Getting Christmas Right

So let me just warn you - this is one of those posts where I just randomly share thoughts - probably more for myself than anyone. Our current series at church is "Getting Christmas Right". I feel like that is something we try to do with the girls, without giving it an official name. Part of what allows us to really take time to enjoy amd make memories during the holiday season is getting lots done before the season arrives! (Thanks to my mom teaching me how it is done!) Prior to Thanksgiving Day, our house is fully decorated, gifts are all purchased and usually wrapped, and Christmas cards are ready to go. This allows us the time and opportunities to enjoy making memories during the holidays.
The girls have an Advent box (Ronnie calls it our "Christmas Vacation" box since that is what it reminds him of visually). Each day includes a different Christmas activity. This year, we have incorporated a lot of service project ideas and doing things for others. We have done a lot of baking to share, nursing home visits, giving away toys, some random acts of kindness, and thoughtful notes to others. We have made gingerbread houses, had Christmas dance parties, read Christmas books by the tree, and so on. We have gone to do various Christmas activities around town.
Tonight our main event is making the nativity scene (using animal crackers, graham crackers, EL Fudge cookies, coconut, marshmallows, and icing). Should be interesting. Tomorrow we having a "Happy Birthday Jesus" birthday party for our neighborhood playgroup.
So even though I go to bed lots of nights thinking of things I didn't do right, or will hopefully do better the next time as far as parenting, I do feel like we do try to get Christmas right. Thinking and working ahead gives us the ability to slow down during the holiday season to enjoy the simple pleasures. I hope it is something we are able to always prioritize and do. For us, it helps us remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Merry Christmas to your family and I hope this holiday brings lots of joy, peace, and incredible memories for your family!
Check out some of our favorite pictures from some of our holiday activities this year:

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Christmas tree . . . take 3!

So we are a house full of traditions - especially around the holidays. One tradition that we don't budge on is when we put up our Christmas tree. It is ALWAYS before Thanksgiving. Whether or not the lights go on is up for debate, but it is always up and ready for the day after Thanksgiving. This year, we spent lots of time putting up our tree, docorating with lights and beads, and what seems like thousands of ornaments! Apparently Ella thought we didn't have enough ornaments, because she made several more (8 1/2 by 11 size :) to tie on the back of the tree.

So catastrophy #1 - most of the lights went out on the tree on day 3. The Scrooge side tried to come out of us and threaten to steal our Whoville joy, but we pushed it away. Down the tree came, fixed the lights, and up it went again. We thought that made for a pretty funny story after it was all said and done. Little did we know . . .

Last Thursday, Ronnie was upstairs with the girls (and luckily the dog to keep himself out of trouble) and they heard a crash. I came home to find the tree on its side. Apparently, our poor little tree stand had finally had enough and gave out. Amazingly enough, we only lost one ornament (plus another in the clean up - but still minor!!). So our tree is up - for the 3rd time. I am optimistically hopeful I have seen the last of my tree decorating skills until 2011!

Goodbye Pacis!

If you have been around Kinsley much over the past 2 years, chances are you have seen her with a beloved "paci". She is quite fond of them. To be honest, I knew it was going to be a challenge to part with them. However, last Thursday I was ready. She also has developed the habit of tugging and twisting her hair while she has a paci, so I thought if we got rid of one, maybe that could eliminate the other. (The verdict is still out . . .)
So, Thursday night we bagged up the pacis for the paci fairy. We packed a bag, put them on the porch, and decided to wait until the next morning. For those of you unfamiliar with the "fairy", she comes to take away your pacis to deliver to other little babies. In return, she leaves you some sort of present. (Kinsley requested Chocolate when daddy called to tell her to come pick them up.)
At bedtime, the tears began. Luckily, when we went to the porch to retrieve a paci, the fairy had already come and gone. Instead of going to bed with a paci on Thursday, Kinsley went to bed with a chocolate bar, pack of gum, and a dum dum sucker. In her mind, that was a fair trade for two years worth of love of her pacis. Naps have been a little difficult, but overall she has done great.
Other recent events: Seeing Santa at the mall for the first time this year. The girls were amazed. I will say, the Santa at Oxmoor mall just might be the real deal - Ella gave his beard a little tug to check and make sure. Made this Miracle of 34th Street loving mommy so proud!
Daddy daughter lunch date at Ella's preschool was a special day last week. Ronnie loved the lunch Ella packed for him - including an Ale 8 :)

Family Halloween Fun

Late October brought some fun times to our house. Some of our fantastic friends, Forrest and Margaret, were married Oct 23rd. Ronnie and I would like to let you know that we have now seen 2 of our matchmaking endeavors make it to the altar. More than anything, it is so exciting to see two well derserving individuals find their mate. They asked Ella to be the flower girl, and our sweet girl did a fantastic job. She was a trooper, and it was a long weekend. She is a pro at the flower girl responsibilities, though, and looked beautiful. On a side note, the day before she got some "Twinkle Toe" shoes. (If you aren't familiar with them, it is like a disco party in a shoe.) Although she really wanted to wear them for the wedding, she decided against it, saying the crowd needed to watch the Bride and not her, and in her fancy shoes, they would all look at her. Kinsley was also not a big fan of the fact they didn't sell the shoes in her size. Daily, she asks "Where my fancy nancy shoes?"

Halloween followed the next weekend. We made the trip to Caneyville for Trunk of Treat. I already don't like to think about it that next year Ella will be in school and our on a whim trips will be few and far between. Our family decided to be the 2 little monkeys jumping on the bed + the dr. + the mama. It would have been too obvious for me to be the mama, so we did a little switch up for our church's trunk or treat. The girls loved that we all dressed up - probably started a new family tradition.

Of course, the girls didn't want just one Halloween costume this year. So Friday night, we headed out to dinner with our two fairy princesses. (Two days before Halloween. But when you are 2 and 5, all outfit options are super cute!)

Slow Down!!

Recently, Kinsley celebrated her 2nd Bday. That's right - the big 2. How is it even possible? Wasn't it just yesterday that Ella was turning 2 with her "geen" (green) bday party, and Kinsley hadn't yet joined the Cordrey clan? Don't get me wrong - I wouldn't turn back time for any amount of money to pre-Kinsley days . . . unless it was to relive all the great moments we are experiencing. I am thrilled that we get to enjoy special moments together. I just hope that in 20 years I can say that we enjoyed the time and didn't take moments for granted. I know it will pass so quickly (and if I had any question about that one, more experienced moms that see us anywhere in public tell me that - atleast once daily!)

We left the day after Kinsley's birthday to go spend a week at our favorite beach location. Panama City Beach, FL. I know, I know - there are probably hundreds of "nicer" beach locations. Not a single one, though, holds the memories of PCB - especially Dunes of Panama. From playing Encore by the beach with good friends, spending so much time in the pool playing "sand removal" that my eyes burned, Baskin Robbins birthday cakes, sharing D403 with more friends / family that I can remember, the list goes on and on. And that is just from my childhood! Now I get to relive special moments there with my girls and it is fabulous! Kinsley was thrilled with games and rides, and made sure grandad knew she could spot them independently every time we passed either! Ella enjoyed the pool, learning how to swim underwater. (Ok - let's be honest - she really enjoyed the store by the pool where she got to pick snacks. She did practice swimming, though!)

Now our travels are done for the most part for awhile. Home to enjoy the fabulous season of fall. Don't worry - pictures to come of this fantastic season and the most beautiful girls enjoying some nature moments!!!

Good memories!

This weekend has been beautiful, so we have tried to enjoy some outside time. Yesterday, I took the girls to Henry's Ark. I can't really even think how to explain this place. It is a cross between a zoo and farm, where the girls are especially partial to the animals roaming free. Kinsley especially loves hugging and kissing the goats (yes - you read that correctly). Ella enjoys petting the deer (and being the big sister who carries the carrot bag and shares with Kinsley as willingly as she chooses!!)

Today we took the girls to Familypalooza at Southeast Christian. Pony rides, inflatables, cotton candy, snow cones, and craft time - wow! We left with both girls crying - the sign of a really good time had by all.

Happy Labor Day!!

Vacation

We recently came home from summer vacation, which was fantastic! The first week we spent in Gulf Shores with Ronnie's side of the family. It was great - the girls had a great time with their grandparents, Aunt and Uncle, and getting spoiled by all the attention! The four of us shared a room, which proved to be interesting sleeping patterns for us all. The first night, Ella was laying in bed with Ronnie and I and out of the blue said, "This is like the worst night ever. Let's go home!" We all started rolling. We adjusted, though, and by the end of the week, everyone managed to sleep through the night!

Then we left there, and traveled to Panama City Beach, FL. Ronnie and I consider this the perfect vacation location. To many, it is known as the "Redneck Riveria". However, we love it!We have decided it is because of the familiarity after spending so many vacations there. I practically spent every vacation at Dunes of Panama, D building, since before I was Kinsley's age. Apparently, it is good enough for the President, too! When we got there, we realized the Obama's were in town. So, of course, we had to set out to find them! We found them at Baypoint, where we saw lots of secret service, police officers, yellow tape blocking off their pool, and no first family. Ella said, "Who are these Bama's? (spoken like one would refer to the slang for Alabama). She was ready to head to the capital of PCB - Walmart! Don't worry though, we did manage to catch a glimpse as they were leaving town. We tried to make this week as low key as possible and we were pretty successful! We ate at the condo, enjoyed the beach, and just relaxed. My sweet girls probably wished I had taken a break from the camera, too, but that would just be asking too much!

Ella enjoyed putt putt (Kinsley - not so much. By the 10th hole, she had thrown her putter three times, and thrown her ball too many times to count! I believe she was over it before we even started.) The girls loved playing games, earning tickets to win prizes (A.k.a. mom and dad paying too much money for trinket junk), and playing at the pool. To be honest, there aren't a lot of major details to share about the week because it was just that laid back . . . exactly how we wanted it!

I'm in Love!

That's right - head over heels in love with the newest pics of my sweet girls! I think it was pure coincidence that I came across this gold mine of a photographer. Through the power of Facebook (I make it sounds like a super hero!), I saw incredible pics from a friend's recent wedding. After an email, I found out her fantastic photographer lives right here in the same town! A few phone calls later and we were all set. I met Mary Beth at Louisville Pres. Seminary. She took a few family shots, then let the girls just run and explore. Here are a few of my favorites. We ended up with a CD of 189 and I love each and every one. She did an amazing job of truly capturing each girl's personality.

I am often amazed by God and his wondrous creation. One of the millions of things that amaze me is how He creates us uniquely! I see this best through the girls. Same parents, same type of pregnancy, same parenting style, and polar opposites! Ella is gentle, quiet, sensitive, and reserved. Kinsley never sees a dull moment (except for the few I claim for myself while I put her in her crib to nap. That's right - we still have our almost 2 year old on 2 naps a day and it just works!!!). She is so precious, and so full of energy, life, energy, laughter, energy, joy, and energy! They get along perfectly, though, and I feel so blessed to be mom to both of them!

Simple Magic

Ever have that concept that you knew existed, but didn't really know from personal experience? For example - for me . . . magic. I mean, I know what it is, could probably even describe it in generic terms, but to experience it is something completely different. Another one for me - simplicity. I could define it - sure. But to experience it and have that experience as a definition is a whole different story. This weekend, I was able to experience Magic and Simplicity all in one. Magic in watching my sweet girls have the time of their lives catching fireflies with their meme and grandad. Simplicity in the fireflies. Honestly, I don't see that many in our yard here in Louisville. In Caneyville, though, my sweet hometown - there is an overabundance. To my two young girls, it is amazing. Something so simple that I grew up seeing every night is so precious getting to relive it with my own girls. Our summer has been filled with simple things so far - slip and slides, fireflies, freezer pops, smores, backyard plastic pool, just to name a few. How precious to get to experience these things again with my girls - things from my own childhood!

On a recent show that we like (Ok - I will admit it - Friday Night Lights. We love it. So much that we were some of the crazies that even logged on the website when it went away for an entire year - watching for it to return!!) - Anyway, back to story. Recently, the mom was having a conversation with her daughter. Her over indulgent teenage daughter was giving the mom a hard time about pressuring her into what the mom wanted her to do. The mom simply said - "I got my dream. Our family is my dream come true." Then she went on to explain her daughter needed her own, etc . . . That comment resonated with me "I got my dream." I feel the same way. When I look at my life, I realize I can honestly say I received more than I could have ever asked for or imagined.

I think of that verse, "To Him who is able to do more than we imagine . . . " Thank you, God, for my life that is more than I could have dreamed it could be. Thank you for the simple moments.

Wouldn't Trade the Chaos

Do you ever feel like you are living your life in the midst of chaos? I mean, when you step back and look at the whole picture, you really don't have anything to complain about it and your life is truly blessed beyond measure, but the day to day can feel like a whirlwind. Sometimes I think we were crazy to get a little puppy while the girls were so young. He doesn't know the difference between his "puppy approved" toys and the toddler toys that run the full range at our house. I feel like I am constantly taking a Fisher Price Little people toy back to it's place, picking up random shoes to avoid teeth marks, and chasing Wrigley down to catch him and the recent doll or stuffed animal he has made his new treasure. All in all, he is a great puppy, but is still just that - a puppy. The girls love him, even though he at times can turn and nibble, which makes it worthwhile at the end of the day. It just makes the days feel like chaos.

Not too mention that Kinsley seems to have made a hobby out of giving me slight heart palpatations through creatively injuring herself! Last week, we had two scraped knees, both of which occurred at different times. Then a scraped elbow the next morning. That evening, she decided to climb up in her parked stroller and jump out, which resulted in a scraped arm (the other side). To top it off, that Friday morning, she took a running leap into the corner of the dresser, resulting in a puncture right beside her right eye. That resulted in a trip to the Pediatrician to make sure stitches weren't needed. She has a sporty black war wound eye today to show for it. I know these are all minor things, but can make the day seem - you guessed it - chaotic.

There are lots of things to be thankful for in the midst - thank you that I can be home to kiss all the puppy bite boo boos and scraped knees. That's a special mom priviledge I don't want to share. Thank you for the finances to get a puppy because our girls truly love him and I think being pet owners will make them more compassionate in life. I'm thankful to have opportunities throughout the day to truly teach my girls, and in turn learn from their sweet innocence as well.

I think often about the Trace Adkins song, "You're Gonna Miss This". I agree. Even during the most chaotic and wild days, I cherish the moments - the special moments I know I will miss fondly.

Wrigley

Welcoming the new addition to our family! A four legged addition, I should add. We adopted Wrigley from a local animal shelter yesterday. He is a 12 week old yellow lab. So far so good with bringing him home. The girls are thrilled, and I am pretty sure Ella hasn't stopped smiling one moment since we picked him up!

Grand Cayman

This past week, Ronnie and I were able to get away (with another great couple who are wonderful friends) for 9 days of Grand Cayman Paradise. The pictures don't do it justice! We missed our girls, but enjoyed the time away together ALMOST as much as they enjoyed all the attention and fun with their grandparents!:)

We snorkeled, swam with sting rays, and enjoyed listening to the waves every night from our condo. I read 4 books on the trip, while Ronnie went scuba diving for the first time! All things we wouldn't normally do on a family vacation!

Learning moments

I try to be intentional about not just allowing the days to pass without meaning. I love capturing the special, as well as the simply ordinary, moments in photos that I will cherish my entire life. I love building traditions with my girls. I love finding things for us to do during the days and creating memories. Earlier in the year, I posted our family values - one being to work hard to live a slow paced life. I feel we do well with that, but it isn't easy. Being slow paced requires effort, as crazy as it sounds. Something I think I struggle with is just "being".

Even as I type, I feel I should go upstairs and engage with Ella in the playroom. However, a lot of what I have been reading lately in my quiet time has focused on listening to God through prayer, reading, and mostly being still. As important as it is to create memories and be intentional with parenting, I am learning it is just as important to be still and be - an element of mothering / self - growth that I struggle with daily. I think when I focus on not focusing on things (ironic humor in that statement), I will notice blessings during those moments as well.

Eggs! & Date Nights

Once a month, Ronnie and I "date" our girls. He takes either Ella or Kinsley, and I take the other for special one on one time with each of them. Kinsley is just now getting to the age where the poor thing doesn't get dragged to Target or the grocery store but actually gets some sort of fun interaction just for her. Seriously - cut a mom some slack. She was a baby, and some chores are just easier with one in tow!:) So for tonight's date - a trip to the mall to visit the Easter bunny and Chic Fil A, topped off with throwing coins in the fountain, and a kids' scoop from Baskin Robbins. We had a lot of fun together and she is getting so much personality. (Plus, mom took her by Picture People for a quick 18 month free 8 X 10 photo. )

I love that we date our girls. As they get older, I think that time will just make conversations and open relationships more natural. I cherish time with both of them, but especially value the one on one moments, too. I think also think that helps Ella feel important in the midst of Kinsley demanding more at times.

Yesterday, we worked on making "Resurrection Eggs" to welcome in Easter. I know you can buy pre-made eggs about every Christian book store, but Ella loved getting involved in the process. So we methodically worked through the list, finding perfect treasures for the theme of every egg. Today's was a palm branch, A.K.A. - a sprig off the bush by our front porch. I think she gets the concept, or will by Easter. I just want the girls to know this holiday is about way more than a bunny, eggs, chocolate, etc. It is all about hope.

St. Patrick's Day Fun!

Last year, we borrowed an idea that I had heard from old friends about pranskter Leprachauns. So, the night of St. Patrick's Day "eve", those green men invaded our house and made a mess with lots of pranks. Ella loved it! Her favorite part was that they "licked" daddy's thumb while he slept and left green remnants of their trip.

This year, we decided to try to set a trap to catch one so they would reveal their gold stash. Surprisingly enough, we were unsuccessful. However, they did leave Ella and Kinsley some special "gold treasure" in the trap, as well as make a pretty big mess in the house.

It made for quite an exciting morning around here. To Ella's pleasant surprise, they even left a little green mark on her thumb this year. She couldn't believe they came into her room last night, but was thrilled they did and didn't want to wash it off.

Those pesky little guys! Maybe next year!

Come on Spring!

Not too much to update, but I thought I would post a few recent pictures. We are definitely ready for spring here! We have had a couple of warm days - we took full advantage! We spent 2 days at the zoo, and the others days playing outside as much as we could. I am thankful for our seasons, though. I am always excited for the next one as it approaches. As quick as they arrive, though, they seem to pass. Reminds me of how quickly my girls seem to grow and change. As I type, Ella is upstairs reading her familiar books. I say familiar because she has a select few that she truly can read from memory. Others recieve pretty creative stories. More and more each day, I am amazed at God's creation - usually through the girls. Somewhat uneventful week in our house, but just feeling blessed with where we are right now. And thankful!