Snowman Donuts...

This was one of the cutest little Christmas creations we made this year. They are so easy and make breakfast so much more fun!

A Visit From Santa...

We are lucky enough to have get a personal visit from Santa Claus every year at Paw Paw's Christmas party! The kids expect it now and wait excitedly for the doorbell to ring. I LOVED Max's response this year. He was so happy to see Santa and couldn't stop smiling or get close enough to him! Sam, on the other hand, was fine with Santa, as long as he was at least five feet away! Mean ole mommy made him sit in Santa's lap and even made him stay there for a picture...I think I heard her laughing too!

Polar Express...

Another tradition is watching Polar Express as the first Christmas movie of the season. We started the evening at the Mansfield Christmas tree lighting. Well, actually my family hung with our homegroup while Madison and I stood in line for about an hour (or so) so we could order over-priced, cold ham sandwiches and then head home...but I'm not bitter or anything!
But, we were able to salvage the evening with some yummy hot chocolate and Polar Express. That movie is so magical...one of my favorites!! The kids made a pallet and were mesmerized! Even Charlie wanted in on the fun!

And the Countdown Begins...

I'm going to attempt to catch up on our Christmas fun!

Our first Christmas as a family of six! Ahhh...how magical and exciting!



I love decorating the tree. Each year we break out the new Christmas pjs (I'm way too practical to wait until Christmas Eve) make the kids hot chocolate, turn on the Christmas music and I hand out the ornaments to Daddy and the kids to hang. You'd be so proud of me, I didn't rearrange a single ornament this year! Go mommy!!





I was a bit worried about Sam and the Christmas tree. I even considered not putting one up this year knowing how curious my precious baby is. What was I thinking? I'm so glad sense returned and up the tree went. I bought one of those handy, organized, easy to use (or so I dreamed) tree bags on wheels to make it easy to take the tree down and store it in the attic. Ha...we actually broke the tree last year trying to get it in the bag. But a little creativity and some clay and it was fixed and ready to decorate. I just loved seeing Sam's reaction to the tree. He said, "What's that" about 50,000 times in the month of December. We were smart and only hung soft, non-breakable ornaments down low. But, funny enough, he only touched a couple of them. He loved the tree but was a little nervous to touch even the branches. There was one ornament with a bell on it though and by the end of December he was ringing that bell several times a day...too cute!!



Max brought home a count down chain from school at the beginning of December so we decided it would be fun if Madison and Abby made one too so they could each tear a chain as the days got closer! It was fun seeing the chains getting shorter and shorter!



We also started a new tradition this month. We ate dinner by candle light (you'll probably remember that was Jingle's idea...smart elf!). We plan to continue candle light dinners often!!

Koceich Kids 2010

I Can't Believe She's Eleven...

I've always known my kids would grow up, but the selfish part of me imagined they would always be in a stage of life where they would need me more than they relied on themselves. I know...really, really selfish. Because I love them so much, I do rejoice in their growing independence and I trust God, their ultimate father, creator and the One who loves them more than I could even imagine.

Madison, you are more than I have words to describe. God has gifted you with a selfless compassion. You have a wise old soul that I learn from daily. Your calm demeanor and desire not to just please others, but to love them, is an inspiration to me! I can not believe God has chosen to bless me so in having you as my daughter, but I am grateful!! You and your sister and brothers and daddy are priceless gifts!

Where is Jingle...Part 2

A few more of Jingle's hiding places in the days before Christmas.  We really miss our elf friend!!