And were off....

Let me start off by saying this has been a wonderful week! This was our first Christmas that Carl, the kids and I were all by ourselves. At first I was really upset, as I really love being around family and friends this time of year, but it really turned out to be a great week. We started our own Christmas traditions that included a little of each side of our family and some of our very own!

The kids had a terrific Christmas and made out like bandits, despite me trying to cut back this year! Jackson has been playing with his train, airplane and drum set for the past few days non stop! Gabby is loving her new HSM dollhouse, guitar and WE CHEER.

Tomorrow we are off on a road trip with our dear friends, the Absaloms. These are our friends that moved from England a year and a half ago and live in our neighborhood. Anyway, we are always telling them how much fun Texas is and all there is to do - so we decided to show them. We are headed to San Antonio for some fun at Sea World, Schlitterbahn, Gruene, the Riverwalk, etc. We are all very excited, especially the kids! They are ready to see their Texas friends!

I promise to post lots of pictures when I return and have a few minutes of peace (that is when the kids go back to school!)

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Our sweet friends, the Absaloms, held a very special birthday party this afternoon. We all got together to celebrate Jesus' birthday - there was a cake, some fun games and of course story time. Every brought a "gift" that will be donated to those that are in need. It was such a terrific idea and everyone (kids and adults) had a great time.

Thank you Hannah and Alex for being such great friends and influences! We are looking forward to our vacation with you next week!

Christmas Party Success!

Well we made it through Carl's work Christmas party at our house last night! I think it was a great success. We had Ted's Mexican restaurant cater and the food was terrific. Of course there was a white elephant gift exchange, with some very interesting gifts. The kids "performed" their Christmas songs and entertained everyone. And we had a house full this morning as well! All in all I think everyone had a great time. I love the holidays!

Coffee and a craft!

My sweet friend Kim had a coffee and craft gathering at her house this morning. It was so nice to get together with friends and hang out for a while while making cute Christmas ornaments. I highly recommend doing this with your friends as a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

On a side not, Jackson is having some strange allergic reaction and is covered in hives tonight! So we will be heading back to the doctor again in the morning! I really wish I would have gone to medical school, who could have predicted how much time I would have to spend in doctors offices!

Rah, Rah, Rah!

Gabby had her first cheer game today. She has joined Upward Cheerleading, which is a Christian based basketball/cheerleading organization that lets kids begin to learn the basics of the sport while building their self esteem and confidence. She had a great time with her squad this morning and they did really great. These kids are 4 and 5 years old and I was so proud of how well they did their cheers and motivated the players! We are looking forward to practice and another game next week!

Gabby with her friends and teammates Alex and Gracie!

Feeling better and lonely!!!

Yeah, I am finally feeling better! It took a while, but I am well on my way to recovery. Unfortunately, Gabby has decided she wanted to be like mommy and has an ear infection as well, but she is doing well considering. She even went to cheer practice tonight!

I am feeling a bit lonely however as Carl left today for New Orleans! He is off to play in a WSOP tournament this weekend in NO. Wish him luck, especially since I have been spending all our money on Christmas gifts and holiday parties! Oh well, tis the season.

Guess who's sick!

ME! Yes, I know it seems like someone is always sick in this house, but rarely is it me - and now for the 2nd time this season I am sick! I actually went to the doctor today because I was feeling that bad! I have a double ear infection and a sinus infection. I even felt bad enough that when the doctor suggested a shot to help speed up my recovery, I agreed - and I HATE shots! Anyway, hopefully that shot and these horse pills she has me on will kick in soon, because I think my hubby is about out of patience with my complaining!