As promised - Christmas

It's funny how in our society we move forward so quickly.  Christmas was just 32 days ago, yet it seems like over 100 days ago.  As I let this thought burst in and out of my mind over the past few days.  I couldn't help but think about all the media shoved down our throat.  Once Christmas is over all you read/see is "New Year - New You" and Clearance sales - Out with the old in with the new.  New - New - New. 

(Sorry had to get that off my chest.  Maybe it's helping me to feel like less of a loser for posting Christmas so late.....maybe.)

On Christmas Eve we stood shivering under the MacAvoy's outdoor Chrstmas tree.  We had a birds eye view of all of Camarillo.  The kids were beyond giddy and giggly waiting for Santa to fly by.  We'd have a special view on top of the hill and a secret promise from the pilot he'd get extra close. 

At 6:45p we heard the familiar sound of the helicopter and lights of Santa's sleigh taking off from the Camarillo airport.  "There he is the children squeeled."  We all watched anxiously as Santa flew over Target, the Outlet Mall, Old Town, Camarillo Springs.  Then we lost him for a minute while he was over Mission Oaks.  A few minutes later we could hear him getting closer and closer. 

"Santa, Santa." the kids sang

As promised Santa flew right over us, very close.  We all waived and shouted, "See you tonight!"

After Santa was out of site we dragged the kids in formation for family photos.  The 3 seven year olds were whispering to each other.  Beth and I took a few steps towards them and heard, "I saw a helicopter, did you?  Me too.  That wasn't Santa.  Was it?  Is Santa real?"

Uh oh!

When we piled back in the car, Karissa asked and Matt and I responded, "Of course he's real!"

I'd like to hope that for now, at least until next year she believes.  And speaking of believing.....

Lights all aglow

It's Christmas Eve-Eve and the kids are beyond excited. As a matter of fact they were put in bed almost an hour ago and the girls are still awake. I spent the afternoon and late evening-early morning wrapping gifts.

All day the girls have poked, prodded, shaken and inspected each wrapped present under the tree. They've carefully decoded my clever labels and done an accurate gift count. I regaled them with a story of when I was little and snooped on Christmas I got nothing. True story. Karissa rolled her eyes and announced she'd heard it before. Whatev.

Our family has had a busy December. Matt and I have been away on business trips and with increased work loads, we haven't been able to focus as much on Christmas as we have in the past.

Last week the kids were out if school on Friday. With teacher gifts , dance teacher gifts, and holiday parties, I was sending goodies off every day.

Friday afternoon I was in full Christmas prep. With lots of projects underway I finally had a chance to start checking them off my list.

As of tonight most of the projects are done. (Well mostly.)
I not so nicely convinced Matt he needed to put up some of our outside lights. Which he did this afternoon.
Andrew's stocking is still unfinished. I'm really bummed about this. I'm stuck because I haven't had time to get to a fabric store to get the fabric to line the stocking. Hopefully I can get some tomorrow.

Matt and I have had to be super budget conscience this Christmas. We've been able to get some of the well needed things on our list. We've made our dollar stretch further than we ever have before. Luckily the kids have not asked for any big gifts.

So as I sit tonight staring at my tree and outside at our Christmas lights. It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. I'm so excited.