in a nutshell...

I did it. I took my break but now, I'm back. The last 2 weeks were busy and eventful. As I was writing my last post on 12/23 I made it short as I had a lot of things to take care of. I didn't want to be "busy" on Christmas Eve trying to get things organized, food ready, etc.... I got a lot done that night, got up early the next morning and got ready right away (instead of my usual when we don't have to be somewhere in the morning...). DD3 woke up and for the 5th day in a row, vomited. I decided it was time to take her in. The doctor decided it was time for her to STAY in. She spent 24 hours in the hospital on Christmas eve. She was a trooper and didn't take her long, once her iv was started, to get feeling better. Paperman was working and my Mom and Dad kept the other kids during that time. They might think twice now when they agree to watch 3 when I "run one to the doctor"!!! Santa with his magical wisdom still found each child where they were that night, hospital and all. My sister was sick and Paperman ended up being sick on Christmas eve also. Our celebrating was delayed a bit, but all family gatherings finally happened and we hope and pray we stay healthy the rest of the winter.

Girls for my Girls...

Julie


Kaya

Mia

Today the girls received their first American Girl dolls. There had never been much of an interest before a few weeks ago when the catalog arrived. They had checked it out before, saying they liked them, but never the response they (ALL!) had this time. "Mom...I love MIA!!!" "If I were to get one, I'd pick KAYA!" "JULIE is so pretty." It's not very often, unless we're talking about ice cream, that the girls are all interested in the same thing, at the same time (pretty much to be expected at their ages and interests). Papa and Paula completely surprised them with their own little girl to love. They're still not as lucky as I am, since I have 3, but I'd have to say...they're still lucky.

I will do better....

Ahhh... back to reality. We've had house guests (my FIL and his wife) from Mississippi for the last 8 days. (I was told by a perfect stranger today that I had an accent...guess they rub off on me!) The times goes so fast during their visits as Paperman and his Dad are hunting (deer in the fall, mushrooms in the spring). The week is filled with family gatherings, fun and food. Guess that's why tomorrow, it's time for me to dig out the treadmill we pushed against the wall to make room for Christmas #1 today. There are plenty of fruits and veggies in the fridge, now I just need to figure out the menu for next week. Paperman goes back to work the next two weeks and I'm just not sure how to deal with that! We all get so spoiled having him around in the fall, when it's time to go back to the real world ...it's a bummer. I'm done with that complaining, as he has a job to go back to and for that I am truly thankful.

Advent Bags

I am trying something new this year. Once again, this is not an original idea, but I'm kind of throwing it together at the last minute, or hour. I guess it is December 1st, but I don't think the kids will mind if I'm a bit behind the 8 ball on this one.
The purpose of the advent bags is two fold. 1. To give us time to focus on others and Jesus' birth during the month. 2. A fun family activity.
I still need to get some bags to organize all the goodies and just did some ordering tonight, so those things will be put later in the month. We may have to do two bags some days depending on our schedule, and how creative I am. Here is what I have so far for activities and treats to include in the bags-

1. Make truffles. DD3 saw a recipe (picture) of some last week and has been begging to make them ever since!
2. Make sugar cookies. We do this every year...it's a mess, but it's a tradition. And thanks to Molly we have an awesome recipe! (I'll try to post it soon)
3. Make Christmas ornaments and deliver to the nearby care center.
4. Read Christmas books.
5. New ornaments dated 2008 for them to put their picture in and hang on the tree.
6. Christmas suckers!
7. Walk to see the neighborhood lights.
8. Kids pick supper (I'll have to be careful when I put this one in the schedule)
9. Jingle bell bracelets
10. Christmas songs on the piano by dd1 and dd2 and sing along.
11. Christmas coloring page
12. Nativity Challenge activity page
13. Read the Christmas Story.
14. Share at a salvation army kettle.
15. Nativity sticker pages.

I plan to put together decorated brown paper bags with directions/ingredients or supplies for each day. I'm hopeful that this can be a fun and meaningful experience for all of us.

4 gifts

Something they want
Something they need
Something to wear
Something to read

How is that for a Christmas plan? I can't claim that as an original, but I think we may use this in our house. Our kiddos also seem to get more from us than Santa. I guess maybe Mom and Dad need some extra points and Santa doesn't want to compete. We keep spending reasonable anyway, but this will help me focus on a category, get it done, and move on. My shopping is basically done, and I think I just need to buy some books.