Old Saint Nick

 Much to the confusion of my kiddos we rushed out of school and changed into some Christmas jammies in the van eager for a surprise. They thought I was crazy until they spotted their cousins Hailey and Jailynn in pj's too. We lucked out and got to Santa's workshop before the rush. In fact since no one was behind us in line they let us spend A LOT of time with Santa - maybe too much! Caden started asking questions. That boy I think is putting things together. This year he wouldn't let me read his letter to Santa because why would I need to read it and today when Santa asked what he wanted he said,"Santa, I sent you a letter. You should know." YIKES!!!
The kids finally got settled and we snapped some cute pictures. I am betting by next year Hailey and Jailynn are totally going to know what is going on.
After pictures I took Caden to go buy some toys for the Toy Drive. We have been working on things to do to fill our Giving Manger and hearing what the kids have done and what they want to do just makes my heart explode. We had already donated toys to the fire station, but Caden knew they were collecting toys at his school for a family. He was so sweet and really thought about what certain things kids those ages would want. He has the sweetest heart. He also politely pointed out things that perhaps he might like too.

Sharks and Dory

We loaded the kids up in the van and headed to San Jose for a fun night with Uncle Jon, Aunt Rachel, Esther, and Ruth. We arrived and were all so excited that Pizza My Heart was for dinner. We have carb overloaded to prepare for week ahead of giving them up. The boys took off after dinner and walked to the Shark Tank. How cool is it that they live close enough to walk there?!?! No fighting traffic or parking- Amazing!!! The girls hung out for some girl talk, popcorn, and Finding Dory. After the movie and game we got all the kids situated in beds and enjoyed some more wine and adult conversation. We Yelped the best donut shop around and Daddy/Uncle Chris was on a mission in the morning to find them. It was such a fun night. I love the memories these kids are making. It makes me want to start counting down for another cousin trip to Sunriver!

Trim the Tree

Break did not really go as planned. We had two very sick boys and one mama who was fighting hard not to get what they had. Despite being sick all break they got out of bed and trimmed the tree. I love watching them decorate the tree. It's amazing the tree doesn't tip over with how they all pick the same spot to put ALL of their ornaments.  They get so excited over every ornament and remembering where it came from or who gave it to them. With two eight year olds and an almost 6 year old who each get a new ornament every year and all their homemade school ornaments we hardly dipped into Mommy and Daddy's ornaments. I decided to hang our first baby ornaments, our White House collection, and two other special ones, other then that it's all the kids. It's crazy to see their collection grow over the years.

My World

I have learned over the years that the only way I can really get everyone to not complain about taking family pictures is to schedule it on MY DAY. So a few weeks back my super talented cousin agreed to meet me to take pictures of what is most precious to me. We thought we would try someplace new and oh my, we were in for a treat. I chatted with the sweet owner of Soul Food Farms and we were able to have run of her farm for an hour. The kids were in heaven. Between the trees, the super friendly cat, the ranch dog, the hay maze, and the hidden tire swing they didn't want to leave. It made taking pictures not a chore, but it also meant Darci had to be fast. The kids had a blast. It also made me want to add a small farm or some land in the country to my Christmas list. I can dream... Here are a few of my favorites.

The Day After Decision Day

I tucked in two kids who were rooting for two different people.  It was very funny to me how that came to be? It's funny what they pick up on at school from teachers and on the playground. Their Dad and I have always kept to ourselves who we are voting for and make it a point not to show them too much news. I had one go to bed not wanting a female because she did illegal stuff and another who doesn't want Trump because he is worried his friend will have to go back to Mexico. What a crazy, crazy time that my 8 year olds are coming home and telling me this. So as I stayed up in the wee hours of the morning to see who our president would be and I thought to myself, "what will I tell the kids in the morning?" I knew one would take it harder then the other. So in the morning they came in my room eager to hear the news. We had to have a heart to heart way earlier then I was wanting and on way little sleep. I don't know if it is right but here is what I told them. If the person who you wanted won, please don't gloat about it at school and be gracious and if the person you didn't want won well... that's the thing about democracy. The cool thing is we live in a democratic country. And we are lucky for that. (I really need to break out the School House Rocks Songs this weekend to help explain democracy better and the whole checks and balances.) I reminded them just like at home with our choices sometimes you like them  and sometimes you don't. I also reminded them that they may not like who won and they may hear a lot of stuff at school but he is going to be our new President and we are going to respect him and the system. I tried my best to explain that is what makes America so great. Let's hope President Trump doesn't prove us wrong and makes wise choices. At this point I guess all we can do is pray for him to humble and surround himself with wise counsel.

Craft Fair Season

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Craft fair season is done!!!! I don't think I get to call it a season when I only do 1 show ??? Well my season or my show is DONE! I have no inventory left and I am finishing up a few orders tomorrow. It was a fun and crazy couple months prepping for it but, I am excited to have my nights back to reading. I am so looking forward to catching up on some new books.

Braces no Bras is

This sweet girl go braces today. If you were one of the lucky ones who got a text from her, she did not get a bra too. She is so cute with her sounding out words to spell. She sent many people a message that read, "I got bras is today." I think her dad had a little freak out moment when he received that text. She was so excited at the dentist office to pick out her colors. She was all smiles and I am not going to lie I was all tears. Not only does she look so much older with them but, there is a lot more work involved for mom in the morning and night to clean them. I am really hoping the thrill and excitement doesn't wear off soon because Mom and Dad have MANY more years of payments for that beautiful smile.