Days With the Duerksens

My favorite Christmas tradition by far is our church's Christmas Eve program. The church is filled to the brim with people, many that I may not have seen for a long time! Each year, the children are invited to prepare a piece to share during the program. This year, Cambry still had enough courage to get up there with her friend, Jake Flaming! They did a poem that they learned in pre-school, with a few changes at the end! I wonder how many more years she'll agree to it!

We ancticipated Christmas this year with many preparations and excitement! It was another special year because there is a baby in the house. Christmas always seems extra-special when there's a new baby! While she was sleeping -- We baked, baked, and did more baking, we made cinnamon ornaments, we saw 2 school programs, 1 church program, celebrated at Grammy and Papa's house, participated in the first grade Christmas party, and hosted both sets of grandparents at our house for Christmas dinner. Whew! It sure makes for a busy season -- with more to come. Chelan's brother and family get into KS tonight! We're gearing up for Christmas -- part 2! Here are a few shots from our Christmas: Caiden, Cambry, and Delaney with some of their gifts. Highlights were: legos for Caiden (a big tub-full) and farm equipment, an easy-bake oven for Cambry, and a glow-worm for Delaney Playing "Trouble" with the grandpas -- we have been playing a lot of this game! After a bus...

It's not as if we talk about Santa a lot. The kids don't even get gifts from "Santa." Yet somehow, they both believe in Santa Claus. A small part of me hoped that this year, Caiden would figure it out on his own. While we don't make a big deal out of Santa, I don't want to be the one to inform them of the reality! So, here are 3 discussions I've had with Caiden and Cambry in the last 2 weeks! Caiden: Mom, Logan doesn't believe in Santa. Mom: Well, what do you think? Caiden: I know he's real, Mom! (I guess nothing is changing his mind)! Mom: I guess it doesn't matter what Logan thinks, then, does it! Mom: I should go get Delaney's sippy cups for her stocking. Cambry (laughing): Mom, Santa brings things for our stocking, not moms! Mom: Ohhhh, yeahhhhh -- maybe Santa will bring her some sippy cups! Caiden to Dad: Dad, we have to remember to leave the front door unlocked on Christmas Eve because we don't have a chimney for San...

Caiden came home from school today with a couple of stories he had written. It was so fun to read them, and he did such a good job on spelling words like they sound! If you can't read it very well, it's about an afternoon during Thanksgiving break that he played football with Chelan. He was so excited about his diving catch!

Delaney's attempt at eating rice cereal! She did actually get some IN her mouth, although it doesn't look like it here!

Delaney is nearing the 4 month mark, and with it is coming a new variety of sounds. She seems to be exploring her voice! This morning, she was particularly happy on the floor!

Cambry was invited over to a friend's house for the first time on Wednesday. She was excited to go to Jasmine's house, a pre-school friend! Delaney and I stayed, too, but Cambry and Jasmine had a good time together, especially when Jasmine's mom got the play-doh out. Jasmine was adopted from Thailand during this last year, and I have been amazed at how fast she has picked up English. It will be fun to see this friendship develop over the years!