Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Good times, family, and fulfillment watching the last two days through the kids' eyes.  My sister and Brad hosted Christmas eve.  This year, we had my two step brothers, Keith and Andy, and Keith's girlfriend, and Andy's wife Chandra.  In addition to our normal family clan, Brad also invited a new employee from his work that just moved here from California.  He's a data guy from the Seattle School District as well so I got to talk "shop" for just a bit with him.  In our usual gifting, we had our annual $15 gift exchange game.  Julianne was the most excited as she got a night light that attaches to a book when reading.  Annalyse ended up with a Nutracker M&M candy dispenser (just what Diabetes calls for), and Jackson ended up with Yahtzee which he traded for twice.  After getting the kids to bed and finishing up unfinished ends (like Joe starting to wrap) we got a good night's sleep until 8:00 a.m.!!!  Santa had definitely stopped at our house (thanks to many Craigslist finds) and once everyone was done opening their stockings and gifts, we relaxed (even napped) and then had a late and relaxing eve with my dad, step-mom, my two sisters, Brad and G.G.  G.G.'s new house is wonderful for her.  Barb (my step-mom) and Leah, my other sister, had it well decorated and FULL of good food and treats.  The kids opened a few packages and then challenged my dad to a game of Mario Kart on the Wii.  Jules ended up playing for my dad, just like she does for me.  I have very little interest......they have TONS of interest.  Each of the kids read to GG, Jackson made his Aunt Leah's Santa smoothie, and many of us had fun playing a good old game of Yahtzee (though a much abbreviated version!).  Today, was very leisurely.  After changing out of our jammies around noon, my mom and I headed downtown Edmonds to check out the sales.  Not much but it was very enjoyable to spend time just walking around, drinking a latte and chatting with my  mom.  While I was out and about, Joe graciously played with the kids (ok, refereed) while they played, then went on a long walk, ending up at the park at the end of our street for some good old ball kicking.  It's been so beautiful out that it's hard not to be outside even though it is cold.  The day ended with some much needed clearning (still a lot more to do) and packing for our trip to Silver Mountain which we have decided not to leave until Monday very early.   It's always fun to see what each of the kids' wants to pack!  Joe just finished popcorn and he's off to watch some sci-fi movie and I'm off to watch the Hangover.  :)  Good times a bit more for today...... M

Heading into Christmas and New Years...

A beautiful sunny day in Edmonds and we're gearing up for a wonderful Christmas Eve at my sister's house.  Annalyse "found" one of her sissy's gifts from Santa so we've been trying to figure out something clever to let her know that sometimes mom and dad have to help Santa.  It feels good having had a several days off prior to today.  It's sure a lot better than the hussle and bussle of last year when Joe and I both worked until the day before Christmas eve.  The kids and I have had time to bake goodies for us and neighbors, wrap together, and even play the Wii together.  Joe ran some last minute errands while we were getting Santa photos last night and except for my HUGE messup of leaving the newly taken Santa photos in a department store, all is good.  Each of the kids has had a sleepover and enjoyed it while Joe and I snuck out to see a movie.  If only life could be this slow all the time!  :)  We do feel so very lucky this year, more than others.  We've been blessed with two good jobs and three healthy kids.  In turn, we have tried to reach out to those around us that have faced great challenges.   Everyday we are thankful for the strides that cousin TDog makes to fight the continual seizures that he had faced and we celebrate the progress the new diet and change in meds are helping him with.   A good friend is facing her second bout with breast cancer which has been a tremendous challenge for she and her daughter.  And we continue to see others face financial challenges that are taking a toll on their families and health.  Still, focus on how we can help and in turn, have tried really hard to slow down our own lives spending time together and celebrating the good things in our life as well.  Joe is thrilled that the 787 launched into the air.  He was and continues to be on cloud nine.  I've gotten a routine (well sort of) down with the full-time work.  I take time off to be with teh kids for their special events at school as well as just the "regular" time in their classroom.  Annalyse is becoming more and more independent with her Diabetes management.  Julianne has become quite the little reader and academic star.  Who would have known.  Things come so easily for her.  Jackson too is quite academic but would rather play video games all day, every day, if he could.  Unfortunately, after 20 minutes, he turns into a child we don't really know.......addiction, it is NOT a good thing!  Joe and I continue to sharpen our referee skills and have even made some "good calls" this year with fewer and fewer tantrums, screaming matches, and the like.  My mom continues to be a huge BLESSING in our life.........watching the kids, dropping the kids, picking the kids up, doing laundry, and many, many other errands and help that we don't even know about.  With her, we can't be thankful enough!!   The buzzer for cookie check........Merry Christmas Eve. M