A Joyful Holiday

We had a lovely Christmas this year. Christmas Eve day was a bit crazy and I was exhausted by the day's end (to say the least). However, Christmas Day was wonderful. It was very relaxing. We cooked a big ham dinner on Christmas Eve, so other than our homemade breakfast, it was just snacking & leftovers the rest of the day. The boys were thrilled with their day and proclaimed it to be "The Best Christmas Ever".

Here's some pictures of the boys and I rolling in the dough on Christmas Eve (a rare sight indeed)!

Here's a picture of the boys exploring what Saint Nick left for them. Ryan found two suckers in his stocking and promptly popped them both in his mouth (this prevents the other brother's from stealing them). His older brother's should have learned from his wisdom, as Ryan later stole their suckers too. All I could say when Jake and Dylan tried to complain is S-U-C-K-E-R-S.
























Here are some pictures detailing what each of the boys were blessed to receive this year.

















Notice the beautiful knit blanket behind Jake. Grandma Anderson made that for him. She made one for each of her children, and is now working her way throught the Grandchildren. While I love the one she made for me when I was a teenager. I didn't have as good of a sense of color and it does not match my house as well as Jake's new blanket does. Jake knows I have my eye on his new blanket, and is quick to remind me that it is "HIS", but is letting me store it for him laying gently on the edge of my couch (and looking fabulous I might add!)

My boys are notorious for their ability to make messes. I wrote this little jingle in honor of being the mother of 3 little boys, which at times is my greatest struggle and at times my greatest joy! It's set to the tune of the 12 Days of Christmas. I'll spare you all the verses and just cut to the last verse!

On the 12th Day of Christmas
My 3 Boys gave to me....

• 12 Messy Rooms
• 11 Lego Explosions
• 10 Grass Stains
• 9 Broken Plates
• 8 Snacks-A-Spillin'
• 7 Puddles-A-Splashin'
• 6 Muddy Footprints
• 5 Golden Marker Stains
• 4 Wrestling Matches
• 3 Banana Peels
• 2 Spilled Cups of Juice
• And a HUG to make it all WORTHWHILE!

Here's hoping you & yours had a joyful holiday as well!!

The Reason For The Season

Here's hoping that this week we can focus on the reason for the season. The boys drew this today in Microsoft Paint and it touched my heart (even though Mary has really big hair ;). Merry Christmas!

Christmas Wishes ~ 2008

http://www.ortlerchristmas2008.blogspot.com/

Twas the week before Christmas....

The leaves have been raked






The 3rd grade Nutcracker program has been performed







The kids have posed next the the fake snow scene

Santa's lap has been sat on

The tree has been trimmed








The cookies have been baked








The stockings are hung by the chimney with care





.....In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

All Dylan wants for Christmas is his two front teeth...

...but instead he got this shiner! Isn't that what big brothers are good for? Oh, the many joys of boys.

It's All Worth It...

...today Ryan made my day all worth it! He said "I love you Mom, you're my best girl ever!" Now in reality, in our boy heavy family, I'm the only girl, but still it was perfect.

Christmas Trees For Sale

This year we are offering two Christmas trees for sale to our dear family and friends. These trees are very fresh and in addition to daily water also require food and one daily hug and kiss. They are a treat for the eye and are a sure "crowd pleaser". These are VERY special one-of-a kind trees and are in limited supply. We also had a "Jake Spruce" which has already sold (sorry folks, but we are a first come first serve operation). Shop early as these two remaining trees are expected to go quickly!

Our first offering is a "Dylan Fir", which is very similar to a Douglas Fir. This spicy little number has a nice shape and is nearly 4 feet tall. As you can see the tree is pre-decorated and comes with a tree skirt, multicolored lights, a shiny red garland, and is topped with a furry Santa hat. The smiles are free, but sometimes come with a little sass.


Our second offering is a "Ryan Pine", a very close relative to the Red Pine. This tree has a slender shape and is about 3 feet tall. This tree is also pre-decorated and comes complete with a tree skirt, multicolored lights, several lovely ornaments, and has a special edition "Cat In The Hat" topper. The smiles are included and the giggles are endless with this one.