Coming Down

Today we are relaxing. Just hanging out and going nowhere. Well, everyone but the King that is. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, he had to work. This is the first day in weeks that the girls and I have not had to be up and going 100 mph first thing. The girls all slept in and were in great moods after catching up on much needed sleep. It's been fun for them to just get to play all day.

Yesterday was Chiggie's class party and they had a really fun time. It's fun for the little girls to get treats too!

The Secret Santa gift exchange was a hit. Chiggie got a really cool lip gloss that she can decorate and a necklace with several charms as well.

We made it through the week and now we can just enjoy the little time we have left until Christmas, eeek!

Luncheons, Musicals, and Parties Oh My

I hate using the excuse that we've been busy. So has everybody. We have though. I need to take a minute to get a few things down before I forget to mention them at all. Today was Chiggie's school Christmas luncheon. The girls and I went and had a great time. Tonight was her Christmas musical and I cannot say enough how adorable it was. The kids did great. The songs were so festive and cute. Due to the lighting I wasn't able to take great pictures, but we did video tape the whole thing, so if you missed it we have it.

Tomorrow is Chiggie's party at school. I have cupcakes in the oven as I type. I'm frosting them red and green and then have some cute holiday toppers to add. They're doing a Secret Santa gift exchange and of course the kids are all super excited. It's so fun for the little girls to be a part of all of this as well. They look so forward to starting school. Chiggie and Tea also had their youth group Christmas party last night. They had a visit from Santa himself, and received several gifts a piece. They also practiced for a concert they'll be doing on Christmas Eve at the church. Midge knows the songs too, so she gets to participate as well.

I have to say, we have had such a fun Christmas season. I need to finish up shopping this weekend, but it's been really fun to do other things. We're working hard to teach the girls that Christmas is not about stuff, and I think it's working. Especially the older girls are really getting that Jesus was our gift and that's what we really celebrate. I love that they want to give gifts and talk more about that than talking about what they "want." I hope to really foster this in years to come.

Whew

So much to say, so little time. I need to update on our happenings over the last several days, but before I do I must say it is extremely difficult to keep a straight face when you pick up the phone in front of your 5 year old and ask to speak with the Executive Elf in charge of the Naughty List. It works wonders though it really does.

Catch Up

I may post again today, if I'm feeling ambitious, but since I missed yesterday I want to update on what's been going on:

• Snow, snow, and frigid temps.
• School has been delayed for the last two days. We've got a little extra sleep so that's been nice.
• I spent the day yesterday helping my Mom out with the Santa Shoppe at my little sister's school. The little girls tagged along and we had a lot of fun.
• Chiggie is preparing like crazy for all the holiday activities she has going on at school
• She also lost a tooth yesterday, which was pretty cool. The Tooth Fairy came as well.
• I've done some shopping which makes me feel better. This weekend looks even crazier for us than last.

Well, I think that catches yesterday up. Hopefully I'll have something exciting to say about today. Let's just hope it's nothing too exciting!

Manic Monday

Ahhhh, the start of a new week. Today I got my house cleaning and a lot of laundry done. Boring, but very necessary. apparently a couple of the girls found it none to exciting as well.....

Crashing

We have had a wonderfully busy last few days. Busy with fun things like parties and parades, cookies, and fun. Today I finally crashed. I just ran out of gas completely. We made it to church and amazingly I wasn't too tired at the point. I was in the nursery which kept me busy and alert so that was good. Once we got home it all went downhill. I made it through lunch and that's about all I remember. I laid down on my bed at around 2'ish and the next thing I knew it was almost 5. It snowed on and off all day so the girls just entertained themselves puzzles and toys and the King watched some football on and off.

I don't feel much more rested this evening actually. I woke up with a headache and that foggy feeling you get when you sleep too much during the day. I forced myself to make a nice dinner, which did make me feel a little better, and hopefully took enough energy to tire me back out for bed tonight. I have another fun, busy, week and I need to sleep good tonight!

Parade of Lights

Boo goofing around before the parade began.
Mema enjoys a cup of hot cocoa.

Midge waves to a passing float.

Chiggie tries to keep warm sipping on her hot cocoa.

Papa was the official hot cocoa server.

All the girls.

Tea took a few pictures of her own.

Boo, before we left the house. Think Christmas Story, in this outfit.