Getting Ready for Christmas

Things have been so busy around here the past few weeks. We transitioned from a busy week in Atlanta for Kelly's wedding and Thanksgiving to full work weeks and back to school for the kids. We have had some exciting news. Chris has had some wonderful things happening at work. Chris's counterpart that does his job on the Loctite side is retiring and they decided to combine both businesses to be run by one person. Chris had to interview for this new position in the early december. We found out that Chris got the position, which is huge for his career. This will be a Vice President level job, (the title will hopefully come later this year after he completes some more training and further interviews). We are so happy, and feel like the past several years have all become worth the effort and time we have put into getting to this point. I feel like our family has made many sacrifices so that this time would come, and it feels so rewarding that this has happened. Because Chris is related to my dad, who runs Henkel right now, he has always had to work harder to prove himself to others that may think he has gotten to where he is because of who he is. We have tried to achieve so much in such a short time because we have to be better than the rest to prove ourself (him). ( I feel like I've been on this journey as much as him, so I talk about this as a we thing.) I'm just so happy for him, and know that he has truly earned everything he has gotten through his hard work and wonderful work ethic. Unfortunately, he will be very busy with this new role and has been traveling a lot. I do think this will mean 1 more move for us. I normally would be very upset by the prospect of moving again, but this time, we probably will move to CT where my parents live. I haven't lived near my parents since they moved while I was in College. I've never had the luxury of having parents or grandparents nearby to lend a hand or enjoy being close. So, I can't wait to live near my parents again. I will be nice to have some company while chris is so busy working. More details to follow.

In all the crazy, we've been getting ready for Christmas. My favorite holiday. I love everything about Christmas. I love the decorating while listening to christmas music. I love to see everyone so happy during the season. It is a time where I do look around and see how extremely blessed my family is. I have 3 beautiful children that are happy and healthy and thriving. I have a wonderful husband that is a hard worker, provider, and a wonderful father. I have been so lucky to get everything I have, and give thanks during this special time of the year. I sent out Christmas cards the other day. It says so much that the NICU was on my short list of people receiving a card this year. I am so grateful to all the doctors and nurses that helped getting our family to this point in our life. You create such a bond with them being there day after day for 7 long weeks, and they will always feel like part of our family.

Christmas is ready and I am looking forward to seeing my children's faces come down on Christmas morning to see what Santa has brought. I can't wait to spend time with my family and enjoy the season.

The 2011 Stanford Christmas card picture.

The kids helping to decorate the christmas tree. When we were done. I had to redistribute the ornaments because they were all in the same spot. But they had a good time.

Julian being brave and wanting to climb the ladder to hang the top ornaments.
Lilly's turn. Alex (my non-daredevil decided to pass)
Enjoying time with my 3 little ones in front of the tree.
Lilly posing
Cooking baking time. The twins and I decided to make Julian some cookies for while he was at school. The babies liked pouring the sprinkles on the cookies and then eating the green stuff. Julian was very happy when he got home to find the cookies. The babies weren't as fond of them with the icing on them.

While Chris was out of town, I decided to brave the mall and people to take the kids to see Santa. They all did great and sat with santa with no crying this year. The twins both look a little stunned and don't quite know what to think but they sat and told santa what they wanted. julian was so happy that he was finally able to see Santa and give him his list. (He likes to go right to the source.) Santa takes his list straight to the North Pole. He was getting worried that Santa wasn't going to have enough time to make his toys.

Now we are officially ready for Santa to come. We have a couple more days, I have to work and then my parents and brother arc coming to see what Santa brings the kids for Christmas morning. (We are missing Aunt Jess this year, but will see her shortly after).

Merry Christmas to All and to All a good Night!