It's been a long time...

Wow, 3 long weeks. I can't believe it's been that long since I've blogged. I kept having every intention of blogging. I even went over what I'd type and then the time just slipped away from me and it never got done. I'll do my best to make it up to you.

Right this minute Oliver and Phin are hiding from Daredevil, Daredevil is riding around in his new super cool mini cooper s and Ben is chewing up a ball. OK, now Daredevil is riding Ben. Ben isn't a fan but it is hilarious to watch. Ben gets this wary eye and tilts his head back like "what are you trying to do back there?" It's hilarious.

And, me, I'm blogging... or attempting to blog. After such a long hiatus, I wonder, do I jump in where I am? Do I review what we missed?

Hmm.... we've missed Christmas at home, Christmas with the family, New Year's, our 7th wedding anniversary...

Now that you're kind of caught up, I'll (hopefully) be back at it tomorrow.

Scrooge

Yesterday was a not so fun, nothing going my way, boring, lazy, failure kind of day. I felt like a failure as a wife, mom, friend, etc. you name it. Daredevil spent too much time inside, or in front of the tv, or eating junk. I didn't seen to actually finish anything. Mr Tech Guy and I got in an argument - out worst in a long long time - because I was dumb. Ok, I'm sure you get it by now. Yesterday wasn't my day. Which meant that I was choosing to have a better day today. I think I ran my boy ragged but a better day we had. 

As soon as my feet hit the floor, I was working. I did my morning routine including showering and getting dressed "to shoes" - thanks, FlyLady. Then I laid out all the snacks and cookie decorating supplies for my board meeting this morning. 

Daredevil woke up and he got snuggles before getting dressed and having breakfast. We had the board meeting which included opening gifts that Bernard had brought us back from the North Pole. 

They were winners. Then we decorated holiday cookies that Daredevil and I made yesterday. 

Daredevil preferred the icing. 

Almost immediately after cleaning up from the party, we left to meet daddy for lunch. Daddy arrived and discovered his friends were there so we got to eat lunch with them as well. Then we played at the library for almost two hours. Daredevil loves it there. Playing, reading, exploring. 

Once he'd run off the sillies, we headed to Trader Joe's for a few things. Then we ran by Old Navy because sweaters were on sale for $10. $130 later we left and headed home via McDs for a large unsweet tea. Once back, we rested a bit and played and read. Then we had leftovers for dinner followed by an early bath. 

I hosted a white elephant gift exchange for MOMS Club and it was a lot of fun. Daredevil and Mr Tech Guy were asleep (yes, at 7, yes, both of them). We had a hilarious time eating, visiting and "stealing" gifts. I love what I got! 

Once my friends left I cleaned up and got busy getting some treats ready for Mr Tech Guy to take to work. Now that the treats are all set I'm heading to bed. 

Today has been a lot better than yesterday. I'm now focusing on our holiday plans!! Busy busy! 

Spreading Christmas Cheer

We do one thing to spread Christmas cheer each day. It's fun to do the unexpected and typically takes minimal planning. I wrote a list of all the activities we wanted to do and then I've worked them into our schedule as best I can. 

We have passed out lottery tickets to strangers. 

We've paid for the person behind us in the drive thru. 

We've left goodies for our UPS guy and our postman. 

We've donated to the bell ringers!

We've donated food to a food bank, clothes to St Vincent de Paul and money to our church and World Vision. 

We've filled a meter. 

We've given librarians candy canes. 

We've held doors open and let people (and cars) in front of us. 

We have more to do - the season isn't over and there are many more items on our list but we have had fun so far. 

Tomorrow we get to be Samta for our friends! I wonder what Santa brought for us to pass out!

How do you spread cheer? How are you a light for Him to those who may not know Him? Give giving a try, even if it's just a smile. 

Holiday Haircuts

My three stooges got holiday haircuts. They look so nice and trim. I can't lie, I prefer them a bit shaggy, but they were looking quite a bit shaggy. 

It was quite the experience getting them in and out of the groomers'. I was all twisted up in their leashes because of Oliver and when some old lady tried to help, Ollie plopped down and started screaming. I think she got her feelings hurt because she said, "Well, I was only trying to help." Which left me with no help and no clue how to get to the car. Somehow I got it but I really wish someone would've gotten it recorded. We were quite the sight, I'm sure. 

They look great. Don't you agree? 

They looked so good with their haircuts that Daredevil and I decided to visit Amanda and get our holiday haircuts, too. It was only Daredevil's 2nd haircut and he did ok. He wasn't as good as before. I made the appointment during naptime. :/ But all in all, we managed. Both of us got cuts. 

My shorter, layered hair. 

Daredevil's boy cut. Ugh, the curls, the blonde. He is the cutest. 

Have a happy day!

Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas... in that order!

 Holidays. Family. Chaos. Gifts. Food. Laughter. Noise.

We crammed so much into three days. Since this was our Christmas as well as our Thanksgiving, we did all we could to make the short time together count. I think there's some magic when everyone is together. I can't explain it, but it is just magical, a gift.

We decorated holiday ornaments, we opened gifts, we cooked, we baked, we ate,  we shopped, we went to the movies, we looked at lights, we got mani/pedis, we waited in crazy long Black Friday lines, we had a birthday party, we watched the Macy's parade, our elves appeared, we played in the snow, we played "indoor" games but above all we just enjoyed being together.

 I just have to say that at some point, everyone was out but me and these guys. We somehow got into the best, craziest, loudest game of hide and seek EVER. It was just wonderful. We were all laughing so hard and having so much fun. AJ kept telling on himself and then helping find Sissy. Daredevil could be heard cracking up from his hiding place and Nick tended to hide in plain sight which was hilarious when Sissy would walk right by him!