Christmas

Christmas at the Peterson/Kelm household is always fun, exciting and slightly exhausting. We all had a wonderful Christmas. We are fortunate to have many wonderful traditions that we keep every year. We start Christmas Eve with the evening church service. The kids are always excited to wear their fancy Christmas clothes and to sing Christmas carols at church. We head to grandma and grandpa's for dinner where grandma always has her famous Swedish meatballs, noodles and oyster stew. It wouldn't be Christmas without oyster stew!! We next settle in the living room where grandpa reads the real Christmas story and reminds all of us why we are thankful to celebrate this day. Thank you Grandpa for helping us remember the true reason for the season!! Next, the kids tear into their presents, excited about what they will find. We always enjoy Christmas eve at grandma and grandpa's house!
We finally head home, and put the kids to bed so Santa can come to visit the house. Greta was so excited to see her doll house and doll under the tree on Christmas morning. Charlie enjoyed his racetrack and Nerf guns, while Claire acquainted herself with her new American girl doll, Felicity. Santa left an extra surprise in the basement under the other Christmas tree this year. Claire and Charlie were ecstatic when they realized that they were given a Wii!! Claire loves her horse game while Charlie is addicted to his Mario Cart. Greta was also happy to find a art easel and dancing video cam so she can watch herself boogie the night away on the TV screen.
After all the excitement of the Christmas morning, we start what the Kelm's call the "rounds". We make stops at everyone's house all day long, eating, socializing and playing with everyone's new toys!! We love this tradition because it gives everyone the opportunity to experience Christmas at all of my siblings houses. We are all so thankful for everything that God has blessed us with this Christmas and this past year. We hope everyone had a safe and Merry Christmas!!

Way to go Greta!!!

Greta had a huge milestone today, going on the potty! She was so proud of herself and so was mom & dad. We bribed her with chocolate, but hey, whatever works, right? Maybe this will mean the end of diapers for the Peterson household!!

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!

Well, we enjoyed our second snow storm of the season for the second week in a row! Feeling that the last few winters have spoiled us, it took some time to get used to the snow ans the cold. Claire, Charlie & Greta were eager to put on their snow gear and head out to the cold and snow. We made an attempt at sledding, but the winds and snow made for a short outing. We all enjoyed settling in at home with our cup of hot cocoa. We hope everyone is staying warm today!! Not being able to be outside, we had to find creative ways to entertain the kids. We made lots of Christmas cookies and Charlie & Greta displayed some of their singing talents!

Christmas time and Christmas programs

Spending time at my children's many Christmas programs reminds me of the true reason for the season, our Saviour Jesus. I am thankful to be reminded that despite the failing economy, and the uncertain times, my faith and trust can rest in something that will always remain constant, Jesus! Happy Birthday Jesus!
I have enjoyed watching my two older children sing their hearts out at the yearly Christmas programs. This year started with Charlie, my sweet comedian, singing We Wish You a Merry Christmas at his Prince of Peace Preschool program. The song was perfect, top hat and all. Claire, our serious, proper child, had her prince of peace school program with the theme of Bethlehem City. She sang many beautiful songs praising our saviour's birth. We concluded this year with the Sunday school program at Love of Christ church. Claire was our beautiful angel and Charlie was our silly little shepherd. Claire sang The First Noel as her silver halo glistened in the sunlight. Charlie, well, he was our little comedian. He sang his heart out during Away in a Manger and Happy Birthday Jesus, but became a little bored during Silent Night. He started his usual antics by showing off some of his special skills to the church. Brett and I were giggling so hard we were crying. Charlie always finds a way to bring a smile to our faces. Thank goodness for video cameras to capture these precious moments. Greta, not old enough to partake in a Christmas program, sings jingle bells and Rudolph on a regular basis. Her low voice belts out the words with gusto. No doubt she will shine in her future Christmas programs.
I pray that everyone is experiencing the special wonder of this time of year. God's blessings to you all during the joyous Christmas season!!