Recently in North Pole...

It feels like I live in a snowglobe. A beautiful, peaceful, glittery snowglobe. The boys performed in church this morning in the Polar Kids bell choir. It was so interesting to watch because their personality differences were very evident in their performances! Ethan was full of concentration and determined to only ring his bell at the correct time. Caleb was just having a party! Ethan was so pleased everytime it was his turn to ring his bell. Caleb constantly rang the bell AND danced at the same time! I was proud!

Sunday Shenanigans.

It's Sunday morning. 5:30 AM. The boys are up. Why are the boys up so early? Time to shower and dress up and eat breakfast. We pack everyone in the van and they fall asleep on the way to church. Fast forward through Sunday School and now it's time to worship. The music starts, and so does the drama. Caleb wants to drink the communion juice. I say no. Meltdown #1 lands us in the bathroom where I lay down the law. A few songs later both boys decide they are entirely too tired to stand during worship and lie down on the pew. Apparently, this pew isn't big enough for the two of them because suddenly Ethan let's out an ear piercing, angry scream. Then they both start bawling. Meltdown #2 and off to the bathroom again. I am literally dragging them down the hallway while they are howling in protest. Worship is over? Huh, I guess I missed it. Time for announcements. Of course, now that there is no music to cover the noise, the boys feel the need to be even louder. Once again, Caleb wants communion juice and I say no. This starts him on a screaming, fall off the pew, my life is just awful tantrum. Meltdown #3 as I carry his flailing arms and legs off to the bathroom. I lay down the law...again, then place him on the little stool and with my mommy mad face on say, "You tell me when you're done!" Two minutes later and he's calmed down and repentant. Just in time for me to drop him off at kid's church.

More Milestones and Making Merry

My babies are growing up! Each time they learn something new, they need me less. Part of me rejoices at their new independence, part of me aches for what was. This week Eliana has learned to hold her own bottle. She is quite excited to be feeding herself! She has also been getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth. It won't be too long before the baby gates will be put to work once again. She is my last baby and I cherish every smile she gives me, every sweet little noise she makes, and every moment that we cuddle. Watching my babies grow is bittersweet.


Christmas season is in full swing here in North Pole, Alaska! Our tree is up, Christmas lights greet us as we drive up the driveway, Christmas carols fill the air, and the gingerbread house we made fills our bellies! The snow here is glittery, and it clings to the trees making them look like crystal statues. It's like living inside of a snow globe. This weekend we went to a holiday bazaar at a local park. If you have never experienced riding an amusement park train that is covered in Christmas lights in -10 degrees...you should! Cookies and cocoa warmed us after the ride and then we enjoyed some holiday fireworks. Over the next few weeks we will be visiting a gingerbread house competition, attending several holiday parties, and playing on a playground made entirely of ice!

This is my favorite time of year. I am full of joy and peace. I love watching my children's faces alight with the wonder of this season. I wait in impatient anticipation to be surrounded by the noise and sweetness of family. Merry Christmas!!

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