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.  

Lexi Appreciation Day

Yesterday, I got a call from Lexi's school counselor.  Lexi came in crying and wanted to talk about all the changes that are happening in her life.  That is probably strange for some kids, but Lexi has always expressed her feelings and is very open and talkative about what is going on just like I am.  We basically talk about everything.  She has been visiting the school counselor since the counselor introduced herself to her Kindergarten class and invited any of them to come and talk to her when they were sad.  Lexi probably goes overboard.  She goes in to tell her that she thinks a kid is being rude and is probably a bully.  I know she complained a few times in kindergarten that her teacher wouldn't let her go that day.  I told her sometimes work needs to be done too.

Anyway, her counselor called to say that she was starting a little therapy group for kids in Lexi's family situation and wanted to know if Lexi could be part of it.  She hand picked the kids.  It starts in January and is going to be called Banana Splits.  I thought it was a wonderful idea because we don't really know any other families that have divorced  parents or step-families.  It would be good for Lexi to feel that others are in our situation.  I think some of the anxiety of the new step-family and what that entails will lessen this weekend since Steve is taking the kids to be with them.  

The timing of that phone call and what I had planned for today just happened to be good.  We have been doing a new system that I came up with called Happy Family Points.  We have a chart on the refrigerator.  When the kids follow the routines I have listed (meal time, getting ready in the morning, and bedtime) as well as when I see them doing something extra nice for someone in the family, they get a point.  When they have 25 points, they are rewarded with a day dedicated to them.  Today was Lexi Appreciation Day.  She got to pick out what we were eating throughout the day and we spent extra time telling her how much we love and appreciate her.  She really is a wonderful part of our little family and we love her more than word can say.  

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.  

Silver Star Ranch

Tonight, we went to a place we'd never been before.  It is called the Silver Star Ranch and it over an hour away.  Over a week ago, Gram contacted us that Groupon had a half price coupon for tickets to this ranch and that it sounded like fun.  The price was low enough that Gram and her kids/grand-kids decided to buy tickets and check it out.  They invited us to tag along and we'd hate to miss out on the adventure.  

It was a ranch set-up by a guy who used to be a chef/ice sculpture for a restaurant in Atlantic City.  The ice sculpting is the main attraction, but they have plenty of other interesting things going on too like hay rides through a lighted path, farm animal petting areas, stores, craft areas, fire pits for roasting marshmallows, and they even truck in snow for a big snowball fight every night (something rare in Texas).  It was a great night.  The weather was warm enough that we didn't even need jackets.    

Ice Sculpting in Action (angel)

Snowball fight

Crazy Hair Day

Lexi's school had a crazy hair day today.  I knew lots of kids and teachers would be wearing wigs, spraying their hair all different colors, and generally be looking fairly strange today.  We had plans after school, so I didn't want to get too funky.  I was also not happy that they made this into a fund raiser (professional fund raising school).  Anyone who wanted to participate was supposed to pay money.  I decided a happy medium would be best.  I gave Lexi funky braids.  That way, her hair wasn't "normal" but it also wasn't crazy enough for them to expect us to pay money.  

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.  

No Party Day

Jordan's birthday party was scheduled for today.  Unfortunately, Jordan was still sick enough that I had to postpone it.  Last night, Lexi asked if we could make a special birthday breakfast for the birthday boy. She thought pancakes with whipped cream and sprinkles would cheer him up. I was happy to try anything to get him eating again. He was pleased with her choice and managed to eat it all. I decided to wrap up two dvds that I had bought for Christmas so they could watch them today.  

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.    

Sunday Gingerbread House

We went to church this morning.  I needed to go because I started teaching the 8 year olds (turned 9 this year) now.  It was my first Sunday with them.  Since my kids aren't 100% feeling better quite yet, they were actually quiet and calm.  When we got home this afternoon, they both took naps that lasted several hours.  

This evening, I pulled out a gingerbread house kit that we had and let them go to town.  I thought it would do them some good to work together and have fun.  Lexi was in charge of icing and Jordan was in charge of the candy.  There was lots of giggling and planning going on.