Christmas Festivities

Finally getting the Christmas blog up - despite being off work, I just have not been able to find the time:) We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

 

I don't think this picture was taken on either of those days, but I thought it was sweet and showcases one of Lila's many Christmas outfits. I have had so much fun dressing her this Christmas season. Something tells me I'll be in for a fight if I try to have her look festive next year!



Christmas Eve before heading over to the Page Family celebration . The kids and I stayed home all day, baked cookies for Santa and relaxed. It was great. For me at least. I think they were getting a little stir crazy.

I love this one - Lila looks like she is saying "Wanna box?"

Sweet Lila.

And handsome Nate.

We met up with my brother and baby Thane at the Page House along with Sarah, her parents, brother and future sister-in-law. It was nice to be in St. Louis but still be with family. They are so sweet to include us in their celebration.

He is getting so big! He will be chasing after Nate & Lila by next Christmas.

Sarah & Hamil presented Nate with this Pottery Wheel. We are excited to tackle this project! How fun to be able to do this at home.

Cathie & Bob are so sweet to Nate & Lila. Have you all heard of this book about Pete the Cat and his Groovy Buttons. Soooooo cute! Lila loves the book and the Pete stuffed animal that came along with it. But beware. The book requires the parent to sing AND make up a tune. I kind of like it, but not sure my kids would agree.

After dinner, we came home to do the First Gift of Christmas. Nate received a Lloyd ZX spinner and Lila received a ladybug umbrella. Who knew Lloyd was one of the hot toys this year? I'm hoping we will be off the hot toy list next year:)

She was so tired but tried to be into it. Pete is in her lap - they are inseperable.

And Christmas morning! Their first reactions...

Santa brought a mini trampoline for them - they LOVE it. Who knew? Lila has one at school and always begs to jump on it so we thought it would be a winner. If this weather keeps up, we will for sure be jumping many a jump between now and March!

Nate was so excited about opening presents. We are blessed beyond measure and it makes me heart happy to see them so happy.

Santa also brought Lila a kitchen. It's a hit as well. I'm glad for some indoor toys to help entertain this winter.

They both got quickly to work playing with their new toys.

After a quick breakfast, we headed down south to meet up with the Corse and Collins crew. 3 of the 4 Corse grandchildren.

Lila & Bluet doing dishes. I think we might have been able to get away with no toys? They love this!

Nate took pictures of everyone and played with his Legos while we were there. Such a pleasant big boy.

The day after Christmas we woke up to snow - both of them played for a little while. Nate was more cooperative with the picture:)

Happy New Year! 

Celebrating Nate's Birthday

We had a wonderful Christmas holiday, but first things first. The celebrating of Nate's 7th birthday. He had to go to school the day of his birthday, so I got up early and made pancakes.

 Scott had to work early so it was just us.

 After eating a little bit, he wanted to open some presents. So we did.

 The child loves him some Ninjago Legos. Lego. The Branding geniuses.

 After school, we hung out then got Pei Wei for dinner. We were going to go to the restaurant but that was the day it was 100 mile an hour winds, so we just got take out. His library book club meeting was that night and we told him he didn't have to go but he wanted to - so he capped off his night with a little "Best Christmas Pageant Ever."

 

On Saturday, we took him & Megan to the Painted Zebra. We decided to forego the big friend party this year. And I thought it worked out nicely. Doing something he wanted to do with one of all of our dearest friends.

 

 They both chose to paint geckos.

 Scott joined us after his Missouri Pharmacy Law test. He was exhausted:)

 Then that evening we were lucky enough to have Ben, Emily, Bluet, Nana & Wayne join us for cake & ice cream.

He had fun, but was a little puny. Come to find out he had a ear infection which we discovered the next morning.

 We love you Nate P and hope your 7th birthday was all that you dreamed it would be!

Now on to Christmas! 

Happy 7th Birthday Nate!

Seven short years ago today, my little Nathaniel Corse Boyle was born. It was the day that made me a mother, a day I will certainly never forget.

Nate, you continue to be one of our best accomplishments - a bright, creative, funny child, with a touch of obsessive compulsiveness like your mother. 

 Sometimes I look over at you and think to myself that you are the most handsome boy I have ever ever seen. And you are.

 You love art, building, and creating masterpieces and are learning to be a more independent thinker every day. I'm very thankful you are not an independent thinker about what you wear though. I think you know how hard it is for me to give up control on this one, so you humor me.

 You have grown so much this last year, physically and mentally. We have watched you learn how to read, solve math problems, and navigate through 1st grade with ease.

 You are sweet to your sister and help out when asked. We believe you think you are her third parent sometimes. That's OK, she needs it.

My sweet sweet boy, I didn't know how much a parent could love a child until you came along. You and your sister make our lives complete and I am so lucky to be your mom.

Happy 7th Birthday Nate Potamus. We love you so very very much and can't wait to see what this next year holds for you. 

Happy Tuesday!

Santa & Mrs. Claus

This set of Santa & Mrs. Claus were my Aunt Mil's. Her dear friend Marvis made them for her many years ago. Nate adores them. I love that he knows just how special they are. They have been decorating his bed side table next to his Christmas tree but on Saturday, he brought them out into the living room, which I thought was perfect for a photo op.  



We tried to get Lila to stand with him by the window, but the truth is, Santa & Mrs. Claus kind of scare her. So she wasn't having it. We had to settle for the tree instead. I think it worked.

As we head into the home stretch of celebrating Nate's birthday and Christmas, I am so incredibly thankful for my little family. We are remembering to love one another deeply each and every day.

Our thoughts are with those that have suffered unimaginable tragedy this week. The sadness is overwhelming for even those of us who are not directly affected by the evil that has transpired. We pray that peace covers all of the families as they move through life in the coming days. And we will hug each other a little tighter and be patient and kind to everyone we touch.

Christmas Past

Jane Ellis recently posted some pictures of Christmas Past and I thought it was such a great idea. So I pulled some of my own favorites. Enjoy!

2008

2008

2009

2010

2011

Nana's Mixer

My Nana, Frances DeLaney, used to bake all the time. She loved baking and was exceptionally good at it. I remember her being so excited when the whole family would come to her house and eat her out of bread and cookies. So that she could make more.

 

She had many mixers through the years, I'm sure. She had the ability to wear them out. I was lucky enough to receive this mixer of hers when she passed away. The manual that was also given to me has a copyright of 1965 on it. It's an interesting and humorous read.

 

Some say it's just a mixer. To me, it's a connection that I'll always be able to have with her.

 I am beyond thankful that I can share it with my own daughter.

The generations meet through this special mixer.