How did Mary gave birth to Jesus?

So it started, the how-did-the-baby-got-out-of-the-tummy question.  Beata is learning more about the birth of Jesus in her Sunday classes, and while we were driving home from dropping off Jakob from school, she bursted out this question with a phrase, "there was no door, how did baby Jesus got out?".  I was speechless but then I quipped, only God can do miracles.  She's smart, but I'm smarter :)

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Christmas!  I love Christmas!  And our Christmas this year went by really fast...for me anyway.  Well, we got our tree early but was not able to decorate it right away coz you need to put the lights first before the other ornaments and our old lights are broken so we need a new one and were not able to buy until a week later :(.  I shopped early for Christmas presents but last minute changes made me go back to the store to make some returns :(.   Hubby was renovating the laundry room. He spent most of his free time in the basement, so I was not able to hang up some decor coz I needed his held and it was not available (well, it is but I did not insist coz I know he's tired already).  So the basement was a mess too, so we were not able to spend our time together in the basement sitting in the couch, lights lit, sipping hot chocolate while the stove is heating up :(

I know, so many :(s, but it still is the most wonderful time of the year.  And...we can celebrate it anytime of the year (minus the lights and decorations).  And trust me, my :)s are far greater than my :(s. 

Merry Christmas everyone!

Okay. Now the for more pics. 

Jakob and his presents from Mommy, Pappi and Tita Dada

Beata giving her present for Mommy and opening her Christmas stockings

Jethro closing his eyes as he tries to get his presents from his stocking

In their Christmas pjs (notice the baby powder on Jethro's; he threw up just before opening presents -- full tummy and jumping with excitement doesn't mix!)

PIC OF THE WEEK: Aquino Kiddos

From the many attempts to get another picture of our 3 kiddos in their other Christmas outfit; at least we got one good (?) pic. :D

WEDNESDAY re-WIND: Gingerbread House

Christmas 2007

Say "cheeesee"!

Camera is ready.  Dresses are nice.  The background is set.  But we have to wait till the afternoon (see previous post).  We (I) was planning to take our Christmas pictures Sunday morning but we run out of time so we ended up doing it in the afternoon for the kids' pictures and in the evening for our family photo.  And of course, when it comes to taking my kiddos' pictures, one has to be funny :0.  See for yourself...

Beata ...

Jethro...

and Jakob!

Aaaahhhh!!!!  My kids are so funny!

Choooo-chooo!!!!

All aboard!

Our Playmobil train is now ready.  I was having second thoughts about putting the train under the tree this year because of the new hardwood floors, but hubby said it would not scratch the floor so I agreed to it.  And I am glad I did because the kids love it.  A little reminder here and there every now and then to tell them that yes, it is a toy train but really not for playing (does that make sense?)
 ...well, at least after the tree is gone :D

PIC OF THE WEEK: Our Decorated Tree

Phew!  I finally finished decorating our tree this year (took me a while for some reason).  My theme this year is Red and Gold.  I bought my ornaments from Boxing Day and end of season sale last year.  I thought I bought enough already but looking at my tree, I think I need more ornaments--big ones actually, with our tree being so tall and wide, my ornaments look so small on it.  I'll be on the lookout for clearance ornaments this year and add them to my tree next year.  But for now, I would have to be content and to enjoy what we have.  Hubby says it looks nice; it's just me, I'm too perfectionist :D

Rice Crispies

I bought a a box of holiday rice crispies last week and Beata was so excited to make our own rice crispies squares so today, I let them dig in and make it themselves (okay, I helped them a bit).  At first, they were a bit hesitant to do it coz it's sticky and a bit messy.  But I assured them it's okay to use their hands and be messy (well, I made sure they did not wear their best clothes for this, and that we have a big tablecloth and lots of papertowels. LOL).  Jethro did not like the way it's sticking to his hands.  I said put more butter in your hands but he ends up brushing his eyes or face so he just gave up.  Beata and Jakob enjoyed it. Literally.  They were moulding it and licking it too!(see the second picture below; notice the greasy mouths) I know, yucky.  But that's fine coz they are the ones who'll eat them all anyway...maybe some for daddy, but he doesn't mind.  They're his kids anyway! :D

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

It's that time of the year.  Time to get a Christmas tree.  It's just our third time to do this but I was really looking forward to it.  We went to Horton's Magic Hill Farm (Taylor Tree Farm closed so we went here instead) and it was great.  They have a hill for sleds, tractor ride, playground for kids (though a bit covered in snow; but still fun) and the treat shop where we enjoyed some hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies.  It was a mild weather so ended up spending 2 hours there.  It took us a long time to find my "perfect" tree but that's okay.  We enjoyed playing with the snow while we were hiking.  There was a little disappointment coz hubby did not dress "properly" for the activity but...that's okay.  He was sorry.  I love you, honey.  We will definitely go back here next year.  Now if I can only finish decorating our Christmas tree.  Hhhhmmmm!

The (long) process of finding the "perfect" tree.

(dried) flowers for mommy.  awwww!

Our tree (above) and the kids (below) fascinated by the machine. :D

Whoa!  My strong man!  lol.