Christmas card bloopers

The Christmas cards came about in a fit of panic this year. It seemed Christmas was upon us before I was nearly ready. In desperation one day after school, I grabbed the camera and the kids, and we headed outside for photos. This was decided after I hadn't come up with coordinating clothes for an inside tree photo. We headed to the new Tiber Creek area first. Next we stopped at Cullinan Park. Finally, when everyone was nearly frozen, we came home and shot a few on the porch. Here are some of the shots that didn't quite make the card:

December Recap

We had lots of activities in December....apparently too many to make time for blogging. heh heh
The high school and middle school bands and choruses held their Christmas concerts. (We came late and ended up way in the back so my photos reek.)


Mikaela sang and played a flute solo in the madrigal performances again this year. It was a beautiful evening. Steve and I helped in the kitchen on the other nights and enjoyed talking with some of the other parents.


Jacob and the other Lego robotics league members attended their regional competion during madrigal weekend. Jacob was a trooper even while feeling a little under the weather. Unfortunately, his team didn't advance to the state competition this year.




During the church Christmas program, Joseph delivered a short speaking part then sang with the group. Maimie enjoyed singing and bell-ringing with her group as well.


Shortly before Christmas, we drove through the East Peoria Christmas lights, made gingerbread houses, went out for a chilly Christmas card photo shoot, and threw a little snow fun into the mix.

Our Christmas Card-2009

Christmas Blessings from the Mondays

Steve, Monica, Mikaela-15, Jacob-13, Joseph-11, & Maimie-4


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Follow us back
to China in 2010 as we bring another precious child into
our family.

Deck the Halls!

Tis the season. We've been busy decking the halls... and the porch, and everything else. Our "black Friday" tradition starts--not at the shopping mall--but at the Christmas tree farm. The weather was great, the wreath was on the suburban, and everyone was in high spirits. The kids all sported their Christmas hats as we set off through the field looking for that perfect Christmas tree. It took all of about 1 minute once we got to our favorite section of trees. It was so green and fragrant!



All the kids took their turn sawing. It was the first year Daddy didn't actually make the final cut that brought the tree down. The boys dragged the tree to the wagon for the ride back to the barn.


That evening we ate homemade pizza before heading in for the tree trimming.


We all reminisced over the ornaments then finished the evening by watching "The Christmas Story".


The tree looked great, even if several of the lower branches each wore multiple ornaments!