Update

Still no pictures, I'm working on it. Thanks for the tips, Steph. I tried several different ports, and even bought a new cord. I'll email you when I get a minute. I can't wait any longer to post though, I feel so unconnected to my little blogging world.

It's finally snowing today! It's been such a spectacular Fall, but Christmastime just isn't the same without snow, so we're glad to welcome it. The big kids are outside sledding down our driveway as I write. Good times.

I was having a hard time getting excited to decorate the house and tree etc. because I knew it was the same old not very beautiful things we've had for many, many years now. Last Monday night the kids decorated the tree. They were so excited to pull out the same tired shabby ornaments. There are some they remember making at school or church. Then Saturday I finally finished everything else. I hung an advent calendar that my sister-in-law made for us years ago and carefully set out my favorite nativity that my mother-in-law gave me. I found some stocking holders I bought last year from the dollar store that look so pretty against the garland on the mantle. When I finished and the house was all clean I LOVED it. Each morning I can't wait to turn on the lights to the garland and tree and Christmas music. It's so cozy and homey and Christmasy. I love it all from the slightly ridiculous looking tree with very unevenly distributed ornaments to my two other nativity scenes with an earless donkey and more than one piece sporting hot glue. It definitely doesn't look like a department store catalog display, but it makes me feel happy, festive and loved.

Anna is the festive queen. For their primary Christmas party she wrapped the tree-skirt around her waist, added a black coat with a Christmasy red hat. For Church yesterday she added a fake little poinsettia she found to her hair. She just has to reflect whatever season we're celebrating and I love that about her. The kids watched "A Christmas Story" a few nights ago and Anna's a little bitter that the kid in the movie gets his bb gun while she is going to be deprived of a dog, yet again. We love Anna.

Abigail said another prayer last night wherein she said, "please help us remember all the symbols of Christmas, like the candy cane is the shepherd's staff." I thought that was really cute and classic Abby. We currently have several presents to the boys wrapped and under the tree. Abby and Anna each have one so far and Abigail can't stop worrying about the discrepancy. I keep assuring her that there is plenty of time til Christmas, and they will be getting gifts, she's not so sure. We love Abby.

Nate is very excited to be figuring out how to read and write. It's really cute to watch his beaming enthusiasm as he improves these exciting skills. He still has a tendency to get words a little bit wrong, and I'm loving it as long as I can. The latest one is instead of "pilgrim" he kept telling us all he'd learned about the "programs". Our congregation at church is called a "ward" but Nate is constantly asking me if so and so is in our "reward". We love Nate.

Ben saw Nate lying on the floor sad the other day and went to him, crouched down, and lovingly said, "Why you crying, buddy?" He also is asking me every hour if "we open our presents now?" It must seem terribly cruel to dangle these fabulous gifts in front of him and then expect nobody to touch them for 17 more days. Benny is kind of fascinated with "Santa Closet" this year. Hopefully Santa won't hold a grudge against him for getting his name wrong, he comes by it honestly (Brennan is terrible with names). We love Benjamin.