Christmas 2014

Christmas 2014 has come and gone but we still are relishing in the joy of it all (and getting ready for the New Year). The weeks leading up to it were busy, fun filled, energetic and hopeful. The preparation was consuming yet rewarding. Christmas makes me take pause to reflect on how truly blessed and fortunate we are. We have a loving and caring family and friends. We have more then we could ever ask for and are the recipients of so many gifts. Our bellies are always full - sometimes too full! We have a safe, warm, and comfortable place to rest our heads. Above all else we each other.  

On Christmas Eve Mae and I went to church. Unfortunately, Whitaker threw up that morning and we decided it would be better not to take him to church in case he threw up there or infected anyone else. After mass, we went to my parents house to celebrate Wigilia - a traditional Polish Christmas tradition. After dinner  we headed home where Pearson and I give the kids new pajamas and a Christmas book. We have done this every year since Mae was 2. Then we made sure to leave a note for Santa (I wrote Mae dictated), cookies, and carrots for the reindeer. 

I was fully expecting a very early wakeup but Mae slept till 7:15 (the kids didn't go to bed till after 9) and Whitaker didn't wake up till almost 8. It was hard holding Mae off from running upstairs to wake Whitaker up but we some how managed to do it. 

Whitaker savored every present and opened each one to play with it. Mae tore through them and was looking for the next one. Regardless of how they approached present opening, they were both extremely thrilled with what Santa brought them, Grandma C gave them, and we gave them. Whitaker asked Santa for a light saber, a space rocket, and a remote control car. All three of which he got. In fact, immediately walking down the stairs he looked at all the presents and smiled. Then he went over to one and said this must be my light saber. (It was skinny and long). He was correct! 

In the afternoon, we headed to my older sister's house for more Christmas festivities and presents. This is where Mae got her favorite gift which was an American girl doll, who she is appropriately decided to name Mary. It was such a wonderful two days. Here are a whole mess of photos from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Jolene's First Christmas! 

Doesn't look that sick. 

The youngest and the oldest representing on Christmas. 

Attempting to get a picture of all the kids on Christmas Eve. 

John and Mae escaping. Mae was upset because she wasn't able to hold Jolene. 

Jolene is happy despite all the tears. 

Opening presents from us on Christmas Eve. 

Obligatory Christmas Eve photo. 

Dear Santa, Can we please freeze time? Love, Alison 

Santa came!! 

Reading books and trying to hold Mae off from present opening. 

Their faces say it all. 

Whoopie cushions are always a fun time. 

Sparkly slippers. 

A microphone from Grandma C, which has gotten used and used and used around here. 

Discovering Pez. 

Mae got Pearson a tie for Christmas. 

This is what he thought about it. 

Remote control car. 

Mae got a keyboard from Santa. 

Checking out his new gift and working on his batting practice. 

My little  rockstar. 

Whitaker got this robe from Grandma C, which he wore to my sister's house and loved! 

Grandparents and all their grandkids. 

Family photo. 

Gymnastics

Whitaker has been taking gymnastics since September and to say he LOVES it is an understatement. He actually asks to go to gymnastic everyday. It also helps that his coach, Coach Sarah, is awesome, patient, kind, and nurturing. This is also the first time Whitaker has taken a class where I haven't had to participate. I was a little worried about this since Whitaker is known not to always follow instructions or has a way of doing his own thing. However, with Coach Sarah things have been great and it has been a really good experience for all of us. Here are photos of Whitaker from his last day on Wednesday, where they have a little ceremony and they give the kids a ribbon. You also will notice that John, Whitaker's cousin took the class with him. 

And since it has been so much fun, I have signed up for the next session. 

The boys with Coach Sarah. 

Two Videos That Sum Up Our Holiday

As I mentioned in the last post we have sung quite a few Christmas songs in the Cummings household, mainly in part to this singing book that we have. And more importantly, Mae is finally understanding that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and not just about Santa. Here are two videos of the kids that says it all. This was one night when Mae had us act out the nativity and I got to be the donkey (funny yes!) Mae does mess up and says that Joseph is Mary's father but nothing to worry about she knows better. 

Santa

I realize I have quite a bit to catchup on it. If you have been wondering what we have been up to…. Rest assured, we have been in full holiday cheer around these parts. Even more important this year, we have been really focusing what this holiday season is truly all about - Baby Jesus. Thank you Catholic school! The kids have also learned various Christmas songs, which they sing all the time, we have decorated and trimmed the tree, and we have spread holiday cheer (or at least I think we have).

Today, we visited Santa. When Santa asked Mae and Whitaker what they wanted, Mae said a toy reindeer and her own calendar. Whitaker said a space rocket and a light saber. When Santa asked them if they wanted anything else, they each said, "nope."

I can only assume Santa is going to bring these two special kids what they want (and maybe a little more) because even though they can be "naughty" at times, they are pretty darn "nice."

Funny face photo with Santa.