Wasn't it just a couple days ago that my family was outside romping in the snow? We went on a nice walk with the kids' on the sled on Christmas Eve day and everything was white, bright and snow capped. Now as I look out the window, I'm looking at brown mud in my backyard and grey skies above. I'm not ready for the snow to go. I love looking at it and my kids love playing in it. 
We started the holiday season off with the cookie swap, party with Dennis and Debbie H., An Awesome Christmas play @ South Baptist starring my cousin Rory- great job kid, weekend party with Aaron and Nik D., Christmas eve with the fam @ cousin Julie's. Grace thought that Santa might like a change of pace so she decided on baking brownies for him instead of cookies. Kristi suggested maybe some protien in the way of some cheese .. good thought however G. didn't go for it lol! I tried. I'm upset about the blurry picture. My grandparents' are extremely old and my son isn't in the picture. Ya never know if that's the last picture right? My kids didn't get even half what others' get, but they don't know that thank goodness and they still enjoyed all their gifts. This year was "Little Einstein" and "Littlest Pet Shop" all kinds a crazy!!! I asked for face cream and socks and that's what I got (I'm thinking I should've asked for a new camera ugh!). My husband is such a good listener. He got cologne and a 6 pack of hot sauces, Did he asked for that? No, but that's what he got. Christmas day we laid around all day in our pj's eating snack after snack, talked to family via phone, made a ham and taters, took naps, played with our babies, enjoyed Jamie's awesome fire and overall just had a low key great day. The 26th we went to my uncle Jim's house for dinner and the kids' got more stuff. Played Yahtzee, ate, chatted, the kids' ran ragged and now it is all over!!!! We made it through the 2008 holiday season. Thanks to all for a great year of fun and friendship. I am ready to take down the tree and get to 2009. 
On Thursday Dec. 18th Grace had her Christmas party in Mrs. Mitchell's class. Jamie and I had decided that with him at home in the mornings and me working we would take turns going to her school events. So it was Daddy who got to go to this party. On Thursday night around 8pm Grace and I were going through the usual, "What are you going to wear to school tomorrow?" ordeal when she announced, "I'd like to wear something Christmasy, like plaids and Christmas colors." Okay, I feel at this point in the story I have to give you some background on MY background. I was raised by my dad who didn't have a care or a clue about girls' clothing. If it fit that's what I wore. I never wore frilly, lacy, velvety or shimmery type Christmas dresses. I did dress up for church somewhat with an every occasion dress or outfit, but then changed when we went to the grandparents. My family to this day never dresses up for family functions. We go for comfort not style. So you can imagine my horror that I hadn't even thought about a fancy dress for a kindergarten party. Grace was very clear in what she wanted though and I could already see the disappointment in her sweet face when she saw my face that I was worried. I went through her closet with a fine tooth comb hoping upon hope that something would miraculously appear that would fit her tough standard. We settled on a hand me down that her cousin had given her. It was a red, white and black sweater dress that was too big for her last year, but it fit now and it would have to do. It was no means fancy and glitzy like what my daughter wanted, but the practical side of me said it was "fine." I don't think of myself as a conformist. I don't typically buy into all the things that society says that I need, but this time I did conform. I caved! I put my lovey to bed and was frantic! I called Jac to talk this matter over with him and HE decided that a dress was very necessary. Daddy's and daughter's: enough said. Our only hope was finding something at Meijer (the only place open at 11pm). So if you can imagine my sweet husband going to Meijer on a mission for a beautiful dress for his only daughter after he'd work the day away. Brings tears to my eyes thinking of the love there. I knew he'd take care of it as he always does so I went off to bed. He woke me up so excited to show me what he'd purchased. He did a great job, the dress is red and black with velvet and has little sequined flowers on it. He surprised her in the morning and she was literally beside her self! Off they went to the party in her $20.oo dress, which BTW is a small price to pay for Grace's sheer happiness. She was grinning ear to ear from what I hear. She was so happy all day. She wouldn't take that dress off until it was bed time. I think she had it on for about 12 hours! She was dancing and twirling and loving herself it that darn thing! It was ssooo worth it! I still don't see the big deal in it, but her fear was not fitting in??? why?? in kindergarten already! She wants to fit in and she thought all her friends would be dressed up (a couple were, two were in PJs opps!). Isn't that what we want for our children? I want that for my kids. MY lesson was that just because it isn't a big deal to me, I have to bring myself to my 5 years olds level and go back a zillion years to remember that it is important to them. Everyone wants to fit in in life what ever that looks like to them. I can't promise that I will succumb to all the pressures of school life, but this one was easy and painless. Good job Daddy!!! Grace you looked fabulous darling!!!!!
Sunday I hosted a Friends' luncheon and cookie swap and it was a blast! We had Chicken Caesar salad, Stuffed baked pot, and a couple of apps. I was relieved that I was able to pull off the menu as I am not known for my cooking abilities! Jodie the apron lady came and joined us and a few of us got some really cute aprons for our little girls', me one very cute boy one. I got a manly apron for Jamie too because he loves to bake and also likes to grill in the summer so I thought he'd get good use out of one. I just think that everyone who came had something in common with the other whether it was children, motherhood or life in general. I think we had a nice conversation and I had a great time hosting. The cookies were yummy and I was glad to get some new recipes to try out. We did a white elephant gift exchange playing the right/left game which was fun for me to see who ended up with all my stuff lol! Glad to have cleared out my basement! Hope you guys can use that stuff. I can't wait until next year to have another one! Thanks to all who came Love ya! 
The time is here that makes it so easy to stayed couped up in the house for the next 4 months while it gets colder outside, but I have vowed to get my kids out a bit each day when it's not super cold. We went for a walk yesterday and Jac helped them with a snowman (possible Christmas card) Monday and I think that is when they ran into Brooklyn and Kennedy, they had fun! If Mrs. Mitchell can get 28 kids' outside for recess than I should be able to handle my two right? Hopefully!
Many of you either know my BFF Wendy or at least have heard about her from me at some point. We went to her house in Linden for Thanksgiving and it was so great! Jamie and I typically host Thanksgiving in our family, but this year we were very relieve to get a break as the cousins' went to their in-laws, the great and grandparents are in Fl. so that left everyone with something to do and us nothing to do. GLORIOUS! Can I just say that being at Wendy and Kevin's is like being at our own home; complete with wearing sweats and no make-up, getting in their cupboards to get something and to know where everything is. It is such a great feeling of love at their house that years ago Jamie and I got them a hand painted sign for the outside of their house that says "Come on In" because the feeling is there. Not just for us, but for everyone whom they come in contact with. At a time when I'm reflecting on our many "thanks givings" the Burns' family is definitely at the top. I'm sure you all have friends or feelings like that. Isn't it great. Christian is sitting with Grace and Sulls. He is Wendy's youngest and only 4 months older than G. The kids' had their first sleepover (at our house at least) w/ him last week-end. They had a blast until 12 30 am when I finally told them to zip it and go to sleep! So the check list is getting slowly checked off. We've got Thanksgiving behind us, Jac has put up the lights outside, the tree is decorated, the Carriage Town family is bought for, wrapped, and I delivered their gifts this afternoon. Stayed and wrapped presents with a group of teen mothers' and ran into a woman that I used to go to church and small group with so that was great. I saw and heard alot today while I was there. I saw poverty, hopelessness, homeless people, drug users, young pregnant teenagers, the list goes on. But I also saw other volunteers that showed love and kindness to the strays of the world and it put ALOT of things in perspective for me. The things that I find important, the things that are not really THAT important in the grand scheme of life seemed so small today. When I look at my life and the people in it I feel blessed. I am thankful that I experienced the true meaning of the season today. Finally we have visited Santa and have all our presents, although they need to be wrapped. The American Girl doll came today and G. doesn't even know it is in the house, she will surely flip!!! Next on the list is the cookie swap which is getting such a good response that I am more excited as it gets closer. Can you believe that I have went to Goodwill twice a week for a month and can't find a gaudy sequined, blinged out Christmas sweater? All the old ladies must be beating me to them! Come on. Lastly, I have to get through this math class. I received a 100% on the last test I took, however today I took a geometry test that was sprung on us and to be honest I hadn't even gotten to that chapter yet. My tutor called and cancelled yesterday and so I didn't do it. My fault, I'm slacking, I'm tired, I'm over it all ready!!! I wanted to turn in the test with just my name on it and nothing answered, but I tried to figure it out. I know it didn't work. I didn't know formulas, I didn't know what the circumferences and radius and square roots of this or that was. I cried hard. A really stressed out tired hard cry. Then I called Jac and he hugged me through the phone and loved me. He is the best ever. At this point I don't see how I am going to pull this out of a hat, a passing grade that is. Then as I'm driving I see a church sign that says, " GOD can fix it!" and I start to laugh to myself and am holding him to his word lol! I believe that a good nights sleep is the cure to many things so on that note I'm going to calm my house down and let my kids' sleep with me tonight. I know I'm starting a hard habit to break, but tonight I want them close and it is worth it. Good night for now.....
I went with Julie to the movies one sat. afternoon and saw two movies, which I never do BTW and it was awesome! Anyway the point is I had to bribe my children to let me go because they wanted to go somewhere too. So the first snowy day we decide to take a trip to Novi to the Build a Bear store. The kids were in their glory. Their eyes were glazed over with awe at all the fun stuff they have there. I was getting nervous looking at all the stuff that they wanted to buy and that I would need to pay for! In the end it wasn't that bad, I was pleasantly surprised. They each got to pick out their new BFF and we allowed them one outfit for each. They picked out their lovey's heart, kissed it, did a little dance, pumped the step to fill it up, bathed them and after we went shopping and they got their outfits, we filled out birth certificates and our experience at Build a Bear had ended. I thought that would be it, but they haven't quit playing with them and I am thankful that we went and that they had fun, Jamie and I did too. It was such a fun, but a simple kinda day with my family and I relished in it. So without further ado meet Grace's lovey Pinky the pink leopard. Sulls buddy is Trees the turtle (he loves hiding things in trees backpack!) I recommend going.
Saturday we had a relaxing day. I went to get my hair done and when I came home my kids' were out in the drive way raking all the leaves up. This is the only tree we have in our yard other than the spruces in the back. It's like having several trees; it can dish out a ton of leaves. Great day to be outside! Then Jac went to a hockey game with my cousins' and uncle and I laid on the sofa sleeper with my babies and watched a movie and dozed in and out. I think I was coming down from all the hoopla and wanted to just veg the day away.. no agenda , no schedule just nothing. Between work, math and a bible study (alot of reading & time), and hosting bunko on Monday I was really needing some R&R. 
Our house on Halloween seems to be the pit stop for a bathroom break or some cider. Because it was on a Fri. we decided to have game night too. So we ate okay soup from a new recipe (never do that), Cheesy pot, weinies in a blanket, veggie tray, had a ton of candy and yummy fruit salad from the popcorn wagon and played catch phrase until 12 30. The kids' played their butts off and we all had a great time. I wished we would've have more time for pictures because it was a riot as you can see from Dennis and Jamie passing around Carmen's clown wig. She was an awesome clown BTW. Tracey the zoo keeper brought her animals over and they were awesome too! You need to post those pictures Tracey! Thanks for the use of your very nice crock pot too. 
Halloween came and went in a flash. I had to clean two houses back to back that day so Jamie and the kids' had a afternoon of fun themselves. First they went to the orchard to replace the pumpkins that were stolen twice! Teenagers ugh! They had doughnuts and cider and picked out great pumpkins for a $1.oo a piece! I'm not going to tell you how much I spent on the first two sets! That started a tradition this year that we'll be getting our pumpkins at a discount and will then ensure that they will not get stolen until after Halloween. Needless to say the lure has worn off after the fact because our pumpkins are still on our porch. It's hard to tell, but my talented husband carved Rocket from little Einstein's into Sulls pumpkin. It is so cool! Looking at these pictures I can't believe how nice it was out with the sun shining on them as they carved out on the deck. 
, Sophia was wonderwoman, Jayna was a princess, and a host of others that I wished I would've gotten pictures of. Everyone was so cute and looked like they were having a ton of fun.
Monday we went to our second Daisy meeting and the girls' are having a fun time together. For those that may not know, Daisy's is the first stage of Girl Scouts. The program teaches honor, integrity, community service and helping your neighbor, among other things. On this day we were celebrating the very first Daisy who would've been 140! The girls couldn't comprehend that! So far we've Learned the Girl Scout law, sang songs, made a beaded key chain, art projects, talked about what makes each girl unique and special. And we will be selling cookies so I'll be asking ya in the spring lol! Sulls comes with me and seems to enjoy himself too. Although some of the girls' think he has cooties lol! 
