Tis the season

It's one week from Christmas. I really feel like it was only days ago that we were sweating through August and now we're freezing through this week with highs in the 40's. It would be fabulous if Mother Nature piled on a bit of snow to go with this chilliness.

I love this time of year. I always loved Christmas. I can vividly recall being around 7 or 8 and waiting up in my twin bed late into the night (we lived in Indiana at the time) listening for Santa to come. I fell asleep with the lights on and woke at some point in the wee hours of the morning. I snuck downstairs and I'll be damned if Santa hadn't made a stop at our house. I ever so quietly touched the packages, careful not to wake anyone. I was probably making sure Santa (he wrapped in our house) left me the same amount he left my brother. I can't recall if I went back to sleep or not but I sure was excited.

I also remember the time my brother and I found gifts aplenty under our parents bed (what a dumb place to hide gifts) and we promptly unwrapped and rewrapped them to the best of our ability. My mom has a penchant (that I've inherited) for using lots of ribbon and bows so I am sure it wasn't easy to peek.

I have lots of other memories from Christmas including treasure hunts to Swatch phone gifts to chatting on the phone with my then best friend Jennifer to "compare notes." Christmas was always great in our house. We didn't grow up with a lot of money but my mom always made sure we were well taken care of under the Christmas tree.

Now it's my turn. I could shop all year long for gifts for our kids but my husband would divorce me. I love buying goodies for them (and others) and anticipating their reactions. I have already finished my shopping and wrapped everything. Todd and I (well- Todd mostly w/ my minor help) put together the kids big gift this past weekend. They are getting a kitchen and all the fixings. I cannot wait to play with it myself to be honest with you. They'll both love it and I am sure it will get lots of use.

We are lucky and get to have two Christmas's each year: one with my family and one with Todd's. This year we are gathering at our house for brunch and gifts on Saturday with my family before heading down to the beach for a few days. The kids will be spoiled both places and it will be fun to watch them enjoy Santa and the goodies he bestows on them.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and eat lots of delicious food and have a great time. I, for one, am looking forward to having Todd around for almost two weeks. It will be nice to have some family time. We return the weekend after Christmas, just in time to enjoy New Years with some good friends.

I'll leave you with some recent pics of the kids.

Jack's school had their Christmas program last Friday. After some a.m. anxiety he stepped up to the plate and did a great job.

There's Riley saying "cheese" at the after party. She loves to smile for pics now.

RiRi and her Paa Paa.

Jack and I made a gingerbread house (our first and last, for that matter). If you have never made one I suggest you find another creative outlet. It was a pain and a mess, but Jack loved it.

Our finished product.

The kids are out of school for two weeks so we went to a kids place today and they ran around for an hour and a half like crazy people. Here's Riley constructing magnets.

Jack and his friend Maddie play in the 'animal clinic.'

Jack loved the pirate ship.

Here's one for the ages. Scoopy (or Riley) has a tendency to pull her pants down from behind. Notice how long her pants look in the above pic. You'll see why below.

Until next time...