Lily had fun trying on a couple of our stockings.
Caleb slept peacefully on his new little lamb from Gramma and Grampa.
