Father's Day

It is Father's Day today.  Since we went to the ballet last night, Lexi slept here.  Jordan stayed with his dad last night.  I got Lexi ready and took a few pictures before dropping her off to join them.

Motorcycle Burn

Lexi and Jordan spent the weekend with their dad.  Lexi came back with this burn on her leg.  They went to a park yesterday with Sarah and her kids (Savannah and Aaron).  One of Sarah's friends rode his motorcycle and met them there.  Lexi was curious and got too close.  Now, Lexi knows to stay back.  I put some medicine on it and bandaged it up.  I hope it heals soon.       

Watch Dog

Lexi got to participate in the Watch Dog program today with her dad.  Her elementary school has two father volunteers every day.  They start off with opening doors for carpool.  Next, the dad and the student get to be on the televised announcements.  Then the dad helps in the classrooms.  At lunch, the dads walk around assisting kids with whatever they need like putting straws in juice boxes and opening applesauce.  The dads get to go out to recess and play with the kids too.  It is a pretty fun day.

Christmas Morning

This Christmas has been completely amazing in so many unexpected ways. First of all, I didn't think I would be able to spend it with my two favorite people in the world. This year, their dad was scheduled to have them for Christmas. Fortunately, my ex brought them over first thing this morning and we all spent the day together.

I also believed it would be a sad little Christmas because I just couldn't manage to spend money on presents. Even with help, I am struggling to pay bills this month. I know I am pretty verbal on the blog about financial struggles, but in real life I keep it pretty quiet. It is just part of my life and we manage somehow.

This month, the spirit of Christmas must have swelled in the hearts of people (my boss, friends, family, & church members) because they came out of the woodwork to shower us with gifts and acts of kindness. Their generosity was so overwhelming that I often shed a tear. My mom did too whenever I told her about another person who went out of their way to do something for us. The gifts weren't only for my kids either. I can understand how people would want to make sure kids have a good Christmas, but I can't believe how much people gave and thought about me. Of course, I would have been thrilled if Lexi and Jordan were the only ones spoiled, but I was too.

In the end, I realize it really is the thought that counts. The wonderful gifts they gave us showed me how much love and kindness there is in the world, especially where we live. How amazing it is to have love in this world. More than anything, this all makes me wish I could afford to do grand things for them and others.

Cinnamon Rolls for Breakfast

Christmas Eve

Some friends from church invited us all over for Christmas Eve dinner.  My friend's parents were in town and their tradition is to have a Swedish Smorgasbord, so that is what we had.  I brought a veggie tray and Swedish Almond Cake.  The adults ate first (in peace) while the kids were outside playing on the trampoline.  Then we fixed plates for them and they ate outside.  Later, we all came in to watch a nativity video, read Luke, and listen to the Night Before Christmas.  The kids opened a gift.  Lexi & Jordan got a gift certificate to McDonalds.  That is a special treat because I never take them there.  Before heading out, all of the kids decorated sugar cookies for Santa.  

We went home, got the kids in the pjs, and set out the cookies for Santa.  Then Lexi and Jordan went with Steve to spend the night at his apartment.  He'll bring them back in the morning so we can spend Christmas here.  

Wedding Off

Steve came over this afternoon and told the kids that he had called the wedding off.  For the past week, he had been talking to me about his major doubts.  I had brought up a few things that I thought he should consider like the fact that he wasn't telling ANYONE about the wedding.  I just think when you are really in love, you want to share the news.  We talked about the positives and negatives, but I said it is all up to him.

I asked Steve if he had made the effort to ponder, fast & pray about this.  He said no, but that he would.  He spent the beginning of this week doing just that.  By yesterday evening, his mind was made up and he was at peace.  Of course, he had to break it to her gently.  I gave him some advice, but I don't know how the conversation went down exactly.  I bet it was very difficult.    

It has been one crazy month for Steve and his fiance.  I know the dream of being married is often so strong that people forget that it takes an extra special person to make it wonderful.  I believe that he has learned a lot about himself, life, prayer, love and the importance of family this month.  I hope this inspires him to continuing working on improving himself and moving forward.  

Weekend with Dad

The kids were with Steve and his fiance this weekend.  He text me a few pictures of the fun activities. Last week, I decided to make gifts for the kids to take to their future step-siblings.  I made matching snowman skirts for Lexi and Savannah.  They wore them to church on Sunday.  

J's Pre-school Christmas Program

This evening, we went to Jordan's Christmas Program at his pre-school.  As you can see, Steve went with us.  We got to watch all of the classes sing.  Then we had refreshments.  Fortunately, we knew lots of people there.  We spent time with old friends, some people from church and families that we know from attending the school over the years.  

Future Step-Siblings

We spent the afternoon with Steve's future wife & step-kids.  This was the first time I got to meet them and Lexi and Jordan's second time with them.  Sarah (his girlfriend) drove down here and we met at a local park for the kids to play for about an hour.  Then we headed to the mall to watch a movie.  We saw Rise of the Guardians.  They were all very nice and we enjoyed getting to know them.  

Evening with Dad

Thursday nights are Steve's nights with the kids. He came over this evening and we went to buy a Christmas tree. I wasn't planning to get one because I don't have enough money and because he has the kids this year. Steve decided to buy one for us. His fiance is going to be out of town for the holidays, so he is thinking about coming to my house on Christmas. That would be nice since I can't stand the thought of being away from the kids. I know I'll have to deal with this soon, but the longer it can be put off the better. Steve set the tree up and I made a quick dinner for them before heading off to a church Christmas dinner for ladies. I got back right after Lexi and Jordan were in bed.

J's Polar Express PJ Party

We finally got to have Jordan's birthday party tonight.  Our closest friends came for the Polar Express pajama party.  Lexi and Jordan looked adorable in the matching pjs I made for them.  We had lots of laughs with one of the games we played and had fun chatting with our friends.  What a great night for all of us.  

New Family Members

A week and a half ago, Lexi and Jordan got to meet the special lady in their dad's life.  She, Sarah, sounds very nice and he is head-over-heals in love with her.  They are madly in love with each other.  It was a big moment because soon, Lexi & Jordan will have a new step-mom, step-sister (six year old Savannah) and step-brother (8 year old Aaron).  The plan is for me to meet her pretty soon and I am definitely looking forward to it.    

Fall Harvest Party

For the past few days, Lexi has complained about not feeling well.  The kids spent the weekend with their dad and she threw up on Saturday.  I didn't really know what to think about it because Lexi gets car sick rather easy.  Steve took them up north (about 45 minutes away) to meet his new girlfriend and her kids.  They went out to eat at Red Robbin.  It was after eating that Lexi threw up.  I thought it might have been the car or the food.  Jordan started throwing up tonight, so now I know it was the stomach flu.  I text Steve today & he has it too.

This morning, Lexi was really whiny.  It is so difficult to take days off of school in Texas, so I hate to waste them.  She also had her Fall Harvest Party.  Kids should never have to miss the fun days of school.  I promised her that I would send a note letting the teacher know what was going on.  Right before lunch, I got a call from the nurse saying she wasn't doing well.  I don't think she was that bad, but she had already had her party and now had an excused absent from the nurse.  Lucky for her.  She brought home the above craft with a picture of her and I holding hands.  I'm thankful for our relationship too.

Labor Day with Dad

Lexi and Jordan spent last night and today with their dad. He took them to Pirates Bay, which is a water park. 

Father's Day Presents

This week, Lexi and Jordan Lexi worked on art projects for the fathers and grandfathers in their lives.  I have heard that their dad doesn't have very much on his walls, so I bought canvases for the kids to decorate for him.  As you can see, I used painter's tape to make a big L on the one Lexi was making.  She also drew the pictures below for her grandfathers and great grandfather.  This morning, the kids' dad came to pick them up and they presented him with their creations.  Steve is very excited about hanging their artwork up.  

My grandfather (my dad's dad) who is a cowboy & lives on a ranch

Travis, Papa Malcolm, and Lexi on the dog beach in California - top says Papa backwards check mark smiley face, check mark, smiley face

Lexi and Granddad (George) on a boat (heads peaking out of the windows)

Lexi, Papa Malcolm, and Travis at the park

Lexi doing a painting for her dad

Jordan, Steve & Lexi