Christmas: rounds two, three, four (five i failed at being a photographer)

Christmas this year came in stages:  One, being at Momma and Daddy's with Regina and her kids (see previous blog), two being our family Christmas, Three being at Nonna and Poppa's with them, Bit, Lyssa, Val and her family, And Grandma and Grandpa.  Don't forget Christmas eve cookies, Church etc!!!!

We did Christmas cookies on Christmas Eve, it was a blast with the boys as usual... imagine kiddos with color-staining dye mixed with icing and cookies..... so... sugar, sugar, sugar and some sugar on top! 

Next comes some pics of us all dressed up!

The Mafia picture (if you don't know, all three are Don)

another  cute picture!!!

so, if you want to see more, click :   http://picasaweb.google.com/eswilhelm/Christmas09Rounds24#

Christmas at MawMaw's house was a bit sad.  As you know, my grandmother passed away Feb. 13, 2009, and this was the first Christmas without her and PawPaw didn't come out of the nursing home for Christmas either so it was kind of sad on that part.  But this is also the last one in that house.... they are selling the house after the new year.  I will miss that house but the memories will live on.  We had a good time one last time.  Next year things will be different.  We miss you MawMaw!

Three years later.....

That tiny premie baby boy has turned into an inquisitive little man full of energy and very mischievous..... Yes, my Benny-boy is three today as of 7:08 am.  I can't believe that much time has gone by since our emergency trip home, water breakage in the car, a terrified couple calling people to come help them, breathing excercises via phone done by a great friend, Leah.  Getting to the hospital and having to sign papers in between contractions and with TONS of shaking ( I had preregistered so what was the point of that, i don't knjow)  After the epidural, all was great.  I still had some time to go till 10cm was reached but at 6:45 am, they let me start pushing and our first little bundle of joy joined us just a little bit later.  At birth, he was 6lbs 5 oz and 20 inches at 4 weeks early.  Thankfully, he was healthy and didn't require NICU treatment.  His godmother was able to care for him in the regular nursery and the staff took great care of him. 

Since then, he has grown so much.  He is about 38 ish inches (try holding a 3 yr old still long enough to get a size while the 22 month old wants to be held....) and 30 lbs.  He is one smart cookie too!  I don't know where he learns everything he does, but I am glad he is smart!  Because of his birthday, he can't go to preschool till next year, but hopefully we can get him in three year old preschool next fall.  I have to start working on that this year. 

From this:

To this little man.  My has he grown!

If you want to see more pics of him, check out the facebook albums! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BENJAMIN MICHAEL!!!!

for those who are keeping up....

Here are the pics:  http://picasaweb.google.com/eswilhelm/Christmas2009#

Christmas: round one complete

We went to Shreveport for Christmas with Nana and Grandpa and my sister and her kiddos on Saturday.... My house is now paying for it.... The boys sure enjoyed themselves and were definately spoiled.  we now have a tent with tunnel, Disney Cars stuff out the wazooo, clothes, a new train starter set from Thomas and friends, noise makers of every kind, books, blankets, puzzles, fishing equipment, PLAYDOUGH (which has currently dissappeared... hmm).  and so much more.  Joey got a set of three knives from Mom and daddy.  I got a 2 gig digital picture frame with interchangable mattes... I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!  WE also got a stained glass window from my sister.  Took a picture with santa.  Went to Bryn's second birthday party! And in general, had a blast1  Pictures to come when I get them on the computer

Rush time....

Well, its Christmas time and I feel so worn out already.  I still have tons to do before next Friday.  I still have a lot of presents that aren't here yet.  I have to wrap a lot.  I have to put together a bike and a "my first workbench".  Saturday we are headed to Shreveport for Christmas with Momma, Daddy, Regina and the girls.  Then we will stay with Regina and Sunday we have Bryn's birthday party.  Which I still have to get a present for.  I will also go see Kelly while we are there and go meet baby Colin too.  Grandma and Grandpa come in on Tuesday.  Joey is taking Wed. off.  Thursday we are making cookies (wed. i have to make like 12 loafs of Amish bread) We will go to Mass on Thursday.  Get all Christmas ready Thursday... Santa will come.  Then get some rest.  Kids get up early Friday, open presents get ready get on road go to MawMaw's house for the last Christmas there.  It will be a sad day.  Then Back to Fun-roe that night.  Sat. we are probably going to do Ben's birthday ( i don't know yet).  Then Sunday is Bryn's baptism.  Not sure how we are going to swing that one.  Probably won't go.  Taht is another 60 dollars in my car.  Already going to be out 120 bucks for the previous trips.  Then Ben's birthday is the 30th and then New years/new years eve.... oh so much.  But this is still my favorite time of year!  I love giving people things! 

Who Dat???

I sit here thinking of the Saints who are now 13-0.  I cant remember the last awesome season they have had.... I am thouroughly amazed at what they are doing!  Though it seems they are closer and closer to loosing each game.... They still manage to pull off the "W".  We taught Ben when he was younger to say "Who dat think dey gonna beat dem Saints".  Well, we are proud to say DJ can now say "who Dat".  As best he can that is.  His ears have caused him so much trouble and I am pretty sure he is infected again.  But I digress.... I havent uploaded the movie yet, but when I do, it WILL GO UP.  The boys sitting on the couch and each one saying "who dat".  DJ randomly walks around saying "who dat while holding up his arms for touchdown.

first dance

There are so many songs that work for us.... So I just went back to our first song:  Rascal Flats, God bless the Broken Road

Bless The Broken Road lyrics


Songwriters: Boyd, Bobby C; Hannah, Jeff; Hummon, Marcus;

I set out on a narrow way, many years ago

Hoping I would find true love along the broken road

But I got lost a time or two

Wiped my brow and kept pushing through

I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you



Every long lost dream led me to where you are

Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars

Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true



That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you

Yes He did



I think about the years I spent, just passing through

I'd like to have the time I lost, and give it back to you

But you just smile and take my hand

You've been there, you understand

It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true



Every long lost dream led me to where you are

Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars

Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true



That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you



But now I'm just rolling home into my lover's arms

This much I know is true



That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you



That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you