A Productive Day

We got so much done around our house today. Everyone was feeling better (R and A were sick and I hurt my neck/back) and we were taking down Christmas decorations, so we decided it was time for a "winter" cleaning of our house. Jim tackled his office and I did the storage room and closets and finished up Ryan's room. I cannot believe the amount of stuff we got rid of. The back of my van is full and I have more items that did not fit. I will need to make two trips to Goodwill and Salvation Army. The playroom is not finished, but it is coming along. I have already taken 2 boxes of toys out of there. What in the world!?! I love having everything all neat and organized. Jenny C. would be so proud! 

**What did you do today?** 

Christmas in pictures

Okay I am SO frustrated!!! I can not get my pictures to move. Every time I try to cut and paste it copies and pastes something from my iCalendar. #@*&! I am doing this post on my new Mac computer.  Does anyone know what I am doing wrong?!? Any suggestions? I am tired of messing with it, so I will leave the pictures out of order for now and just add captions. Sorry!!! 

Ryan Christmas morning at my parent's house.

What a cutie!

Jim's stepmom Sandy with the painting we bought her. It was painted by the husband of a friend of hers who recently died of cancer. It was up for auction at GOLD and we knew we had to get it for her. She was so surprised and touched. I love when I can pick out the perfect gift for someone. 

 

Jim's brother Chris, his wife Sara, and Jim's dad Dan with the Nerf guns. Every year "Santa" gets the entire family new Nerf guns and we have a blast running around the house for the rest of the day. 

Picture  Jim took of Alex sleeping in the car. I love it!

Ryan opening a gift before Mass on Christmas Eve. We always allow them to open one gift on Christmas Eve. 

Alex was so excited for her new Baby Alive doll. What was I thinking?!? The thing kind of freaks me out.

Christmas Eve chocolate fondue. Does it get any better than this?

We were so fortunate to have my sister Shannon, her husband Craig, and their one year old daughter Aubrey stay with us for several days. To say my kids adore her is a huge understatement. She is such a sweet and easy baby. We loved having her here. 

Ryan with his 93 year old great grandma. Isn't she sweet? She and Ryan have this special bond. He just adores her and is so kind and gentle to her. It makes your heart melt. It was so nice to spend another Christmas with her. 

Alex says when she grows up she wants to be a cheerleader and a doctor. Go for it babe! :)

After some serious guilt trips from my husband (he loves to look at the blog at work), I have finally gotten around to posting about Christmas. We had such a wonderful holiday. All our family was here, including my 94 year old grandmother, so it made it such a special time. To me, that is what Christmas is about. Spending time with those you love, because the "greatest of these is love". 

So here we go.....

My friend had us over for a breakfast with Santa. The kids talked to Santa and then had snowman pancakes. For the first time, Alex talked to Santa. She still looks unsure, but at least she did it. 

Sorry this post is such a mess and so confusing. But at least I got it done. :)

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!! I know I so badly need to update my blog, but this will have to do for today. Thought I would share a sweet picture of the kids that was taken right before we headed off to Mass on Christmas Eve. Here's hoping this is finding you in the company of your loved ones. I hope each and everyone of you have a special Christmas. 

Let It Snow

We have been getting a little snow on and off this week. Yesterday we got enough for the kids to play in. They were so thrilled! I was happy to see Alex enjoying the snow this year. She didn't think much of it last winter. Even though it is a bit a work to get them out, it is worth it. I loved playing in the snow growing up and I am so glad my kids are able to enjoy it as well. It is snowing/sleeting right now so I think it will be a good day to turn on the fireplace, put in a movie, and cuddle up on the couch. :)

Self Portrait Tuesday (or Wednesday in my case)

SPT- Christmas Cards

"I love to see how people display the cards they receive each year. some tuck them into a basket, to be savored over a cup of cocoa or tea in the evening; some line a doorway with their cards, creating a holiday decoration of their own. Some display their cards on ribbons, some on a tree. How do you display the cards you receive??"

I love, love, love Christmas cards. They make me very happy. I race to my mailbox every day to see if I have received any. I love to see how much friends' kids change over the year. I even save the cards each year so I can look back at them throughout the year.

I display mine on our refrigerator (here is last year's). I should probably find a better place, but this way I get to see them all the time. I have only received 6 or 7 so far. Come on people, get to it! :) Can't wait to see all of the cards this year. Merry Christmas!!!



Please pray for all of the people killed in today's shooting in Omaha at Westroads Mall. It happened at a very nice store, Van Maur, where I have shopped many time. This hits way too close to home.