FIRE

It was an eventful weekend for us and Brad's family. Pat & Ken's (Brad's mom & stepdad) house burnt on Sunday afternoon. The house is still standing but pretty much gutted on the inside. It started as a grease fire in the kitchen but spread quickly to other rooms. What didn't burn up, pretty much melted or has severe smoke and water damage. Pat made it out fine and Ken wasn't at home so we're thankful for that. Just please remember them in your prayers as they sort through the ashes and rebuild.

These are some EXCITED kids!

Whew! We've had a wonderful yet busy week with parties at Riley's preschool and Dawson's school. After Dawson's party today, we had a visit from Santa! He visited the kids at Pat's daycare and then she sent him to our house. I gathered my boys and the other kids that I keep after school and told them that I had a big surprise coming for them. I wish you could have seen their faces when Santa stepped into our house! I was excited for them! Santa sat on the couch and each one had a turn sitting on his lap. Santa handed out candy and was on his way in his limo. Yes, his limo. He explained that the reindeer are resting up for Christmas Eve so he had to find a different way to get around until then. Riley had told everybody that Santa came to his house in a "limbo"! They LOVED it and I loved it because now we don't have to go the mall and wait in line all day to see Santa.

Tonight we started a new tradition. The boys have some small gifts under the tree in their room and they are allowed to open one each night until Christmas. My mom used to do this with me when I was little so I decided to start it with my boys. They have been tortured for a couple of weeks looking at those presents with their names on them. When I told them that they could finally open one tonight, they just about broke their necks running up the stairs! They each got an AXE gift set with body spray, deo, shampoo, shower gel, etc. Yes, I know that my kids are only 4 and 6 but they love this stuff. They want to be grown so bad! One day they'll wish they could be kids again but for now, they think they are well on their way to manhood. They were so excited to get this stuff but we may be paying the price for quite a while - you can smell them a mile away!

Tis the Season

Well, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving - I just can't believe it's over! It's one of my favorite holidays because I eat whatever I want and don't worry about it! We gathered with Brad's side of the family for lunch and with my family for supper. My brother and his family came up from SC so it was fun spending time with them. We don't see them often enough! My mom and I did the annual Black Friday shopping. It has become a tradition. It was crazy as usual but I got a lot accomplished and a lot of stress lifted.

That is until I started putting up the Christmas decorations! Whew! This is supposed to be fun and festive but it just didn't work out that way this year. My "pre-lit" tree wouldn't light and half of my other lights gave out on me! Anyway, it's done (thank goodness) and now we can sit back and enjoy our favorite time of the year.