December 9th

Merek woke up about 6:30am this morning and came into our bedroom. He climbed into bed and snuggle up beside me, but didn't fall back to sleep. I'm not sure what time he and Brad got up and went downstairs. When I woke up it was 8:30am! From a good night's sleep to a not-so-good night's sleep. One of these years I'll get into a good sleeping pattern.

Everyone ate breakfast and then we got ready for church. Miranda and I practiced our prelude music one last time. We headed out to church, dropping off some jeans for the collection at St. Michael's on the way. The prelude music went well. The kids were a bit restless during church. At one point, Lina complained, "I don't have anything to do." I replied, "You sit and listen and learn." :)  I know it is difficult for kids to sit during church but I think they also need to realize the importance of listening, learning, reverence, and respect.

After we came home, we had lunch. Brad and the boys watched the Seahawks football game. I retreated upstairs, a creative pull leading the way, continuing to make more cards and tags.
The girls came out at 4:30pm from Miranda's room and said it was time to go to tithing settlement. Glad they were watching the clock! Merek tagged along with us and brought his blow-up penguin from Chase's party. We met with Bishop Smith and then came back home.

Brad had put the lights on the tree earlier today. So while he made dinner, the kids and I put ornaments on the tree. Correction, I got the ornaments out of their boxes and the kids hung them on the tree while I tried to remain as calm as possible. Decorating the tree ranks right up near the top of my least-favorite things to do during the holidays. I don't know why but it does. My pile of ornaments is still sitting on the floor by the fireplace. Maybe I'll get them up tonight, maybe not.

Dinner was delicious--baked chicken, sauteed chard, steamed broccolini, carrots and green bell peppers, salad, and avocados. A very green dinner :)  Have I mentioned before how thankful I am that he is such a good cook?

Lina and Bird finished up his house project. Miranda contributed by coloring the title letters. So glad that is done and we can send it back to school tomorrow.

The kids got on their pajamas and practice their recital songs one time each. Then we all share the Oreo bark from the Wilcocks for a treat. We put the kids to bed much closer to their bedtime tonight. Last night was way too late. Brad and I each read a story to Merek (he had us read the same story The Little Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly). Krish and Lina read in our room until we put them to bed. Miranda watched some more of Pirates of the Caribbean with Brad. They had started it last night but only got about an hour into it before she was ready to go to bed. I think they only watched another 30 minutes tonight. She was tired and she has to get up at 5:20am in the morning for Jazz Band. After the kids were in bed, I cleaned the kitchen and washed dishes. My sweet friend, Susannah, called. We visited for an hour. I so enjoy talking to her.

We played 259's Christmas album while decorating the tree. It is one of my favorite Christmas albums. I love the accapella sound and the variety of songs they sing. It doesn't really feel like Christmas is only two weeks away. Guess I'd better get some more music playing and shopping done. This week is going to be busy though. We have something every night and then my piano recital and Lina's birthday party on Saturday. The shopping will have to wait until next week. But I can still play the music :)