Merry Christmas

Months and months of thought and preparation are over. It's like a wedding that we get to relive each year, but I wouldn't want it any other way. I simply love Christmas and I love experiencing Christmas with my family.  Each year I really believe the kids get the true meaning of Christmas more and more. Then they of course still love the gift giving and receiving part of Christmas. Who doesn't????

Just like yesterday we had to wake kiddos. Elena was bursting to open presents so at 7:45 I told her and Samuel to wake Emma and Jonah. Elena had patiently waited 45 minutes for the opening to begin. 

Santa was good to the kids and everyone was pretty happy with his-her gift. It took Samuel a moment to appreciate a JJ Watt jersey, but he does!

We had lots of presents to open from our family. I keep all those presents under the kids tree. It is fun having two trees full of presents!

New woven place mats and table runners

New signs...Emma got hers this summer

Just might have been his favorite gift

Jonah felt the need to wear this jacket for way too long. 

Everyone got the "big gift" they were wanting. Samuel got a Kindle. Jonah got Beats. Elena got an American Girl doll and Emma got a hair straightener. They also got some fun little things that I am pretty sure they liked just as much. 

She loves these socks!

They are ready for Eagle Camp!

Buccee shirts for everyone

We got engaged!  Just kidding. I don't wear my ring when running and have been asking for a Qalo ring. Well he got me a set of three so I could match the ring to my running attire. That is just awesome!

Emma LOVES elephants and wanted and Ivory Ella shirt very much. 

Santa brought her a house to color and use with her American Girl doll. 

He likes the headphones!

Our neighbor is the starting corner for OU and Samuel is a huge Jordan-OU fan. He is ready for New Year's Eve!

As for the experience gifts....I get to go to another Texans game and sit in awesome seats. As of right now the weather will be perfect football weather and I cannot wait to tailgate!!!

Jonah and Samuel will be attending Monster Jam again. We are really hoping Jonah does not get sick on the way this time. Despite being a repeat gift the boys could care less. They are super excited for 1/23!!

Emma and I are going to the Carrie Underwood concert in April!  Elena and I are going to Mary Poppins the musical in March. I can't wait for both and both girls were super happy. 

Our big family experience this year is a ski trip to Beaver Creek. Jonah has a meet in CO so we decided this would be the perfect time to go. We are staying at an amazing house that is ski in-out.  Drew's mom is coming to ski with him and the kids. I get to relax for four days. We are all very excited. This will be Elena's first ski experience, Samuel's second, and third or fourth for the other two.  Three weeks and we will be in snow!!!

Drew wasn't left out of all the fun. He is getting a new grill and is very happy about that. Ours is done and now tomorrow Drew gets to go shopping. Drew's experience gift will be skiing. He is a huge skier and living in Houston is a bummer for that. So four days in the mountains and then extra days in CO...Drew will be really happy!

The kids probably got way too many things. They are spoiled and I know it. However, they are just as excited to give gifts too. They know they are lucky kiddos.  They also know today was about Jesus and his birthday. We have what we have because of Him. 

Then because it is in the 80's we went to the park. The kids played and it was a fun way to spend the afternoon. Ranger even enjoyed it. 

He absolutely loves his new yo-yo. 

Our Christmas is going to end with dinner and family movie night. What a day filled with so many blessings, smiles, laughter, and fun!

We wish all our friends and family a very Merry Christmas!  We hope our paths cross in 2016!

Ellie the Elf

I am not entirely sure who still believes in the magic of the Elf in our house. It doesn't really matter because three of four still search for him (yes they say it is a him even though the name is Ellie) eagerly first thing every morning.  If I have been super clever the search has cut into school prep time a little too much. Other days I just get a sigh from them. Samuel and Elena really want clever and fun. It's a lot of pressure because I am not that clever!!  Thankfully other people are. 

In the name of helping out other moms I thought I would share some of Ellie's fun from this month. After all there are still two more hiding days to go!  

 Ellie returned with a note for the kiddos!

He decorated half of the kitchen with bows. They are still up. 

A little toilet paper fun. 

Ellie had a relaxing day at the pool. 

He listened to some tunes. 

Ellie invited the kids to find the candy canes he took from the tree and hid. 

He was held up by the army men and Samuel just loved this one!

He wrote a teeth brushing reminder. Jonah was concerned about cleaning the mirror. So strange!

Ellie didn't move one night so he apologized mid day with a note and treats. He was forgiven. 

He played war games one day and Samuel loved this one too. 

Ellie tried out for The Voice. 

He prayed at the nativity. 

Ellie brought breakfast. 

Ellie had some high flying antics go wrong one day. 

So there you have it. Some of the best of Ellie from 2015. Do share because I have two more days to go and I am kind of out of good ideas!!

My Favorite Things

Every year I host a My Favorite Things party. It is always the second Friday in December. I have 12 months to figure out my gift and to be prepared.  It is one of my Christmas season highlights. 

Well let me tell you....up until Thursday night I was dreading the party. I have felt so busy and overwhelmed this month. So very behind on my to do list. My cup was not feeling very full of joy and merriment.  I was a crazy woman last week getting ready for the party and trying to take care of my normal daily things.  But, Thursday night I made a choice to be excited about the party. To know that my friends wouldn't care if my house wasn't "perfect". To know that I would have fun even if I bought chips and dip at Kroger. 

Well my change in attitude helped me feel calmer. I managed to get everything finished with some help from Drew. Thanks babe!!  And all that stress was worth it. I do think it was the best My Favorite Things party yet!!

We had yummy food. The gifts were creative and fun. The company was amazing. We laughed a lot.  We smiled a lot. It was a fun, joyful evening. 

This year my favorite thing was running. My friend Carmalyn almost left when I said that!  No, I didn't give running shoes. I gave an E-band and a mug with a cocoa packet. I always run with a headband and I love chocolate milk or cocoa after a run. Carmalyn was on board with my gift after some explaining!!

The gifts given this year were

A book from Natalie

A pineapple corer from Laurie 

Brownie treats and chocolate from Tami

Oven mitt & flour scoop from Ann Marie

Bracelets from Kim

A bag and necklace from Carmalyn

A candle from Norma

Wine from Tanya

Hair oil from Paula

Wall flower and scent from Becah

Screen cleaner/kit from Michelle

Ornament from Jenn

All wonderful and fun happy things!!  It is so much fun to hear why each person picked their item. That might be my favorite part. 

Love you all and thanks for another wonderful evening and celebration of Christmas!!!