iChristmas

What a busy "last few weeks" we have had... we were busy, but actually BUSY RELAXING, too, which was REALLY nice! Thought I'd hit the highlights of our Christmas Season, but it's going to be in PARTS... I really enjoyed taking a break from everything, and to be honest, not really ready to jump back in yet:)





We loved celebrating Florida Christmas with my parents, newly home from Israel! We had a GREAT evening with them before they headed out to Houston to celebrate with Dean, Tracy, and Torrey. Ben and Carly were THRILLED with all their presents, but especially loved the ipods from Auntie Laurie! Huh. Nothing like hearing your kids sing Chipmunk songs at the top of their lungs WITHOUT hearing anything else. Yup. Thanks Laurie! Our drive to Michigan was, well, loud. Here they are sporting their ipods on the last day of school, Pajama Day. On a humorous note, Carly complains DAILY that Ryan makes them listen to Rush Limbaugh on the way to school (he finds his arrogance highly entertaining), so of course he loaded her ipod up with her very own podcast of Rush. She was horrified:) This concludes Part One...

Life... it had to happen eventually, RIGHT??!

One of our Advent activites was Game Night... we don't do this often enough with Ben and Carly. They LOVE it and it is so stupid how busy we get and how many fun (free!) activities we end up missing out on because of that. Monday night we SLOWED down and played the game of Life. (note the irony there). Have you played this lately? Yeah, Ryan "had to buy" a plasma screen TV. That's really on the game board now.

Last night we headed out to New Port Richey to Sim's Park for the 6th Annual Christmas Concert Rodney puts on each year with his collective choirs. It's an outdoor event complete with beautiful Christmas lights and hot cocoa and full brass orchestra. We have sung in it in past years, so it was really fun to be "in the audience" and get to enjoy some really beautiful music. Carly's little friend, Hannah, sang a solo and did a fabulous job! She was the only little one up there and was amazing.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Carly FINALLY lost her front tooth. This was at the movies on Saturday (another Advent activity... taking Mom to see BOLT, which was completely adorable, if you are looking for a fun family movie!) I got brave and put her in a headlock, I mean HUG and yanked it out. Sounds nice, doesn't it?!?! (Enjoy goofy picture on the left).

BIGGER ANNOUNCEMENT... Note the wet hair in the photo. This was after the rush of swim team being over, getting a FAST shower so we can run out the door to the concert last night.

Here's how this conversation went:

MOM: Carly, let me comb your hair, WE HAVE TO GO!!!!

(combing, combing, quietly combing, combing, combing, quietly...????)

CARLY: Are you noticing I'm not crying? (Seriously, she's cried for hair combing/brushing for about 7 years now, and I have been annoyed by it for about 7 years)

MOM: ummmm, yeah, did you forget to cry?!?!?

CARLY: No. I don't do that anymore.

MOM: *sniff* Really? I mean, are you sure? Because you can still cry if you want... (?????)

CARLY: No, I'm good. (turns to look at me, studies me for a full 5 seconds, then says...) You'll be ok. Really.

hmmm. It made me feel a little oddly sad that she is growing up. Of course, Ryan said, I KNEW she could stop crying if she WANTED TO!!!! You know, completely not feeling a BIT nostalgic about this.

During the concert, was it HIS lap she crawled up in??? Was it in HIS ear she whispered, "I'll always be your baby"?? Hmm, I think not!

*sigh* think about that for a while.

Prepare a place...

And so begins the Advent Season... We love this! Last year we started one of our favorite traditions with Ben and Carly. Advent Calendar. Our Pastor's preached these great sermons all throughout December on Advent and just slowing down during the most hectic Season of the year. We took it to heart. We sing this song in church (it's by Michael W. Smith and Christine Dente) called "Prepare a Place"

Prepare a place, while you’re waiting.
Prepare a place for the coming One
Prepare a place and be patient.
While you wait for the coming one.

Chorus:
Wait for the coming one!
While you wait for the coming one!

Prepare your heart, while your waiting
Prepare your heart for the coming one.
Set time aside and be quiet.
While you wait for the coming one.

We really try to be patient, and be quiet, and prepare our hearts for this amazing gift! Each day the kids get to look in the "countdown box" and see what our activity will be. Don't get me wrong: Being patient, quiet, and preparing our hearts isn't all about sitting and reflecting... mostly we want to take the focus off the commercialization and take time together as a family, doing things we unfortunately, rarely slow down for. Tonight was our tree decorating "party"... complete with music, milk and cookies. That I baked. You know I NEVER bake. (Ok, they were scoop and bake cookie dough, and I had locked my keys in the car and couldn't go anywhere today...) We had fun TOGETHER...

And for my siblings... Mom's Angels... Yup, seriously thought she hung these on her tree each year to represent her favorite little children. Apparently not:) I love having these on MY tree, almost as much as I loved sitting in the chair tonight with the big box of ornaments in my lap, handing out ornaments to my 2, very excited children... just like my mom used to do. And I'm not moving ANY of those bunched up ornaments, either!

BandWagon... I know, I know!

I know, I know.... copy cat, right??!?! Well, first TRACY, then LAURIE had to get puppies and well, it was too tempting!!! And we've decided to let Laurie name her since she so kindly let me name her dog. Now, we are McGregor's, so that means we are all about donated pets (Miggy was rescued from the Frozen Tundra of Michigan, Cassidy and Elphaba from the Wicked Witch Linda... I'm just kidding, she's not a witch, but it went along with Elfy's name) so our pup was donated from China. So be creative Laurie, and pick something we can all live with for oh, 14 - 20 years.

Cassidy is completely appalled that he now has a sister! He has been glaring at his new sibling all morning and then looking at me like, "how could you!!?!?!?!?" I tried to remind him that everyone needs love (especially this time of year, right?!!?) but I don't think he's buying it.

Elfy, on the other hand. Completely stressed out. "S"he's certain that this new little one might take over Carly's heart and well, that's Elfy's spot. And "S"he's also concerned about her fleece blankets and whether or not this new little one will want to steal them, share them, ignore them... it's a lot to think about when you are a cat. "S"he's been chewing the Christmas Tree branches all morning. We are hopeful "S"he won't get electricuted.

Then there's Miggy... He's been around the block a few times. He's been a McGregor longer than even Ben and Carly. He knows the drill: Get out of the way when they tell you. Cuddle them when they tell you. Let Carly do whatever she wants to you. Use the litter box. ONLY. Stay off Dad's side of the bed, and quickly vacate the premises when he comes in. Thank your Lucky Stars (cat's have those) you are retiring where it's warm. Let them call you "Miggy-Macaroni" if they want to. All these things he will pass on to his new little sister.

After all, she's got his back, right

We don't disappoint...

So we got Carly a karaoke machine for her Birthday. All I can say is.... We're McGregor's. We don't disappoint. Watch and be completely entertained.

Clean your room!!!

So, on the way home from Rochel's house last night at around 6pm, "words were spoken" that Little Miss immediately regretted. If I tell you that it was BEFORE dinner, and you've ever eaten a meal with us, you are well aware that it had to do with someone not liking what was for dinner. Constant battle. And Ryan and I have completely NO patience for this. Not after 7 years of it. We used to have a sign posted in our kitchen that said, "Anyone who complains about dinner, gets (plain) bread!!!" had to add in the "plain" after they got all excited about getting bread and butter! Had to erase the sign after Grammy complained about the sign... what do you have to eat for complaining about the sign? Hmmmm, have to work on that one. BACK TO THE STORY.... so when we finally get to sit down and eat dinner, Carly comes downstairs with this letter for me. Much appreciated.

Well, there's more... much more. Today, I decide to clean her room up a little bit (complete disaster area!) mostly because I wanted to make her bed, which contained about 45 books, 6 beanie babies, 4 webkins, markers, dirty socks, school uniforms, water bottle, portable dvd player, and I think perhaps Elfie. How does she sleep like this?!?! Ah, and there it was. Rough Draft. SCORE!! I will have to type it out for you, it was in pencil, and didn't photograph:

"I just wasn't ready to tell you yet that's y I said NO!!! (bubble letters) P.S. I met to say I am not ready yet. Please forgive me. Love, your doter CAROLINE (more bubble letters)"

and this one, in sharpie: (turn your head to the left)

Good thing she signed her middle and last names, I would HATE to confuse her with that other kid.

My other favorite part of this scenario would be when I told her and Ben that since they insist on complaining about dinner so much, they can just make their OWN dinner from now on! (stellar parenting moment)... and she burst into tears!... then said, "The only thing I know how to make is macaroni and cheese and I'm going to get really tired of that!!!"

I've decided it's well worth it to clean Carly's room once in a while:)

$2.24 well spent

Found the perfect shirt for Carly! It would have only been MORE perfect if it had said "Millie Motor Mouth"...

It's Sparkly, and even says "Little Miss" which we've called her since she was a baby... and of course, the obvious! Yup, she loves it!

Click on the picture for a close up view of her wonky front tooth... I couldn't be more excited that it's NOVEMBER and BOTH her front teeth are about to fall out! And YES I frequently say to her "wiggle those teeth! Don't you want the Tooth Fairy to come??!?!?!" Stay tuned for a video clip of her singing "All I want of Christmas..." complete with teeth-missing-lisp! I can't wait!

Our newest little Love

We've had a pretty big week... in case you haven't heard, Ryan's sister, Rochel, gave birth to her first baby on Monday! Ben and Carly are THRILLED to finally meet their newest cousin. We've had a great time loving on Eli. So, WELCOME to the world Eli! We are so happy you are here!!! Want to meet him, too??!?! MEET ELI and hear all about his first few days... isn't he BEAUTIFUL??!?! Now begins our quest to find his "McGregor Parts"... he looks so much like his dad, which isn't a BAD thing, it's just not a McGregor-thing:) So far we have located a dimple that is from Grandma, and possibly a chin from Isaiah and Julean. Our search continues... regardless, he's a keeper! It's so crazy how much we love him already! I swear I thought Ryan was going to inhale him last night. Congratulations Edgar and Rochel... good work:)

Rescue Operation

Last Saturday afternoon, Ryan had to run 20 miles for his marathon training (GO RYAN!!) and LAST year when he did this run, he ran from my parents house to our house and loved it. Well, seeing how he didn't really want to run to Israel, he ran from OUR house to my parents OLD/limbo house, in Wesley Chapel... 20 miles. When he does these runs, the kids and I try to cheer him on every few miles and give him gatorade, snacks, pep talks... you get the idea. So, the last 3 miles he was running, we waited him out at Camp Limbo. Drove right past their house since it was dark and we've NEVER been over there when the lights were all out. Ben was in the back seat and yells out in his COMPLETELY APPALLED voice, "You passed their house!!!!! GO BACK! GO BACK!" fortunately no one was behind me and we were able to go in reverse. Anyhoo... In we went, and made ourselves right at home. You said to do that, right, Mom?? Kids got the TV going and I made them some popcorn (apparently snacks weren't invited to the Promised Land). Speaking of which, POPCORN is the ONE THING you SHOULD have taken... how many Sunday School lessons have Ryan and I taught about "manna" and turned the hot air popper on with the lid off and had "white stuff" going all over the room!!! But, I digress...

So, it occurs to me, PERHAPS there are OTHER items that were LEFT BEHIND (no pun intended) that might be of use to me... and LOOK what I found!

I know you would LOVE for me to borrow your fancy purse, and I promise to take GREAT care of it... and yes, I knew EXACTLY where it was located and did NOT try to find the Christmas presents that might be hidden somewhere. I already know what you got me anyways. Also,

the Lovely as a Tree stamp set from StampinUp!... I'm not even sure WHY you have this as I have yet to see you use a stamp, so I was thinking you have it so your favorite crafter can create something for you... same rule applies, you know, I steal - but it's ok because I'm making you some, too. You good with that?

Other items that MAY have left your house Saturday night are some books (trust me, it wasn't lost on me that you actually have a book in your house called "Letters from a Nut"... but it looks like a fun read) and perhaps a few more snacks. I did NOT, i repeat, DID NOT use your coffee maker... it seemed like a mean thing to do to you while you are missing it so much. Well, actually, it was 8pm and a little late for coffee.

Oh! The rescue operation! Ryan is just fine! The Rescue-ing was for the items we brought home! THANKS FOR SHARING!!!!!

The Great Communicator

When your brother has Asperger's Syndrome, communication can be challenging at best. Always looking for ways to get her VERY IMPORTANT point across, Carly gets creative. She came in from school yesterday and was whining... "Ben won't play with me!!!! He won't!" I said, "Carly, did you ASK him to play, he can't read your mind, Sweets". For real, she rolled her eyes and said, "I wrote him a note in the car (she sits 2 inches away from him), and he wrote back, 'no'!!". (A few points here for me for keeping a straight face) Ben made it quite clear (by yelling down the stairs) that he was busy "writing a book", which, is true. To comfort my poor, friendless girl, we hunkered down to make a few cards. More points for being the mom with an endless supply of paper, glitter, markers, and stickers!

Quick Words from Carly... before Swim Team

a quick little video for Grammy and Papoo... kids were on their way out the door for swim team:)

Gypsy Princess

So last Christmas Ryan's mom made Caroline this very colorful, shimmery dressup costume. She loves it. It comes out frequently. Halloween was no exception. We decided that she was a Gypsy Princess, but that evolved into a CAT gypsy princess by the time we got to our church's fall festival-jamboree and she talked the face painting lady into making her a cat.

Mostly we think she LOVED the makeup I put on her... yes, we decided very quickly that we are in BIG trouble when she hits 21 and is actually allowed to wear makeup for real. Someone's Baby Blues don't need any help. Here's hoping she ALWAYS wants to add on the CAT makeup, something tells me MOST BOYS won't find that so attractive when she's 21. ANYWAYS, both kids had a blast at the party.

It stinks to be a McGregor

.... a well known mantra amongst our friends... It's something we frequently say to Ben and Carly when they want to do one thing, and we, another... these poor kids! I mean, really, they only get to travel all over the country (and Mexico and Canada), have been on a cruise, went to a World Series game, get to visit all the state capitols in our country... rough life. Well, Cassidy has joined in their battle cries. He brought this on himself by trying to escape this morning. (see my crafty blog, Happy Halloween entry... www.inspiredbymrsmcgregor.blogspot.com) we are pretty certain he keeps a prison log something like this:

Day 1007 of my confinement: In my attempt to crawl out the screen today, I was captured by the Feeder Woman who proceeded to shout jibberish into my delicate ears. I was then forced to wear this witch hat on my head while they flashed bright lights in my eyes. Their days are numbered here...

Who's in charge here???!!!

We now know who is in charge when we are gone.... and he won't let "the babies" watch what they want!

This photo was NOT posed, Miggy really did fall asleep cuddled up with the remote.