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We went back and forth on whether to buy a real Christmas tree this year. Ben and I have gotten authentic ones for the past 4 years, but this year went faux fir, and I'll tell you why. It wasn't the pine needle problem in the carpet. It wasn't the sticky sap dripping on the branches... It was those frustrating lights. The allure of having one already wired for illumination was too much to resist. =)
It is such a unique and rare thing for children to have great-grandparents in their lives... and thankfully, my boys get to experience it. They love visiting her home filled with little antiques and the most extensive doll collection you've ever seen. But the icing on the cake is spending time with her two little dogs who aren't sure what to make of Wyatt and Dylan.
My friend Carrie just introduced me to
Snapea Crisps from Trader Joes. To me they looked like the most unappetizing snack, but I tasted one and got immediately addicted. I made a trip to TJ's to buy more and the boys love snacking on them, too. In fact, Wyatt has informed us that they are his favorite snack ( which will last a few weeks) =)
Let me just say this is really an alternative to chips or pretzels, not so much real fruits and veggies. But they're fairly nutritious and tasty. The ingredients include green peas, corn oil, rice and salt. And there are 2g of fiber and 5g of protein in every serving. It just might be the next favorite in your house, too.
Even though the only thing Wyatt can talk about right now is decorating the tree, I'm sure he's going to enjoy lots of fun holiday projects over the next month.
Michael's has some great craft ideas, like this reindeer apron, that will keep kids busy while you catch up on your Christmas cards.
But my absolute favorite is this Felt Gingerbread House, that kids can decorate without getting a sugar high. I am totally in love with it, and it is definitely going on my wish list this year. For the kids, of course.
Wyatt has picked up a small Spanish vocabulary over the past year. I've tried teaching him some German and for a while he used the word "schmutzig" for "dirty," mostly when it pertained to something on his hands. But lately he laughs when I use German words (fahrvergnügen anyone?) and he enjoys Spanish so I'm cool with it.
Occasionally, though, he surprises us with newfound knowledge that we had nothing to do with. Last night Ben was wrestling with the boys, and he trapped Wyatt in a pseudo-headlock. When he pleaded (through squealing laughter) for Ben to let go, Ben told him to say the magic word. Wyatt replied, "Abre," which apparently means "open" in Spanish. If Ben hadn't been there to translate, I'm sure I would've thought he was giving me an abbreviated version of Abra Cadabra.
I loved learning languages in school, so I'm hoping Wy will also carry this passion with him throughout childhood... And still remember some of it when he's 30.
There is a wonderful family in Va Beach that attends my sister's church. Last month their 2-year-old son Cole was diagnosed with leukemia, and he is already undergoing chemotherapy. His little body is having to endure so much and he is in a lot of pain. I know this must be the hardest thing to watch your child go through, so please join me in praying for Cole, as well as his parents Mike and Dalynn. Pray for healing, but also for grace and rest over the months to come.
On this Thanksgiving Day, I'm especially grateful for:
While we were driving in the car the other day, Wyatt reached over to hold his sick little brother's hand. I'm sure they'll be fighting like brothers only can someday, but for now I'm grateful for these moments. 
I was just having a conversation with a friend who is debating getting her little girl's ears pierced. She's 3. 
I know lots of moms who do this when their babies are just a few months old, and others who wait until they are much older.
My parents didn't let me get my ears pierced until I was 8. Even then it was a little early for my mom. But my dad swayed her and told me that I could get them pierced if I won first place in a race that I was running. I did.
Not having any girls of my own, I haven't had to think too much about this. So I'm just wondering...
What are your thoughts? Do you think there's an appropriate age to get this done?
I couldn't figure out what to do with my hair this season. "Stay long? Go short? Bobs are back! Mmm... no. Can't decide." Somehow my favorite hairstylist figured out how to give me all the possibilities in one cut. Go figure. (My hubby made me pose for this photo. =)
German photographer Jan Von Holleben took some captivating and creative photos of children flying. You've gotta check these out...
Today I'm grateful for:
My boys take on a whole new personality whenever they visit their grandparents. It's like they know that the regular rules don't apply, that the visit is mostly about them. It's funny to watch how secure they become in all that love. They walk around so confidently. And while I love to see their little independent sides come out once in a while, it's a difficult job adjusting them back into normal life once we're home again. But I wouldn't have it any other way. =)
How in the world a new mom could run a marathon just nine months after having a baby is beyond me. But 33-year old Paula Radcliffe not only ran the New York City Marathon on November 4, she won! Read the article [here]. I don't think I could have put so much effort into something that would've taken away the focused time I enjoyed with Wyatt and Dylan as newborns. But hey, she's hard core and healthy. More power to her.
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