Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Friday, January 1, 2010

Christmas Collaged

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As I’m typing this the tree is being boxed up and shoved into a corner of the garage for another 11 months (while the quads are sleeping, mind you). And I can’t help but feel the mixture of emotions that goes along with packing up Christmas.  Glad to declutter, put things back in their place, get back to a routine, yet sad to say goodbye to the visual reminders of my favorite Christmas of all.

My memory is a collage of little moments along the way…

Decorating the Tree with the Boys (and breaking a few decorations in the process)

Watching Their Little Eyes Light Up as They Really Took Christmas In for the 1st Time

Singing Away in the Manger with the Boys Before Bed

Driving Around Neighborhoods Looking at Lights (And Laughing at How Brooks and Clark Were Scared of The Flashing House with Music)

Celebrating with My Family at My Parents House

Receiving Christmas Cards from Family and Friends

Wrapping Gifts Late into the Night

Being Blessed by Other Peoples Kindness

Bundling Up and Making a Trip Downtown

Watching the Boys “Sing” in Their First Christmas Program

Making Some Yummy Holiday Food

Spending Christmas Eve with Brad’s Family

Soaking Up Time with Family That We Don’t See Nearly Enough

Singing Happy Birthday to Jesus

Watching Their Excited Fingers Open Presents

Watching My Boys Bring Others Joy

It Truly was a Magical, Magnificent, Memorable Christmas! 

(And I’m probably not through blogging about it!)

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Thursday, December 24, 2009

Wishing You a Very “Murray” Christmas!

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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Ain’t God Good

My pastor growing up used to sing a song that went like this…

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If you’d like to flashback to 1986 with some really bad hair, you can check out this YouTube video to hear it.  (Of course it’s Southern Gospel, when else is “Ain’t” musically acceptable?)

I’ve been singing it all night. 

Not only does He bless us EVERY DAY with His mercy, grace, and love; Today was a day that can only be explained through His goodness and His provision.

If you don’t mind I’d love to share the story with you…

I’m sitting on the couch during nap time checking comments on the blog when the doorbell rings.  I jump up to answer it and there is a lady standing there with a card in her hand.  My first thoughts were,

“Are you one of my neighbors delivering us a Christmas card?” 

“Do I know you?”

“Stink, I don’t have a Christmas card ready for you…whoever you are.”

Very quickly she handed me the card and said, “I have a delivery for you.” And just like that she was GONE. 

Puzzled, I opened the card and out fell 4 one-hundred dollar bills.  Incredible!

Absolutely INCREDIBLE!

The card was addressed to Brad, Jen, Brooks, Clark, Henry, and Isaac and simply signed from “Our Family” 

Minutes later Brad made a call to our mechanic to find out if our car was diagnosed yet.  A low fluid indicator light has been coming on, even after refilling it with anti-freeze.  Turns out the heater core is leaking coolant just behind the dashboard.  To fix it will cost around $450! 

Minutes after that a guy called about an item that we listed on Craigslist a few weeks back to see if it was still available.  We had all but given up on selling it, since we hadn’t had any real interest or inquiries.  Lo and behold, he came by the house and it was sold.  The price that the item sold for should take care of taxes and leave a cushion for the repairs. 

Isn’t that down right AMAZING?   We are shocked, overjoyed, relieved, and we’ve even laughed out loud over the preciseness of God’s timing and provision.

People have been generous to us in many ways, and we feel exceedingly blessed and amazed by God’s provision for our family during this season of unemployment through the holidays. We are truly 4tunate!

Ain’t God Good? 

Worth Bundling Up For…

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Oh the weather outside WAS frightful…

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The HOT COCOA was so delightful…

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And since we’VE SOMEPLACE to go…

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Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!

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Monday, December 21, 2009

Quads 1st Christmas Program

I’ve been having lots of surreal moments this holiday season.  Moments that flash me back to the pregnancy and I stop in amazement at the life I’m living out with 4 miracles.

Last week it happened when I stepped inside the NICU doors for the first time since we carried our preemies out in their car seats.  Last night it was when my 4 little guys participated in their first Christmas program.  Had it really been 3 years since I got special permission from Dr. Sumners to attend my nephew’s first Christmas program?  It’s hard to believe that much time has lapsed since my borrowed Lazy Boy Bedrest Mobile was transported to the back entry of the church so I could be present for his big debut, not knowing what the next Christmas would hold. 

So watching them up there was quite a moment, to say the least. It didn’t bother me the slightest that they didn’t sing or do the motions.  You and I both know they know it by heart.  All that mattered was they are all here with us now. 

It’s the season of miracles.  

 

After the program we celebrated with cookies, friends, and family!

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Saturday, December 19, 2009

A Twist In The Nativity Story?

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Pretty sure there wasn’t a tractor involved in the escape to Egypt. 

I think the boys might have got a tad confused when they loaded up the tractor.

Checking Bible Passage Now…

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Enough Sunshine To Melt Your Heart On A Cold Winter’s Day

The same day that we captured the boys’ caroling “Away in the Manger” in front of the tree, we were also serenaded by 4 little voices.

My heart melted right then and there and shall never solidify again.

Everybody gather around and warm your hearts together! We’ve got enough SUNSHINE to go around! =)

Sunday, December 13, 2009

The Nester Christmas Tour Of Homes

Christmas Tour of Homes with The Nester

Today I’m on tour with The Nester Christmas Tour of Homes and showing you a few pictures from our humble abode a la Christmas.  You won’t find these splashed on the cover of Southern Living Magazine, but nevertheless it’s our “Home for the Holidays”.

Speaking of “Home”, How cute is this advent house?  It’s new to us this year (a last year Target clearance find), and it’s been interesting to see what treasure we can fit 4 of in each door. It’s been something the boys look forward to doing each day, “Mama, wanna do the house!”

 

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Stockings are my absolute favorite things to pull out of the Christmas boxes.  This year the boys know who’s is who’s and can point to and name each others.   Not sure what I’m going to put in them yet…any ideas that won’t cost a fortune x4?

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Our new 9 ft. tree!  (Yet another 75% off Target end of the year steal!) Squeeeee!  I LOVE it.  I couldn’t picture how it would look inside our house, but it’s perfect.  Of course like any other tree it looks even better in the dark.  Don’t you love how a Christmas tree lights a room at night? I think all it needs is a little package love for the tree skirt. =)  Guess I should get on that, huh?  Maybe I should finish my little bit of shopping first! =)

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I scored these little frames a year or two ago at Michael’s for $3 a piece.  Are you catching a theme here?  Usually I have candles hanging from this rack, but I replaced them with these little wooden signs for the season.

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The boys got one Christmas gift a tad early, once I found this Little People Christmas Story Nativity* over 1/2 off, (thanks to a tip from Keeping the Kingdom First).  I really wanted a nativity scene for the boys that would remind them early on of the true meaning of Christmas. It’s so sweet to watch them play with the characters and sing “Away in the Manger” while they play.  (*Affiliate Link)

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These are a few of my favorite Christmas decor items in our home.  I’d love to hear about your own styles and favorite trimmings. If you’d like to show the lovely interweb some of your festive Christmas decor, head over to The Nester and add your link.  (And leave me a comment so I know who’s to be sure to click on…there will be hundreds of participants in this yearly tour of blogs.)

****For those of you visiting from The Nester, please feel welcome to join us on our adventures in raising quadruplets.  We’d love for you to make yourself at HOME with us!

Keep on Decking Your Halls (and Trees and Mantles, and Doors, and Rooftops, And You Get the POINT)! =)

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Christmas Past (Round 2)

tree09 One of the enjoyable things about Christmas is remembering past Christmas memories; Recalling family gatherings, church Christmas programs, a favorite gift, a precious memory with loved ones, Christmas ornaments from the past, and traditions that will not be forgotten.

I’m thankful that not only do I have beautiful memories in my mind of my Christmas’ B.Q. (Before Quads), but I have this blog to help me collect and retain the stories of Christmas with our family of 6.  It’s one of the main reasons I continue to blog, and hope that my boys will cherish the written memories and photographs of their childhood. 

To those of you who have joined us along the way, I thought I would post the links to some of our favorite family Christmas Past memories thus far.  I hope you enjoy looking back with us, and look forward to sharing more with us this Christmas!

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like a 1st Christmas (December 2007)

Visons of Sugar Plums (December 2007)

Please Christmas Don’t Be Late! (December 2007)

4 Babies in a Bed on Christmas Morning (December 2007)

Top 5 Christmas Traditions to Be Shared (December 2007)

Christmas Card Rejects (December 2008)

A Long Winter’s Nap (December 2008)

Christmas Caroling Blog Style (December 2008)

The Gift That Keeps on Chuggin’ (December 2008)

Christmas AM (December 2008)

Wrapping Up Christmas (December 2008)

Hope you are enjoying the true spirit of this CHRISTmas season!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Christmas Past

In order to give my writer’s cramp a break, I’ve stalled addressing our Christmas cards to reminisce Christmas Past.  This year due to our current situation and schedule we went with a less labor intensive/less $ route for our Christmas card, and I’m pleased with the result.  However, these cards from Christmas Past hold a very special place in my heart. 

Do you remember this one sweater/four individual shots winner?

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Or how about this piece of magic….

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It still makes me all warm and fuzzy inside!

The fun people behind AOL’s parenting site, Parent Dish, decided to feature our Christmas cards as inspiration in their “Great Holiday Card Ideas for Twins, Triplets, Quads, and More” article/slideshow.  They’ve featured some beautiful ideas and photography that you’ll love!

All of this makes me curious to hear about YOUR favorite Christmas card either given or received.  Tell us about it in the comment section if you’d like! 

I’ll post our 2009 Christmas card soonish! =)

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Christmas Caroling: Quad Quartet Style

Hope this gets you in the spirit of the season!

Friday, December 4, 2009

The 4tunate Holiday Gift Guide: 1-2 years

Are you ready for Round 2 of The 4tunate Holiday Gift Guide?  This round we are giving suggestions for the 1-2 year range.  What a fun and exciting age of discovery and learning! If you missed Round 1 for Birth – 1 year, you can find it over here.

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I decided to “wrap up” some of our favorite gifts from each stage into a gift guide for you this Christmas.  I’ll be sharing some tried and true ideas from each stage that we have experienced, as well as some ideas for the upcoming year. Perhaps OUR experience with quadruplets can be an advantage to YOU as a shopper.  Before I begin let’s get the disclaimer out of the way:

Disclaimer: 1. None of these products were given as a promotional opportunity, nor did I receive any $ or compensation to write these suggested gift ideas.  2. These are purely my opinions.  They are things that each of my 4 boys have enjoyed, which I think speaks highly of a product if is well-liked by all, and proves durable under the extra use/abuse of quadruplets. 3. These products link to Amazon.com, as an affiliate link.

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s get on to the good stuff!

1. The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name($11.55) 

the jesus storybook bible

My all-time favorite read aloud!  Each story paints a picture of the Great Rescuer with vivid illustrations to go with the passage.  Obviously, it can be for ages much older than this stage, but it’s a great time to begin reading it aloud.  I wrote more about how much I love this treasure of a book in this post.

2. Little Tikes Cozy Coupe ($52.99)

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Hands down THE MOST fought over toy we own.  It had them at first beep.  It’s a classic for a reason! 

3.Made For Mom Snack Trap, 3 Pack($13.22)

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I would love to hug the mom behind this invention.  What a sanity saver!  The lid flaps allow little hands to reach in, but keeps snacks contained if they are dropped or turned upside down. We use them for breakfast on the go all the time!

4. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Mix 'n Match Peg Puzzle Bundle, Pack of Three($19.99)

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I honestly haven’t found a Melissa and Doug product that I haven’t liked.  Their quality is top-notch and they promote learning naturally through imagination and creativity. 

5. Fisher-Price Little People Animal Sounds Farm ($24.97)

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The interactive version of the original Fisher-Price Barn (we have an older version) is sure to be a hot-seller this season.  Our boys love to play farm and act out each of the animals as they put them in and out of the doors and rooms in the barn.

6. Crayola 3ct. Washable All-In--One Paint ($6.49)

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I love how these are easy for toddler hands to hold and allow a great introduction to painting without the mess.  Smart and washable – a great combination!

7. Growth Chart(under $20)

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Now that your little one is upright, it’s a fun time to start charting their unbelievable growth over the next few years. There’s lots of choices to coordinate with your nursery theme, and it’s a great keepsake.

8. Baby Einstein - Baby MacDonald "A Day on the Farm" ($19.99)

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DVDs weren’t appealing to my boys during this stage with the exception of this one.  This is the best of the Baby Einstein collection. It’s visually engaging, and it’s also enjoyable to watch as a parent.

9. Little Tikes Climb & Slide Castle ($159.99)

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It was love at first slide for our boys and the Little Tykes Climb and Slide Castle. Great for indoor or outdoor play and for burning off lots of energy! 

10. KidCo PeaPod Plus Travel Bed($84.95)

kidco peapod plus travel bed

If you are planning on doing any travelling with your toddler (even if it’s just to grandmas), I would highly recommend not wasting your money, space, and effort on a Pack and Play and instead go with the KidCo PeaPod Plus.  We are so thankful for a triplet mom who told us about these awesome travel beds.  They collapse down to the size of a deflated beach ball, and take up very little space unfolded.  We’ve slept all four of our boys in very small spaces.  However, they have room to spread out inside the tent, and an air mattress to provide extra comfort.  We cover the mattress with their own crib sheets, so it seems more familiar at night.  Make sure you get the PeaPod Plus, so that you’ll get the most use out of this product.  We should be using these tents comfortably until the boys are around 6 years old! 

I’d love to hear your suggestions for this age group.  What are some things that your kids have really enjoyed at this stage?  What’s on your wish list this season? Stay tuned for Round 3 of The 4tunate Holiday Gift Guide, highlighting suggestions for ages 2 – 4 years.

 

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