Merry Christmas!

The kids are in bed, so tired they could hardly stand it. What a busy 2 days, with a busy 2 more to come. Last night we spent Xmas eve at my parents house. We waited for my brother and sister in law to arrive from Michigan, then the chaos started. The kids just were waiting and waiting to open their gifts. And boy were there gifts. So many that it is almost crazy. We tell people every year to please just buy them something small, or some clothes or pajamas, but people just can't resist over-buying. I had to restrain myself to not buy my neices and kids lots of gifts, but I did pretty well. Anyway, despite my efforts, they came home with more than enough, with Christmas morning awaiting them. We got home late last night and I put the kids to bed. They were still wired up from all the excitement. I got them down about 11 pm after putting out cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. I then got their gifts all set under the tree. Like I said, I didn't buy much so it wasn't too much work. They got 4 gifts each and 2 small stocking stuffers. They opened all their Santa gifts, then we had to rush to get ready for 10am church. Of course they didn't want to leave their toys but I insisted this year. It's time my kids started the tradition of going to church on Christmas. It is the real reason for the holiday and I want them to know why we celebrate. We had a nice church service and then we came home to prepare the meal for 10 adults and 2 kids. It turned out pretty well, and I think people enjoyed the food. We then talked and played with toys and took many picture of everyone. It is also B's birthday today, he is 43 years old. It always seems to take a back seat to Christmas, and for that I always feel bad. I wanted to make it special. I made a special cake just for him, and we sang to him. I also bought him a card and will buy him Timberwolves tickets.

Tomorrow we are off to see the relatives in Iowa for 2 days. There, the kids will get even more presents and then we come home to start real life again. Hopefully we can get in some relaxation before school starts up again. I start Jan 10 and will have class 2 nights a week like before.

At this time of year I want to take a moment to write down how grateful I am for all I have in my life. I have my health, my home, and most importantly my wonderful family. My husband who is all I could ever ask for and my children who make my life complete. And I am a lucky woman.

God Bless

Fever and Traditions

B has had a fever off and on for 3 days. What is up with that? It is weird as he doesn't seem to have any other symptoms except being tired.

Today is my annual girl Xmas get together. I'll have to figure it out today when I'm there, but it's been about 9 or 10 years that we have done this. Every year. It is now a tradition I guess...

My blog doesn't seem to be opening correctly, so I'm hoping after I post this that I will be able to see it!

Tis the Season

Christmas fever is in full force at our house. We went and got our tree last Sunday. Monday I pulled out all the Christmas decorations and ornaments and we got the house looking festive. I decided not to bring out ALL my decorations this year. So many of them I don't even like so I'm not sure why I put them up. I may put them for sale at the garage sale. Some are old and family things and those I will keep but I decided to only put out what I really thought looked good and that is it. I will post pictures if I can. I really like how it all turned out. I focused on the living room and kitchen, since that is where we spend our time. I got a smaller tree so I could get it in the corner of the room. I think it looks cozier and just more homey. I did a "fruit" theme, I had some pretty fruit decorated wired ribbon which I put on the tree over 2 strings of white lights. I had tons of fruit ornaments in all colors and very sparkly and shiny. I like how it looks. I still have to find an angel or star. The star we had just has never worked, and always falls off. The kids and I then put our other favorite ornaments on, and it looks cute. I then did the mantel above the fireplace. I changed the candles to cranberry red and cream. I put a grapefine wreath behind the candles in front of the big mirror and then put some fake pointsettas and berries in front. I put a small string of white lights also, and it looks really nice especially at night. And the 3rd area I focuses on is the kitchen table. I used a red tablecloth, and some cream fabric in the center. I put 3 littls fake trees on it, and used some real cranberries, cinnamon sticks and and pearls for accents. I really should take some pictures. I'll post them later in the week.

I think we are done shopping! I am so excited, as I always have last minute shopping to do, and this year none I hope! We did go very simple and did not go overboard with any of our gifts. I hope that everyone understands. I have my cards already but have yet to address envelopes. I don't want to send them too early anyhow.

I have 1 week of class left, then my final Dec 13. I am so excited to be done. First, because it's 2 more classes behind me and secondly because my teacher has been so horrible that I am going to be so glad to be with a good teacher again. I have never had a teacher this bad. And I've had LOTS of classes in my life. Next semester I have microbiology, then I'll find out in May if I got accepted to the nursing program. I'm not really sure either way, I could get in and I may not. It all depends how many people apply, what their grades are, and what classes they have completed.

B has woken up with a fever 2 days now. I don't think it's anything serious but still feel bad for the poor little guy. So far the rest of us are ok.

DH was out of town since Wed, but coming home right now. This weekend is busy. B has a birthday party tomorrow (which may not go to depending on the fever), I have my girlfriend Xmas get together Sat at 4. The church program rehearsal is Sat and the program Sun, along with regular sunday school. Since I'm the teacher I have to be there for it all, and it is all just so much chaos. I really think it isn't worth it, there are so many hundreds of kids in our church that the whole place is packed and unless you get a seat up front, you can hardly see your kid performing. A lot of work for not much pay off. Oh well, what can ya do.

I must get going to finish laundry and play with the kiddos.