Christmas

i know this is about 4 weeks late - but i figured it's better late then never.

Christmas morning started out beautiful. Aaron was able to get these shots early that morning of the sun coming up outside our window. we really do live in a beautiful place.

 

 

 

As far as presents, Christmas was pretty small this year - more like a couple of small presents and one big family present. Noah wanted a wii for Christmas. we told him if he saved $100 of his own money we'd pay the rest and get him one for Christmas.

throughout the year, to help him be responsible, we'd find ways for him to yearn money through chores and helping with Reagan. Aaron's parents helped him earn money by paying him for just being so cute. - oh, yes, he learned a lot of responsibility that way. :) actually, they did pay him $25 for not drinking soda for two months. i didn't think he drank that much to begin with, as we rarely have his kind of soda in the house, but he was happy and was able to earn the rest of his $100.

so, for Christmas, Reagan got new blocks from Santa....

 

a new doll from us....





Noah a new lightsaber from Santa....

 

and he LOVES his new wii....








Overall, it was the perfect day. We spent time with family and with each other. I feel incredibly blessed to have such perfect, sweet children. They make me laugh more than they make me cry. :) I wouldn't want my life any other way.

not quite on the same page

It's funny to me how sometimes Aaron and I will handle things sooo differently.

for example, a few weeks ago. when we got home from church Noah asked if he could take a shower because he was really cold. when he got out of the shower he then asked if he could take a nap - a sure sign that he was getting sick. sure enough, when he woke up he had a high fever and threw-up all over the bathroom.

i don't care how much you love your child, big kid throw-up is disgusting.

anyway, as some of you know - Noah can tend to be a little... anxious about things. especially if he's sick, therefore - i tried to really down play it: you're just fine, sweetie. You just have a little upset tummy, but you're going to be okay, no worries. yes, you do feel a little warm, but that's nothing to be worried about, etc. etc.

this was helping Noah stay calm until Aaron got home from the store with medicine...

Noah: (tired, sick little voice) Dad.. I'm a little bit sick, but it's ok.

Aaron: Oh, little buddy, you're really sick.

(i give Aaron the "what are you doing???" look)

Aaron (cont.): you have a high fever and with your chills and aches, I'm pretty sure you have the flu. you're probably going to miss school for a few days.

(i no longer have time for the 'are you kidding me' look, as I'm now looking around for something to throw at Aaron)

Noah: WHAT?? I HAVE THE FLU?? (now he's crying) I can't go to school? am I dying? (lots more crying)

Aaron: (now understands the importance of 'downplay') oh, bub, you're ok, um, we'll get you some medicine and, I'm sure you'll only miss one day of school - two at the most.

Grandpa has now come in the house

Noah: GRANDPA! (more crying) I HAVE THE FLU!!! (more crying) I'M GOING TO DIE!


eventually, i convinced Noah he would be fine and would not be dying anytime soon.

I was also able to go over a few words, with Aaron, that should be avoided around Noah: very sick, the flu, deathbed illness, blood, stitches, shots, any form of amputation, 'I'll beat you silly' - even when said jokingly, it does not sound so funny when repeated by Noah to his teachers.

CLARIFICATION: 'i'll beat you silly' is from the boys playing wii. never has it meant bodily harm. just thought i'd make that clear.