The Christmas Heist...

I almost blogged about this before the heist even took place but wanted to make sure we could pull it off and that it went well.
Thursday night we put the kids to bed a little early (our rationale: Christmas is coming and they were going to be up late a lot in the next few days). After about 5 or 10 minutes of them getting settled, Dave and I ran up the stairs yelling, "Get up! Come on, hurry up and get up! We still have some Christmas shopping to do!" The kids were so baffled!!! We had them come downstairs and put on their coats and shoes, grab their Dunkin' Donut gift cards, their cup of milk and $6. All the while they were asking, "Are we really going?", "Are we going right now?" "Are you serious?" I'm pretty sure they thought mommy and daddy were off their rockers!!! Then we had them pick a name out of a hat. Once we got in the car, our first stop was to DD for a couple of munchkins each. After that we headed to Walmart to shop. Each of the kids had picked a name of a sibling to buy a gift for so Dave and I took each one of them down the aisles and had them pick out a gift. They were so funny about being secretive and not letting the others see what they had picked. Thankfully, despite the long lines, we got a kind and patient cashier who went along with our adventure in letting the kids each pay for their own items.

We did it! We pulled off the Christmas heist. The whole ordeal took about an hour out of our evening but I'm pretty sure the looks on our kids faces when we got them out of bed will last forever in our minds.
During the Christmas season, you try to instill in your children the importance of giving and how that is what God did for us. But when you bring buying gifts for others, the idea is that appetizing to children. But by pulling the evening together the way we did, we saw joy in our kids buying gifts for each other. They took some time to think about what their brother/sister would like for Christmas and nobody complained about spending their money. And now they are so excited to wrap up their gifts tonight and put them under the tree.
I'm not sure who is more excited for Christmas morning, the kids or Dave and I. We can't wait to give them our gifts but we also can't to see them give to one another.

When I told someone today about our little Christmas heist, he asked, "Is that a Christmas tradition?" I responded...it is now!!!!

I have read about the idea being done in the summer when you take your kids out for ice cream or something like that but I really liked doing it for Christmas. We plan on "heisting" a couple times of year now and the kids will just never know when...

Yes, I know this looks like a picture of nothing much but I just wanted to note that I have NEVER seen my kids put their shoes and coats on so fast!

A friend had given each of the kids their own DD gift cards and I just thought this was so cute with the 3 of them lined up to pay for their munchkins. I am just glad it wasn't crowded and the lady working was very patient with our 3 SEPARATE orders of munchkins.

Future shopper, right?!?!

It Doesn't Matter...

Recently my sister-in-law e-mailed me this poem and I have truly been hanging onto it with a newborn in the midst of the Christmas season.

It Doesn't Matter...
that the dishes are not done
that my 3 year old's clothes don't match
that my couch is a mess
that I have plenty more loads of unwashed laundry waiting
that there are cobwebs in the corner
that we're out of bread
that I have errands to run
that my Christmas tree looks like it was decorated by toddlers {it was!}
that I haven't finished reading my book
that my bed isn't made
that there are 20 projects I would like to finish
that the floors need to be swept
that I only got one quick chance to take a family photo and it didn't turn out how I wanted it to
that my hair needs to be washed

...because right now the most important thing is just being present with my children and teaching them to love Jesus.

Granted this could apply all year round but this time of year especially when we are in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. I have most definitely simplified things this year. And you know what? I don't think the kids even notice. They are still just as excited about celebrating Christmas and are enjoying the little things that we have been able to do together.

My mom gave me a great book this year called "The ADVENTure of Christmas". There are 25 different days to count down until Christmas and each day explains the meaning of things like Christmas trees, outdoor lights, the Candy Cane, baking, etc. Yes, I had all good intentions of doing one everyday but that just didn't happen so we did what we could and I look forward to doing the book again next year with the kids. I posted a couple pictures below of a few of the things we have done with the kids.

We wish you and your family a VERY Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

We were making ornaments for the tree for the day we learned why we decorate Christmas trees with ornaments. Siah really got into this one!

This day was how to find Jesus in our Christmas trees...and of course the edible christmas tree activity!

Josiah asked his teacher if he could be a donkey in his Christmas show. He sure makes one handsome looking donkey!!!!

And yes, Hannah was an angel in her Christmas show. She looked beautiful and had a smile on that melted your heart when she sang.

And here is the little man...he is already 6 weeks old and I can't believe it! He is just starting to smile and make little noises when he sees us. He is such a good baby and so patient with his siblings who are all over him all of the time!

I couldn't get much done with Jonas living in his sling. He absolutely loves this thing! He falls asleep within minutes and I can cook, wrap presents, fold laundry...until my back can't take it anymore. 6 weeks old and he weighs 11 pounds already!

Introducing Jonas Rico Libby

Jonas Rico Libby

7 lbs. 7 oz

20 inches long

It has taken me 3 weeks to do so and many of you have already seen him on FB but here is the little man...officially...Jonas Rico Libby. The little man decided to make his debut 5 days earlier and his delivery went really well. He was born on Monday, Nov. 7th. My water broke on Sunday at about 5:30 pm. We labored at home for a little bit and were at the hospital about 10:30 that night. I got my epidural (I had already delivered without one of those...been there, done that, got the t-shirt...was SO happy to get the epidural this time around!) about 1 am and delivered Jonas at 8:55 am on Monday. Though the delivery was smooth and quick, the cord was wrapped around his neck which made his delivery a bit scary. His heart rate dropped rapidly during delivery and just about every nurse on the floor was in the room to help. Jonas came into the world very purple and didn't cry right away but God is SO good and he kept our little guy safe and healthy. When we found out he was a boy, we were first thought, "Oh no, we are not set on a boy's name!" I don't know why we struggle with boy names! So for about an hour or so, Jonas was Boy Libby. After Dave and I talked for awhile, we decided to stick with Jonas which was our choice for most of the pregnancy. We weren't sure of a middle name for the entire pregnancy but once Jonas was born, we thought it would be special to name him after my grandfather, Americo, who passed away just last December. His birth was a special experience and no matter how many children we have, it still amazes me to see the miracle of 10 little fingers and 10 little toes. It never gets old.

We are slowly adjusting to life as a family of 6. Christmas is around the corner and we are gearing up for an exciting season celebrating with family. Homeschooling is getting back on track, I am 2 weeks away from being done with my class, Dave's parents are coming for a visit next week and I am thoroughly enjoying being on my maternity leave with my kiddos. I am praying for a blessed season with time to enjoy my kids and get to know our little guy. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers as we welcome our new little one into our lives. Can't wait for you to meet him!

These kids were so excited to meet their little brother! When Auntie Donna had first told Josiah it was a boy, he cried. He had his mind set on a girl so that our family would be "even". But once he realized he could play cars and sports with Jonas, he was ok and happy to have a brother...

Our first family photo as a family of 6

Jonas was there for the preparation of the turkey. This picture cracks me up with his arms looking just like the legs!

"Hmmm...am I going to get to eat that or is it going to eat me???"

Powerless...

Snowtober is what they are calling here in the Northeast. A perfect way to end October...with a snowstorm. We got about 8 inches and it felt like a December day. We should have been carving pumpkins but were shoveling snow instead. Honestly, it was not even exciting. That first snow of the season is usually highly anticipated and such a fun time together of snuggling up, watching movies and drinking hot chocolate and it also usually takes place in December...around Christmas. But not this year. I do have some pictures of the kids helping daddy shovel on Sunday morning but we have been with power since Saturday night so I can't upload them right now. Thankfully, my brother didn't lose his power and I am here catching on some work and laundry. The rest of the family is still without power so Rick's house has been the "hub" for warmth, showers, food and comfort. Thank goodness for family!
But it's amazing how much you depend on electricity. I mean, we have been without it for a day or so but this has been difficult. The kids don't understand why they can't sharpen their pencil (not, we don't even have an old fashioned sharpener!) or watch TV. Hannah actually cried a couple of times when I told her she couldn't watch Dora for awhile. The poor little thing just didn't get it. It came to a head a little bit this morning with no milk in the house for cereal or toaster to make waffles or toast and an empty frig. The nights are not horrible to sleep since we light about 40 candles in our bedroom before we all go to sleep...in the same room. It's the morning that's the worst. The goal is to get the kids out the door as fast possible and get some food in their bellies (something more than dry cereal is the goal).
We are told our town should all have power by Friday at midnight. In the meantime, I have felt so powerless. Powerless over my house because I can't control our electricity. Powerless to keep my house the way I want it because I can't keep up with it because we are either not home or it's too dark to do anything when we are home. Powerless to know when our newest will arrive and praying that he/she stays in another week or so...who wants to bring home a newborn to a 55 degree house??? But in being powerless, I am reminded that we have to know that Jesus is all powerful. He knows just what he is doing in us not having power in our house. He knows that I needed to be out of the house today to laundry at my brother's and just hang out with my kids. If I was home today, would I have hung out with my kids? Probably not. Would I have cuddled up and watched a movie with them? Doubt it. I truly believe that God gives us these times to take a step back. Our lives have been so busy these last couple of months and we have barely slowed down. Now we have to. And I have to admit, while I was in the bathroom getting ready one morning this week, I realized how much I enjoyed the quiet. No TV on, no computer games, no bright lights throughout the house. Just quiet. It doesn't happen often enough and I realize that it needs to happen more in our home.
Yes, it stinks not having power but I realize that it could be much worse. So many have lost entire homes through earthquakes, tornadoes and tsunamis this past year. It's just no electricity. It's difficult but we have had people reach out to help and that is a blessing. In fact, today a friend offered us a small generator to help us out a bit. We will use it for our pellet stove so hopefully that will help a bit with our lack of heat. I will keep you posted and post pictures when I can.

Homeschooling and Treasures

WOW! I still can't believe the summer is officially over. Though the weather some days is still summer worthy, we are back in the swing of fall and all that comes along with that. The 2 little ones have started preschool a few days a week. I definitely teared up when I took my baby girl to her class for the first time. She is in the class that Caleb was in when she was born...so surreal!
Caleb started his homeschooling a few weeks ago and we are starting to adjust. I am still working on our schedules so that I have sufficient planning time and he is getting all that he needs to tackle reading this year. He gets better and better each day and today he looked at me after our phonics lesson and said, "This is the best school ever!" I'm pretty sure it is because he is becoming successful at reading and is finally enjoying it.
Life has been a bit crazy. Work is nuts and due to some changes the school is going through, I have had to enroll in an infant/toddler class at a local college. It is online so that helps but it is just one more thing needing my time right now. We have had to say no to many things now that our schedule is full with my school and the kids school but we are truckin' along. Here are some pictures of what we have been up to. I also realized as I am planning Hannah's birthday party that I never posted pics from Caleb's party this summer so I added some of those too! Hopefully when things slow down a bit, I will be able to post more frequently but here is where we are at for now!

Caleb on his first day of homeschooling. He was pretty excited about starting 1st grade.

Josiah on his first day of preschool.

Can you tell this was not Hannah's first day of school? She wanted to go so bad!

She was all smiles on her first day. She couldn't get the boys out the door fast enough!

She made sure I got a picture from the back so you could see her Dora backpack.

Finally..."I have arrived!"

This is a bit of what our homeschool days look like now. I decided that it is easier to having everyone at the table doing school than Caleb doing his work and the other 2 just watching TV or playing. Caleb wants to be doing what they are doing when he should be working so whenever the little ones are home, we make it a family affair. Some days it's a circus but some days it is just a beautiful thing to watch your children learning together.

A is for apple for Hannah! She LOVES doing her schoolwork with the boys.

Josiah putting his caterpillar together from 1-10. He was so proud of himself!

Here I am at 31 weeks...we are now at 35 weeks and I can't believe this little one is going to be soon! I am getting really excited and anxious all at the same time. So much to do in so little time. I have already started nesting a bit (yes, I can say my kitchen ceiling fan is the cleanest on the block!) and look forward to more of that in the next few weeks.

Soccer season is upon us again and Caleb is loving it! He counts down the days until Saturday each week and is so bummed if his game gets cancelled because of rain. Here he is just before scoring his first goal of the season.

Dave made these treasure maps for Caleb's birthday party...all 9 of them by hand...he is best daddy!!!

Dave and I had a lot of fun making this cake together the night before the party. Not so bad if I do say so myself!

That's right, Mommy made all the kids "walk the plank." They thought this was funny with all the snakes and crocodiles in the water!

The kids really enjoyed the games: walk the plank, finding the hidden treasures, , bailing out the boat and of course the treasure hunt!

My big 6 year old...still can't believe it!

Arrr Mateys!! here they are with their treasure box they found. And since I forgot to borrow the one from the church that I was going to, Dave was making one about 9:00 pm the night before the party...I'm telling you, my kids have such a treasure in their daddy!


I also have the most adorable video of Caleb helping Hannah with her "school" but neither my camera or computer are cooperating in uploading it. She does her shape activity with him each week. He names a shape and she has to circle it. She has gotten really good at it and she doesn't like anybody else to do it with her except Caleb...it's a true treasure to watch in the craziness of our homeschooling ventures!

Making Memories...

We are back from our vacation and we had a great week together as a family. It was a relaxing and refreshing time. We were totally disconnected from work and other obligations. Our focus was relaxing and spending quality time with our kids. And of course, it's best to tell it in pictures.

WELCOME TO CAPE COD!!!

The sisters sitting on the dock when we first got to the house.

This was our view from the back deck...it was so beautiful to wake up to. That's Pappy's boat at the dock.

At the Gingerbread houses on Martha's Vineyard. We enjoyed getting there with Pappy's boat instead of a ferry...no lines, no waiting.

By the end of the week, we HAD to get Hannah her own boogie board. And there some really cute ones at the store...dolphins, rainbows. But not my daughter, she wanted a shark one like her brother Caleb. So she now has one with a shark that looks like JAWS, shipwreck and all...that's my girl! Tomboy by day, Diva by night!!!!

There was MUCH time spent on the beach the kids LOVED it and so did their mama!!!

These stones were under the deck and when we couldn't find the kids, we would just listen for the stones being shoveled into buckets.

Caleb enjoying some video game time with Uncle Time and Uncle Eric.

And yes there were pedicures. Since we ladies all went for pedis in the morning, we thought only fair to give Hannah and Isabella pedicures too! They loved it!

Dave was excited to take the boys fishing. Here they are practicing their casts from the deck.

Caleb and Josiah fishing on the dock behind the house.

I absolutely loved this action shot of Caleb casting out his rod.

And all that practice paid off... Caleb caught his first fish when we went to the beach. I was so excited for him!!!!

It was absolutely pouring and the kids were going stir crazy in the house...Auntie Lauren saves the day and takes them out to play in the mud!

And who else would be out in the pouring muddy weather? The DUCKS of course! The kids had fun feeding and there must have been like a dozen ducks...I think they were telling their friends that there were some crazy kids out in the rain!

And yes, we were prepared for those rainy days...with CRAFTS!

Hannah the corn husker!

The cousins mini-golfing. They so enjoyed being together all week.

My dad and I taking a break from the mini-golf action. I just love this picture. And it was all because of the memories that he and my mom took the time to make for us at the Cape that we want to bring our kids back there to make memories too.