Giving

I don't know if it's just my kids (I highly doubt it), but it seems like this time of year just makes them crazy with wanting stuff (Jonas hasn't really started expressing this yet :). I really want to raise children who are generous. I feel at times like I am fighting a losing battle. Part of me wants to buy our kids everything they ask for. Another part of me, wants to have them give everything away. I was really proud of Sara today because she decided to use her money to buy presents for other people. She needed a bit of reminding while we were at the store that she was shopping for other people, but it was really neat to see her heart in the right place. I am definitely looking for ways to get myself and the kids more outward focused, though. So, if anyone has any ideas let me know.

7 Months

Today, Jonas turned 7 months. In the last 2 weeks, he has started clapping. In the last 2 days, he has started doing it a ton! It is so fun to watch him start clapping. He also reaches out to be picked up, and has started rolling over again. Jonas still doesn't believe in sleep - maybe next month :)

The Hunt

This year, we decided to get a real Christmas tree. We have in the past, but the debate around here is ongoing. The smell is wonderful and makes it seem like Christmas. The mess they make and having to throw it away, make it kinda hard to do, but in the end we decided to go for it. Now finding the perfect Christmas tree is serious business. When you add two little kids and cold weather, it makes the hunt all the more interesting. After looking at one place for 45 minutes, Sara and I decided our toes were frozen. We all decided that this place did not have the perfect Christmas tree. We went to 2 more places. Jon was the brave tough one of the fam who went out to find the perfect tree. Sara, Jonas and I hung out in the car and sang Christmas Carols. Then we got it home, and Jon had to drill the hole in it. Oh, the work that is involved :) Sara is so excited that we have our Christmas tree! She takes everyone that stops bye to see it. She tells people about it, and she even calls people on her pretend phone to let them know about it. So, overall it is definitely worth it :) She asks every night if all the people driving past our house or in the houses around us can see our Christmas tree. Kids sure do make Christmas exciting :) Sara was also a big help in hanging the ornaments. Jonas took a much more relaxed view of the whole event, but he does really like staring at all those lights!

Wagon Ride

A few weeks ago, it was surprisingly warm. We decided to go for a walk, and we decided to take the wagon around the block. It was really easy after pushing a stroller, keeping tack of a toddler on a bike and having a dog pull my arm off. We couldn't go too far because Jonas is still pretty young, but it was a nice change and a taste of next spring.

Passing An Afternoon

Jonas and Sara have found their favorite spot in the house. It is sitting on the loveseat and looking out the window. One afternoon, they sat there for a very long time watching the guys pick up all the leaves we had raked. Oh, how the simple things occupy them. I have to admit I enjoyed watching too.

Daddy's Birthday

Jon celebrated his 29th Bday the Sat after Thanksgiving. Sara was very excited to help celebrate. She helped me make cupcakes. We had to buy balloons blow them up and put them around the house. We started talking about plans the Monday before his birthday, and every morning she would wake up and say, "Is it daddy's birthday today?" She was very excited to see all the candles and watch him blow them out. She definitely knows how to celebrate. She was very good at keeping the secret of what his birthday present was. She was concerned, though that she had bought the same card for him last year. Before he opened his present she asked him if she gave him, "Did I give you the one with the dog wearing a hat last year?" Jon asked her if she was giving away his present. She said, "No, I was talking to Jonas." She already knows how to cover her tracks :) Jonas even decided to wake up for the occassion of blowing out candles.

Turkey

Sara made a turkey in preschool group. She named her Cindy. Cindy the turkey has been our centerpiece for a few weeks now. We had to negotiate whether Cindy could go with us to Grandpa Allen's for Thanksgiving. She thankfully forgot about Cindy in the excitement of getting out the door :) We had a great Thanksgiving relaxing here at home and then headed to Grandpa Allen's for lots of yummy food. Sara enjoyed playing with her Aunt Arielle and Uncle Brandon, who are 7 and 5. She talked about them continuously for the next 2 days. We have a lot to be thankful for - that's for sure.

Sitting

At 6 months, Jonas is enjoying sitting up by himself and checking out the toys. He still needs somebody near to help him when he decides to lean to the left :) He continues to love being near Sara and watching her. He is still sleeping about 2-3 hours at a time. However, he is getting better at naps during the day. He smiles so much! It has been fun to watch him become really interested in toys. He likes to try and press the buttons, spin things, or get them to do something.