Dinello Christmas 2009~

It's the day after Christmas--and as my husband said this morning- "it looks like Santa threw up in here!!"

There are toys strewn from one end of the house to the other--kids are happily playing with their toys-and Dad is on yet another battery run! We had a fabulous day--and our Christmas Eve started with Hannah's Birthday, and the arrival of the newest member of the Dinello Family--a puppy named Patches!

We know how incredibly blessed we all are--and we are so grateful for our warm home-filled with screams of laughter--and tons of kids! ALthough it is loud--and stressful sometimes-we would not have it any other way!

My hope for all of you is that your holidays were wonderful--and that 2010 brings joyous and peaceful days!!

Here is a recap in pics of our holiday!!

Countdown on.....

fa la la la la.................
(look at poor Santa's shell-shocked face! haha!)

Excitement has reached a fever pitch here at the Dinello ranch!

Christmas is only two days away-Hannah's birthday is one day away, we had a major snowstorm last weekend--and enjoyed lots of great sledding--and the oldest three enjoyed a fun trip to NYC with us last Friday to see the Rockettes in action!

We have had lots of fun--but I have to admit--this mama is pooped! I am pretty much ready for Christmas--but it always seems there is some last minute stuff to do! For me-tomorrow will include:

Christmas Program at the pre-school 10 am

Pick up Hannah, Joe, and Caroline at 11:30 from school--they have half day

go to lunch with kid's friends for a pre-Christmas celebration

get Joseph's haircut

get Great-Grandma a present--how many darn night gowns can I buy the poor woman??

pick up Hannah's birthday cake

pick up steaks for Christmas eve

get tights for the girls

take kids to "kids only" Christmas party at 7 pm for a night of Christmas movies

****and I thought I was organized...............

phew...is it Christmas yet??

**And also I wanted to let everyone know that 3 HUGE boxes of clothes were mailed off to China--and they should be receiving them soon at Philip Hayden Foundation. Your generosity astounds me. The clothes were adorable-and it was so incredible that you all took the time to help! I am still waiting on news of surgery/no surgery for Taylor. However--I do continue to get updates on him--he is adjusting to life there-and I was sent a pic of him yesterday where he even had a hint of a smile! :-) Please continue to pray for him and the others that will be spending this Christmas without the loving arms of a parent around them.....

And here are some pics of our latest fun!

at lunch--at Jekyl and Hyde
my handsome boy!!


on the ferris wheel at Toys R Us

at the Christmas Spectacular!



the BIG tree and American Girl!







sledding FUN!!!!!