Christmas Time

Merry Christmas to everyone!

We are back to the swing of things in the Kudlas house. After 1 full week back to school, we are back in the groove. The little over 2 week break was much needed and we enjoyed every minute. This is long post with LOTS of pictures, reviewing the last 2 1/2 weeks.

The kids enjoying some baking. We took cookies to our neighbors and to the local fire station.

Brad's JV basketball team came over one evening to have dinner, exchange gifts and play some games.

The next day we were off to Dad and Mom's for a much needed 5 day vacation. Mom always has fun activities planned!

Baking with Grammie

Picture time for Aidan

Aidan is a bit camera shy.

Carsyn's turn. I went a little out of birth order.

With Papa's hat on.

Brenna's turn.

We love to go bowling on Christmas Eve.

I am laughing pretty hard at this point. The bowling totally knocked Carsyn out. This kids sleeps anywhere, including the bowling alley. Here she is in Brad's arms, smiling with help Daddy.

Bubble bath time and Grammie and Papa's big tub.

Christmas morning. You can't see, but they are busting to get downstairs.

I think Brad is a bit excited. The kids got him the Michael Jackson Wii game. If you don't have this or have never played it, you are missing out. It is so addicting. It is going to the beach with us this summer!

More pictures you ask? Of course! It is Christmas time and my kids are just so cute!

Carsyn had to have her new jeep for her dolls in the picture!

Sweet sisters. They love each other...most of the time.

Uncle Drew and the kids

Grammie, Papa and the kids

My wonderful, goofy family!

Patience

I am not afraid to tell you that I am not the most patient person in the world. I never have been a patient person and my mom and dad would probably tell you that as well. It is something I pray about everyday and is something I am constantly working on. Of course there are certain times of the month where I am more patient than others (ladies, you know what I am talking about)!

The other day while running errands, I met my match. You know, the one that has the same problem as you and you realize, "Whoa, now she has some patience problems!" I was at the Christmas super store, aka Hobby Lobby and if you don't happen to visit there during the months of November or December, you don't know how crazy those registers can get. It was around lunch time on a Tuesday, which is even busier. (A side note...I don't have any children with me...they are all at school...I am not in a hurry!) There are 4 registers open and probably 4 people in each line. This lady comes up behind me, by herself, with a handful of items in her arms. Within seconds she rolls her eyes while saying, "I can't believe how long I have been waiting....seriously, why can't they open another register?!" To which I just smile and turn back. She continues to groan and moan....for the next 2 minutes. She announces.."Can we open another register?!" They call for another person to come up front. We are now 1 person in front of me before I check out. The new cashier asks for the next person in line and I don't move. There are people now behind me. I am fine. I am not in a hurry. I am being PATIENT. I really don't want to stand in line, but I am doing just fine. I say to someone else to go ahead. The lady behind me (being the nice lady she is) insists in front of the whole Hobby Lobby that I go up to the new cashier because I have waited the longest. I say calmly, "No thank you, I am working on my patience." I don't know if she liked that so she went to the new cashier.

Although this seems quite silly, it is something especially during this time of the year we all need to humbly work on. This is something I teach to my children everyday. "Be patient." Have a little more patient." As I walked to the car I had a smile on my face knowing not that I was the most patient person in the world, but that I was doing something I try to teach my children to live by.

A few things I have learned:
1. If you are in a hurry getting somewhere or getting something, you will not be patient in ANY circumstances.
2. If you are not organized, you will not be patient.
3. If you are tired you WILL NOT be patient.
4. If you are hungry you will probably not be patient.
5. If I don't pray about having patience most likely I will not be!

I pray that this lady was just having one of those bad days and was in a hurry, hadn't slept the night before or hadn't ate lunch or wasn't a praying mom. Maybe I taught her something by just standing there? Maybe!?

This 8 year old

There is so much I would love to say about this 8 year old. I think you will find out a lot about him in this yearly interview I love to give the kids. I love being this 8 year olds mommy!
Mommy (M)-What is your favorite color?
Aidan (A)-Yellow, well actually maze because it is Michigan's official school color.
M-What is your favorite food?
A-Mac and cheese with hotdogs...still. Why do you ask me that when you already know? (I ignore him and move on.)
M-What kind of food do you dislike?
A-Nothing. (He is telling the truth...the kid will eat anything!)
M-What do you want to be when you are mommy and daddy's age?
A-A NFL player and any kind of coach or teacher in high school
M-Where?
A-Michigan or Georgia

M-What is your favorite subject in school?
A-I love history and social studies. We just finished talking about Indians and history of Georgia.
M-What do you like to do with your sisters?
A-It depends...I guess we like to play "store."
M-If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A-Germany because I haven't been there in a long time and Australia because I love their accents. (Me too!)
M-What do you love about church?
A-We always get candy and make cool, creative stuff that goes with the story.
M-If you could be an animal, what would you be?
A-Cheetah because it is fast like me.
M-What is your favorite thing to do with me?
A-Go out to dinner.
M-What about daddy?
A-Nerf gun fight...when you aren't home. (Interesting...I will have to check into this!)
M-Do you want to get married some day?
A-Yes
M-How many kids would you and your wife have?
A-3
M-Who is your best friend?
A-David for a boy and Sydney for a girl
M-What makes you unhappy?
A-Notre Dame
M-What makes you happy?
A-Family and friends!
M-What is your favorite song?
A-Since we are listening to Christmas music, I would say that.
M-What is your favorite thing about your sisters?
A-They are smart and sometimes funny. (He squeezed that one out!)
M-What is your most favorite memory from this year?
A-Winning the Super Bowl!
M-What do you think Mommy does all day?
A-Work around the house and drive us around. (Right on about that!)
M-What does Daddy do all day?
A-Drive then work.
M-What is your favorite restaurant?
A-Sal's (A great local Italian restaurant in downtown Cumming.)
M-What are you looking forward to most in 2012 as an 8 year old?
A-I don't have to ride in a booster seat! Thank goodness!

My mom and dad made him this cake for his birthday. He just loved it!

Casts are nasty when they are taken off, especially this one!

Aidan and 4 of his best buddies. They are all on his football team and play basketball and baseball with him as well. One rule in our house was that he couldn't have a sleep over or spend the night until he turned 8. The boys had a blast and believe it or not, I couldn't hear them after 10:30 pm and they came running down for breakfast at 8 am. Not bad for our first sleepover.

Happy 8th Birthday, Aidan Bradley! We couldn't be more proud of you! You make our heart smile everyday!