Last night, we had a last minute, much needed, completely enjoyable evening with college friends.  Kelli is back in town, Brad is visiting from CA, and Bret and Andrea drove over from Richmond, with their four beautiful children.  It's funny how time changes things, but at the same time, you pick up right where you left off.  I often think about our college days, and our lives now.  I LOVE my life now - our faith, Keith, my children, our families, and great friends.  I remind myself often to enjoy the present time - so that I don't have to look back and say "those were such good days...I wish I could have enjoyed them when they happened!"  It's hard at times, when I'm changing the 10th diaper of the day, or when I'm having to discipline one of my angels over and over and behavior still isn't getting any better.  It's hard in these times.....but I know someday I'm going to wish I had them home more.  Last night, I thought a lot about my college years.  They are such great, amazing memories.  Funny stories, crazy things we did, friends we haven't seen in a long time, places we went to dinner, road trips we took together, and on and on.  They were AMAZING years, and I know I enjoyed those times while I was going through them.  I thank God for those memories, all of our friends, and the good times we all have ahead of us.  All in all, it was so nice to reunite last night, and have a taste of our old college life.

Elise and Luke are now sporting their new "big kid" haircuts!  They both look so cute and are proud and confident of their new "do's."  Elise finally experienced a professional stylist, instead of me trying to trim her hair.  It looks so full and healthy in the "bob."  Luke has previously gone with his Dad to Sports Clips to get his hair cut, so he is totally used to the process.  He sat like a little man and came out with a spiky little haircut that Mommy just loves :)

This picture is just priceless!!  Luke LOVES to follow Keith around and help him with any chores that need to be done.  A couple of nights ago, they were outside working in the yard.  Last night, they were putting up a lock on the door so that the kids can't get out.  Luke has learned to unlock the main lock as well as the bolt to go and play outside!  I'm proud of him for learning how to do something new, but at the same time we must protect him!! 

Well, it's hard to believe that we are almost through Advent, and that Christmas is right around the corner!!  It's been a great preparation time for us, and a fun time to start new family traditions to get the kids ready for this special time of the year.  It all started with taking our Christmas decorations out, and getting into the Christmas spirit right after Thanksgiving.  The kids have a great time decorating the tree - and I held back and let them go at it - and then after bed time, my obsessive compulsive tendencies forced me to put a few finishing touches on things.  All in all, it was great fun!  We also introduced the kids to the cartoon "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer."  They have watched it several times since then - they know all the songs - and Elise even thought she saw Yukon Cornelius in someone's yard as decorations.  (it was really a burly looking Santa, but it can be Yukon is Elise wants it to be!)  We have also gone out several nights to look at the Christmas lights.  Our neighborhood has some gorgeous yards, and Elise and Luke just can't get enough of it.  Christmas time is so much fun with little ones!!!!!

So amongst all the Christmas cheer, we want to make sure we ingrain in the kids the true story of Christmas, and how important it is to our family.  Elise is very excited about Jesus' birthday, and she told me she was going to "make him a list for Santa" to make  sure Jesus gets some good gifts.  Luke has enjoyed our nativity scene.  He loves pulling his chair up to my buffet, and pointing to "baby Jesus."  He and Elise have done some roll playing - for some reason Luke always had to be baby Jesus and Elise is Mary.  I've played the role of Joseph at times.....when they ask me :)  We plan to make cupcakes on Christmas Eve to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus!  Now I know, at 2 and 3 years old, once Christmas morning hits, it will all be about the presents....BUT I also know that year after year they will understand more, and appreciate more fully, what a beautiful season of God's love this is.

I have to admit, this is the first year in a very long time that I feel organized and ready!  I believe this has to do with #1, the kids being a little older, and #2, the wonderful reminders, prayer services, and people we are surrounded by who help us to remember not to stress....but to enjoy.....the Season of Jesus' birth :)

Merry Christmas everyone!! 

This morning, we woke up, ate breakfast, got dressed, and drove over to Tomball to play with our cousins, Lindsey and Parker.  We always have SO much fun together - it's just a shame we live so far apart.  Hopefully soon, they will finish Hwy. 99 and it will cut our travel time in half!!!  But in the meantime, we take turns driving and try to meet up weekly.

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Yesterday Elise and Luke got to get a visit in with Santa at the Bass Pro Shop.  They were both super excited, but when it was our turn Luke was not so sure about Ole Saint Nick.  He was reaching for me to get him off of Santa's lap.  Elise, on the other hand, was more than ready to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas.  All in all, it was a good time.

We have also been enjoying many drives at night to see the amazing lights in our neighborhoods and others.  One of the houses in our neighborhood has a sign that says "Clap to hear the music" - and sure enough, when you clap, the loud music starts playing and the lights dance to the music.  The kids LOVE driving or walking to the house and making the music play.  I have a feeling the inhabitants of that house are tired of seeing us!!!

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The kids and I are getting ready for our mother's group craft and bake sale.  They were so excited that Mommy made a few extra chocolate covered pretzel rods with sprinkles!  Let's hope they sale well this weekend.  I figure anything with colors will get the kids attention...haha!

SO, today is a very exciting day for Elise!  She got to wear her favorite Christmas pajamas and slippers to school today because they are going to watch "The Polar Express" and have hot chocolate and cookies.  We have been reading the book every night and we LOVE that story.  Our good friend gave Elise the book when she was a baby.

Elise told Luke that he was dressed up like a candy cane this morning.  He and I are having a good day - just running around crazy getting things done.  He has been a great shopper's helper to me as I try to finalize our Christmas list.  We went into the Catholic bookstore today and he was very excited to see "baby Jesus" in the manger.  We are trying very hard this year to help our whole family focus on the true meaning of Christmas.  Luke and i bought a book today to show us some Advent and Christmas activities to do as a family.

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-A