Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas eve night making the manger and Bethlehem scene out of Graham Crackers and candy. The kids each decorated their own cottage, as well as had a few snacks. It was not the most artistic of scenes, but we really enjoyed doing it all together.

Brook is very much into posing for the camera these days. She'll drop anything she's doing if you have the camera ready.

Is there anything better than happy and loving children?

We finished off the night singing a few Christmas Carols and reading the Scriptural account of the Saviors birth. There is something very sad about the Christmas season coming to a close. But what a blessing to have a knowledge of the birth and life of the Savior.

A few more Photos

Grandma and Grandpa Grygla are here for Christmas, and boy are we grateful. They really have made it so nice and festive. Somehow since they have been here we have eaten well and the dishes are magically clean every day. The kids are thrilled to have them here, and often complain of being the only kids in the world that do not live by any of their grandparents. We love family!

More Activities at Bass Pro

Here is Grandma Carolyn giving Jacob pointers on how to use the crossbow. Jacob was in heaven.

Everyone had a great time shooting at the targets which would light up when you hit them. The girls were very excited to figure out how to use the sights and actually aim the gun.

Is there anything that will get you into the Christmas Spirit more than target shooting?

Here Comes Santa Claus

After one long day home with no school and very cold weather, we were ready to get out. So we headed over to Bass Pro Shop to see Santa. The girls got themselves all dressed up since they knew they would be getting their picture taken.

We didn't know if Brooke would go for it, but their is nothing like positive sibling pressure. She just got in line with the rest of them without question although you can tell it is not the most comfortable thing she's ever done. Fortunately it was a very friendly looking Santa with a nice beard. Some Santas are just creepy looking if you ask me.

Totally Spoiled

I was totally spoiled with wonderful and needed gifts. Of course there were many adorable and pink outfits for the littlest Fenberg girls. I really can't believe that I am going to start all over, and with two at that! Somehow it is just too much to wrap my mind around.

Many of the women went together an purchased me this beautiful glider chair that came with a ottoman as well. (It had to be put out of sight due to the fun the kids were having on it:). I was also given a darling new infant seat so that we can actually get home from the hospital once they are finally born. I think we are set and ready to go, now if they will just be born! Brooke keeps telling me she wants them to come out. We'll see if she changes her mind...

Wonderful Friends

Mary and Anna were thrilled to get to come and be apart of the celebration. They were very well behaved and had a great time with the other little women who were there. As we left Mary declared, "This has been the best night ever!" I would have to agree.

Unfortunately we did not get a group picture, so for memories sake: (Laurel, Sarah, Shelley, Angela, Sarah, and Jessica.)

(Lisa, Tisha, Heidi, Emily, and Laura.)

(Tracie, Holly, Lisa, and Heidi)

The Ultimate "Pinkalicious" Baby Shower

These pictures only give a little inkling of what kind of women I get to associate with. They are capable, talented, and generous to say the least. Not to mention amazing at creating delicious and beautiful food, something I really appreciate!

As you can see the shower had a pink theme. Everyone did their best to dress for the occasion. These are the women who are responsible for putting this all together for me and I am sure there were a few more. Thanks especially to Sarah and Lisa for organizing it, as well as to everyone else who braved the terrible weather and were so thoughtful. The night was perfect!

Jacob's Treasure Hunt

It seems the treasure hunt to find the gifts is officially a tradition now. We always had to find the gifts as the family sang Bula, Bula (something like the "hot/cold" game), but our kids never really took to it. Jacob had lots of help from his sisters to read the clues and find his gifts. He scored a Leapster, a little remote style helicopter, and a few other things.

Jacob is not the only one benefitting from his new toys. Moss is really enjoying the older "boy" presents Jacob is now getting.

Jacob's 5th Birthday

Jacob is finally five. I really can't believe it. It seems like he should stay 3 forever and be my little boy. We had his party at a local gymnastics gym and all the kids had a blast! The foam pit is a definite favorite, and harder than you think to get out of. Jacob has made such great little friends and is really going to miss them when we have to leave.

Fortunately Moss was able to get away from work for a while. There is nothing quite like a dad to come and make everything more fun. Every kid wanted a chance, or two, to swing on the rope (which is really meant for climbing up). Moss pushed and pushed each kid while the rest of us Mom's enjoyed the chance to just sit back and relax.

The weather was horrible that morning and school was out for a "snow day", for which Mary and Anna were very glad. All the moms were good sports and willing to brave the icy roads. The kids all enjoyed brownies and ice cream with sprinkles on top. Most importantly Jacob was thrilled to have all his friends come and celebrate his birthday.

The Latest Craft

After stealing this technique once again from a friend, we decided to use it on a jewelry box. We bought the unfinished box at Michaels, picked out some paper, paint, and embellishments and put it all together with a little modge podge and hot glue. We had a fun time doing it together. It is definitely a quick gift idea for little girls. (It would be even better if you wait until the boxes are on sale.)

And Growing...

Well, for those who are wondering how I am coming along, here I am in all my glory. I think having the kids in the photo gives you better perspective. I can finally say my abdomen is like a rock. There is no squishy-ness at all when you give me a poke. The kids are having a great time watching the babies move around and push out in a variety of directions. It really is quite fascinating. I am to the point of not being able to see my ankles (even in the morning) and none of my shirts are doing their job. (For example, the red sweater above.) Thank goodness my friend loaned me her "unit belt", which keeps me modest. January 6th is the planned induction date, and I must say I am hoping to come on my own before then! We are still open to names, so if you have any (helpful) suggestions please feel free to share them.

The Skating Party- A Success

Since I am not completely myself these days, we decided to have a skating party for Anna's "friend" party. The girls really love it, and we had just gone in NC on our Thanksgiving trip. It was well worth it to have it there and to not stress about the house and the wild raucous that would have occured here.

We were worried about what to do with Brooke, but they had these great shoe skates that let her go like crazy all around the floor. It was also nice that it was a special skate time where only kids 10 and under were allowed to skate. Brooke was unrestrained and didn't quit until we had to make her take them off.

Anna with her friend Sammi, and Brooke

Who's helping who?