Monday, November 24, 2008

FHE: Keeping it Real

Tonight for FHE we opted to put up our Nativity and decorate the downstairs tree.
I had pictured this:

Fire lit, Christmas music in the background, kids grinning from ear to ear, listening eagerly to every word about the birth of Christ. Sienna and Adyson sharing the ornaments, placing them just so on the tree, and afterward, a Christmas movie, why we all snuggled on the couch.

Sounds wonderful, right?

It went something more like this:
Sienna saw the DVD case to "The Diamond Castle", her latest favorite movie. (It sucks, if you're wondering...), and whined through most of the Nativity Story. (Her new favorite phrase, "It's just not fair", she's such a little diva!). Adyson, listened, but not much sunk through I believe, because she was so enthralled in touching the figures, which made Travis and I a little jumpy, because let's face it, Adyson isn't the most graceful child. And she drops things. And falls a lot.


Then came the tree trimmin'. They loved this portion, but goodness, if Adyson found a snowflake, Sienna had to have the same one, or else you would hear her say "It's just not fair...". (A diva I tell you). And they got those ornaments up there so fast that they were then disappointed that they were done. (More complaining came here).
So then Travis and I suggested a Christmas movie, and we did get all snuggled up on the couch.

But then Adyson suggested ET as in The Extra Terrestrial, as her movie of choice. Cause nothing says Christmas like an Alien, and young Drew Barrymore.

Not really what we had in mind.

After putting our stern feet down (we are such tough parents), we finally settled into Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, and we finally lit that fire. And those girls smiled through the whole movie, and their beautiful eyes (blue for Ads, hazel for Ens) lit up.

And somehow, I'm calling our FHE a success.
And have decided that we are going to really focus on The real reason we Celebrate Christmas for each FHE all season long. I'm thinking after 5 or 6, it will all sink in...

Side note:My Nativity is my very favorite Christmas Decoration. It is just like the one we had growing up, and whenever I pull it out I remember putting ours up when I was younger. (We always fought over who got to place Baby Jesus in his spot...it seems wrong now...). When we got married my Mom and Dad painted it for us, and have done that for all of the kids. I need them to do the same for my kids because I can't paint to save my life!

14 comments:

Justin & Ashlee said...

I love your tree upstairs. All your decorations turned out really cute. I am like you and would have that picture perfect night in my head...I'm glad it somewhat turned out. Sounds fun!

Anonymous said...

I love it... it sounds like the perfect night... even with all the silly things kids do... before we know it they will be all grown up. Let's enjoy them while we can right!

Trisha said...

It's always amazing how, at the end of the day, it's those little moments you weren't expecting that make the night right.

I love your family!

Mortons Love said...

For sure a success. I'ts always better in your head than in reality.

Haylee Munk Brown said...

Sounds like it all went well to me!! I love the pictures as always!!

Niki said...

I wanted to let you know that they have Gitar Hero at Ross for half off! Maybe you already knew but just in case:)

Mandi Moon said...

Sometimes do you wonder why we try to do nice things for our kids? I know I do. I don't have a nativity scene for fear of it getting broken. Because between Dylan and Rylee, it will!

Janalee Hubbard said...

Thanks for keeping it real- it makes me feel better knowing that other people's family nights sound a lot like ours! Luckily the kids only remember the good parts.

Kylene said...

Bring on the season! I love Christmas and your house looks so cute! I love your tree. Your girls are beautiful.

ps. Sorry it has taken me so long answer but I got Hallie's chef hat and apron at Barnes and Noble over in the kids section. It was only like, 14 bucks or something. She has LOVED it.

Happy Thanksgiving to you guys!

Jill said...

that sounds like our FHE. We always try to teach Allie something great and Dallin is jumping off the arm of the coach and lands on Allie. Fun times. I really love the Nativity. What a wonderful tradition.

Amy Johnson said...

So fun!!! I think I know where Simon got the "it's not fair" statement! Either he taught Sienna or she taught him! I hear that phrase at least 2 or 3 times a day! So funny! I love the tree...but where did you put the Monopoly table? I can't wait to get all our Christmas up! We all need to get feeling better first!

Jenny said...

What a great FHE! And it's nice to hear other moms go through the same fantasies of kids listening eagerly to every word, carefully decorating the tree and yet...well you said it just how life happens! The girls will always remember these special moments you create.

KIRSTEN said...

Just think.... if our kiddies didn't always try to pull their craziness ... what would we have to laugh at!!

Jan said...

I'd definitely call that a successful FHE - you did something. That is really funny about ET too! I'm on the same page as you about the movie. I do want to see it again. Edward is more tangible that way - I'm having dreams again... I'm not complaining :)