Goodbye OMSI, Hello Aquarium!

This year, instead of renewing our OMSI membership with our Christmas money, we decided to trade it in for a different membership. It wasn't that we didn't enjoy OMSI. On the contrary, it was a blast. So before it expired, we took one last trip.

Buttons to push

Daddy enjoyed it as much as the kids I think!

"Hey! Why can't we get into this one?!"

Samson the T-Rex

We have great memories here. Also, we have memories of babies who are no longer interested in their strollers, and who like to play the split and dodge game in the middle of the crowds. There will be more years (judging by the fun Josh has there, MANY more years) of OMSI.

But THIS year, we used our "membership money" to further the boys fascination with all things marine by getting a pass to the aquarium. It is a shame how infrequently we get over to the coast...much in part to "what are we going to do if the weather is horrid with four little kids?" Well...problem solved. Now we can say "There is always the aquarium!" At least for this year.

Japanese Spider Crabs...the largest Arthropod (which we happen to be studying...they were thrilled to see one without traveling to Japan).

The nice thing about the littles and the aquarium: thick glass and nothing to push, grab or knock over.

God's creation is awe-inspiring.

The Jellies.

Back at home...furthering the learning with play.

Overall, I will miss OMSI and the Gilbert house. But we are very excited about getting to the coast more. AND...FYI, we got a pass which allows us two guest passes each visit (and at 15.00 per person, that's pretty good!) If anyone wants to go...just let us know and we can arrange a trip!

Merry Christmas to All

It's late on the Eve of Christmas. Boys will undoubtedly be rising early with anticipation of the "favorite day of the whole year." So rather than wordiness, I will simply give some pictures into our lives and rely on the thousands of words that they can convey.

Each year we give pj's as a Christmas Eve gift. This year we decided to mix it up a little. Once blindfolded, we dressed them and then revealed their jammies.

Next they got to give the gifts they made for each other: pillow cases made from the ubundance of extra fleece. They were a hit.

Last Christmas Eve gift was the Chronicles of Narnia.

The first time through Narnia. Chapter one ended and two boys were not ready to stop the adventure.

We did look for real stockings, but after finding no suitable ones OR semi-suitable ones for under 10.00 (times four!) we opted for buy one-get one free socks on Christmas clearance.

And there ends the night. The stockings were hung on the bookcase with care, in hopes that someone would put something in there.

And I retire now with the picture of those four smiling faces in my mind. I will go and peek at them...as they dream on their pillows...and say a prayer that, while holding onto the excitement of childhood Christmas, we will be able to be setting traditions which diminish the idle hustle and bustle surrounding the season and make clear to them what must be put first on this special, special day.

Christmas Blessings and peace to your family

Gifts

They come to mind way before Christmas day as we think of what we will get each other. Stressful for some, but for many it is also a time of joy...anticipating the joy of the ones we love.

Last night after the babies went to bed, Jake and Max and I set in to prepare their gifts while at the same time having their first lesson in sewing.

Cutting and pinning

Don't forget to take those pins OUT

And away we go!

Finished product to be revealed on Christmas.

But what a joy it is to see how excited they were to do this for their little brothers. And, if I may say, MUCH better than trudging through a store to choose a toy that "they would really like this...REALLY!"

I got an early gift when the boys voluntarily sat with books for over 45 min!

And just for fun, here's one of each Little

Ollie after seeing his Christmas present and not being allowed to play with it.

Some pictures

Storybook Land

Big brothers: A like/dislike relationship

COLD day to get a tree!

Sad moment in the corner. Pretty cute though.

Ornaments made with Daddy

Ollie and his cars

Lighting the tree

Ice skating

We love our Gideon Bibles around here.

Best friend from highschool came down for a visit. Sure wish you lived closer, Cor!

Noah loves the bath

Ollie? Not so much.

Max likes baths, but doesn't always care for teeth brushing... although sometimes he loves it.

And there you have it. Certainly not a detailed picture of life around here, but honestly, life around here has not given me much time to take picture, or much energy to do a ton of things for the holidays.

More later. Enjoy.

Look Who's Two!

Two years ago, we could only dream of the little face that would soon be called our son. We could only imagine what his personality would be, or if he was even born or not. One year ago, we never could have imagined just how much our Noah would come out of his shell.

Boy has he emerged full force, all ready to take on the big TWO.

So today, we celebrated Noah. I loaded the kids into the car to pick out gifts for him. We made a list of Noah's interests to attempt to curb the "Noah would like this (insert I like this). It must have worked, because each of them actually chose things that Noah would like! And in a moment of motherly lapse, I allowed them into the cart. We left with a singing elmo, a toyboard full of buttons, and a drum. And guess what? He loved them all.

Noah, you are a blessing to our family. We could never imagine our lives without you. Happy Birthday Baby!

And to those who brought him into the world, we will never forget you and thank God for you. May He give us the grace to raise him to be a man of God.

For those who wait

We recently received news that our family will once again grow through the miracle of adoption. Being unsure if this is common knowledge news, I will refrain from naming names...but you know who you are, and our prayers are with you as you wait.

And for all the others waiting...my prayers are with you and your children in this Christmas Season

Judo

I'm not a soccer mom. I'm just not. I think I have known that I won't be a soccer mom for a long time. Not that there is anything wrong with soccer, (or basketball or football or those other sports akin to them) and there is nothing to say that at some time or other my kids will play them if they so desire. In which case I will join the other moms on the sideline and cheer my heart out. I just have never been a fan of young young children in organized sports. TOTALLY a personal opinion formulated for my kids not yours :)

I did have it in my mind that nothing would be participated in until they were at least 6 years old. Well, here the big s.i.x. rolled around and he still seemed so young. But an opportunity came up for something I could get into: martial arts.

I have heard of martial arts being great for kids who a) need discipline and respect or b) need self confidence and drive. Anyone who knows Jake (or has even met him once) will probably know that he falls into the latter category. So a couple of months ago, I took a nervous (read terrified) boy into the dojo to begin his first organized "thing." Now even though the sensei had to literally move Jake whenever he wanted him to do something (not exaggerating and this reminded me of one of those gumby dolls), and even though he would not even so much as look anyone in the eyes or move a muscle to lift his water cup to his mouth after practice, I walked out of the dojo and got into the van with one EXCITED kid. He loved it!

And he continues to love it...looking forward to Tuesdays and Fridays above almost any other day. (He has also learned to move on his own :) )

Practicing front rolls

warm-ups: scissors

More warm-ups: Jake can often be seen smiling and giggling. :)

Sometimes he drags a little. The sensei found a creative way to hurry him along.

Sill more warm-ups...these kids WORK!

Demonstration

trying it out

Practicing their throws on each other

...and falls.

So why do I like martial arts above other sports? Because it is unchanged. ancient. There is a code of honor which holds its purpose together amidst a culture of disrespect, individuality, pride, and entitlement. A soccer coach tells the wrong little boy to run laps for talking back and he may be fired. Talk back to your sensei and you learn that is not acceptable in judo. Respect is held in a higher place than I have seen even in many Christan homes. Indeed, it is teaching ME.

The above picture is of Jake receiving his very first belt. It was explained that the belt holds all the knowledge that you have learned in order to have the honor to wear that color of belt. You may not wash your belt lest the knowledge be washed away. He was given instructions on when to wear his gi and belt (never outside the dojo) and how to fold it and how to treat it. So what throws did he have to perform to attain the white belt? None. What knowledge did he have to demonstrate? Respect. He had to keep his room clean. Do well in school. Honor his parents/authorities and treat his siblings kindly. Yep. This is my kind of sport and this is my kind of teaching.

Sorry for the rotation. I couldn't figure out how to change it.