Snowman lessons

I can't remember did I already show this first picture of Wyatt's first snowman? He's just so proud of it. We have spend a good amount of time this winter going through pictures online in those fun slideshows. And this one still starts a long talk about building snowmen.

First snowman of the year... from like Nov?

Well when the chance to build a new snowman came about, Wyatt was all about it. Levi even remembered and was more then ready to get bundled up for the snow. 

Brothers working together

Granted it wasn't the best snow for snowman making, very soft, wouldn't hold a shape. But somehow we got a base, and shaped a "head" like part on top of it!  I know this is nothing like a snowman that will impress them in a year or two, but for now it was more than enough.

Mommy and her two snow bugs

Wyatt loved running through the fresh snow - it was up to this knees. He started drawing pictures in the snow even - great fun.

Running in the snow

Sure I wish on a regular basis to live somewhere warmer, but if we were in such a warmer place, we wouldn't have the chances we have to play in the snow. And really, with two boys, that just wouldn't be fun!

Sled riding

Before this crazy cold spell (the coldest temperatures for two years) and the crazy warm spell (we reached 60 degrees this Jan) we were able to sneak a little sled riding for the boys.

My parents' side yard has a small hill - it's barely a hill - just a pain when it comes to yard work really. But still it is a hill of sorts. So I figured that would be the perfect place to to have a first attempt at sled riding.

I mean what kid enjoys pulling a sled up a long hill just to tumble of the sled midway down? Well I never did, and figured it would be more fun.  No one else seemed to think it would work.

Luckily for me it did - a moment of feeling like a mama who planned well to wear out her kiddos!

Reaching the bottom of the hill

Wyatt loved it - he would position  himself directly in the middle of the red saucer sled at my parents and wait for a push start from my dad or Patrick. Then for a few seconds he would "fly" down the hill. Plus it was small enough that he could drag the sled back up on his own - less work for us adults!

Super happy to be sledding like his big brother

I was amazed at how into it Levi was. He smiled and giggled through the whole thing. He wasn't fazed with the cold or the air as he went down the hill - on his own sled!

We even got the boys to ride down together a couple of time - great fun!

Riding together

I was so thrilled to watch my little boys just simply enjoy being outside in the snow - a treat I don't get much really.

Wyatt and daddy

So here's to more snow this winter - I mean it's always easier to deal with cold when there is snow to play with!

Hot Chocolate

One of my favorite Christmas stories is The Polar Express.  I can't believe we don't own it!  Guess I'll have to keep my eyes open for a sale this year.  

Well I was super pleased with the great movie version that came out a while back. I think the graphics did a great job of bringing such a classic to life, and Tom Hanks did a marvelous job of voicing so many of the characters.

It shouldn't be a surprise that Wyatt loves The Polar Express - he does have a thing for trains. As it is a Christmas movie, I keep it with the Christmas things - which means that he only gets to watch it when Christmas is set up in our house. 

Well one of his favorite scenes this year was the musical number, Hot Chocolate. It's fun, and flashy. 

complete joy over having a cup all to himself

So he expeirienced his first taste of hot chocolate this year year. Granted it was cooled down significantly. 

And what is hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows and whipped cream? 

Levi got to taste whipped cream during a hot chocolate night. And he was a major fan!

yes he ate it directly from my hand... don't judge!

But then again, who isn't a fan of heavy cream whipped into a light airy treat? I can't think of anyone really.  Here's to another Christmas tradition begun this year.

Anticipating the Light

Although I am not raising my kids in the Catholic Church, I was raised in the Church, and I feel there are valuable lessons that need to be learned from some of the traditions of the Catholic Church.

One of these lessons is the advent wreath and candles. As long as I remember this is a tool that can be used to give a visual to the story of Christ's birth, I don't see how it can be a bad thing (I only say this because I've talked to many that refuse to do anything they learned from the Catholic Church for fear of teaching their kids to make idols...)

Wyatt sharing the story with Elmo and Mickey - notice how his gaze is glued on those candles

This is year we actually found time to squeeze in quite a few times to light the candles on our advent wreath and read some short verses about the Birth of Christ. 

And yes on most such opportunities Wyatt wanted to make sure Elmo and Mickey were there to hear the stories of Jesus' Birthday. 

Levi had great interest in sitting on daddy's lap to hear the story and watch the candles

I enjoyed how the flickering light of the candle drew the boys to the table. It was amazing that such a small light would capture their attention so easily in a world with flashy ads and loud music. 

We started the whole learning experience talking about Jesus is the light of the world. And many years ago He was born, just like each of us, and that we celebrate Christmas as a way to celebrate His Birthday. I know there are many more important parts of the story to plant into their little hearts, but I also wanted to start slow, and drive home the idea that Jesus is the Light for everyone. We'll work our way up to rest of the details. 

Blowing the candles out

Every time we finished up by singing Happy Birthday to Jesus, because Wyatt loved to sing Happy Birthday. Even Levi got the idea that after we were done with the song we got to blow out the candles.

Some side notes on this particular year of the advent wreath:  I choose to keep the center candle lit most of the day, and we didn't blow is out with the other candles, as I was trying to push the fact of Jesus is light, still today, not just when He was walking on the earth in human form.  Also I want to add that this advent wreath is the same wreath that I used growing up - my mom graciously gifted me with this family treasure a couple of years ago - it has images of kids from around the world, demonstrating the all encompassing promise that Jesus came to save us all.