Sweet Dreams

All I Want For Christmas Is...

Woody

Thanks, Mom!

Christmas Morning

I appreciate, actually, love Christmas bags!

No paper, no tape and scissors, no trash.

Just fill and tie.

Definitely resuable.

Thanks to my bag lady friend for getting me hooked.

And they look so festive under the tree.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, until they were filled.

The good boys slept in until almost 7 a.m.!

Miller appreciating his CARS gift from his Aunt.

Sawyer really appreciating his helicoptor from Dad.

Cooper walking away with a smile, and his three gifts.

We adopted this tradition a few years back, and have loved it.

Baby Jesus received three presents, so that should be good enough for the boys.

We give them one thing they'd like, one thing they need, and one thing that helps them grow.

Porter just appreciating Christmas.

Hunter appreciating his about to be acquired new golf skills.

Tanner appreciating his gifts in his room!

The Real Treasures of Christmas

Neighbors who love my boys and want to see them, so request they come pick up the goodies.

Miller thinking he didn't have enough presents under the tree, so with a little tape and trash, decorated his own present. Inside? A magnifying glass and a flashlight.

Friends who share their candy making tradition with us.

Just wait until next year boys!

Finding new presents (punching bag) that use old presents (boxing gloves).

Sawyer taking the initiative and using Dad's tools and scrap wood to make this foot long derby car for Miller. ALL by himself.

Yuletide Log Sandwiches

Every Christmas Eve we have "yuletide log" sandwiches.

These are just big sandwiches with all the fixings.

This year's most popular combination was pastrami on toasted homemade rolls with farmer cheese, and a few fixings.

Yum!
Sometimes my husband's combinations make me pucker. Like roast beef with cranberry sauce.

But he was pretty conservative this year, and created a winner to share.
Even though all the younger boys still wanted ham.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas
2010

One can't help but wonder as Mary received a visit from the angel, who wouldn't be "troubled" at his visit, when told she would be bringing forth the son of God. But when Mary found out from this same angel that her cousin Elisabeth, stricken in old age, and who was called barren, had also conceived a son, Mary was no longer troubled and was able to find peace, saying, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." Such a tender mercy provided by a loving Heavenly Father to Mary, that she should find comfort with family also experiencing miraculous things. Imagine Jarrod's surprise at finding that although not stricken in such old age, Amy Jo is also with child, and just as Zacharias was not able to speak, he too has been "struck dumb" when finding that this child would be a daughter. Such are the miracles of this Christmas season, and we are truly grateful for all that our family has experienced together.

Tanner (18) is officially diagnosed with senioritis, but miracles occur when he focuses on college applications, ACTs, SATs, scholarships, early morning seminary, cross country, basketball, baseball, and preparing for his mission. He is actively engaged in good causes, helping in numerous service projects and continuing to set a good example for each of his younger brothers. He is the master of many voices and the family entertainer. And, everyone tells him she should be Taylor.

Hunter (15.5) is marveling in the fact that he finished his Eagle Scout and has earned the privilege of enrolling in driver's ed class in January. He enjoys being with Tanner on the Quiz Bowl Academic team, he was able to bring his 9 hole golf score down to the low 40s, frequently borrows Tanner's clothes, and was most surprised to find he would be a big brother to a sister. He does not like Chenique.

Porter (almost 13) attended his first scout camp (with his cousin, two older brothers and father), has been promoted to First Class, has LOVED and dominated his first year of quiz bowl, ran cross country, played baseball, basketball, and the French Horn, caught up to Hunter's shoe size and Jarrod's eye prescription. He continues to tinker, take apart and put together all sorts of items into new creations. He is pleased with Piper.

Cooper (10.5) is king of Legos, enjoys his first year in Webelos, declared soccer his favorite sport, had his teeth saved and straightened with braces, was chosen for the gifted and talented program, and loves to read. He is tired of being called Carter, enjoys taking care of Copper the Hamster, and thinks that Breyer is a good name.

Sawyer (7.75) is still surprised he is Miller's best friend. He loves being Miller's best friend, teaching him lessons from school and reading him scripture stories each night. His energy is somewhat dissipated by playing soccer, baseball and basketball, starting Tiger scouts, and dominating first grade. He was the best secret keeper, even though his nickname is Mr. Microphone, and he is sweet on Sadie.

Miller (4) is bewildered when asked what he thinks of having a baby sister. He continues to work at weekly speech lessons and although not miraculous in amounts has made small, continuous improvements. He dresses in uniform for basketball and soccer games he attends, and can be officially signed up for baseball in the spring. His hair is still blondish red, and he is for now the baby of the family. But he doesn't mind a Sister.

Be sure to check back in February, at www.schenewarks.blogspot.com, for all those PINK details. With much love,

The Schenewarks

Sawyer's Talk

When we think of Jesus and how we celebrate his birth at Christmas time, we should also celebrate why he came to earth. Jesus came to the earth to suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross, to atone for the sins of all of us.

He died and rose again that we might all have eternal life. He went first and set the example for us in his life, in being baptized, and in dying and being resurrected. He lives now, and we too can live again after our death. This is the real gift of the Christmas story.

Kids Say the Darndest Things!

Sawyer: "Dad, how to do you spell CD?"

or

Hunter: "Blast me up, Marty!"

Sweetie, it's 'Beam me up, Scotty.'

Meet the Neighbors!

They're mine.

Nobody else can share.

They're the best neighbors in the world.

Larry's a huntin' lovin', snowmobile drivin', tool wieldin' kind of guy.

And my hand is on his empty holster.

Sandy is his better half.

They came to share Christmas greetings, so I grabbed the camera while Larry's showing his softer side.

(And they're my number one suspects who left Miller's star.)

Twelve Days of Christmas

We finished the Twelve Days of Christmas a little early. There are so many people we found to love.

...cranberry muffins...
There are speech teachers and basketball coaches,

... chocolate chip cookies...

widows and housebounds,

... cinnamon rolls...

elderly, childless,

...banana muffins...

great neighbors and good friends,

...M & M cookies...

and single parents.

These seven boys sang with gusto and enthusiasm the last night.

Even for me.

Merry Christmas!

Cooper's Talk

Miller wanted to know why we didn't have a star on our Christmas tree. My mother said we had never bought one. Miller said, "Mom, I know where you can get one, up in the sky! Can we do that? Can we get a star for our tree out of the sky?" Miller knew in his heart he could get a star out of the sky.

When the angel visied the shepherds, he came out of the sky and told them, "Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." And the shepherds said, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass." President Uchtdort said, "Like the shepherds of old, we need to say in our hearts, 'Let us see this thing which is come to pass.' We need to desire it in our hearts. Let us see the Holy One of Israel in the manger, in the temple, on the mount, and on the cross. Like the shepherds, let us glorify and praise God for these tidings of great joy."

Miller desired a star from the sky. Later this week, he found a beautiful pearl and gold metal star hanging on our door knob, with a label that said, "Miller's star." Someone who heard his story fulfilled the desire Miller had in his heart to have a star on his tree. The shepherds had a desire in their hearts to see the Christ child. May our hearts have a desire this season to look to the sky and see Christ in everything we do and say. I believe in Christ and his atonement, the real gift of Christmas.

Spider Man in the Morning

After accidentally and unknowingly attaching himself to the drawer knob, Miller knew this was an important Spider Man skill he should acquire, and spent the morning rehearsing the move.
Slick.

Festivities and Fun at Christmas Parties

Work parties are always good for something.

Like teaching your kids manners. In the car on the way over.

Or, having a night off from the kitchen.

Crafts are fun. Especially when bead necklaces are tied too short to get off.

Decorating cookies, just my thing!

Can we limit the frosting to ounces not pounds?

And the sprinkles to teaspoons rather than cups?

How about the open bar?

Hot cider, hot chocolate, egg nog, apple juice, peppermint soda...who's taking Sawyer to the bathroom, again?

My favorite? Big baby headbands.

So everyone leaves with a headache.

Miller's Star

Miller asked why we didn't have a star on our tree. Here.

http://schenewarks.blogspot.com/2010/12/millers-star.html

Today I came home to find one on our doorknob.

Labeled, Miller's Star.

It's a beauty of a star, gold and pearly and sturdy.

We dethroned our angel...

and flew both stars up to the top of the tree.

Thank you, local fan out in bloggerville, for allowing our family this sweet, tender moment.

Miller's Christmas is complete, and his prayer was answered.

French Horn Blows, Are You Listening'?

Porter's playing the french horn again.

He stopped last January, and began again in October.

The Director talked him into it.

It's all free, lessons and instrument, so I don't mind.

I do so enjoy the concerts.

Even if I only get eyeballs peeking over the stand for a picture.

Miller enjoyed himself as well.
He kind of just hung out, listened to a few Christmas tunes, and dozed.

O Christmas Tree...

Buy A Tree

Help A Child

Christmas Tree Sale for the Boys and Girls Club

Our local Optimist Club volunteers to work the tree lot every year.

Hunter went to help.

Who would not want to buy a tree from this face?

Scholastic Book Fair

I was given the opportunity to work a remote Scholastic book fair.

Different from school book fairs in that there are discounts ranging from 50-80%.

It became a family affair, as they visited me, brought me lunch, and even helped work.

Jarrod found every history book that was offered, while Tanner could only find one book that interested him. The Elements.

Hunter spent most of his time reading. He found a dandy golf book, and a few classics to reread.

Porter is the ultimate reader, and has read most of the books there. But, if he found one he loved, most likely it was related to inventing.

Cooper picked the most diversified books. I never would have chosen those books for him.

Sawyer was so busy helping Miller find his books, and reading books that looked interesting, he hardly found any for himself.

Miller found every Scooby Doo, Cars, Toy Story and superhero book he could.

Cooper and Porter were invited to wear The Costume!

Two rules.

No beheading in public.

No talking.

Kathy, manager extraordinaire, is helping Porter into costume.

Porter had a cute Clifford shuffle and wave.

He was often stopped for photo ops.

Hunter helped me pack up and lift the boxes.

Until next time, Read Every Day. Lead a Better Life.