The Perfect Tree

On Tuesday, December 7, we went in search of the perfect Christmas tree. Well, I should say perfect for the price we wanted to pay for it. :) We didn't go anywhere exotic to find it, just to our nearest Home Depot. They actually had a decent selection.

Caden was happy when we first got there, but quickly decided he was done with pictures and didn't care about getting a tree. Kyler on the other hand was very excited about the whole process. He had been begging for days and probably even weeks to get a tree. So when the day finally came, he was ecstatic. We selected our tree, loaded it on the roof of the car, and drove home.





After arriving home, Kyler helped Greg get it in the stand and I helped get it in the house. Once it was in place, Kyler and I took a break to enjoy cups of hot chocolate in our special Christmas mugs. This was a real treat for him since we don't do hot chocolate very often.





Then we were ready to put stockings up and decorate the tree. This has been my favorite Christmas with Kyler because he is so excited about decorating and everything that goes along with celebrating the season. Seeing the joy in his face and the excitement through his eyes is one of the best things about Christmas. We had fun trimming the tree with lights and ornaments. This year I had fun telling Kyler the history behind all our ornaments because they are each unique and special. Caden wasn't too sure why we had a tree in the house now and was content to sit on the couch with Greg and watch while Ky & I decorated. What great memories we are creating with our children.

Preschool Christmas Concert

On Monday, December 6, Kyler's preschool class took a field trip to Winding Commons, a senior living facility near the school, to do a Christmas concert. Kyler had been looking forward to this for the previous week and kept asking me what day he would get to go sing. When the day finally came, he was lined up in the back row and didn't want to stand. By the time the residents came in, Kyler sat down and stayed there for the rest of the performance.

It was a fun day because the kids sang for the residents and then passed out art they had made for them. You could tell how much they enjoyed having the kids there. Even though Kyler didn't cooperate well, I think he still enjoyed himself and I know the residents loved it anyway!

Kyler is in the back row on the far right (almost out of sight on the picture)

After the performance with the residents seated behind him

Standing in front of the Christmas tree with his buddy, Tommy

Potty Training???

On December 4, Caden decided it was time to pee pee on the potty. We weren't really thinking about potty training, but he seemed interested. And for several weeks, he has been telling us “pooh pooh” before he poops. Of course he hasn't done that on the potty yet. But he is showing an awareness on this subject that Kyler never showed this early!

For several days, Caden went pee pee on the potty many times and seemed really excited about it. But then after awhile he decided he didn't want to do it anymore. So we are just following his lead and letting him tell us when he is ready. But he is already doing more than Kyler was at this age. What a champ! Whenever he is ready is fine with us. :)

It might not look like it, but that is actually a cheesy smile on Caden's face :)

MLH Holiday Party

Saturday, December 4, Mended Little Hearts had our Holiday Party. For the kids, we planned to have sugar cookies for the kids to decorate. At the last minute, I got the job of making them. So, Friday night, Kyler and I had fun making them. It's been many years since I have made sugar cookies but I am really happy with how they turned out.





The party started with crafts and cookie decorating for the kids. At first Kyler wasn't interested in participating but then he realized he could have a cookie and all of a sudden got very interested. :) After crafts we had dinner and then pictures with Santa.







I love this group! What a wonderful group of families. It is so inspiring to be in the same room with these amazing CHD survivors. These kids are incredible and I am honored to be the mom to 2 of them. I love being involved and part of the leadership of this group.

CBS Christmas Program

On Thursday, December 2, at CBS, the preschoolers gave a Christmas program. “CBS” stands for Community Bible Study, and Kyler & I attend every week. It's been so good for Kyler to participate in the children's program. Every Thursday, he comes home telling me all about what he learned. In my adult class, we are studying the book of Revelation. It's been a good year so far and we are enjoying it.

It was so fun to see the preschoolers sing. Of course, Kyler spent most of the time playing around in the back row. I don't think he sang much at all. But it was nice to hear the other kids sing.

Peeking through the hole on the ornament

Kyler is in the back row, 3rd from the right with the Peace ornament covering his face