Whirlwind of a Christmas

Wow, it came and went in a flash! We were so busy with all of the different family gatherings that we need a day of hibernation =). TIRED would be one way to describe it, but really we had a wonderful Christmas and are very thankful. I hate that it comes and goes so very quickly. It is awesome to have that time to just stop and gather and visit with family.

Our Christmas Day was wonderful. We woke up (albeit tired from being up late) and got ready. We had to get the girls up as they were tired also. They were pretty excited to see some gifts under the tree. My family came over for breakfast casserole, cinnamon rolls, and fruit. We cleared off the breakfast table and set it for dinner just so we didn't have to do it later. The girls got changed out of their pj's into their Christmas attire. We sat down and Josh, myself, and Aliyah read the Christmas story aloud to the rest of the family members gathered. We proceeded with the gifts. This year we did it a bit different. Everyone picked a number and the one who got closest got to be the one to open the first gift. After the first gift, the opener of the gift went to the tree and chose any gift (except one for themselves) and then handed it to whomever it belonged. That person opened their gift and then chose another for someone else and so on. It was fun because it kept everyone involved and after all of that preparation and planning we got to enjoy the process a little bit more.
After cleaning up wrapping paper and all the mess, we watched our church's TV Christmas presentation. Following that, Josh and I finished up dinner prep. We sat down to a yummy meal and had plenty to go around.
Once we cleared off dinner, we got some toys out of their most annoyingly tied packages (yikes) and talked. It was beautiful also to watch snow begin to fall outside to give us a white Christmas. After all of the rain we had, who would have guessed? Now we have somewhere between 7-9 inches on the ground and it looks gorgeous!
We decided to travel the few blocks to grandma and grandpa's house so Josh could install their new ceiling fan in the kitchen. It was great because we got to help them set up their new items from Christmas like the coffee maker and toaster/convection oven and make sure they knew how everything worked. We also convinced them that they needed to throw away the old ceiling fan and coffee maker as they had certainly seen their better days. Grandma popped a few pizzas in the toaster/conv. oven and we snacked.
Once we came hone, we did a post-Christmas clean-up to reorganize the house. YIKES--Christmas is messy!
As we sit in a winter wonderland, the girls are enjoying their Christmas toys and I am thinking of the last few things that need cleaned/straightened as Josh and I are back to work after vacation.
Josh already went back today. I feel like taking up a bear's life and hibernating. After all, it's winter and cold and the holidays have been non-stop!

Celebratin'

...let it begin! It all starts tomorrow morning! We have Christmas gatherings with family for the next 3 days straight (most days have 2 gatherings). We love it, our kids love it and that's what makes Christmas beautiful. Tomorrow, Josh's family comes up from St. Louis to celebrate along with great-grandma. Christmas Eve is Josh's mom & sister, Christmas Eve service at church, my aunt & uncle/mom's side, and then just the four of us. Christmas Day is at our house starting at breakfast with my parents and grandparents. There are a few friends that will squeeze into the schedule as well.

I think Christmas will be extra special for Josh this year as it is the first Christmas in literally years that he will get to spend time with both parents. It is probably the first one in 13-14+ years (I'm guessing on the number). I'm excited for him. It has been beautiful to see God work in the seemingly unrepairable situations.

We have been enjoying each other's company during our vacation as well as shopping and cleaning. It has been much needed as we had just been so busy lately with everything. Last night, I went to bed around 10 pm and slept til 9. I can't tell you the last time I got that much sleep. It was needed so badly.
For once...no projects during our break. We had some fun things planned like ice skating, sledding, and swimming but those haven't squeezed into the schedule yet with all of the gatherings. That's okay, we have all winter right?
Well, I need to finish a few loads of laundry and a bit of cleaning.
Have a very Merry Christmas and beautiful fellowship with family!!

Needs/Wants??

What is the difference?? Well, there is a local Christian radio station that had a great idea this Christmas season to post needs that others can help out with to make the holidays brighter. I have gone to the list a couple of times and have seen more large wants than needs. I know there are needy people out there, I'm positive on that, however well...see what you think on these needs:

Some items posted that are "needs":
a Wii for an 8 year old
laptop for children (this one is on a couple of times for different people)
Nice car
pre-paid wi-fi
car for 16 year old
and on and on

All of the items listed above are probably things most anyone wants, but are these really needs????? Not by my definition.
I remember when I was little and my dad was laid-off and unemployment was very short lived at that time and had run out and we were overjoyed to receive a food basket from our church.
The thing is, the items asked for on this list may be things that some have the capacity to help with, but they are large (roofs, new septic system). I thought it would be people hoping for food/clothes/coats etc...
My children do not have a Wii or a laptop and we are all fine and happy. I can't imagine why these are "needs". Somehow the line has gotten blurred as to the need/want thing.

Well Versed Kid!

We are so proud of Aliyah! She became a Well Versed Kid today. At church, starting in 1st grade and going up through 6th grade, the children have the opportunity to memorize several verses, passages, and other things for Sunday School. In order to become a Well Versed Kid for 2nd grade, Aliyah memorized the books of the Old/New Testament, the Lord's Prayer, 6 decently long passages of 5-8 verses each, and 24 verses. The 24 verse passages had to be recited all together and in order including references. We know how hard she worked, because we have helped her with memorizing and review. They get ribbons for every section they complete and her table teacher gives her $1 for each ribbon she gets as well as a toy they pick out of a prize box. At the very end, once they become a WVK, they get a gift card to a local Christian bookstore. She has saved her money and has gotten a few fun items that she really wanted. WAY TO GO, Aliyah!



Here's a little picture of Kiki playing with her balloon from yesterday...

It looks promising for some snow accumulation today. We are going to take naps. Everyone is tired from being so busy!

Winter Wonderland

It has been enjoyable to pause and spend some fun time as a family! We went to Oak Brook again to wrap up some shopping. You know when the snowflakes fall lightly and dance across your cheeks and eyelashes as you walk in a beautifully decorated place how warm it makes you feel? It was that magical feeling today. There wasn't accumulation to speak of, but Aliyah danced in the snow, made a snow angel, built a TINY snowman, and made a few snowballs in spite of being at a mall and there not being much snow.

Once again, we found some too great to pass up deals! I went to Ann Taylor Loft to look for clothes (nothing in particular). Get this, I found 3 skirts for $2.88 each (they were more than 95% off). Is that possible?? Yes it was!!

Here are a few pics of our Christmas tree, Chaney on a gift wearing his cute collar with bells, and our new table:

We listened to many a Christmas tune today and sang along. Now it's time to wrap a few more gifts and to declare the Christmas shopping to be done!!

Oh yes, last night we got the most adorable little reindeer with reindeer dust to sprinkle on the lawn on Christmas Eve. Just another fun little tradition for the girls! It's actually oats and glitter...

Hustle 'n Bustle

We went out this evening to run a few errands. WOW--every place was PACKED with shoppers.

We didn't have much shopping to do, although I wanted to find boots as the snow has begun to fly. Boots are kind of hard to come by this year (or I started looking to late)...odd considering since we haven't had any ACCUMULATING snowfall. They may have boots, but they are size 6 or 10 (that doesn't work). I found a pair in my size the other day and mostly bought them so I would have some in the event I couldn't find any. Fortunately, Kohl's had a pair that I liked in my size and for a good price. Yay!

We have one more gift to purchase for my grandma & grandpa.
I'm excited because we are trekking up to the burbs again to shop tomorrow. This trip is mostly because my parents can't ever seem to figure out what to buy for us. They are driving up also and we have to show them things we like and then I guess they will go back and buy--who knows. Josh is hoping for some PF Changs and some take home dessert from the Cheesecake Factory. I have a few returns to make there so that works out nicely. Maybe they will have some sales (I'm hoping).

Well, if I were to give an idea for something to do this season, it would be this (we do it several times during the Christmas season): crank up the Christmas music, drive all over town and gaze at the beautiful lights, grab a Starbucks drink, and sing at the top of your lungs or quietly with the music (whatever the song calls for). It is great fun, pretty close to free and makes for wonderful conversation and super family time.

Holidays

...make for busy days! I couldn't even tell you where the season has gone! This has been my "latest" for sending out cards and wrapping gifts. Finally, last night I sat down in the LR floor and wrapped gifts with Josh tagging and putting them under the tree. He's not really a gift-wrapper. I had fewer to wrap this year as we did more of a simpler Christmas for the girls and there wasn't anything to wrap for each other. I am excited to see their faces when Keirah gets her present! Aliyah probably has hers all figured out anyway.

We went to Lowe's yesterday in search of a gift for my grandparents. Grandparents can be hard to buy for because they either a) have everything or b) don't see a need at their age to have anything updated. That's where we are... Anyway, I was walking along and I told Josh that he needed to remember to pick us up some furnace filters the next time he was at work. That no sooner came out of my mouth when I saw on a rack a pack of 3 filters (the only ones) in our size for $2.50 on clearance!! What a deal!! That was one of those moments where I so felt those were there for me!! Not only that, but I mentioned my lamp broke (or the glass shade) I should say. The lamp itself is fine. On that same rack at Lowe's was a glass shade for .50!!! These are garage sale prices folks!! Not only that, but you may remember that I love flower gardening in spring, summer, & fall. I do not purchase fertilizer/weed & feed at full price b/c normally it can be found on clearance (yep...found that as well) $1.99 per jug! Furthermore, Aliyah likes the Disney Buddies movies. There is a new one out this year called "Santa Buddies". The Disney store which we no longer have here sells the adorable dogs from the movie. Well, they have sold out twice over and the last time I talked to them, they said that was it. For whatever reason, I got the notion to call the Disney store that we will be visiting this weekend in Oak Brook. You guessed it...she said, "I think we have one". She got back on the line and said yes we have 2 of the same one and they are BOGO free!! SCORE!! I paid for them and they are waiting--yay! These must have been quite a hit (there are 5 different dogs) and they are sold out seemingly everywhere!

We went to a Christmas party the other night and had a lot of fun. I love parties! The food was YUMMY! Speaking of food, my husband made Party Mix and Muddy Buddies (puppy chow) mmm! Our Christmas gift was delivered yesterday --kitchen table & chairs. We love it! It is bigger and is a tall table with stools (they have backs). It is cherry and ebony colored.
Right away I decided it needed a runner. We have some fun $$ to spend, so we decided to use some of that for the runner.
Story about the fun $$:
We have a neighbor who is 95. She lives on her own and drives and everything, but it goes without mentioning that she certainly cannot do everything by herself. On a few occassions, we have gone to rake her leaves because her yard is a big deal to her and because we want to teach our girls to help others. We also did some minor trimming along her portion of the alley. She noticed this at some point and called to ask if we had done this and I told her we did. She thanked me profusely and I told her we were happy to be able to help her. She calls at various times to chat briefly and she left a message the other day for one of us to stop by. I did and after a lot of knocking and her not hearing, I called her on the phone and she came to the door. She thanked me for the Christmas card and we chatted for a couple of minutes. Gladys handed me a card and then I was on my way. Figuring she was giving me a Christmas card, I opened it and was shocked to find $75 inside. Gladys immediately got a phone call. I tried unsuccessfully to explain to her that we did not want $$ nor did we try to help her out to get $$. She told me that we most certainly were going to have this money and not to argue with her about it...after all she is privileged (her words not mine). I was instructed to do something fun with the $$ or use it for Valentine's Day or whatever. OKAY then... so that's the fun $$. She has quite a bit of spunk and definitely has opinions for 95...and she is quite a character! I'm so thankful for nice neighbors!

Fun Weekend

It was packed and it was fun! It went so fast, I'm drop-dead tired.
I have seemingly caught a little sniffley thing that makes my eyes/head hurt. I'm hoping it is gone soon!

We started out Friday evening with a much-needed date night. Josh and I went to dinner and then to our church Christmas concert. It was beautiful and has 4 shows. It is also televised on Christmas Eve. Gorgeous music!

We came home and got ready for our trip to the burbs. We arose early on Saturday morning for some shopping and yummy eats in Oak Brook. Keirah opted to stay with grandma because she didn't want to go for some reason. Aliyah went along and had a date with mommy and daddy day. One of the first places we went at the mall was the Disney store. We no longer have one in our area as it closed down about a year ago. She wanted a Santa Buddies plush dog. They only had 2 left so she was in luck. The lady told us that they sold out before and now this was it. She looked so cute walking around...hot pink puffer jacket, hot pink big bow, pink balloon, and puppy in arms.
We enjoyed finding some Christmas gifts and some items that we needed like jeans for Josh.
Lunch was at none other than PF Changs. I was disappointed because they didn't have their S'mores dessert shots, but it was great anyway.

After coming home, we had some things to do at home, but didn't get them all done.

We spent a good portion of Sunday visiting our friend's church and then enjoyed dinner and fun conversaton at their home.

So, my stuff still isn't done, but I'm making strides! The Christmas cards are calling my name as is housework and gift wrapping. 'Tis the season!

Deep Questions

"How do you pick the person you are going to marry"?
Words asked by 7 y/o Aliyah last night in the midst of driving around with Christmas music blaring and looking at Christmas decorations around town. YIKES!
Such a complex question. I really seriously doubt that I ever asked that question at that age.
"Ummm, well it's kind of complicated. Maybe you will understand better when you are older". (me)
Well, that wasn't a good enough answer. She delved for more.
"Okay, someone that loves Jesus, is respectful, and has good character". (me)
"What's good character mean"?
"Well, honest, hard-working, obedient etc..." (me)
"Someone that will treat you properly and with respect" "Opening doors, being polite" (me)
"Actually, you should probably pick someone like your daddy". (me)
"how do you decide your last name"?
"well, the girl usually takes the last name of the guy she marries" (me)
This discussion went on for several minutes at least.
Oh yeah, the next subject was: when do I get kids after I get married?
YIKES!
"I want twin girls"
"Well, you don't exactly get to pick"
"I would like to have tuplets too" "what is it called when there are four"? "I just think the little babies are soooo CUUUUTTTTEEE"
Oh my!!

Tonight I didn't know whether to laugh or be upset. Aliyah informed me that Keirah was painting her own toenails. She was on my carpeted stairs with hot pink nail polish all right. All toes covered and hot pink on the carpeting as well. OH MY! I poured nail polish remover directly onto the carpeting. I hope it mostly came out.

Well, tiredness has overtaken me already. Sleep was very little last night.

One Rascally Kitty

This thing called the Christmas tree holds some great attraction to Chaney. He has been spending more time out in his "room" since we put the tree up because he cannot resist.
He climbs into the tree and makes it shake a little. Needless to say, when we get him out, he has to go out to his "room". Maybe cats like evergreens (I wouldn't know).

My things to-do tonight are many. I plan to turn on the lighting of the Rockefeller tree while we get some things done. My sweet husband has been working a lot, so nights have been long. My list will keep me occupied hopefully.

Hustle/bustle has been our theme lately. As we hustled to get out of the house this a.m. since I had to go to work and Josh had to catch a flight, my vanity lap fell off the vanity and broke in a million pieces. It is waiting for me to clean it up. I'm hoping to find a clearance lamp somewhere to replace it as it is a total loss =). Where are the garage sales when I need them?

I'm enjoying the sights/sounds of the season. The Christmas lights on our house just turned on and I love to sit in the LR with just the illumination of the decoration. It is such a soothing/romantic lighting.

Well, I'd love to talk more, but there are miles and miles to go before I sleep.

Sweet Moments

Last night when I was "designing" our Christmas cards on Shutterfly, the girls were looking and playing with our Nativity set. They have always loved it.
Baby Jesus will be found with makeshift straw and the angel travels from place to place.
They were both standing at the table looking at it and handling it, Aliyah was asking Keirah all of the questions about it. It was like she was making sure she knew all of her Nativity facts. If Keirah said "I don't know", Aliyah would tell her the answer. The question would later come up for review. Aliyah: who was Baby Jesus mama? Keirah: I don't know
Aliyah: Mary
This went on until Keirah knew all of the answers.
It was so cute to see Aliyah "teaching" her little sister in such a sweet way.
The Nativity (creche and all) were transported off to play some more. Once they were in bed, Josh brought it back to the table.
Things like these are what make the Christmas season so special!