On Christmas Day. . .

. . .and the Eve of



The boys got dressed in their new PJ's and went to bed to await the arrival of Santa





. . .in the Morning

We started the day by going to church. Craig got them all ready for church and I came down and put their top hats on.



"What Handsome devils!" I exclaimed.

Big H looked at me all confused and asked, "Devils?"

"Yeah Devils."

Still confused, he inquired, "What's that?"

I explained that it meant they are so good looking they may break a few hearts. That boy is getting to be so grown up.

We sneaked the boys out the side door so they wouldn't be distracted by the toys.




Upon returning home we were greatly excited for the big unveiling. Santa had brought us some wonderful surprises. The best being their new Thomas. . . Train sets.



Little H, however, was not impressed. He grumped and grimaced at every present that was to be opened. he even spent some time in time out. We finally put together one of the train sets in hopes that Little H would let us have an enjoyable Christmas.

Santa also brought the boys a dual screen DVD player for the car. This was a long awaited gift by children and parents a like. Lets face it, it's more of a blessing for us. After these were opened all hope for the other presents was lost. Baby M even swatted gifts, that I tried to show him, away.



This was the gift I was most excited for:



I bought this for Craig and I couldn't wait to watch him open it.

Craig got me some fancy new boots, and a cool photo organizer. I also got some anti-freeze-- my car has a leak and needs to be refilled often or the heater won't work-- and some deicing windshield fluid.

All this, and much more, graced the Stratton home in the form of Christmas gifts that morning.

Big H




Little H





The train from his new train set is sitting next to him.

"Who's that?" He kept asking.

"It's Dash." I'd say.

"No, it's Ferdinand."

"No, it's Dash."

"No, it's Ferdinand."

"OK, it can be Ferdinand if you want it to."

If you watch Thomas. . . often then this conversation makes a little more sense.

Baby M



Enjoying his penguin ring pop.



Craig and I




Our Little Martinelli's Family



Baby M and I playing with a Stocking Stuffer.




Got to love the unwrapping mess! It's hard to believe that such beautifully wrapped packages could create such chaos.




. . .Afternoon

We headed to my parents to take part in a lovely Christmas meal, and some more exchanging of gifts.



Little H insisted the new Thomas. . . set be brought to Grandma's. Here they are enjoying the excitment of their first real Thomas. . . train set. Given just to them.



Such fun they had. But trains can turn into not so much fun when you try to drive them through mom's hair. Twice! Did I mention they were turned on? I lost a few good clumps of hair to Dash one and Dash two.

Little H and Baby M really let their exhaustion show. Baby M was dead tired and kept throwing fits because he couldn't play with the Thomas. . . toys. I brought down some other train sets for him, which did seem to please as long as the train stayed on the tracks. Which it didn't. Little H was kind of a little grump. Throwing fits here and there. Pushing Baby M and not letting him play. I was sad that he couldn't just be happy on such a special day.

Baby M and Nephew M playing together, so cutely.



What adorable hors d'oeuvre's grandma got this year.



The families were all so generous this year. We got so much fun stuff! We are so grateful for everything.




. . .Night

The boys put on their fuzzy reindeer pajamas and prepared for a much needed rest. They had a fun day full of new toys, yummy treats and family and friends. I tried to finish the night by listening to our new audio CD that came with our . . .Polar Express book, but instead I spent it rocking a tired and hysterical Little H to sleep.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!

. . .And the Day After

I tagged along with my parents as we visited Grandma's and went to see what everyone got from Santa. Little H was in another mood, but seemed to be better after a little nap.

When we finally returned home the boys, and I, set up their new cardboard castle. A gift from their cousins. Isn't it so cute?




Baby M's new PJ's.



Apparently he doesn't want to be a cowboy.



See that little toy he's holding.



He's upset because I can not execute, with perfection, the operation he wants it to perform. What is that operation? You've got me. He gets extremely picky and finicky when he is tired.

Every cow boy needs his mom.




We have had a truly wonderful Holiday. And we are so grateful to our friends, and family, for making it so special. We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year.

Getting in the Christmas Spirit

As of Sunday, we finally have the house restored to a bit of sanity. We have both trees decorated, and I think all the decorations are up, excluding the Christmas Dishes.






Saturday, I met up with my cousin at The Festival of Trees. We haven't gone for a couple of years, and I have missed it. I thought the boys would really enjoy it too. The only downside was trying to push three boys, who did not want to be in a stroller, through the crowds.

Have you seen this child?

Yes it's true. I lost Big H at the festival of trees. Craig had just showed up so me, my cousin and Craig were scoping the crowds. I headed towards the front and caught sight of the information booth.

"I'll ask what to do when you've lost a child," I thought.

Well there was Big H sitting on a volunteers lap, crying his head off. The ladies laughed a little when they saw Little H.

"Hey I think we have that kid with us in the information booth," they all said.

I laughed and said, "Yeah can you tell he belongs to me." :)


I was very appreciative, and the volunteers were impressed that I was so calm. I was trying to keep from getting to the worried stage before it was absolutely necessary.



Shortly after, loosing Big H, the twins took to holding hands. That's sounds like a good idea to me.

Here are some of the trees, and gingerbread houses, that were at the festival this year. Beautiful as always.












The big man himself was at the Festival, and Big H was all excited to go see him. We got there right as Santa was returning, and the boys all got a candy cane. They were all really excited about Santa. So we waited. . .and waited. . .and waited. . .and waited. . .in line. I probably should have just dropped it. After all, we had already gotten Santa photos at Wal-Mart back in November. But the boys cried and cried in those photos, and I was just so excited the Big H actually wanted to see him. I was crossing my fingers that this would be a happy visit. Well I'm sure you can guess what happened.

After me, repeatedly asking Big H, "Do you want to see Santa?"

And getting an excited, "Yes!"

It was finally our turn and Big H started to say, "No, No Santa!"



As always Santa was nice, and we got a pretty decent photo. At least there wasn't as much squirming.

Waiting for Santa almost made us late for a reception we wanted to go to. Luckily the reception went way over the time on the invitation. It was for a friend of mine that I knew in first grade. We were great friends, but she moved after that school year. We wrote for a while, but it faded out. Then, one day, I got a letter from her. I think I was in high school at the time. Anyway, thanks to the wonders of facebook, we are still in touch today. She looked beautiful, and I was glad we made it to her reception. Sadly, my camera died so I couldn't get a picture with her. But I took a photo of the fun cake lollipop I got from her wedding.



It was DELICIOUS!

Upon returning from the festival of trees, I gave all the men a haircut. They were all in huge need. And, since we don't have much time for a good cut with the scissors, I just pulled out the clippers. I still can't believe how short it is. But they still look cute as ever!



To conclude our decorating, we made snowflakes at my parents house on Sunday night. My mom is responsible for the really pretty ones. Nephew K helped out too. It was way fun. We brought the home and stuck them on the wall with the tree on it.



P.S. It's Christmas Card time again. Those that want one sent snail mail let me know! Happy to do it!