Tishendorf Christmas 2009

Wow, what a whirlwind week we had leading up to Christmas.  We were on the go doing errands all week, and finally had some down time Christmas Eve to enjoy the holiday.

We went to the early Christmas Eve service at our church.  Photo above is of Sarah on stage during story time!  They had a candlelight service and we were very pleased that Sarah didn't set anyone or anything on fire....not that it has been an issue in the past.....but 4 year olds and lit candles...well, you never know what will happen!

After dinner the kids drew numbers to see who would be the first to open their ONE gift Christmas Eve.

Tori was first!!!  Of course she chose the largest present....

New moon poster and frame....already hung up on her wall so she can stare at it from her bed.

Sarah was next.....she wasn't excited at ALL (just kidding)

An Easy Bake Oven "Just what I wanted" she said after opening it.  Of course, she said that after EVERY gift she opened.  NOTE to Easy Bake Oven company:  NO LIGHTBULB???? REALLY?????  Next year include light bulbs, so little girls can immediately go and bake their cakes!!!!

The new Battleship game for Ryley

Tyler with his present.....which was recycled Pokemon cards from upstairs.....It was a gag gift....

Tyler with his real gift ---  Nine year olds + Nerf Bows = a great Christmas Eve!!!

Brandon opted for the "squishy" package, knowing it would be clothes and he could get them over with.

Ryan opted NOT to go with the "squishy"  package.  Instead went for the smaller package and found nerf darts and gum......kind of a bummer gift.....clothes would have been better he was thinking....until Brandon informed him that his REAL gift was set aside and it was a gag gift.

Ryan with his Nerf basketball set for his bedroom.  Exactly what he was hoping for.

Our next stop was outside, to throw out reindeer food for Santa's reindeer...

1....2.....3...... Jump and throw!!!!  Tori caught some serious air!!!!

Sending the last of the oats and glitter into the air

Then it was back inside the warm house where the kids played with their toys, Grandma, Sarah and Ryley played Battleship and I made Cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning!!!!

We were hoping for a white Christmas, but the only snowflakes we saw, were the ones designed personally by our family!!!

Santa came and filled our stockings....and I'm sure he took the time to view the beautiful pictures the kids posted on the fireplace as well!

Santa left a few presents under the tree.....

....and then it was time to experience Christmas Bliss!!!!

The boys' home gym....look forward to photos in Christmas 2010 of the "BUFF Tishendorf boys"...they may have to put out a calendar....Ryley said if I want to use it, I may be featured in "Rough Chicks" calendar.  Now there's something to think about!!!!

A happy Sarah ......"it was just what I wanted"

Sweet Tyler

Sisters......Tori got Sarah "just what she wanted"

We hope you had a very Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!!!!

The boys....

The boys had their holiday band concert tonight, and performed at the High Schools Fine Arts Center.  Ryan and Ryley performed with the 7th grade band.  Ryley plays the trombone and Ryan plays the trumpet.  Brandon plays with the 8th grade band and plays the bassoon! 

Sarah with Santa

Sarah was VERY excited to go and see Santa in person this year.  She wanted to be sure to let him know what she wanted for Christmas.  Sending letters isn't enough....she sent another hand drawn photo off to the North Pole today via the US Postal service!!!

The sad thing is, that today I went to pick up the printed photos of Sarah and Santa and for the first time she looks like an elementary school child vs. the preschooler I see her as.  She's growing up WAY too fast...along with the rest of the kids.  I still can't believe Brandon will be in high school next year!!!

Tis the season to be WAY too busy

Well, here it is, the middle of December and not only is our calendar completely full, we seem to be coming and going non stop and having very little down time....to blog for example!!

On Wednesday of last week, the dance studio's ballet classes, went to perform for the local assisted living center.  Above is Sarah in her "dragonfly costume".....which will then become her "Tinkerbell" costume for the summer dance studio recital.

Sarah at the Assisted Living Center waiting to perform

On Thursday last week, Tori and her friends spent some time choreographing their dance moves for their upcoming "Battle of the Bands" school fundraiser.  Their band's name is "Insert Name Here" and they will be performing to the Weird Al song..."Like a Surgeon".    The girls are looking to borrow a gurney for their performance this spring.  If anyone knows of a place we can borrow one, please let us know!!!

On Friday Ryley was one of 4 students recognized at the school assembly for showing outstanding cooperation and given a certificate of Excellence and a miniature school mascot!!!  We are so proud of him!!!

On Saturday, Matt's mom arrived, to spend the weekend and celebrate Christmas with us!!!  We were busy from the get go.....baking some OLD German and Scandinavian cookie recipes from her grandmas collection!  We had reservations that evening at The Old Spaghetti Factory on the waterfront in downtown Portland.  What a great time we had, and the food was excellent!!!

Sarah and I at dinner.  You can see all the decorations around the windows that overlook the waterfront!!!

After dinner we went to Portland International Raceway's Winter Wonderland display.  For a fee, you can drive along the 2+ mile race track, with your lights turned off and a Christmas music CD they provide and look at all of the light displays.

One of our favorite light displays

Another favorite display!!!

On the way home from Portland, Sarah got sleepy....Tori is such a wonderful big sister.

We did a gift exchange.....Matt's mom is opening her first gift...

Which ended up being a "gag gift".  You see....she broke her foot about a month ago and Matt thought she would appreciate having some "walking sticks" that came with an "instructional DVD on walking".  You can never be too prepared, or too safe. 

Sarah with one of her presents.  She has been asking for a Barbie horse and is thrilled with this Mulan and Royal Horse playset.

.....and, being as Matt's mom is a pediatric RN, it is only fitting that Sarah have a pediatrician Barbie in her collection.

Tori's AWESOME friendship bracelet making kit.  Tori and Sarah and bracelets now, and so does Matt in "Oregon Duck" colors!!!

Tyler is in Lego heaven.....

I received a basket of favorites....chocolates, and sipping cocoa, and candles and a gift card, and a cook book (basically, what I'm saying is she spoiled me rotten).  My all time favorite surprise is the pasta above!!  It is called "Mother in Law Tongues" and is super long and multi-colored because it is made from multiple flavored pastas!!!  I can't wait to try it...I'm thinking a pesto sauce will be used because I don't want to cover up the fancy pasta with a marinara sauce.

Matt gets REALLY excited around Christmas time!!!

I wonder where my boys get their sense of humor??????

On Sunday we headed back into downtown Portland for Ryan's basketball game, and then headed to lunch at one of my favorite restaurants....Jakes Grill...which is at The Governor hotel.  What a great weekend we have had!!!

It only takes a small act to make a difference

Our family is well aware of how lucky we are to have a roof over our heads and food in our refridgerator and pantry.  Please take the time to watch the video below.  We hope you will share with us in doing something for others this holiday season.  It only takes a small act of kindness to make a difference.

Weekend update.....

What's up at the Tishendorfs this weekend???  Ryan's basketball team had their first tournament.  Saturday Ryan played 2 games......and we headed out to Red Robin.

Matt (assistant coach this year) on lower left, next to Ryan #21

Sarah offered to take photos of the basketball game..... first shot....her shoes.

Second shot....interesting angle...she said she was photographing the newspaper....

Sarah hanging out with her wild haired Barbie

Sunday Ryan had his last game in the tournament.  Then we headed out to our favorite restaurant The Oswego Grill for lunch.  Ryan actually fell asleep on the way home while we took a short road trip to look at some homes for my cousin, who will be moving to town next week!  I tried to get a photo of him sleeping but he heard me unzip the camera case.