A Different Kind of Christmas

Our Christmas is usually a hustle and bustle of activity as we rush from house to house, multiple parties and activities.  This year I made a conscious effort to slow down, and then I agreed to do the Mom and Me Bake Sale with our kids again.  I made a new Advent calendar that invited us to read a scripture and look at a picture telling a story from the life of Christ each day.  I think we all enjoyed that part.  The bake sale was an overwhelming success and Mom wound up baking far more than she had planned, hoped or even feared. And then mom got sick.  Really sick.  I started with a little cough, and then a fever and on Dec 23rd was diagnosed with H1N1 flu.  Consequently Dad got to take the kids to all of the parties while mom stayed home, coughing and hacking into her mask, burning a fever the whole time.  Christmas morning I was able to rouse for presents and then went right back to bed.  Each day I got worse so by Thursday I was back in to the doctor and diagnosed with bronchial pneumonia.  After a few days of heavy antibiotic and breathing treatment by Saturday evening I was well enough to climb in the van and ride around to look at the Christmas lights with the family.  Through it all, Kris was amazing.  He cared for me, the kids, the house, and all of the holiday stuff.  What a great guy.  Our kids spent a lot of time playing with their new toys and probably watching TV but seem none the worse for our lazy Christmas.  

 Leah adores her new Princess Doll set and dressing them all up in gowns, crowns, and shoes.  She also received the Brave movie, and art set and a back pack.  Abi spoiled her with a My Little Pony set and house.  Relatives also showered Leah with fun presents including a new outfit, her own Legos, and Squinkies.  

 Santa knew just what Abi wanted when her brought her new clothes from Aeropostale.  She also loves her new soap making kit and will hopefully be churning out some delectable swirly soaps soon.  Leah delighted Abi with funky leg warmers and earrings.  Relatives also got her a styling hat, Kindle cover, geocaching kit, and perennial fave duct tape.

 Eva loves the princess castle and princesses that are just her size.  Leah also likes to help Eva play with her castle.  She loves chasing the balls blown by her Elafun.  Tal bought her a pile of new books that she loves to read at storytime.  Family spoiled her with new babies which love to ride in her stroller and adorable outfits.

After Tal received his new iPod I wasn't sure that he would ever surface but he does pop out now and then to play with his Legos in his new organizer or with his pool table.  He also loved his Hulk hands, Legos, geocaching set, magic set, and new hoodie from family.

My Monday, Mom was almost back to being human so we ventured out for a Hobbit adventure.  We started out with the Hobbit breakfast at Denny's (lemon poppy seed French Toast, YUM!)  Then Aunt Sarah watched the little girls while Mom, Dad, Abi, and Tal went to see the Hobbit movie.  We all loved it and are looking forward to the sequel.