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!