On the twenty-fourth day of December...

sweets and treats were ready...and so was the coffee...for cousins and parents came for a short party!

The kids disappeared and the parents visited...Ted made it home in time for supper!

The residents of Whoville called...they want their socks and slippers back, Kari!

Presents were shared and laughter too!

Our children are growing up so quickly!  It was fun to watch and listen to them enjoy their time together!

Fresh cinnamon rolls and fruit for breakfast...enjoyed between rounds of Wii play. 

The "middle-child" blue shirt girls...sitting back and watching the competition.

And all too soon...it was time to pack up and leave.  Our children were teary-eyed as we waved good-bye.  It hit me...I'd rather have tears and crying instead of relief and cheering when good-byes are said!  We had so much fun and we're thankful for the hours we were able to share!

On the twenty-third of December...

treats are being delivered! And our cousins on their way now!

Do you have all your gifts wrapped, treats made, and house cleaned?  We are almost done.  We are looking forward to the time we get to spend with family the next few days.  And we are thankful that Ted's crazy hours will settle down to a somewhat normal schedule.

The kids will go with Aunt Sara this morning for a little shopping without the parents.  I can't believe I didn't plan for this sooner.  We have down-played gifts for ourselves and focused on giving to others.  Last night at supper, there was a comment made and I realized I needed to make a call to "Santa's little helper elf" Aunt Sara...now the kids can finish their giving plans.  I owe Aunt Sara...big for this!  We sure love and appreciate her help...at a moment's notice!  And in Ashlynn's words, "We will at least have something to do while we wait for our cousins to come!"

Practiced on the kids and Aunt Sara yesterday!

Yum!  Pizza Layer Dip from Betty Crocker's website.  We decided we need to add more sauce...and Aunt Sara and I want more toppings!  It was the perfect lunch while we all watch Nanny McPhee Returns again!  We spoiled Aunt Sara with supper too.  She spoils us all the time with free kid care and treats.  I forgot to take a picture of the homemade waffles with strawberry jam or homemade applesauce and whipped cream, syrup, and powdered sugar.  YUM!  Some of us countered the sugar rush with sausage...others just bounced around for awhile!

A merry early Christmas present for me

My crock-pot decided to quit working on Monday...midway through its job.  I suppose it was time.  Fourteen years of sporadic hard work took its toll.  I am not going to wrap it...I need to use it for our supper with the cousins!  I even picked out the festive red color...I'm sure the food will taste better in the red pot!  Ha ha!

On the twenty-second of December...

my true love said to me, "I'm going to throw you a curve ball."  I put my eyes on the ball, took careful aim, and I am working on knocking it out of the park for him!  The requested treats for the employees...pretzel rods.  Thankfully, the store still had the tubs of pretzels!

I'll start dipping after I have my breakfast/coffee break.  I ran all the final errands this morning and got home just as everyone else was hitting the stores.  The house is quiet except for the Christmas music filling the air.  Teddy is outside and the girls are playing in separate parts of the house.  They are enjoying the down time from school...crafting for Alisa and barbies for Ashlynn this morning.  Happy "finishing-touches day" to each of you!  Our cousins come tomorrow and they are bringing their parents!  Yahoo!  It's a short stop-over on the way to Grammy and Grampy's, but we will enjoy the time!

Christmas is for giving...for sharing...

I was asked to put together an arrangement for a friend. I had fun visiting Michaels and picking out Christmasy silks...all on good sales! I had an inspiration picture and came pretty close. I enjoy being able to do things for others...who in turn are doing things for others. I am praying for the lady who will receive this...that she will heal quickly and be cheered by a her friend's thoughtfulness.

On first day of winter... (twenty-first of December...)

Mom was a tad bit crabby...before the children got up! 
Couldn't find Ted's gloves,
basement torn apart,
a mess everywhere...
AFTER ALL THE TIME I SPENT DOWN THERE! 
Company is coming...straightening is needful! 
And Ted's gloves were on the bench...he needed them this morning...had to wear others...
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 
(I'll wait...not going to wake the little loves up yet...it's only 6:30am.  I'll save the crabbing till at least 7:00am!  HA!  Happy second day of Christmas vacation.)
**While singing this verse, skip the parantheses and sing the all capitalized words at the top of your lungs.**

When it snows...you play outside with friends...

and then you have hot chocolate, candy canes, and popcorn...

while you watch a long awaited treat!  There was much giggling and outright laughter.  We had supper together and creative bursts of play.  We have had a wonderful first day of Christmas vacation...which I will be calling an end to soon...it is 8:50pm.  We need to save some fun for the rest of the week!

A gift for me...

from one of our junior church children.  So sweet!  And guess what I put inside of it today...and took with me to PT...my knitting!  Perfect! 

Physical Therapy today...more like Giggle Therapy!

"Keep your balance...and reach for the bean bag that I will hand you."  Easier said than done!  Alisa giggled through the whole event...and soon Cami and I were laughing too!

Matching the colors..."It is sooooo easy!"

"Oh, really?  Now squat down, reach for the bags, and throw them back in my bucket...Don't miss!  Oh, and Alisa...don't fall off the ball!"

Does anyone else have a lunch table that looks like this somedays?

We had a variety of leftovers for lunch today...and no, it wasn't all that healthy.  I watched the kids and thought, "Yikes! I am not winning any awards today!" and then I laughed and listened to my children enjoy their "dessert".

"My candy rules are pretty smart." said Alisa.  "I'll trade you this Milky Way for two of those." said Teddy.  "Hey, Ash, Let's use the Bottle Caps for medicine."  "Mom, I don't like this...you can have it!" offered Alisa. (Mmmm!)  "I am not trading my Nerds with anyone!" said Teddy.

On the twentieth of December...

we're thankful for a job...even though it's tough.  The countdown has begun...five days left with crazy shoppers and crazy hours...and then the returns start!  Forgot about that part, didn't you?!  I wonder what stories while be used for returns in the auto center...hmmmm?
"Does Daddy have to work till close tonight again?  Do people really get their cars fixed at 8:00 at night? Tires don't make very good Christmas presents!" stated Teddy.
I recorded his words...because in 8 to 10 years...I am thinking he may be changing his thoughts on this!