Christmas Eve I took the three oldest children to church so they could participate in the service as part of the Junior Choir. The service was beautiful and it was fun to see friends and celebrate the season.

When we got home, the children watched a movie and played games while Michael and I wrapped presents. Each of them wanted to help wrap presents, so we saved a few for them to wrap. Finally, around 11:30 pm we started chasing kiddos off to bed. But when they realized how close it was to Christmas, they couldn’t hold in their excitement, so I put them to work straightening in the living room. At midnight they hopped up and down with glee and wished us all a Merry Christmas. Then we really did send them to bed.

Todd spent the night with us so he could enjoy the whole Christmas-morning experience. It was nice to have another adult here to play with and supervise the children.

Thanks to the late night, the children slept in on Christmas morning. We had a nice peaceful waking up time with our younger set, and finally, when we were ready, we woke up the older children.

We enjoyed a leisurely morning of opening presents and unpacking stockings. Since we had decided to give fewer gifts this year, we didn’t hurry anyone along if they wanted to sit and enjoy playing with something once they opened it. Judah had help opening and enjoying the new pieces to his Mr. Potato Head. Miguel had lots of friends wanting to make things with the Zoobs he got. Laura couldn’t believe we really gave her a tin of sardines in her stocking. Isaac was tickled with the sauerkraut he got in his stocking. Luke was eager to play a game with the Spiderman Monopoly set he opened. And Amelia’s gift of supplies to start hosting her own tea parties was just perfect. She couldn’t wait to get into the kitchen.

Once we were done opening gifts, it was time to start playing some of the new games. Luke beat Uncle Todd in two games of Pentago before Uncle Todd turned the tables and started winning. Then they set up the Spiderman Monopoly and turned into real-estate tycoons. Meanwhile, Amelia and I headed to the kitchen to whip up a few things. First we sliced bread to make cheese toast. Amelia spread the butter and sprinkled the cheese. She was very eager to do every step she could. While the cheese toast was in the oven, we made a batch of rice crispy treats. Later on, I made some chocolate frosting so Amelia could decorate the cookies. Everyone enjoyed sampling Amelia’s creations.

Isaac disappeared from the party for a long time while he put together a set of Star Wars Legos. It’s a set of Michael’s that he’s been admiring for a long time, so he was tickled to discover that it was a gift to him from his dad. Finally he could open that box!

Once things quieted down, I took a nap, and when I got up, I loaded up Lilly to go see some relatives who were in town for the day. We had a delightful visit, and then hurried home again to rejoin the party here.

After supper, Todd offered to stay with the children so Michael and I could go to the Monroe house to get a little work done. We really want to have the house close to ready for listing by the new year, so we’re making another push to get the last things done.

So, that was our Christmas Day.  You can see photos here in my gallery.  It was a good Christmas celebration.

This morning Miguel finally got a turn to hold Baby Lilly.  He feels like those turns just don’t come often enough.  While he was sitting in my chair holding her and watching a movie, I grabbed the camera to capture the moment.  Even though he was distracted by his show, he was still holding on to his baby sister and making sure she had her pacifier when she wanted it.

I think this is a wonderful picture of his protectiveness and love for Lilly.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Today my parents came over to celebrate Christmas with us. We were so excited to have them as our honored guests! We planned a fun brunch with some of our favorite foods. We had waffles and biscuits and cinnamon rolls and fruit & dip and hot cocoa and a cheese tray. Each of the older five children took charge of a different part of the meal, and they did a great job. Laura made the biscuits without any help from me. Isaac worked on the cinnamon rolls and the old-fashioned hot cocoa. Luke was the main waffle man, while Miguel was the waffle assistant. His job was to mash the fruit to make topping for the waffles. Amelia was the cheese-cube lady and the fruit-dip maker. She also arranged the cut fruit on the platters around the fruit dip, and she made sure the fruit-dip containers stayed filled. I can’t help but remember what Michael’s dad used to say, “Welcome to the Lyons Den… we’d love to have you for dinner!” But of course, we’d have to modify that and say, “…we’d love to have you for brunch!”

Our day was so pleasant. The children behaved rather well; the food was delicious; meaningful gifts were exchanged; Grandpa told a sweet Christmas story; and the day was relaxed and full of interesting things. I don’t know how it could have been any better. (You can see photos from our day in my gallery.)

Tonight the children all took their baths in anticipation of church tomorrow. Luke asked if he could take a bath in the jacuzzi tub, and we said that was fine.

Later, when Michael went in to tell Luke to finish up, he opened the door, stopped short and then hurried away to find the camera. What a silly boy Luke is!  I guess that the suds really pile up when the jets are running.

Even though I’m quite tired tonight, I’m happy with our day and our celebration. I’m also eagerly looking forward to Christmas next Tuesday. I can’t wait to see what the kids think of our gifts to them.

I have narrowed down my final photo assignment to these two selections, and I can’t decide which one wins the prize. My goal was to get a photo of Lilly with her eyes open. Will you vote and tell me which one you like better?

Thanks for humoring me. Can you tell I enjoy using my camera? Lilly has been very patient over the past two and a half days while I pose her and snap away. The other children have also been helpful as baby-holders and photographers while we try to capture just the images I had in mind. I have a new appreciation for professional photographers!

P.S.  Thank you for all of your votes!  I’ve been fascinated to read people’s comments and opinions.  Thank you for taking the time to let me know what you’re thinking.

The last few days I’ve been having fun getting some artistic photos of Lilly. It’s a lot more work than I thought it would be, but even so, I’m eager to show you what I have so far.

Lilly, Eight Days Old

Baby Feet

Isaac & Lilly

Little Hands

Thanks for taking this photo tour. I have one more shot I’m going to try to get, and if I’m successful, I’ll post it for you to see.

Following is a very, very long post detailing the whole story of Lilly’s birth. Part of the reason I’ve recorded it is to share with friends and family. The other reason I wanted to put everything in writing is so I would have it recorded for Lilly. I forget so easily, and this way I can someday tell her the whole story of her birth with all of the many little details. Enjoy! Read the rest of this entry »

Many times a day each of the children asks me if they can hold Baby Lilly.  This particular time, Miguel asked me to take his photo while he was holding the baby.  I think Miguel’s face just shines when he smiles like that!

Joy to the world!

This photo was taken Saturday morning, at the hospital, shortly before we headed home.  Baby Lilly looks so peaceful.

I have added a few more photos to the gallery.  Check out pages 2 & 3 for the latest entries. 

Laura and Isaac have really been enjoying the most recent snowfall. There’s enough snow to actually do stuff with, so they’ve been busily building things in the back yard. Here are some photos of their efforts:

I’m impressed with their diligence out in the cold. I have no desire to go play in the snow. Then again, I’m not 10 or 12 years old, either. I’m sure the fresh air and exercise is exactly what they need on these dark, cold winter days.

While I was out there taking photos, I snapped a shot of “my” little Christmas tree.  (You can read more about this tree in a previous post.)  Isn’t it beautiful with snow covering it?

The weather is supposed to warm up toward the end of this week, and I fear our snow fun will be interrupted by some melting.  Hopefully we will get more snow again soon!

What a treat to be at home, with my baby, and at the beginning of this next stage in our family life.

Baby Lilly did excellent during her first night at home. I nursed her at 11 pm and then we went to bed. She was up at 2 a.m. and then again at 5 a.m. to eat, but after each feeding she settled right back down and went to sleep quickly. She couldn’t have done any better than that! Read the rest of this entry »