Dear Boys...

Well, I did it again.  I started a blog with every intention of writing in it "all the time" and here it sits.  Oh, I have every intention of writing so many things. I have so many thoughts swirling around in this head of mine that I want and need to share with you.  And, I do share them with you.  But, I really want so many of them to be written down. 

So, on this last day of 2010, I am going to resolve for the New Year to write more in my blog.  I will first and foremost spend more quality time with you guys and then make sure I am writing things down.  I really want you to have this so some day you can look back and laugh at all the crazy stuff we did, smile at a fun memory, or just ponder what you were doing way back when. 

I love you guys.  You make me so proud.  Here are some pictures from Christmas to end the year.

Dear Boys..

Yesterday we went to our annual Breakfast with Santa at my work.  I have to admit.  I was dreading it a little this year.  I just wanted to sleep in.  We saw Santa at church last week and I thought that should do it.  (wow, do I sound like a Scrooge or what?) 

I'm so glad you talked me in to it.  Seeing you sit on Santa's lap and hearing you talk about how "good" you were this year (or weren't..uh, Jack?  I was shocked that you admitted it!  And wasn't it great to hear that Santa had brothers too and could totally relate to you??) never gets old.  I will probably want you to do that even when you are in college. 

Okay, maybe not. 

But, my favorite part of the day was getting my picture taken with you guys.  We so rarely have that opportunity.  I am so thankful that my friend from work was such a good sport and snapped a few shots. 

I will love this picture forever.

Love, Mom

Dear Boys..

The Christmas tree looks beautiful.  Thanks Jack for helping me "straighten it out" before we started decorating.  It really was in there crooked and we didn't want to have to tilt our heads to the sides when we looked at it. 

GREAT JOB at decorating!  You didn't break any ornaments.  "Mom, is this a heavy one?"  "Mom, can this one break?"  "Mom, can you help me find a strong branch for this one?"  We certainly dropped quite a few but we didn't break any! 

We'll see if we can say that in a few days after Bronx has decided that the tree is invading HIS space! 

I hope your colds are better tomorrow.  I wish we could sleep in.  But, I understand your need to see Santa...AGAIN....at 8:30 on a Saturday morning....*yawn*. 

How about we all take naps tomorrow?? 

Love, Mom

Dear Boys...

Things I will remember about picking out a Christmas tree with you this year:

• Jack decided HE was going to be the one to pick it out since the other boys did it with dad last year.  (you little boys were having NONE of that!))
• Ben couldnt't WAIT to go get a tree and the whole time we were there he kept saying, "just PICK one guys!" 
• Joey going through row after row looking for the perfect one....knowing just what he had in mind and nothing was quite right. 
• Really wanting the tree that that guy picked for his girlfriend.  We thought it was perfect but she didn't really want it...until WE said if she didn't want it, we would take it.  Then, she thought it was great.  (remember the saying "you may not want it but you don't want someone else to have it either" that applies here) 
• The fact that even though all this happened, we got in the car at 5:00pm to get the tree and had it paid for, tied to the top of the car and we were all back in the car pulling out of the lot at 5:18pm.  Amazing what a little cold will do for your decision making!

It is a great tree.  I love it.  But, most of all, I love that we picked it out together...and had so much fun doing it! 

Love, Mom

Dear Boys...

I am sorry that when you get up tomorrow and discover that I made puppy chow tonight, you will not be allowed to have any.  It isn't for you.  It is for my work.  I promise I will make you some within the next few days.  I just didn't have the energy to make it tonight.  Please forgive me.

Love, Mom