Gingerbread Cookie Houses

This evening, I realized that we hadn't had the chance to enjoy one of the gifts a family from church gave us.  As you can see in the picture, we received a pan with gingerbread cookie houses, frosting in a squeeze bottle, and little candies.  I handed out the cookies and we each decorated one.  It really was a clever gift that promoted family fun during the holidays.    

Sequence

For Christmas, Aunt Melissa gave us the game Sequence.  Lexi & Jordan are quickly becoming experts about the different strategies.  They want to play the game all the time.  Fortunately for me, it is a fun game.  

Inflatables Day

The weather has been pretty chilly here and I have been fighting a cough, so I decided to rest yesterday.  That made Lexi & Jordan all the more excited to be invited to a fun filled morning at Inflatables with our good friends.  Aunt Melissa is in town, which means the kids are extra thrilled.  I was happy to go to a place where the kids could work out all of their energy while I could just sit on the side, chat with friends, and watch.  We all got exactly what we wanted.  

Doll from Santa

Lexi has been wanting an American Girl Doll for a while now.  Most girls where we live have at least one.  A new store was built fairly close to us this year, so they are even more popular.  Lexi didn't get exactly what she wanted, but Santa was nice to bring this Journey doll for her.  She even has 2 extra outfits to dress her in.  

Christmas Evening

We were invited to spend Christmas Evening with some of our close friends.  We had a wonderful roast beef dinner.  Afterward, the kids, with a little help, put on the nativity play.  It was a perfect way to wrap up Christmas.  

Inn Keepers & Later Wise Men (Savannah & Lexi)

Visiting the Baby Jesus

All Together

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.  

Merry Christmas

I love having the kids dress up all festive like during the holidays.  Of course, I made sure that we did it today for church.  The program included lots of musical numbers, one of which I was a part of.  They had all of the women sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing.  Lexi and Jordan got to sit all by themselves for the entire song and they actually did pretty well.  It was a nice day.

Woodlands Mall at Christmas

We went up to the Woodlands Mall this evening.  I love that place, but haven't been since my dad passed away.  It is up north by where he used to live.  Behind the  mall, they have a place called Market Street that has lots of high end shops and outdoor fun.  The big Christmas tree does a musical light show every half hour.  They also have carriages and other festive fun.  

Polar Express Day

It is Lexi's last day of school for 2012.  Not only was she excited to think about school getting out, but it was a party day and only a half day.  They had a big Polar Express party and the kids got to wear pjs.  It was a little chilly, so I had her wear a long sleeved shirt and leggings underneath.

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.  

Tooth Fairy Failure

Last night, the Tooth Fairy failed to do her duty.  Lexi was crushed.  I had to convince her to be patient with the Tooth Fairy and that this wasn't the first time it has ever happened to a child.  In fact, I am SURE it happened to me and several of my siblings a few times.  The Tooth Fairy has quite a lot going on this time of year.  Besides preparing for Christmas, it is hockey season up north.  She must be busy picking up all of those huge adult hockey teeth.

Lexi was given a little treasure chest for her tooth at school today.  This evening, Lexi decided to leave a note for the Tooth Fairy.  She wanted to make sure that she showed up and that she left the chest for next time.  I have a feeling that the Tooth Fairy felt bad about last night and scheduled the visit in her phone so she would be sure to make it later on tonight.

Goodbye to Another Tooth

Lexi lost another tooth today. It has been pretty wiggly for a while now.  We thought she might loose it over the weekend when she was with her dad & Sarah.  She decided that she wouldn't touch it and would be extra careful.  Today after school, it was practically falling out of her mouth.  When she got ready for bed, she agreed to let me pull it.  It took minimal effort.

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.