Well hello everyone! Just thought I would put in some updated news for this week. The kids have been sooo excited for Christmas (almost as much as their mom!) I happen to think Christmas is the absolutely best holiday ever.... and it just gets better when you have kids. I am so lucky to have a family that treated Christmas as something so special, and I hope that my kids appreciate our efforts someday when they get older.
So, Calli and Teags have been opening the advent calendar since day one... they wanted me to tell everyone what they got so far. Our advent calendar is one that my sisters have also- Mom gave them to us a few years ago, and they have a little box for each day that holds an ornament for the tree. I decided a couple years ago that it would be fun to put in some extras-so they usually get candy or coins, and this year Calli got some super cute Xmas earrings, and Teagyn got a very sparkly, jingly bracelet. Then there are the coupons! These are the best, and they are so fun to think up every year.... truly my favorite tradition we have so far. Well- Calli has gotten a trip to the library, a date with Dad (which was going to see the movie Avatar), have a friend come over, help mom make dessert (we're making cake tonight), and two hours on the computer by herself! (no Teagyns allowed!).... I think that's it so far- good times! oh wait- we had a special trip to the mall also, since that's her favorite place ever....
Teags has picked out date with mom (we went to Red Robin together for dinner one night), special trip to the dollar store (pick out three things)... she got some lovely jewelry for dress up, some flash cards, and a princess painting book- score!! She also picked out have a sleepover, which was with Madison, and that was fun. She got to stay up an hour late, and yesterday she picked out pass off a chore to mom or dad (calli was really gunning for that one, but oh well- phew, i really didn't want to pick up dog poo!)
For the most part, all of their things have been done already, but we're saving some for next week and the school break. Chris is doing soooo good with his job- he loves it and is excited to have work this winter. I'm so proud of him for making the leap and going in for that job interview- it's really paid off for him, and we are so proud of him! He's going to Seattle after New Years' for a couple of days, and then I'm bringing the girls down to Twin for a girls' reunion of mine, and then we're going to visit Alyx!
Speaking of Alyx- she is doing really, really great. we have gotten tons of long letters from her, and this place seems to be having an impact so far. Mom and Dad are going way out of their way (again) to see her on Christmas Day- they are so wonderful! I'm really excited to see her and where she is staying, so I can have a mental picture of where she is.
As for me- well I'm really searching for a job. The online stuff just never pans out, so I'm hoping to fall into a local job by word of mouth and networking- I'm still working two days a week, and helping out at my old job at the hospital, so still making some bucks :) I'm really thinking about getting some violin students, since that's something I could do from home too. Wish me luck! I love you all so much and hope that this Christmas is great for you and yours!
Well- the christmas season is on! we are so ahead of ourselves for the first year ever that we are not quite sure what to think.... shopping is done, the tree is up, decorations are up, and we are so ready! Thought I'd share some pictures with you of the tree and front room- also there are some pics from Thanksgiving and Grape Grandma and Poppa's house.... love you all! 
