Christmas

Christmas was definitely bitter-sweet this year. The kids got everything they wanted which luckily wasn't too much. I love my kids so much it was great to see them so happy. We got up at 7 and opened presents and then got dressed and went to breakfast and then just hung out the rest of the day and played with all of the new toys and goodies we got.

Christmas Lights

We went to see lights tonight as a family. I of course forgot the camera again but I wanted to write down some thoughts while they were freash in my head.

This time of year always makes me feel grateful for my family and especially those who have already passed on. This weekend I have felt Hayden and my Mom so close to me. I have come to love my family even more than I thought possible even my adopted family and children. There is one person in particular that I have come to love more than I think they will ever know. I would do anything for this person and I consider them one of my children.

Thanksgiving

This year was lots of fun. I didn't really feel like making it a family holiday so we invited our friends The Riddle's over for the day. They have been so amazing and have become our family. We had so much good food and a great time being together. I think that we'll continue to celebrate it this way from now on.

Like Grandma, Like Grandaughter

Last month I walked into the kitchen after cleaning the bedrooms and found this

Aurora used to sit with her Grandma and eat BBQ chips with sour cream. We were out of chips and she decided that just the sour cream was fine with her.

Happy Holidays

Happy Halloween

This year was the best Halloween ever! Sage and Aurora are seriously the best kids I could have asked for. We took them to a neighborhood over by Robert's work this year and they had a blast! The best part of the night was Aurora opening one the front doors mail slot and asking if anyone was home because she really wanted some candy. Sage was funny too, a few houses after Aurora's comedic moment Sage knocked on the door louder than he should have and said "Come on.... I need some candy!" I was so embarrassed but the home owners thought it was funny.

Their costumes this year were perfect and totally fit their personalities.

Just Like Dad

I snapped this picture yesterday afternoon. Sage is so much like his Dad that not even he can deny it.

Fall Festival

Yesterday was the Fall Festival at Sage's School. I remember attending his School's Carnival every Halloween as a kid and it's sad that it's just not the same as it was then. I guess it has to do with a lack of parent participation in his school, so sad. Robert and Lydia took the kids around to all the booths while I helped out in one for an hour. It was fun and I'm glad that the kids enjoyed it.

Hopefully next year Aurora won't fall and skin her forehead and knees while playing hopscotch with Gabby.

Jumpin' Good Fun

Last Friday was Gabby's Birthday. Becky rented a Jumper, so I took Gabs, Rora and Jess over and we spent the entire day jumping and being silly.

I caught some video of the girls being spazzy.

Eat Mor Chikin

Last Thursday night Sage and I headed out for some alone time. It was great to get away with my boy so he could have me 100% to himself. Our local Chick-fil-a was having a Mother/Son Date Night so Sage and I decided to take advantage of it.

We arrived and checked in and waited for our friends Marissa & Keenan who joined us. We were shown to our table where a menu and our names were waiting at a table for all four of us. The boys played games and did some art while we ate. It was so nice to be waited on for a change. After dinner we had some Ice Cream and played some games where Sage won a FREE Breakfast and a Chick-fil-a Baseball.



Why I Believe

This is perfect.

Grieving

Today has been one of those days that really makes you think. It hit me today that everyone really does grieve differently.

After the devastating loss of my Mother I find myself bring stronger than I ever thought I could be. It's amazing how well I'm doing actually, given my depression and other death issues. It it still a struggle to get up every morning and convince myself to be a mother and a wife. It takes making a chore list like a kid has for me to get household stuff taken care of, but I am coping the only way I know how. Others who shall remain nameless are moving way too fast through the grieving process for my liking. My Mom was and is the most amazing woman I have ever known and I don't uunderstand how people can just move on so fast.

It really hurts to know that people are already forgetting her. My goal for my children is that they never forget her.

Sea World

We've really had a great time with Jessica being on Fall Break. Today we went to Sea World so see some animals, ride a few rides and play some games. While we were checking out the Polar Bears we were lucky enough to catch this on video:

The girls even played a game where all three of them won a huge dolphin. After Sea World we headed to Souplantation for lunch before picking up Savannah and Sage.