Kate's Birthday Recap...

Kate got up a little earlier than usual for a birthday breakfast.

She had a quiet day at home...watched movies and napped.  We took the kids to BC's for dinner. Kate's friend, Katie, met us there. What a difference a year makes. We did her birthday dinner at BC's last year, too. She hadn't been diagnosed yet with the reflux and fructose intolerance and was so sick at dinner. I remember feeling so helpless. I was worried about her and wishing I could make her better. This year she enjoyed her birthday dinner, felt great, and had a smile on her face the entire time.

Having her home this break has been so wonderful. She plays with her brother and watches him for me during the days. We spend our evenings watching movies. I'm not going to want to send her back!!

Christmas Recap...

This is the Christmas that...

...everyone made it to Mom and Dad's despite the snow on Christmas Eve day.  We got a White Christmas!

...we did not go to our traditional Christmas Eve Mass because of the snow and because Mommy just wasn't feeling up to getting there over an hour early to get a seat.

...Jake rallied on Christmas Eve when he was tired and still managed to have a great time at the party. 

...Jake posed for a grandkid picture with his arm around Izzy. It wasn't prompted by Mommy.

...I left Mom's without feeling any guilt because she hired help to get the place cleaned up after the big party.

...Jake went to bed not knowing that Santa was coming because we wanted to be sure he would sleep.

...we surprised Jake with the big announcement in the morning that Santa had come. Jake announced that he hoped Santa remembered the water gun and bubble wrap. Santa was glad for the reminder about the bubble wrap and delivered it at the last minute before Jake came down the steps.

...Jake tore into each gift without any prompting.

...We did not watch our traditional A Christmas Story marathon on TNT because the kids wanted to watch Despicable Me. 

...we went to our first Christmas Day Mass at noon. Jake was an angel and didn't complain once about leaving his toys.

...Grandma Sally had a Red Velvet cheesecake for Kate instead of the traditional Red Velvet cake because the cheesecake had all safe ingredients.

...We watched Elf as a family at Grandma Sally and Grandpa Gene's house and had lots of laughs.  It was especially hilarious when Jake pulled a chair up right in front of the tv and plopped down on it blocking everyone's view.

...The kids played cards with Grandma Sally. Something about a sombrero and whipped cream just made the scene complete.

Now...here is the picture recap. Enjoy!

 That's the movie "Triangle"...her favorite horror flick.

Happy Birthday, Kate!

I just can't believe it's been 19 years.  This was our best Christmas present ever!

We love you so much, sweetheart. We are so proud of you. Enjoy your day!

Gingerbread...

For as long as I can remember, Kate has done a gingerbread house during her Christmas break. I bought the house in hopes that she would still be interested...and she was. Even better than that was the fact that she wanted to include her brother this year. I loaded up on lots of fun candies at the end of the season last year.

I had everything set up by 11am. I didn't realize that Kate would be sleeping until 1pm! Bless Jake's heart...he kept himself entertained while he waited patiently.

When Sissy finally came downstairs, he was so excited to see her!

They worked well together. Kate didn't have a set plan this year because Jake was involved. She guided him, but she also let him do what he wanted to do.

Kate loves her brother!

Wednesday night we went caroling with some neighbors. I haven't caroled since Kate was in Brownies. I was so excited!! We plan on making this a new neighborhood tradition.  Thanks for the great idea, Ginny!

Jake was really into the singing. He stood up front at each door and belted out Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas just as loud as he could.  I was so proud of him!

We woke up to snow this morning. I love a White Christmas! Merry Christmas, my friends! I wish you peace, love, and joy...all the time.