Just today

So, today felt like a huge preparation day. Tomorrow is Sunday, My parents are coming maybe tomorrow night. Monday is Christmas Eve, who wants to go shopping then? yuck. plus its pretty much go time. I feel like I get "lulled into carnal security" by remembering a few Christmas presents in November thinking I'm so on top of the game. Then I try to enjoy December & pick up things here in there, but always the last week I feel in a scramble. The other problem is I don't like to shop or can't afford the things I would want to get people so then I end up crafting and left with 12, 1/2 done projects that need just "one more thing".

Cody has been working a lot. A blessing and a curse. Tonight it was so hard to let him go. He had just been gone to Oklahoma City, for a day and a half came home slept woke up and got called out of town again. He has been pounding it out this week.We miss him. But its good because then he will be able to be home for Christmas stuff.

So the kids and I have had a lot QT. We have been making some Christmas presents. A lot slower than I had hoped for :) but I feel like the payoff has been so worth it. I recently have been documenting on Instagram Elliot mishaps throughout the day. There are many and continue to be many but when I sat and thought about it I realized I need to help her put her busy-ness to work. Not to mention all the kids. So they have been helping out around the house and its been great. I was cracking up today it was 70 and its soon to be much colder so I wanted the kids to go ride bikes or just get outside & enjoy it and Ezra said," I don't want to ride bikes. I want to do the dishes." and Ezra is crazy excited about helping make meals lately.  Elliot still knows how to throw down a cup to get some attention, but the crafting and occasional painting of a Christmas present has been working great as a creative outlet instead of the walls or boring old paper. Tonight I put the kids to bed and told them I had to clean up the house. I was sitting down trying to muster up my housecleaning skills and 5 minutes later Rowdy came out all tired and asked if I needed help. I'm sure he just didn't want to go to bed, but it touched my heart. & his initiative was awesome. When I said sure (I am loving winter break) he said OK. do you want me to help vacuum? You can do the big vacuum and I will get the small one. wow.  I just feel like we've really been able to take quality time for each other this past week and its felt really good. 

 

Miss Munchkin at work

 Pinterest inspired me to have a few quick backup kid activities in the kitchen. Its made a huge difference...or maybe not waking up at 4:30 for seminary has made the huge difference :)

Ezra helping out in the kitchen

Team Gingerbread

 

I love Cody for a lot of reasons. But he is an awesome Dad. We miss him when he is gone

This week the kids have had mini brother sister slumber parties all over the house. Its been so nice not having to worry about what time we have to get up in the morning.

So anyway lots to catch up on. but I was just loving my kids an extra lot today.