Emerson came bounding into our room at about 3 a.m. and all I could think was I am not ready for this early of a morning to begin. Thankfully all she wanted to do was snuggle with us. At 7:30 she awoke from a dead sleep proclaiming, "I think Santa came, let's go see!" We allowed her to go and look but Santa had been crafty and all her presents from him were wrapped. She was able to open her stocking and brought Jason and I ours so that we could open them. 
Emerson took a couple of items from her stocking to her room and came back telling us she heard Sawyer talking. I investigated and yes, he was up. As soon as Sawyer's feet hit the ground he headed out to the living room to find that Santa had left him a new trike. We could barely get him off of it long enough to open his other presents. Emerson received her highly requested pirate ship. Thanks Santa life would have halted had she not received that one gift, once again the big man came through!
Jason received a much requested book and a movie he liked. I received my first Purdue sweatshirt and some new shoes. 
Christmas was wonderful and it could have only been better had I been able to see my 2 beautiful sisters upon arriving at Mom's later on Christmas Day. The kids did receive one more surprise present that Aunt Valeri and Uncle Morgan had sent to Honey's house. They both received a new book! Thanks Weed and Morgan!
He Came, He Really Came!
Christmas Eve Tradition
Each Christmas Eve as long as I can remember my family has given and received new pjs, and this year was no different. The kids and Jason set out to open up their Christmas pjs after we finished reading the Christmas story (which has become another tradition over the years) and the kids were so excited about their new Santa pjs. 
Emerson wanted to write a letter to Santa to find out his favorite cookie so that next year she could make and leave them for him. She wrote the note on her own and left it beside the cookies she had made for Santa. Sawyer was in charge of the reindeer's' food (carrots) but he had to sample them first.
Finally all was ready for Santa and the little ones were tucked into bed so that the magic of Christmas could take place.
Grandma's and Grandpa's for Christmas
After we left the Lake house we drove to Lafayette to spend Christmas with Jason's parents and brother. The kids were amazed by Grandma and Grandpa's tree. I was speechless when I saw it too. It was about 11 feet tall!
We had already told the kids, Emerson at least, we would not be opening any presents until the next morning after breakfast. Needless, to say the kids were very ready to open presents when the time came but following Slopsema tradition one person has to find a hidden gift and everyone has to look for the pickle ornament. Emerson was the one who had to find it this year, and she played hot and cold to find it. I found the pickle ornament and received an additional gift, some cash for the after Christmas sales.
Presents were passed out and the kids tore into them. At times neither Jason or myself knew who had given the present or even if the kids were open their presents or someone else's. The kids ended up with a lot of great gifts. Emerson got a Cinderella rug from Uncle B, and a doll house from Grandma and Grandpa. Sawyer got power tools like Jason's from Grandma and Grandpa, and a truck that rattles and makes noises from Uncle B. The entire family got a year's membership to the Indianapolis Children's Museum from Brian, and I was so excited and grateful that I cried. Jason ended up with a power washer and I got stamps and scrapbooks from his parents. We both were given wood flooring for our living room and kitchen. I can't wait for it to be installed.
We had a wonderful time and truly enjoyed the time that we were able to spend with Jason's parents and his brother. It is rare when we all are able to find the time to sit and visit without interruptions. I loved our time in Lafayette.
Yes, there are more Christmas pictures and there will be even more after tomorrow!
Love to all!
Christmas at the Lake
On Saturday, December 22nd we headed out to Jason's Grandparents' lake home on Raccoon Lake around Rockville, Indiana. It has been his grandparents' dream to have Christmas at their lake house for years. The house has been a project of theirs for as long as Jason can remember and they have completed enough of the house that all the family could spend Christmas there this year.
The kids were so excited for the Christmas festivities to begin and were extra excited to see their new cousin, Clinton. Emerson and Sawyer were so patient waiting to dinner to be over and then for everyone to arrive so that they could open their presents. Before they opened their gifts a surprise visitor came to check and see who was being good. As the kids were standing in the living room waiting for the last couple of people to arrive they saw "you know who" yes SANTA came by and checked his list for their names. We were able to snap a picture of Sawyer and one of Jason's cousins waiting Santa out the door. The kids received a lot of very thoughtful gifts and Emerson was very good about saying thank you to everyone who gave her a present. Sawyer simply mumbled something along the lines of thanks.
Enjoy some pictures from our Christmas at the Lake!
Santa Visit
Santa made a surprise appearance at Emerson's preschool program. She was so excited when it was announced that he had arrived. Emerson took off running with her handwritten Christmas letter for Santa and was actually the first child to see him. We took her picture with Santa but she had gotten there so fast that Sawyer wasn't there to be in the picture with her. Since that was the case Jason and I took turns standing in line for Sawyer to have a turn. From the picture, you can judge for yourself whether it was a good experience or not! 
As you can tell, I had to stand in the picture so that Sawyer would be near Santa. The funny thing about it was that Sawyer kept giving Santa fives!
Santa we are excited to see what you bring all of us!
First of Many Christmas Programs
Tonight we had the opportunity to attend Emerson's preschool Christmas Program. She was so excited for her program day to come that for several days multiple times a day she asked when her program was. A lot of family was able to come and watch her sing with her preschool class.
Here are a couple of excerpts from the program...the singing comes through pretty loud so be prepared to lower the volume!
We love you all and missed those who weren't here! 
Christmas in Greensburg
For the first time in several years I was able to celebrate Christmas with both of my parents at the same time. It was wonderful to have almost everyone (Valeri and Morgan couldn't be here) at my home to enjoy the Christmas holiday. Erica and her family were leaving for Washington on Sunday and so we wanted to celebrate before they left so we had Christmas on Saturday. Due to weather we moved the time up from noon to ten and decided to open presents first. The kids all tore into theirs so quickly there are hardly any pictures of them open their presents but we captured a lot of them modeling and showing off what they got.
Sawyer got a xylophone from Honey.
Emerson received a matching nightgown for her and her American Girl twin from Honey.
Cooper got a gun and holster from Grandpa David.
Ainsley received a pink cowboy hat from Grandpa David.
Beckett got some onesis and a toy to ride on but the only picture taken of Beckett was the one where he was strapped into a booster seat to keep him from messing in the tree.
Lots of pictures were taken and here are just a few.
Along with the presents that the kids received from everyone here they also got a special treat when Honey brought the presents that Valeri and Morgan sent. All the kids received some really neat books - Thanks for thinking of the kids! My kids have already had several of the books read to them and I personally love Mr. Willowby's Tree.
Everyone seemed to have a really good time and Erica & her family were able to get away before the really bad weather set in. Before Erica, Matt and the kids left we quickly called Valeri to have her be a part of the Christmas get together and I am pretty sure there wasn't a dry eye during the entire phone call. All the kids, the ones who can talk, yelled thanks into the phone and everyone took a chance to talk with Valeri.
We had a great day and are looking forward to next year when we get Valeri and Morgan home to Indiana for Christmas.
Thanks family for letting me have Christmas at my house I loved getting to host everyone! Love you!
The Pirate Ship Went Down
The Batesville Bulldogs sank the Greensburg Pirates tonight 63 - 52. It was a huge win for the girls since they have been on the losing end of games like tonight's. Jason was so excited to have beat Greensburg especially since he really doesn't like their coach. The kids were so glad that Daddy's team had won so that they could go and give the girls their pounds after the game.
Jason just called and told me that one of his girls was complaining about her playing time, even after win like tonight's. He was just about speechless when she was complaining to him.
Daddy, do you need help?
Jason in the midst of rain on Saturday afternoon decided to put up our outdoor Christmas light so that we no longer were the "Scrooge" house on the block. While I was trying to help Jason by holding the ladder Sawyer decided that he needed to climb the ladder to help Jason some. After Sawyer and I managed to step on a couple of the bulbs and break them Jason thought it best to strap Sawyer in somewhere that he could supervise but not destroy anything. I was finally able to humor Sawyer by placing him in his stroller located where he could be in constant sight of us. We did manage to get the lights on before Emerson returned from an overnight trip to Grandma's.
Good job Jason with putting the lights up and superb job Sawyer in supervising!
Hula Girl
At our church Christmas party the little girls were asked to do the Hula while some adults sang Mele Kelekimaka (I should know how to spell this since I went to school in Hawaii but my Hawaiian letter sounds have evaded me at the moment). Anyways, Emerson was completely on board for dancing the Hula in front of everyone.
I went out and purchased a grass skirt, lei and flowers for her hair so that she would look as authentic as possible. She wanted to wear her black leotard from tap to complete her ensemble. Before we even made it to church on Saturday night, Sawyer had ripped half of the grass skirt to shreds. Thankfully the parts he got a hold of were easy to camouflage.
Emerson is caught off guard when part of the Bishopric joins the girls on stage. She loves our Bishop and thought he was dancing so funny that she told him she would give him Hula lessons since he didn't know how to Hula.
Franklin Co. Won
Jason's team played Franklin Co on Saturday afternoon. Franklin Co. always is a girls' basketball force to be reckoned with. This year, however, they were not as tough as in years past but they still managed to win the game. Had the Bulldogs shown up the first 4 minutes of the game then they probably would have won. Oh well, at least they are still at 500 (5-5).
1 Point
Yes, Jason's team won again by only 1 point. They should have won by more since they had lead the majority of the game by 9 points. The opposing team managed to come back and make it a one point game for most of the last 5 minutes. With 2.5 seconds the Trojans threw up a last ditch lay-up and thankfully missed. The kids were happy they got to go to the locker room with Jason to congratulate the girls on their win. We are back on the positive side of 500. 5 wins and 4 loses!
First Snow
The kids and I took advantage of it just being us today and played in the snow. We had so much fun! Jason had given Emerson a sled as a Christmas present last year so we decided to go sledding down the small slope in our backyard. The kids felt like they were flying down and I even took a turn or two. I love snow days that are crisp and not freezing. However, by the time we went inside for lunch both of the kids were sporting pink cheeks. Too cute and just what a kid should have after a play in the snow.
I am ready for a little more snow so that we can venture out and locate a really good sledding hill around.
Great-great Grandma's Sugar Cookies
Every holiday finds the kids and I making their Great-great grandma Claire's sugar cookies. They are to die for or just to immerse your head into. We made the cookie dough one night, then let it chill overnight and we cut out stockings and stars the next day. Sawyer helped make the buttercream icing that we use with them. 
Emerson gave some away to her preschool teachers this week along with her presents for them. She was so excited to give her presents to her teachers that she gave them their presents yesterday. 
Christmas Photo Session at Home
After realizing that when we had out pictures taken professional I didn't order enough to send out with our Christmas letter I decided to take some of the kids on my own. Yesterday morning I bathed the kids and dressed them in their Christmas finest, threw my cream down comforter over a chair and moved the chair next to the Christmas tree, that just has lights on it & 2 ornaments.
Let the photo session begin...it started out that both were agreeable and cooperative, but soon I found myself bribing Sawyer with Smarties and Emerson with gum. We did make it through but not until Emerson almost fell into the tree and Sawyer was sobbing because he was finished with pictures. I did manage to get a couple good ones of the kids individually and together. Now I just have to decide which one(s) to send out. I included a sampling of the pictures.
Setting up the Tree
This post was supposed to be entered on Saturday/Sunday but for some reason got over looked.
We promised Emerson that when we got home from Indy we would put the Christmas tree up. As you can see from the pictures we had some really good helpers. Both of the kids thought that the tree stand was a bench to sit on and watch Jason and I put the tree up. Each of the kids got to put up the ornaments that their ggma and ggpa gave to them at Thanksgiving. We weren't able to put up the ornaments from Grandma and Grandpa because we didn't have our hooks down.
On Sunday we decided to light the tree and Emerson could hardly contain herself through dinner. She was in charge of making sure all the strands of lights worked & putting the star that she choose on the top of the tree, and Sawyer was in charge of tying hisself up in the lights. Both did a very good job helping out with their respective responsibilities.
I Didn't Even Sweat - No Shower for ME
Yes, this is what a couple of Jason's players were stating as he entered their locker room after a lose tonight. Needless, to say he didn't exit the locker room in any type of positive mind frame. When he came up to tell us good-bye and to drive safely home from Liberty, IN (Union Co) he was not speaking at all....of course, I had to make a comment and he then proceeded to tell me what he heard some of the girls saying. I hate to be them tomorrow at practice...I think they will be needing a shower after tomorrow afternoon's practice session.
Emerson handled the loss with class tonight. When told that Daddy's team had lost and it was time to put her pjs on she complied without any hesitation. Sawyer just breathed a sigh of relief that we were heading home soon.
You can't win them all, but it will be nice to be on the other side of a victory soon!
Bulldogs 44 Jac-Cen-Del 54
It seems as though the Lady Bulldogs are in a rut at the moment. They never seem to have recovered from all the turkey consumed on Thanksgiving and struggle to get up & down the court the day after. They are still at .500 but would love to only be claiming one loss at the most right at least there is always another game but every loss is hard.
Jason made a very good point in his radio interview that he would prefer to beat them in the county tourney instead of winning the regular season and them win the county game.
I think the losses are hardest on Emerson since when they lose she doesn't get to go to the locker to see the girls and be with her Daddy. This was the first game they lost that she wasn't a puddle in the stands. We love our little Bulldog cheerleaders in the stands!
O Christmas Tree
Our day after Thanksgiving tradition continues. This year it was a different tree farm but the same objective...to locate that perfect Christmas tree. The kids were bundled beyond belief to keep them warm from the frigid cold we had to endure. We actually woke-up to some snow around our house. Not enough to make anything out of but the kids thought that the snow was pretty cool.
Once we got to the tree farm we rode in a wagon out to the field and began the hunt. Emerson kept saying that she needed to find one for her room. We kept reminding her that we already had one for her room. As we continued the search Sawyer wanted to walk, Emerson wanted carried and I wanted the cut the tree down that I liked - Jason thought it was too tall. After looking up and down a valley for the perfect tree, I won out and we cut down the one of wanted. A few minutes of waiting on the wagon to pick us up and we were on our way to the car. Jason found a couple pieces of twine and we were in business to tie the tree to the top of the Expedition. A couple of knots later, we could be spotted headed home.
I love this tradition and it is excited to see my kids getting into the holiday spirit with Jason and me.
Our Thanksgiving Day
As I said in the earlier post we spent Thanksgiving in Lafayette. We had a great time just hanging out, I don't think we have ever went over there and just chilled. We chilled so much that one of Sawyer's new words is "chill". I felt so bad for Jason's parents because they told us that they would let us sleep in, and we sure got the better end of the deal. Emerson slept in their room and woke-up Grandma Pat at 4:20 (that is in the am). Jason and I were speechless when we were told that. Needless to say by 11 Emerson was back in bed and took an almost 3 hour nap. I can't remember the last time she napped that long.
We went to Jason's grandparents' home for Thanksgiving dinner and had a really nice time. The kids played with some of their older cousins. Sawyer had a really good time with Clinton, Jason's aunt and uncle's little boy.
While we were there we took a few pictures of Jason and the kids with relatives that we don't see too frequently. The lady sitting and the one in red are the kids' Great-great-great Aunts. Yes, that was three greats! They are the kids' Great-grandfather's aunts. I love having relatives in my children's lives that are older. I think it teaches them a respect that nothing else can.
Happy Turkey Day!
Happy Thanksgiving family and friends. We are spending Thanksgiving in Lafayette with Jason's family this year. We rotate years on where we spend Thanksgiving and it has been working out pretty well so far. The kids aren't forced to ride several hours in the car while we travel between Greensburg, Lafayette and Muncie for our turkey dinners. We hope you have enjoyed your time with family and friends as you have reflected on what you are thankful for this year.
Happy Thanks-giving Day!
Not Pretty
Last night's game at Connersville was not pretty to say the least. Jason's team scored 51 points but at times were behind by 40. The opposing coach kept his starters in even when he was ahead by 40, in my opinion this was a little bit of overkill since there wasn't any way that Jason's girls were going to be able to catch them.
The team still has a winning season which is more than they did last year. Friday's game should be a good one and we hope to be victorious.
Sisters
As I was driving home from Jason's game tonight when a song by Reba came on about missing aspects of your childhood that you shared with your sisters. My eyes welled up as I thought of how much I miss being with my sisters. Being so spread out limits the time that we all are able to get together.
Valeri and Erica, I miss talking with you and spending time cutting up with you. I will miss you both so much over Thanksgiving and hope that you are enjoying who you are surrounded by. I love you and admire the women that you have become. Love you two!
21 pts.
That was the margin of loss in tonight's game. Jason had a feeling that his team wouldn't be victorious and he was right. His team was never able to overcome the 10 point deficit that haunted them most of the game. The girls played hard but were out rebounded and couldn't buy a bucket for most of the game.
Hopefully Tuesday night at Connersville will have a better outcome.
3.6 Seconds and a Timeout
Jason's Lady Bulldogs had their first home game of the season last night. He had a feeling that his team was going to lose due to the fact that his players hadn't been practicing very well. His feeling almost came true! The game was tied, 41 to 41, with about 9 seconds on the clock when his team got a rebound. He attempted to call a timeout as soon as the ball was rebounded. The timeout wasn't granted until his player was able to throw the ball to a completely open player and she made a lay-up. Right before the uncontested lay-up was made Jason was granted the timeout with 3.6 seconds on the clock. He quickly drew up an in bounds play that had his point guard taking a three point shot. The in bounds play went off without a hitch, it was perfect. At the buzzer a three was hit. Final score North Decatur 41 Batesville 44. What a game, I could barely sit down from excitement the last 2 minutes.
Bulldogs 67 and Lawrenceburg 46
The kids and I headed out to Lawrenceburg tonight to support Jason and his team. The game started out with the opponent leading for most of the first quarter. Overall the Bulldogs played a hard fought game and were victorious. Yeah, the season is starting off with two wins! Momentum please continue on through county.
Bulldogs 67 Brown Co. 40
Yes, the season began with a win and a large point spread. I am so relieved that Jason was able to begin his season with a win on the road. One game down, many more to go. The kids modeled their new Bulldog sweatshirts only to literally sweat in them. Both kids had nice rosy red cheeks once the game began.
The kids wanted to wish Jason good luck so they recorded a message...Sorry about cutting Sawyer out of the frame for awhile, I was trying to get him to talk so you could understand him. Sorry Sawyer!
Against Daylight Savings
As of today, 2 days into daylight savings time, I have decided that I hate it. I realize hate is a strong word but I do. My kids want to go to bed at 6:30 p.m. and are awake at 7 a.m. ready for the day. Me, I am missing my 7:45 wake up time. Just three days ago the kids were both sleeping until at least 7:30 a.m. and I could eek out 15 more minutes when Emerson was the first one up because she likes to sit in her room and read. Now with the sun rising so early Sawyer feels like he needs to alert me the moment the sun is shining. I don't know if I can survive until we switch again. How many more months until the Spring daylight savings time change? I guess I can make it through because it is hard to not put a smile on when you are greeted by two wonderful kids who are so excited that you are there to rescue them from their rooms, okay, Sawyer is excited to be rescued, Emerson is excited that someone else is up with her. I love you two kids....let's meet in the middle and sleep until 7:25 what do you say? I know wishful hoping but I can wish can't I!?
It Begins on Thursday
I am doing an ode to basketball background since Jason's begins his season this Thursday at Brown County. I can scarcely believe that another year of basketball is beginning already. The kids and I are looking forward to going to the games this year and cheering on the Lady Bulldogs. Hopefully, Jason sees a decrease in technicals called against him this year. He managed to get 2 in under two weeks...not a tradition we don't want to see continued or at least I don't. It is time for the kids and I to follow the Lady Bulldogs around supporting and cheering them on, in what we hope is a great season. Good luck Honey, we are cheering for you!
GO BULLDOGS!
Thank You For Me and My Brother
This is what Emerson told everyone who gave her and Sawyer candy when they went Trick-or-Treating tonight. They both had so much fun going from door to door saying Trick-or-Treat. The night started with us going by the Allens' to see Hannah and Madilynn in their costumes. Hannah was Dora and Madi was a bumblebee. We went to some of the houses in Hannah's neighborhood before the kids and I went to Batesville to meet up with Jason. Jason had told some of his players and a colleague that we would stop by. We first stopped at two of his players' home (their twins) and then we walked across the street and a grassy patch to another home of two of his players (twins again). The girls were so excited to see the kids and we very nice with their compliments of the kids costumes.
Both of the kids got so into knocking on the doors and saying Trick-or-Treat. Sawyer would stand at the door with his bag out while Emerson said Trick-or-Treat and held her bag out. She then would say, "Thank you from me and my brother". Someone even thanked her for her nice manners.
By the time we went down one street in a neighborhood in Batesville Emerson was hungry and ready to head home. I think Sawyer could have went down an entire second street. Both of the kids were allowed to have a piece of candy on the way home. Emerson ate her candy and then fell asleep. Sawyer ate his and then was ready to go some more.
Halloween was wonderful because the kids enjoyed their selves and the weather was really nice. You can't always count on nice evening weather in Indiana at the end of October. Happy Halloween!
A Crazy Couple of Days!
The past few days have been a little bit crazy for us, but in all the good ways. Ainsley had spent the night so she helped me make Emerson's preschool Halloween treat on Monday while Priss was at school. Then after Sawyer's nap on Monday the kids and I met Erica, Matt, and the boys in Shelbyville for the Ainsley hand-off. All went smoothly until the kids and I got home and sat down for dinner. Emerson didn't want to eat what had been fixed, but Sawyer on the other hand loved his so much that it ended up in his hair. I turned around and he was eating and when I turned back around his plate was upside down on his head. Thankfully he had eaten most of his dinner, however, left over mash potatoes were still on the plate. I have learned with Sawyer that it is best to laugh or else I would be crying a lot because he does make a lot of messes! After throwing Sawyer into the bath tub to clean him up, since we were carving pumpkins when Jason got home. All was pretty well when Jason finally walked through the door. Emerson was still sitting at the table eating her dinner...she'd been there for about at hour. We commenced pumpkin carving and Sawyer really got into it. He was helping me clean out the seeds and goo, while Jason carved and Emerson supervised. One of the pumpkins even claimed one of my nails, literally, a nail broke off in the pumpkin. The kids were so excited that their pumpkins were finally carved. When we lit them Sawyer couldn't keep his eyes off of his and Emerson kept making sure that Jason had really carved her hand into the pumpkin. Two cute kids with their cute Jack-o-lanterns!
Yesterday the kids and I were to head out of Greensburg to spend the day in Indy with Erica and her kids. We did head out but not as early as I wanted to. We made it and enjoyed our day with them. Last night was Beckett's 1st birthday party and everyone had a really good time. The kids dressed up and on Sunday Erica informed me that the adults were dressing up also. I dressed up as a referee, thanks to Jason's referee shirt from reffing youth league games. Sawyer loved all the chaos and the ice cream that he was stealing off of a friend's plate. I walked out to find Sawyer helping his self to James Moore's cream. James didn't care...he said Sawyer just came up and took his fork away and started eating my ice cream. What can you do? At least James knows my kids and wasn't weirded out by it all. Happy First Birthday, Becks! We love you!
Overnight Guest
Hungry Hippos Didn't Know What They Were In ForWe went to Indy today to watch Cooper participate in his Primary Sacrament program. He did a great job and was the hit of sacrament, if you can possibly be the hit in a sacrament meeting. We loved getting to be there and to spend time with the Wall fam.
When we were leaving Matt and Erica's today Ainsley wanted to come home with us. So being the awesome aunt that I am...I let her accompany us to Greensburg. The girls acted like sisters, but loved getting to spend so much time together. Sawyer left a little left out from time to time but they all did end up playing together.
They all helped me make homemade sugar cookie dough and icing for Beckett's upcoming first birthday party this week. Everyone wanted a turn mixing or adding some ingredient and overall everyone seemed satisfied with what they got to do.
It was so much fun having Ainsley spend the night. The girls fought bedtime a little and both are on the dramatic side at times. Everyone made it to bed without any hysterics, and no one got out of bed, at least, at the time that I am writing this (10:00 p.m. on Sunday night). We will see how the night goes, Jason has already claimed the couch if two little girls find their way into our room tonight.
Sleeping AngelsIt is so wonderful to have the opportunity to take a niece or nephew home with you because you live so close, or close enough that someone can get somewhere quick if need be. Thanks Matty and Bon for letting us have the opportunity to enjoy Ainsley Ellisen in our home tonight. We love you and are praying you don't leave us!!
