Christmas Break

Since today was the last day of the school Christmas break, I decided that we needed to have a little extra fun.  It is also the first day that it wasn't freezing cold here since right after Christmas.  I've been wanting to hibernate.  Overall, this has been a great break for the kids.  Of course, they have been squabbling, but they have also been playing really well together.  They have grown even closer and seem to be enjoying each other's company.  I love it.  

We started the day off with lettered pancakes.  The kids pulled out their mini-laptops and played around.  Then mid-morning, I loaded up the bikes and we headed over to George Bush, Sr Park.  We went a little ways on the bike trail, had a picnic in a pavilion  and then played on the playground.  Great day to get fresh air, move around, and laugh a little too.  

Gadget Queen

What a fun surprise to download pictures off of my camera and find some that I had nothing to do with.  Apparently, a little girl got my camera out and took some on her own and got her brother involved too.  She is very interested in technology.  Besides my camera (or more than my camera), she has developed her interest in my phone.   Several times, I have discovered texts on there that I did not send.  So far, she has focused on my mom & her dad.  She doesn't always identify herself though.  I have explained to them that weird texts heavy on the lovey dovey stuff, some spelling errors, and full of emoticons are not from me.  If anyone else gets odd texts from me, you can probably figure Lexi got a hold of my phone.

Last Sunday of the Year

Today was the last Sunday of 2012.  As usual, we got up and got ready for church.  I like to be there 15 to 20 minutes early, so we can sit on our favorite little bench.  It is a small bench that fits the 3 of us perfectly.  Being there that early, means we get to chat with a few others that walk around and say hi to everyone.  One of my friends from church came and talked to up this morning.  She is the Relief Society President (meaning that she is in charge of all of the women in our congregation).  While we were talking I glanced up to the stand and noticed an elderly gentleman.  He looked familiar, but I really didn't pay attention.  Once my friend walked away, I noticed that another of my favorite families was quite early and acting a little different.  In my mind, I thought, it is as if the man on the stand is ....  I looked at him again and ...  Suddenly, I realized that it was Richard G. Scott.

His son is in our bishopric (congregation leaders), so it wasn't a huge surprise.  I pointed him out to Lexi & Jordan and a few people sitting near us.  They were quiet excited.  Then, our home teacher (one of the men in our congregation assigned to look after us), came over & told me to take the kids up on the stand to shake Elder Scott's hand.  By then it was about time for church to start, so we rushed up there.  I quickly told him that I just wanted to shake his hand.  We did and exchanged quick smiles.  Lexi was next and did the same thing.  

At the end of our meeting, Elder Scott stood up and spoke for a few minutes.  He said he wanted to give all of us an apostolic blessing.  He told us to go home and write down all of our blessings - think about them, name them & count them.  He also told us to write down things that we want to work on improving.  He promised us that if we did that, we would be happier.  I think that is wonderful advice especially as a new year is starting.  This afternoon, I worked on mine and had the kids work on their lists.  

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.