Wind, Cold, rainy, yet Happy!

The weather outside is so frightful, yet in my home, we are a happy bunch! Robyn and Anna are smiling and cheerful, Sarah is going to meet up with a dear family friend today, and is excited for it, and I couldn't be more grateful for a loving and wonderful husband who provides for us daily, both emotionally and physically! Today is a great day!

Santa did what "he" wasn't going to...

Yes, Santa did buy Robyn a Barbie...I told myself and the hubby that I was not, but with the help of Grandma and Grandpa House, I did, I went out and got Robyn her own Barbie...what was I thinking? Anna will pull it's hair all out and Robyn will lose her shoes within the first hour if we are truly lucky! Plus, fighting will ensue for the doll herself...Wish us luck!

Asking Questions Instead of Making Statements...

That is what Robyn (4) has not been doing. She will state something instead of asking, at first it was funny and now it is just annoying. She will say something like, "Santa is bringing me a barbie!" instead of asking something like, "Is Santa bringing me a Barbie for Christmas?" She is so certain and states her case with such conviction, I don't know what I am going to do!

The line at the Post Office...

Wow, you would think that it was the holidays or something...Jim helped me take the packages that were being shipped, only five this year, to the post office, and omg, the line was only about 10 people deep. A lady in front of us said that it was worse this past Saturday, when the line wove around and out the door, I can't imagine if I had had to take the little kids by myself, I have a wonderful husband! P.S. if you are expecting a gift from us, it should be arriving by Friday, and no later, they promised! Love to All, and Happy Holidays!

Lovin' the Food Nanny!

There is a meal prep program called the "Food Nanny", and it is awesome! I can plan two weeks of meals, get recipe's and print the completed plan out all in one location. I love the theme night ideas, and it gives us a lot more variety and avoids the rut that we sometimes get into. Plus, if anyone wants to know what is for dinner, it is posted on the fridge, and they don't have to ask me, and I spend less time stressing over what to make, and spending more time snuggling with my sweet girls! Like I said, "Lovin' the Food Nanny!"

Things to Do...

Done...
Christmas Letter done...check.
Addresses compiled...check
Still to do...
Bake, cookies, breads, candies...
Finish Christmas cards...
Wrap and ship out of state presents...
Buy Jim a Present...
Still so much to do, I use to be so organized, but I guess it is more fun to be running around like a chicken...NOT!

A Chicken Soup for the Soul Story...

Years ago, I was given a Chicken Soup book, and in it there was a story about a single mother and her children. The child asked a Santa for a gift, and while the gift didn't arrive that Christmas, it did the following. By way of a new Dad/Husband for the family, and the joy and love that comes along with pure happiness... Eight years ago next week, my own Chicken Soup story began. I had moved to Idaho on a whim...literally, along with the help of my sister and her husband, and had moved to a rather small town. I was certain that I would at that point, never marry. But other plans were in the works, I just didn't know it then. At a church Christmas party, there was a hired Santa, much like the story, and my young daughter asked the Santa for something that I would be told about later, that happened to be the reason for the coming events. You see, my daughter asked the Santa "for someone to come into our lives, so we didn't have to be alone anymore..." It still makes me tear up as I think about it now. You see, the Santa was use to hearing about the latest toy, and the like, but that request touched him enough to share with friends of mine. A few days later, I got a phone call, with that friend saying, "I gave this guy your number and I hope you don't mind, and oh, by the way, his name is Jim..." I was floored, I could believe it. I was also told that he was very shy and might not even call, but if he did I should give him a chance. About two days later, I got my answer. He called, and I actually said yes, when he asked me to go out on a date, a true blind date at that because all I got was his first name, and all he got was my name and phone number. Plus, we really hit it off, and suffice it to say, he talked the whole time during our date, he was not shy with me! Fast forward to today, we were married just shy of eight months after our first date, and we added to more children, both daughters to our ready made family, and couldn't be happier! There is something to be said for a Christmas Party Santa! Happy Holidays to All!