Christmas is Closer...

Always busy weekends in December...come Sunday night, I am always exhausted and needing some vegetation time on the couch with complete silence. Ha! Who am I kidding? When does that happen? We had the Ringger Christmas on Saturday evening. I watched my Grandfather - who is well over 80 - play with the kids, shoot baskets and play the golf contest with the best of them. He has to look at this fellowship hall full of kids, laughter and love and just have such a blessed feeling of the multitudes of descendants. It makes you sit back and wonder what you future will look like sometimes. I know ours won't be such a multitude (hey - I only have two kids!), but I hope someday we all gather and I can sit there and smile at the generations Jeff and I created.




On Sunday, we went to our annual trip to the Nutcracker with the girls. This is our third year of going, and Carlie was just as excited as the first time. Actually, perhaps even a bit more because she knew what was expected. We enjoyed a nice lunch with two other mommy/daughter friends at the Gas House first. I can't believe just in comparing the pictures from the first year to this year how much all three girls have grown. I would love to continue this tradition for years to come. Next year I promised Lucy she could join us. I can't wait to see her eyes light up. Perhaps in more years to come Lacey & Amelia and Ginger & Stella can join us too!!

Surprise Visit With Santa

Friday Jeff and I finished up almost all of our Christmas shopping - yeah! We enjoyed a long lunch at Cheddar's and after finishing up our shopping early, we celebrated with a dark beverage at Granite City. I miss those alone times with my husband!

On the way home after picking up the girls, we remembered that downtown New Haven was having their "holiday festival" - so we stopped! We got to visit Santa at the furniture store, and then paint ornaments at the coffee shop. We came home to snuggle in front of the TV to watch some Christmas cartoons. The grand plan was go sleep under the Christmas tree in the basement, but Lucy decided she just wanted to sleep in her bed. And then shortly thereafter, Carlie did too. Basement floor vs. warm bed. Which choice would you make? Maybe in a few years we'll try that again...

December Weekends

Whew. I am glad this weekend is done. A LOT accomplished, but tired tonight. Saturday I got together with some old friends and created the Giant Apple Candy surprises that I give out as gifts each year. We wasn't sure if it was going to happen this year - but I am so happy it worked out. We had a smaller group this year, but the conversation was still enjoyed, and the apples are done!

Sunday I had my on-stage debut as "Mrs. F" - an actor in the KidsStuf service. To say I was nervous, was an understatement. We are so blessed with such an awesome kids ministry - who make it look sooooo easy! I am here to confess - it's not. While its not hard to memorize a few lines, remembering WHEN to say them, and WHICH ORDER to say them, and WHERE TO STAND ON STAGE, is a whole other ball game. But luckily, God was with me today, and the skit went off without a hitch. The girls thought it was quite the treat seeing mommy up on stage. Doing it again? Hmmm...I will not answer that right now :)

Sunday afternoon we hosted HC and brought together the many gifts we purchased for our Christmas Family. A single mom, four children. Her wants for the children were many, and for herself, simply a robe. Tears come to my eyes when I imagine what this mother has sacrificed for her children over the years, and in future years to come. Each HC family willingly gave so much of their money, time and hearts to this family. Each child made a card to include with the gifts, we purchased extra items for her pantry and a few extras for the bathroom (fun soft soap, tooth brushes, Mr. Bubble and Spider man band aids!). We also purchased each family member a bible and wrote them notes inviting them to our church. I wish so much I could be a fly on the wall when this mother presents the gifts to her children. New game boy, new bike, new CD player, complete baby doll set. I am praying for this family tonight. I don't know their circumstances or if they know Jesus, but in any event, I hope our kindness and generosity makes them consider if there is a God.

An extra special treat, one or our HC friends is a cake maker - not by trade - but by hobby. We enjoyed a decadent chocolate cake to celebrate not only Jesus' birthday, but all our HC December birthdays. Carlie, of course, thought that was fun..check out the picture of this cake - HEAVENLY!

Okay...not done yet....

Sunday night we headed to Central to set up for the Elves' Closet this week. Jeff was recruited to help carry many boxes, and then "corral" the kids. Carlie is already making her list and checking it twice. I can't wait to see the kids faces tomorrow when I work!

That's it - weekend done. Glass of wine in hand, and much needed couch time with my hubby. Not that this week is going to slow down any. I get to meet my new niece on Tuesday - I can't wait!!

Cousin Pictures - Overload!!

Well...these are my best pictures of the cousins - which is your favorite?

Twas The Day Before Thanksgiving

Lucy Thanksgiving Feast included making LOTS of pigs in a blanket...which was so fun making with all the kids!





I also got to participate in Carlie's Thanksgiving party, which was lots of smiles and lots of sugar.





This last picture was Lucy's actual smile when they lit up the Santa Claus! Priceless!

What a fun "Day Before Thanksgiving"! I started out the morning helping in Lucy's class for their Thanksgiving Feast. I just love Lucy's teacher, and helping her is always fun.

Then onto Carlie's classroom party. We raced with popcorn on spoons, cut out turkeys and ate Brownie Cupcakes. Lucy also had the opportunity to participate in this party, and thought she was big stuff running with the big kids!

Then onto the Downtown Santa Lighting. We started this tradition a few years ago when the kids were old enough to bear the cold! We started out with dinner at Toscani's - which the kids love because they get to play with dough while waiting for their food. Then B&D had a kid friendly holiday party to kick off the holidays. Lots of cookies, sweets and hot chocolate for all. I think the best part of it is watching the girl's faces as the crowd starts to count down and then the whole side of the building is lit up with thousands of lights. They oohh'd and ahh'd over everything. On the way home, Carlie even said, "this has been the best night, thanks for taking us mommy and daddy." Again, priceless.

Tooth No. 4

Carlie lost her fourth tooth at school today. She was chasing her friend Gage, when he accidently knocked her mouth - and out came the tooth! I was so glad it came out, it was hanging in there sideways! I just can't tell you how much I enjoy her toothless smiles. The picture is of the note she left the tooth fairy...note she is trying to bribe the tooth fairy with $.75 for a "braclet that has my name on it" instead of the normal cash. Quite the little diva, isn't she?

Operation Christmas Child

Today we had an opportunity to serve others by Operation Christmas Child. An organization where churches, schools, or just plain simply everybody packs a shoebox full of small presents, these shoe boxes are marked "girl" or "boy" and shipped across the world to orphanages and poverty stricken countries for Christmas. As we are continually spoiling our children with the upcoming Christmas holiday, the statement struck me that "this box may be this child's first and only gift as a child." How sad. No parents, no gift, and most of all, no Christ. The girls each packed their boxes with love and care, and Carlie included a note with her address (in hopes of a letter in return) and telling this child, "Jesus Rocks!" Her love for Christ is so pure and strong right now, at times, I am jealous of it! Selfless faith is a teaching that never ends as a parent. At every corner I turn, I see my girls thoughts and actions of entitlement. American Girl Doll, Wii, DS, whatever they wish for Christmas, they will receive. I must take blame for this, they are my children, I love the smiles on their faces when they open presents. My prayer this season is to continually remind them of what others don't have, and to be thankful of all the blessings that are showered on us each day, and to leave each day a little more Christlike and think of ourselves a little less.