Christmas

December 25, 2007



I don't want to bore you all with too many present opening photos but I have included a few. First of all, the kids are apparently still a bit too young to understand that Santa came. Which works for me because they didn't wake up until 8 a.m. YEAH!!! However, once they came downstairs the ripping began in earnest! It was cute but chaotic. I think next year we might have to begin the turn-taking present opening concept. Maggie was going nuts! She opened all kinds of presents that weren't for her. Gotta love her :o)

The first present. This photo is only noteworthy for the background. See how nice and clean the house is...


Let the chaos begin!

THE AFTERMATH! I know it's blurry but LOOK AT THE FLOOR!!! Oh wait, you can't SEE the floor. Hmmm, are my kids spoiled? NAH!

My power rangers

The Neverending Christmas Festivities

December 23, 2007

Fine, neverending isn't one word but since the festivities continued for 3 days straight it feels as though one word is appropriate. Let's start with the day before Christmas Eve... The 23rd of Dec my wonderful Aunt Bonnie hosted Christmas at her house which included her 3 children and their 3 spouses, my sister and I, my dear hubby, my parents and, of course, the 12 grandchildren! Let's just say it was a full house in oh so many ways. Thanks Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Mark we had a GREAT time! Now, there are no pictures because of my stupid broken camera but hopefully my cousin Andria will send a few our way (fingers crossed). After the party we went to the Bull Run Festival of Lights. For all my SoCal friends this is the same idea as at the Del Mar Fairgrounds except there was a carnival at the end. We weren't going to stop but I really needed to use the restroom and well, no way the kids were letting me out without getting out too! Which was great really because they had a blast driving cars and riding the carousel.

December 24, 2007

Merry Christmas Eve! Tonight we spent at my mom's house. Mom and Dad made a FABULOUS dinner and then we opened gifts. So much fun. Really, just watching the kids tear through the presents without stopping to breath was so much fun. Then there was the sugar high. I do, have a few photos, thankfully the camera has decided to cooperate again. Just to be safe though I plan on getting a new one with the x-mas money from Mom - THANKS!






Aunt Natalie and Maggie opening "ponyville", I believe this is Maggie's favorite present of all!





Max, Mamaw and Maggie opening the V-Smile. Which is a great game but the losers don't include a power cord and the batteries only last 20 minutes! Ridiculous! Guess who's headed to Best Buy?



My nephew, Joshua, don't ya just LOVE the look on their faces?






"The Men" hanging back and watching the chaos.






My Mom, who is probably NOT happy with me for posting this photo, handing out the Christmas cards with a "surprise" inside :o) Thanks!


Maggie in her fancy new snow boots from Aunt Nat. Aren't they the cutest?!

Okay, that's all for now. Christmas morning photo's to follow soon. Hmmm, do you think my kids are spoiled?

'Tis the Season for Carols and Parties

There has been some talk of Christmas music lately. Tonight I came across this YouTube video that is AMAZING! Liz and Maria, this one's for you :o) Give it a minute...



I've also had a request for a few "confessions" but given that it is nearly 1 a.m. that will have to wait for another day.
On a quick side note... we went to a Christmas party a few days ago that was seriously the best Christmas party for kids I have ever attended. I do have a few photos to share, since my camera was still functioning then, but not too many because we were waaaay too busy to take photos!
First stop:
Letters to Santa Station!

Okay, so Mike was making paper airplanes!

But Maggie was VERY diligent in her picture making of "baby alive" and a "monster truck". Santa SERIOUSLY better come through because she has NOT STOPPED SAYING "I want Baby Alive" like a thousand times EVERYDAY!

Ooops - sideways. Still handsome though!

Now on to the good stuff - Decorate Your Own Cookie!

And let's not miss the "reindeer antler" table. Too funny!

There was also a craft table for making ornaments and a jingle bell necklace making table. As if that wasn't enough our very well connected friends had The Man, yes I do mean ol' Kris Kringle, fly in for a visit. I didn't take any photos though because this was our third Santa sighting and because she had, wait for it, a professional there to take photos and place them in a really nice pewter frame! So cute. Thank you, thank you, thank you Petra, Gerry and Miss Alexandra for a STUPENDOUS party!

Winter Wonderland Program

Oh I feel like such the proud Mama. Max had his first school program on Friday. His class sang a Christmas song in Spanish to the tune of Jingle Bells and then recited the "Brown Bear" book in Spanish as well. Max's part was "veo un profesor que me mira a me". Translation "I see a teacher looking at me". And he did so well!!!! Nice and clear. Like I said, I was soooo proud. Boy did we practice. I was afraid of stage fright but my little man came through. And I got THE BEST PHOTOS but my expletive camera broke and I lost them all!!!!!! Grrrr. Colleen got a few so hopefully Max is in at least one. When she passes them on to me I will, of course, pass them on to all of you. He was handsome too. If I do say so myself. He was wearing dark blue cords, a white turtleneck with a cute sweater vest. The sweater was red with blue trim and it had a snowman, Christmas tree and a dog on it. Colleen also made all the kids Santa hats out of construction paper and cotton balls. She rocks! Like I said, cross your fingers with me, Colleen may have at least one precious photo. Then all 4 preschool classes got together and did some scenes from the nutcracker. So unbelievable cute. Just imagine about 60 three and four year olds marching with straight arms and legs and then, very funny, growing like blossoming flowers. If you've seen the nutcracker - you know what I mean. I curse myself for not bringing the video camera. Okay, enough...



Maggie went for "lunch" at her new Montessori school on Thurs. It was her "introduction". Some kids get nervous on their first day so they like to ease the kids in. Well, as suspected, my little princess needed no easing! She walked in the door and ran to another girl, whom she has never met mind you, and hugged her. She then proceeded to the "nap room" where they had set-up all the cots for after lunch, picked one out with a pretty princess blanket, and laid down. When I told her we needed lunch first she went right to a little girl and said, "Hi I Maggie. I eat lunch with you?" And also in true Maggie fashion she tried to steal food off her friends plates. So call me crazy but I think she's gonna fit in just fine!

Finally, we do have a couple cute photo's from our various Santa sightings.


Fripp Island, SC over Thanksgiving with the whole family



Fripp Island, SC just the kids




Washington DC chance encounter in front of the hardware store. Who knew Santa needed some paint too? Check out Max's serious face and Santa looks like he's a few marbles short of a full bag. But Maggie looks cute!
And last, my two LOVELY children when asked to pose in front of our Christmas tree. Note that they A. did not pose in front of the tree and B. felt it necessary to make goofy faces. They were cracking themselves up and could NOT act normal. In the end, I must admit, I love those goofy faces!


FELIZ NAVIDAD MIS AMIGAS!

What is Santa going to bring?

Yesterday we went Christmas tree hunting. It was really funny because Mike said to Max, "ssshhh, be 'kawhyat' were hunting chwistmas twees". And Max, of course, bought it and wouldn't let anyone talk for the first 5 minutes! But then he saw a horse and the whole field of trees and well, let's just say enthusiasm took over :o) The farm we went to was GREAT. Lot's of good trees to choose from and they provided the saws and string etc. After we 'hunted and killed' our tree it was treat time! Cookies, candy canes and sweet cider were all part of the deal. Don't ya just LOVE the Christmas spirit?! Anyway, as usual, Mike struck up a conversation with the owner so I chatted with his very handsome, but VERY YOUNG grandson. The kid asked Maggie what Santa was going to bring her for Christmas. She replied, in true Maggie fashion, "a monster truck!" to which Max added, "I want a GOOD truck". Get it? It's okay the kid and Mike didn't either but I thought it was hysterical. Do I need to spell it out? Nah, you all are smart!

Oh, no photo's. I forgot to bring the camera! DOH!!!!!

Ballet Beauties

This morning I had to miss ballet class with Maggie so Colleen took them both. I cannot tell you how absolutely fantastic Colleen is, seriously, she's an amazing friend and I really don't deserve her. But I digress... Colleen took the girls and apparently had a little fun with them beforehand like someone else I know. Does this photo make you think of anyone, anyone... ah hem (whisper) Liz? LOL. I know you want a boy Liz but I think a girl would be totally fun for you too! Aren't they beautiful? Look like twins huh? Except my Maggie has a bit more of a belly on her. We all know how she LOVES her food. Trust me, that has NOT changed in the last 6 months!

Some husbands ROCK!

And some, well, some just "get lucky". Two of my friends with husbands in The Corps recently had cause to applaud their husbands. One had a husband deployed for a year and THEN was supposed to take a year unaccompanied tour. Really bad for the family but a great job for him, career wise (and the opportunity to blow stuff up... what guy doesn't LOVE that?). Instead he chose option B, an office job but the ability to stay with his family. Not sure how many husbands and/or marines put their family first like that so obviously he is a GREAT HUSBAND. The other has a husband that, in her words, is a "badass" LOL. He got into a "contractors school". Can't say I know much about that but she said her hubby was "sought after" and "one of five" to be chosen. Sounds good to me... there are a heck of a lot more than 5 guys in The Corps that's for sure! Then there is my hubby. He's gotten all kinds of great deals! Actually, he boasts he has NEVER had a bad and/or undesirable position. And now we have lucked out with South America. So when I told him about the 2 aforementioned marines he responded, I've had some of the best gigs in The Corps. But then, "I JUST GOT LUCKY"! Hey, works for me... as Mike says, "I'd rather be lucky than good".

OUR FIRST SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was so excited and so bummed this morning when I saw the snow falling. The kids were still asleep and I needed to go to Spanish class so I didn't get to see their cute little faces when they saw snow for the first time. Mike said Maggie walked outside in her bare feet! But all is not lost... after school we played outside and it was waaay better because the light snow got a bit heavier and the snow was actually sticking to the ground! Here are a few "snow" things they learned today:

Can I taste it?



The ol' catch a snowflake on the tongue trick.

Scoop it up, of course, was Maggie's favorite part. I had to "teach" her that yellow snow was NOT edible!

How to make a snow ball didn't interest Maggie too much. She was definitely more into eating.

And throwing!

This was DEFINITELY Max's favorite part and YES he did get me!

And interestingly enough Max knew that after you play in the snow you are supposed to drink hot chocolate. Let's just say I failed to obtain the "Mommy of the Year" award when I broke the news that not only was snow playtime over but there was no hot chocolate AND I made him go take a nap!

Can you say HEARTATTACK!

Yesterday I went to take a shower when their was a LOUD BANG followed by completely HYSTERICAL screaming! Thankfully I was still clothed at the time. I open the door to see Max screaming, with no sound coming out, in a panic position. You know, crouched down a bit with arms splayed rigidly and fingers open. Total horror on his face. I can see Maggie behind him sitting on the floor shrieking. Then I notice the bench to the bow flex machine is down (usually kept locked upright for space purposes). I am realizing someone pulled on the pulleys and the bench fell down. Mind you, this all happens in less than 10 seconds. Mike is now in the room, after sprinting up the stairs, and he grabs Maggie (she had a pretty good bump on the head but mostly was scared). Max tells me his head hurts and I put my hand on his hand and when I take it away it is COVERED IN BLOOD! Blood starts gushing down his face. Really a horrific scene. It's interesting because if it was me, or someone else's kid I would be more calm. Everyone knows that head wounds bleed like crazy but ... this is MY BABY! Thankfully after a minute of pressure the bleeding stops. I knew Max was alright when he said, "a piece of train cookie will make me feel better". LOL!


The train cookie reference, on a lighter note, was about the gingerbread christmas train we made. Same idea as a house only a train. Tons of fun! I frosted the cookie pieces together and made the outline and the kids put on the candy. I highly suggest this activity. It was all of about $10 at Target and came out fantastic!

I LOVE this photos. It's hard to tell at this size but both of their hands and mouths are a blurr from the candy placing/eating frenzy!

Honestly... the kids did this. Pretty good huh.

Trip to Fripp Island, SC for Turkey Day

Okay, so I've finally found a few minutes to catch up. We drove to SC for thanksgiving... a 10 hour drive. Let's just say I don't EVER want to do that again! Our time in SC was fantastic but we drove all night and I am too old to be missing that much sleep! Next time I think we'll try the train. The kids had a fantastic time. They loved watching all the deer roam the island and to see the gators in the small ponds/marshes. And seriously, what could be better than swimming in a heated pool in November!


Mom and Maggie


Who's the palest of them all? Yikes - we glow in the dark!




I'm not sure which one is the kid in this photo?

The next day was a bit cooler but still VERY NICE so we headed to the beach. Aunt Malia and our niece, Kayleigh, came too. We had so much fun! First we flew a kite and then we started playing in the little pools of water made by the tide. Later Max caught sight of all the bubbles the ocean was frothing up. Maggie wasn't so interested. Sometimes she perplexes me! But Max and I had a ton of fun chasing each other with hands full of bubbles.


Our kite twirled in circles with the wind. It was COOL :o)



Help, how do get across the water?



Aunt Malia and Maggie looking for shells.



Help Mommy... I'm stuck in "sinking sand" a.k.a. quicksand. Oh he cracks me up!



Bubbles, bubbles everywhere!


bubble boots

See the remnants of his "bubble crown"?

My beach beauty.

Moms

Hey all... it's been a while and I promise to post some thanksgiving photo's etc... tonight. Life has been CRAZY! But then what else in new in the Flynn household? In the meantime... a friend sent this to me and I thought it was cute so I'm sharing. I wonder what Max and Maggie would say in response to these questions? I may try a few...

Chau!

WHY GOD MADE MOMS
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd dye it, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.