Book Review

I love to read. I really can't remember a time in my life when I haven't been an avid reader. Well, I take that back...maybe college when I had to read text books all the time and also when Jack was a newborn. I actually remember in one of my moments of anguish, while thinking my life had been turned upside down, saying through tear stained eyes...'I'm never going to get to read a novel again, just baby books FOREVER'. (insert a whine here)

Okay, so none of that proved to be true. My life was never turned upside down, it did change however, but only for the better--more like enhanced. And I did get to read a novel again--actually several.

So now, I find myself reading books and wishing I had someone to talk to about them. I get so involved that the characters and their story seem so real to me. I know, I should join a book club, but my dear kids leave me little time to do that. So in place of a monthly meeting, I'm going to write about them. Just a short synopsis...what I thought, if they were worth the read, etc. And maybe, just maybe, someone out there will read the same book and chat with me about it. And what would be even better is if you could recommend a good read to me. (I've already exhausted my dear friend Erin--(a book lover in my life.)

So now time for book review one. Like I said, don't get too excited. It's just a short "what I thought" kind of thing.

As of last night, I completed, Look Again by Lisa Scottoline. It's the first novel I've ever read by her and I hadn't heard much about it (except for the fact it was on the NY Times Best Seller list--always a plus for me). Let me tell you, it consumed my thoughts like very few novels have. It was a tiny bit legal (which I'm not really in to), had some romance, extremely suspenseful, and had a storyline that was almost too close to home.

In short, a woman adopted a baby boy and when he is 3 years old she has reason to believe he was kidnapped and the adoption wasn't legal. The too close to home part is the 3 year old boy. I could totally feel her anguish, although Jack is my natural child it was emotionally wrenching to read. There were nights I cried, and nights my stomach was in knots, and several nights where it made me appreciate and love Jack all that much more.

I absolutely recommend this book and at the same time don't. It was a great read, but super hard to swallow all at the same time. I'll leave this one up to you. I will note that I thought the beginning was a little iffy, parts of the middle too, but a nice execution from the climax on. However, if you do read it, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Okay, my next read is a feel good story, given to me by my Mom--(the other book lover in my life). Ahhh, I need it after that.

A Marshmallow World

Jack can't help but giggling at that old Dean Martin Christmas song, A Marshmallow World. The world outside is your snowball, get up and roll it around...it's a marshmallow world in the winter when the snowfall covers the ground, it's a yum, yummy world...something like that anyway.

Well, Jack got his 'marshmallow world' Christmas evening and actually got to 'roll it around' the day after Christmas. It was just what he had been hoping for.

Mags even got a taste of the sweet snow. Last year, she was just a wee one when it snowed, so this year she really got a chance to check it out. I wouldn't go as far as to say, she enjoyed it, but she did get to experience it. She's got Momma's blood--that's the warm weather kind. She and I let the big boys do the "enjoying" while we watched on.

The snow was too packed the next morning to make a snowman, so Jack and Daddy opted for a snowball fight. Hence the reason Jack is running with that giddy grin and with one eye looking over his shoulder.

This was serious business...Jack had to contemplate his retaliation move.

This ought to do the trick.

Ready or not, here Jack comes!

And check out this snow bunny...like I said, she didn't exactly "enjoy" the snow per se, but she didn't really complain either. I think she was just soaking it in--that's generally how she handles new situations. And yes, that is saran wrap under her tushy--I had to keep the girl dry or she really would have been mad at me.

'Okay, this stuff doesn't even taste good...yuck! Mommy, I'm done with this snow experience thing.'

And of course, Daddy was there to rescue her, and all was well in Maggie's world again.

A Christmas To Remember

This will definitely go down as a "Christmas To Remember". 3 years old and 1 proved to be fabulous Christmas ages. I'm sure I will be saying that again at 4 and 2 and then 5 and 3 and so on, but for this year--we loved it.

Jack is pure excitement. He makes us laugh daily, he fascinates us with his insight and intellect, and his energy always keeps us going. And then there is dear Maggie. She is our little piece of heaven. She emits love every where she goes and is truly happy just being with us. Tell me again how I was so blessed?

If I could, and I know I can't, I would bottle this Christmas up and pull it out every December. With my kids being just the way they have been this season--so full of the Christmas spirit and the absolute loves of our lives.

With that being said, the actual Christmas weekend was full....of everything! New and old traditions, the celebration of Jesus, presents, presents, and more presents, food, family, and even snow. Now isn't it plain to see why I want to bottle it up? And here is the proof...

Our Christmas Eve tradition is the infamous Gingerbread House. I will say it went smoother this year, but I think next year is going to be the one. Threes a charm, right? (and terrible me, forgot Christmas PJs the night before...ugh!--I did however remember them for Christmas day, thank goodness)

Are my kids perfect or what?...wink, wink--all dressed up in their Christmas best for Christmas Eve mass. Okay, my secret?--a small bribe, very small.

We tried for a family picture--apparently the novelty of my bribe had worn off by then. At least we were all there, huh? Sometimes that's all you can ask for.

Let the show begin...Christmas morning! This Honeybee Tree game and magnet cars had been on Jack's list for months. You think he is excited?

My Maggie was thrilled with Christmas morning just because Jack was--I don't even think she knew why. Although these nesting blocks have become a quick favorite.

And what is Christmas without Curious George? Last year Elmo was a fan favorite.

I think I was more excited about this track than Jack was. I just can't seem to resist a good wooden toy.

So this is how we worked presents (and believe me I thought this through)...since Maggie still A.M. naps, Jack did his presents after breakfast. Then Maggie napped while Jack played with his loot and Mommy & Daddy opened gifts. Once Maggie woke up it was time for round two--with Jack doing most of the round for her.

Santa left a new walker for Maggie. Perfect for our little cruiser. And can I say, she LOVED it!

But, this might have been her #1 true love. Our baby got her first baby and they are quite the pair.

Then it was off to the basement to see what Santa left there. Santa/Grandma must have known that this boy could use some wearing out. This trampoline was just the trick.

Maggie got her very own anywhere chair. The color was quite a debate. I wanted it to match the playroom, but I wanted it to be girly, oh, so bad. Logic got the best of me and we went with a color that would blend in the playroom. We'll do girly in her big girl room one day. Either way Mags was very happy with it and spent a good amount of time lounged in it while reading books. Just what I had hoped for!

And Jack's final Christmas present...SNOW! Yes, actual snow on the actual Christmas Day. Believe it or not, Jack had been asking me for snow on Christmas for well over a week. Of course, I was thinking no chance and lo' and behold--sometimes all you have to do is ask. An over excited Jack, just couldn't resist taking a step outside to get a taste. After about 3 bites, he realized snow boots and a coat might be a wise idea.

Hoping your Christmas was one to remember too!

Twas' The Night Before Christmas At The Cibula House

Twas' the night before Christmas,

Jack and Maggie were in bed,

And Mommy and Daddy knew what had to be done without a word being said.

Santa's Gingerbread cookies had to be carefully nibbled on,

and the reindeer's carrots crunched till they were almost gone.

The presents from Santa had to be placed under the tree,

wrapped with bows and tags oh' so perfectly.

A princess movie for Maggie and Hot Wheels for Jack,

the stockings had to be filled until they were packed.

Clarence, the elf, sadly had to be put away,

his farewell being a very hard one to say.

Toys had to be set up in the kids playroom too,

one being a trampoline to wear out you know who.

When all was complete and Mommy and Daddy's work was done,

they ran to bed for fear their kids would wake with the Christmas sun!

Merry Christmas to all,

and to all a Good night!

Christmas Countdown

Only 4 more days until Christmas, but who's counting? Well, I can tell you one for sure...Jack! Daily I get the infamous question, "today is Christmas morning?". He tries to put it in more of a statement/question hoping that way I will possibly say yes.

I've tried two solutions for this ongoing questioning around here 1) a Santa place mat with a revolving wheel exposing the number of days left until Christmas and 2) keeping him super busy--especially since school is out.

"Super busy" today was a playdate at Wesley Kate and Bradley's house. I think all of us Mommies had the same goal in mind.

I just love that there are "big kids" for Jack and "wee ones" for Maggie. I truly am blessed to have such a fabulous group of Mommies to hang out with--I look at it as my little Christmas present, just year round.

And a tremendous thanks to Karen for hosting and the incredibly festive spread she had for us--not many people are brave enough to do that less than a week before Christmas!

My dear Jack wanted to wear a Christmas shirt so bad to the playdate. However, I only had one shirt made this year and we are saving it for Christmas day. So we compromised on a shirt with red and red tennies--how terrible did I feel? (Guess I should have bit the bullet and had two made--sorry my Monkey)

On the other hand, sweet Mags has too many Christmas outfits in her closet to choose from. It's one a day from here on out.

This was the only semi-group shot I could get (minus about 4 kiddos). Too much fun and too much to play with to slow down for photos--I guess that is a good thing, fun was had by all!

I Did It Again

Yes, I did it again. I volunteered for another party in Jack's pre-school classroom. Don't get me wrong, I love it....absolutely. But, I've come to realize why all those cute goodies in the gift shops say, "Stop Me Before I Volunteer Again".

You see, I realized that I don't have to volunteer to be able to attend. So the smart Mommies just show up, enjoy time with their kiddos and leave. Me, on the other hand, spends weeks before coordinating with the other "Party Moms", ordering crafts, pre-assembling them, grocery shopping, arriving early to set up, and then cleaning up. Hmmm...something is wrong with this picture.

However, I did have a great time. Jack loves that I help and it also fills that empty void of the old teaching days. I was assigned the craft and story time...again. I'm getting pretty good at it too. And I've still got one more party this school year to exercise my expertise...the end of the year celebration. But, until then, I had my fill with the festive Christmas party.

Unfortunately, when you are the "Party Mom" it leaves little time for picture taking, but I always mange to get a few.

The party started with a Little Drummer Boy performance from the class. Absolutely priceless!

Snack was a plate full of Christmas goodies. These are Jack's "prayer" hands as all the children said the blessing in unison. Now if I could only get him to keep his mouth empty at our dinner table during the blessing.

Pin the Nose on Rudolph was the party game. Jack, being an expert at this, ever since Maggie's Pin the Hat on the Turkey game, got Rudolph's nose right on! (And I know he didn't peek this time)

Jack was in awe as I read the children "Santa's New Suit". It's one of his favorite Christmas books...this year anyway.

And this makes it all worth it...a happy boy going home with a tired Mommy. I wouldn't change my "volunteer" time with Jack for anything!

Where To Clarence?

I'm seriously running out of places for this little guy to go. Any suggestions? He's already hung from every chandelier in my house.

Kitchen Memories

Some of my most cherished memories with my Grandma are from her kitchen. I loved everything about being there--the smell, her soft voice, the little lessons I learned (very little of which was cooking), and the end product...especially when it was Christmas cookies.

Well before I married Clay, my Grandma gave me a very memorable Christmas gift. It was a cookbook and maybe even her little way to market me for married life ( I think she was always secretly up to that). Regardless, it was special and what made it so special was what she wrote on the inside cover...think of me when you are in your kitchen and the happy times we had in mine -Grandma, Christmas 2001. *sniff sniff*

So every time I pull out that red cookbook, guess who I think of? Yes, my incredible Grandma, and every time a smile comes across my face and I am taken back to that very special place in my childhood.

I tell you all this because now it is Jack and Maggie's turn. It's their turn to make kitchen memories with their Grandma...the good kind...the Christmas cookie kind. With Grandma's extended visit, they were able to do just that. I feel happy for my kids. This is what Christmas is all about. What family is about. And I am so grateful that they get to experience it. Thanks Grandma for two very special days of messy kitchen memories (and everything else that fell in between).

The first day of making kitchen memories with Grandma was a glorious Gingerbread Boy.

Maggie intently watched on with her own kitchen utensils. And yes, she is that yummy...who needs Christmas cookies anyway when you have a Magpie?

Okay, so we did let Jack attempt to reap his rewards. However, thankfully for all of us, he only made it through good ol' Ginger's toes before calling it quits.

Day 2 of kitchen memories with Grandma were sugar cookies, icing, and sprinkles. What else could a boy ask for?

"There's no such fang (thing) as a green stawur (star)" and I quote from guess who.

Jack requested a yellow snowman with a blue hat (his two fave colors). I guess he got over the color issues he was having earlier with the green star.

Top that with sprinkles and you've got one pretty good Christmas memory.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

The stockings are hung, the tree is up and decorated, Christmas cards are mailed, the house is decorated inside and out, and my kids (okay, maybe just Jack) are wild with excitement. And, to top all that, we've already got company--one of Santa's elves, kindly named Clarence by Jack, is here to send reports to the North Pole. It definitely feels like Christmas at the Cibula house.

What's left? Finish a tiny bit of shopping and start wrapping presents. Although I'm already feeling worn out, I don't know if I can take 20 more days of this.

We did however start the first weekend in December with a festive bang. Our dear friend Alexandra turned 2, and guess who was there to celebrate the December baby's big day?...none other than Santa. Loved it...marked one more thing of off my to do list. Santa visit...check!

Do I seem picture happy? I know this post has a ton of pictures (like the 3 previous posts), but...Tis the Season!

Look at those Christmas babies! Aren't they yummy? Maggie is a few months older than sweet Eliza Kate, but somehow I always forget. In my head, I put Maggie in the same group as those Spring babies. Those will be her best pals in a year or two.

Mommies and baby girls waiting for Santa's big arrival. We didn't even realize it until half way through the picture that there were no boys. Go figure...the boys were playing hard while the girlies were sitting pretty.

Santa's arrival began with a reading of Twas' The Night Before Christmas. Maggie was pretty entranced...from a safe distance.

Time for Santa's lap. I was shocked that Maggie let this happen. I'm thinking big brother by her side gave her the courage. Whatever it was, I am a happy Mommy, I was totally expecting to have to join them.

Jack had some alone time with Santa. He is telling him how he wants "magnetic cars" for Christmas. Just great...the only thing I didn't buy. (Oh, and you don't even want to see a picture of Maggie's alone time with Santa--it was not pretty--a Mommy can only ask for so much, huh?) Maggie however, did give Santa a pretty smile and giggle from my arms.

Cupcake time! I caught Jack right before he looked like his messy friend Patterson. Except Jack's wasn't confined to just his face, it was ALL over his shirt too.

Sweet Mags opted for fruit and pretzels over cupcakes. Mommy's choice--I did not feel like soaking two articles of clothing when we got home. It's plain to see, she was just as content with her healthy meal. Love that girl!