Merry Christmas!

Here is our Christmas Eve dinner. Leg o' Lamb, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and asparagus. Also, I made "snow" for a drink, since we are lacking in the snow department here in Virginia. 

 Lohn read the Christmas story and the kids dressed up and acted it out. We haven't had a baby doll in the house for years, so Tamsyn found a primate, the next closest kin to Humans to play the part of Baby Jesus. 

Aunt Lisa made these adorable dinosaur tails for the boys. 

 Big Hit!

 Cousin Nicole made this gorgeous scarf for Tamsyn.

And here are our gifts from Aunt Heidi and Uncle Tyler and kids. Lohn's apron says, "I'm a McKee and it's kind of a big deal" Haha, we love it! (Not pictured, a machete-like knife. Uncle Tyler sent it, and when I opened it, I sat starting at it all confused, and Lohn took it from me saying, "It's a guy thing" and started brandishing it all over the place.)

Christmas Morning, approx. 6am

And behold the Christmas carnage.

Here is the nativity our kids performed. No idea why it's in black and white. Some setting got messed up on my camera, and I couldn't fix it. I figure that's okay though, because life was black and white way back then, right? it's about 4 minutes long, so I only expect you to watch it if you are Grandma or Grandpa :)

Puke, snot, and gingerbread houses! (and in that order too!)

On Monday, the school called to say my son was sick. We brought him home, and this is what he did the rest of the day on Monday. 

And while the puking only lasted the one day, he was lethargic and feverish for 4 more days. The two little boys and myself quickly followed suit. We are all doing somewhat better now, but currently we could own and run our own snot factory.   

And amidst all that snot and coughing, we made gingerbread houses. (With real gingerbread this year!)

Sylas and I made one together

Lohn and Gunnar teamed up to make one

And Tamsyn and Ander made one together

This is Sylas's spider. 

I'm excited for Christmas!

My message of Hope.

I have been crying off and on for the last 24 hours.  My heart literally hurts.  But I have found some beauty in the last several hours I wanted to share.

There is still so much good in this world.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/moments-that-restored-our-faith-in-humanity-this-y

The good outweighs the evil.



And I have been touched by the stories of the heroes.  The principal. The teachers. The custodian. The First Responders. The Newtown Priest. Heroes, everyone of them.
"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world." -- Mister Rogers

And my own personal message to that Great Destroyer. You may rage and conspire. You may take away, hurt and bruise. But you will NOT win. There is too much beauty, honesty, selflessness and love among mankind.  God is among us. And through our faith in him, we will win. 

"And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,

And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."

Babies, Birthdays and Quirky statements...

So I have the most ADORABLE niece that was born on the 7th. Hazel Ann Dahle. Ann is Melissa's middle name and the name of my sister that died just before birth. Isn't that squished up, pouty face the most adorable thing you have EVER seen??? Lynn says it's because he told her Obama was re elected president. Personally I think it is because she realized Lynn is her daddy and thus will be tortured for the next 18 years... Notice she has a fist at the ready. I think she is preparing to take him on. 

My birthday was yesterday. My family treated me like a queen. I told Lohn I wanted the leaves cleaned up for my birthday. So the kids got right to work.

 Sylas didn't help much with the leaves, but he made me a "Birthday cake pie!"

My sweeties gathered around me to give me their presents. 

 I was ridiculously happy about the food chopper. Mine broke and I was mourning it's loss. It saves me a lot of time in the kitchen!

Lohn made me molten lava cake. Droooooool.

Or as in Sylas's case- Muuuuuuuck

A few days ago Lohn was trying in vain to get the kids to gather for bedtime prayers. He finally yelled, "Kids get over here or I will give you a NOOGIE!" (Noogie- Verb: To vigorously rub the top of a victim's scalp with one's knuckles.) Sylas who was the only one being obedient at the moment said, "Um, sorry Dad, I ate all of the noogies." This statement was followed by giggles from me and a burst of laughter from Lohn all the while trying to figure out WHAT he ate that he thinks is a noogie.

Also another Sylas funny- "Dad, open your mouth." Gasp. "Dad, you have a punching bag in there!"

Gunnars Artwork

Gunnar came home from school with this artwork. It was totally picture/blog worthy.

 "My Grandma (Dahle) lets me play the best games" Recognize this picture Mom?

"My Grandpa (McKee) makes the best food." It warms my heart that even though we haven't lived in Victor for 3 years now, he remembers this important detail. Thank you Grandpa McKee for introducing us to the art of Lime Rickeys, Sundried tomatoes/chicken/broccoli pasta, bruschettas, and chicken parmesan. 

Green Sludge

Or as the world might call it- Green Smoothie, Health smoothie, Gorilla drink, etc.  But I'm calling it as it is. Green Sludge. This is a result of trying to eat more healthily and get more greens in my (kids') diet. 

Just 4 ingredients. Water, orange juice concentrate, strawberries, and spinach. 

 Annnnnd- Walla! Sludge!

Sylas isn't a fan. Neither is Lohn.

But Gunnar, Ander and Tamsyn LOVE it.

 Gunnar even said he loves green "smudge"