Christmas Again

We celebrated our third or fourth round of Christmas.  I've seriously lost count.  These kids surely feel loved or at least very spoiled by this point in the season.

However, I do know we all felt blessed that Grammy made the drive up our way to celebrate with three  grandkids whom adore her.

We had another round of gift giving.  And then spent the rest of the weekend cozied up at home spending quality time with each other and playing with new presents.

Dear Grammy got the aftermath of a very busy week-this hostess was slap worn out.  I adore how Grammy needs very little, actually no entertaining.  She is perfectly content watching the kids do their thing and that is exactly what she got.

I vow to take her out on the town for her next visit;)  Until then the Cibula trio are enjoying the load of gifts she brought them and I am playing dress up with my new duds from her.  {Lucky for me, Grammy has very nice taste}

Merry Christmas Grammy!  Thanks for making the trek to see us...that was the best gift of all.

Christmas Morning and Into the Evening

We had one of our merriest Christmas's yet.  I'm not sure what made it so wonderful, but if I had to guess it would have something to do with the extended family visiting and the ages of my kids.  It finally felt like Lucy was a part of the festivities.  Which in turn made our family feel huge, just like I had always hoped.

I truly went to bed thanking God for my house full of children as opposed to some nights when I'm begging him to help me survive another day as a Mommy of three.  I won't say it's easy, but as Lucy is getting older, life is starting to regain some sort of organized chaos.  There is honestly NOTHING better than those three kiddos.  They have stolen my heart {and with it all of my energy}.

This year with our darling trio was pure joy.  There is nothing like Christmas morning.

Jack and Maggie woke to see that Santa and his reindeers had indeed been here.  This was only after I had to finally wake Jack up at 8:45!  I could hardly stand the anticipation any longer. 

We ate a speedy fast breakfast and then headed to the playroom where our kid's tree stands.  This is where Santa leaves the little one's presents.  And I adore him for that.  All the toys right where they belong from day one.

Before we could even round the corner to the tree we found Santa had loaded a Majestic Mansion Dollhouse on to his sleigh for Maggie and Lucy.

After the excitement the new dollhouse brought all three little ones were ready to tear in to the action.  And they did just that.

Littlest Lu might have gotten lost in all of the wrapping paper and excitement had it not been for GG's lap.  It was such a precious sight to watch her enjoy her 1st real Christmas morning.

Nothing could prepare the little ones for Santa's last and final gift.  Sneaky Santa had wrapped up a trampoline ladder marked To: The Cibula Kids.  We all stared pretty perplexed because we don't have a trampoline?!?!  Until we decided to look outside and this is what we found...

It seems Santa had saved the best for last.

It has been an absolute hit around here.  Even with baby Lu.  She stands at the french doors pseudo jumping, squealing and pointing.  We all know that means she wants to go outside for some trampoline action or at least get a wrestling match going on it {seriously}.

As if we hadn't had enough excitement.  We went for round two after naps.  We had a house full of 12 adults and 4 kids for Christmas dinner and more presents.

Jack, Maggie, and Lucy spent another session tearing through more gifts and passing out thank you hugs.

It was beyond amazing to have so many people we love in one room.  I will say I felt a slight wave of anxiety looking at the wreckage that had once been our home.  I had to remind myself that is what it's all about....and I have a lot of garbage bags.

The kids spent most of the evening downstairs in the playroom wallowing in new goodies.  While the adults ate and drank upstairs.  I don't know how my little ones will adjust to a quiet house again.  They have loved this Christmas excitement.  There hasn't been a dull moment since school let out.

Merry Christmas Friends!  Off to play with lots of new toys and get our last bit of family loving in.

Christmas Eve

I think it only fair to show that the Cibula kids can get cleaned up after a day in the kitchen and in pjs.  And more importantly, act somewhat civilized. {that last comment was directed to my most handsome first born...love you j }

We are off to celebrate the true reason for the season.  Happy Birthday Jesus.

Merry Christmas Eve to all!  Hope Santa treats you well tonight.

Christmas In The Kitchen

There is nothing I love more than spending the few days before Christmas and Christmas Eve in the kitchen with my little ones.  Nothing has to taste exactly perfect {which is a sigh of relief for me}, we only have to have fun.

And this year we had oodles of good times with lots of helping hands.  In addition to our party of five, GG, Aunt Catherine and baby Halle were here to help us make a big ol' mess in our kitchen.  The only thing missing was Uncle Joel, who is off, once again, being that brave soldier he is.  We sent lots of floury kisses and sugar wishes his way in our thoughts.

But, now on to the baking, decorating, and glorious mess making.

I know I said there is nothing I love more than having my kids in the kitchen come Christmas time.  But, forgive me, I must rephrase that statement.  Equally, there is nothing I love more than having my Grandma in the kitchen.  Some of my fondest childhood memories are from her very kitchen standing right next to her just like Mags is.  I honestly, have the best Grandma EVER.

This year was better {and messier and more chaotic} than ever.  Not only did our sweet Lucy join in the baking and decorating, but so did full of energy, always chit-chatting, and the happiest 2 year old I know...our very own baby Halle.

In this brief moment I almost wanted a fourth.  How darling is this crew?

And if you dare...this is the final product.  Let's just say we left Santa A LOT of cookies {wink wink}.

We woke on Christmas Eve to Gingerbread Houses that were in desperate need of decorating.  This is always one of Jack and Maggie's favorite holiday traditions.  We decided to let little Lu morning nap through this one, but I know she will be more than ready next year.

Again, we had those extra set of helping hands that made Christmas all the more special.  I don't know if anything can compare to the joy of having our extended family here this year.

I am feeling some serious Christmas nostalgia right now {insert a happy sniff sniff}.

But, I always have this one to bring me back down to earth...all boy and he isn't afraid to show it.  How I adore this wild child of mine.

When Jack wasn't using the icing to activate powers, he was Mr. Meticulous as we've come to know him at this Gingerbread tradition of ours.

Isn't that charming?

I had to put on my teaching hat, and construct a house of graham crackers and a milk carton for little Halle.  I had only bought two kits way back when, well before I was sure she was going to be here.  Luckily, for me, she didn't mind a bit.  It's either that 2 years old thing or the whole happy go lucky personality.  Either way she had a blast and we adored having her here for our traditional Christmas Eve.

Another yummy Christmas Eve!  Off to clean these wild things up for Mass.