Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Christmas Day 2007

The day started at 7:30 am (not bad) when Lily came into our room eager to see if Santa had come. We woke the boys up and headed down stairs. Looks like Santa thought they were pretty good, because the Christmas tree had tons of gifts under and around it. It was a total frenzy. Earlier in the week they had all picked out their own wrapping paper, which I gave to Santa, so they new which gifts were for them without asking. Of course after each gift is unwrapped, they want to open it. You know how it is, every toy is packaged so it is adult proof and our kids get their patients from me. So Matt and I are frantically twisting and pulling those wire things to get the toys out and putting together parts and pieces as fast as we can, while the kids are on top of us, telling us to hurry. I think they were all pretty excited and happy with the loot. As you can see by the pictures, the kids didn't even have time to change out of their pajamas all day. That would have taken away time from playing. It was just a relaxing day at home, watching the kids play, snacking and enjoying the family. Pretty good Christmas in my book. Through all the chaos, commercial, hustle and bustle of the season, I try hard to take moments and think about what it is all about. My heart is full as I think about Christ's life and what he did for me. I love the way President Gordon B. Hinckley expresses some thoughts of the Savior:

It is proper during this season when we commemorate His birth that we remember the Lord Jesus Christ in reverence and with love. He has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. He has brought meaning to our mortal existence. He has given us the gift of eternal life. He was and is the Son of God, who was “made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

God be thanked for the gift of His Son, the Redeemer of the world, the Savior of mankind, the Prince of Life and Peace, the Holy One.

I hope you all had a fun Christmas day with your families and loved ones. Only 365 days until next Christmas!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Magic Kingdom and Sea World

We just returned from Orlando, Florida where we met my mom and Ken for a quick trip to Magic Kingdom and Sea world. The kids were a little under the weather, but all in all, we had a good time. Lily's favorite part was meeting Jasmine, and the boys seemed to like everything about Sea World and the animals. Can't beat the Florida weather in the winter. One last hurrah before the big move to Erie.....in 8 days.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Thursday, December 13, 2007

The Bairds Crash Erie

We just returned from our house hunting trip in Erie. We actually found a great brand new house to live in. They were just finishing up the building and laying the carpet. It has beautiful woodwork, a gas fireplace, upstairs and downstairs, a huge master bathroom, and my favorite part...stainless steel appliances with granite counter tops. Who would have known in Erie? Funny how your home makes everything much more tolerable. Now that we have a nice place to live, I am O.K. to move there....but only for 6 months. I wish I had some pictures to share, but we didn't take any. I was actually pleasantly surprised about some of the homes there. A lot of building and new neighborhoods. The movers will come to our house 2 weeks from today. Looks like we'll be spending New Years in a hotel somewhere in the mid west until our stuff arrives. Erie here we come!

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Christmas In Chicago

If you ever have a chance to visit Chicago during the holidays, it is a MUST. On Saturday Matt and I left the kids with the babysitters and took the train into the city. Not only was it awesome just having a date day with my husband, but being in the city with the decorations, snow, and culture was so fun. This city knows how to do Christmas. We started out going to the Chicago Institute of Art to see the works of Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, and so many other well known artists' work. Then we went to lunch. Next we visited the Christkindlmarket which is a charming German American market with German food including pastries, chocolate, and wiener schnitzels, German Christmas decorations like original handmade glass ornaments, that I am in love with, (I've included a few pix of my favorites that are now on my tree), advent calendars, etc. Just so fun and festive. Next we walked in the wet, slushy storm (but I loved every moment of it) to the famous Michigan Avenue. I like to call it Oprah town. AMAZING shopping. Of course, we didn't buy much, but to see the lights, window decorations, and people was so fun. Definitely a day to remember in Chicago.
We also got to take the kids on the "Polar Express" where we got to see Santa. The Metra train turns into the fun train on December weekends.I love this time of year. I love to see my kids get excited. I love the decorations. I love the feeling I get during this time of the year. I try so hard to remember the true meaning and always keep Christ in my mind.