Joy

If I could use one word to sum up our Christmas this year it's Joy!

Joy is Karissa waking us up at 2am whispering, I can't believe I got my bunny. She told me the next morning she couldn't sleep after that. She kept peaking downstairs.

Joy is Addison standing at the top of the stairs looking at her doll house and pink kitchen saying, "My dream."

Joy is Andrew being such a sweet happy baby.

Joy is spending time with our family, keeping traditions alive and enjoying Christmas through the eyes of my children.

And Joy is welcoming this sweet girl to our home. We found her online and she desperately needed to be adopted. The best part is that she is socialized, used to kids and potty trained.

Mary

On the side of my fridge where no one can see, I hang things. Things like reminders, quotes, pictures, etc.

For the past few years I have had my favorite depiction of Mary just after Christ's birth hanging there. It serves as a reminder of sacrifice. A reminder of that moment after 9 long months you finally get to hold that baby in your arms. It also reminds me of my responsibility to my children to teach them as Mary taught Jesus.

Last night at the living nativity at
St. Mary Magdalen I was reminded again all the reasons why I love and respect Mary. I pray that one day I have the opportunity to sit at her feet.

The Holiday Season

It's been so busy yet so incredibly fun!

Karissa went to see the Nutcracker with her class.

We've been to the Camarillo Christmas parade.

Both girls had Christmas Sing-A-Long's.

We've seen Santa...more than once.

Grandpa celebrated his 90th birthday in style at the Las Posas Country Club.

Addi fell asleep during the Christmas program at church.

Andrew is 8 months old and getting bigger by the minute. His clothes size is 12 to 18 mos. He's crawling and climbing up on everything. This is going by way too fast.

Candy Cane Lane has landed on our list twice. The girls even took in the view aboard Thomas The Tank Engine.

It's busy and yet I wouldn't have it any other way.

Ten years

Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are.

Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two.

Louis De Bernieres

I stole this quote from Nie Nie.
It pretty much sums up my feelings on love.

Matt has given me the best gifts in the entire world.

Hell Week (you read that right)

So far it's equivalent to a sorority rush week. (except I never joined one of those because I thought the girls were too stuck-up.)

We're into day 3 and it ain't pretty.  Both girls have had a school functions every day this week.  Matt and I are trying to attend as many events as we can.  I (stupidly) offered to be the "virtual" Room Mom for both girls classes.  (I won't be doing that again!)  Each teacher needs a teacher gift and the coordination of contributions for a group gift.  Oh, and dance teacher gifts, book exchanges, white elephants, yankee gift exchange, (this was a new one for me).  I am seriously ready to pull my hair out.

Oh and yes, my milk decided to dry up.  At first I was like FINE, Andrew can have formula. 
Well unlike the girls he hates formula and got a seriously bad diaper rash!!  I called my OB and whined so now I have a prescription to increase my milk supply.  So far it seems to be working quite well. 
Let's keep praying it increases.  (Yes, I'm asking you to pray that I will have milk.  Just kidding.)

Other than that, things are boring!  What a joke. 

Just wanted to publicly thank my neighbor Amy for taking care of my kids.  I know that she had several other reason why she moved to Camarillo from AZ, but I think she was sent to me.  She is really the best and I needed her sooo much.  Karissa and Brock are the bestest friends ever.  Addi and Andrew love them too.

Christmas arrived early

This past week Matt and I received an abundance of blessings that we are incredibly thankful for. 

After 2 months we finally got a new tenant in the Vegas condo!  (Whew.  I was starting to panic a little.)

Addison was on her way to getting another set of ear tubes and after a hearing test and another visit to her E.N.T., Dr. Feinfield, on Tuesday and her ears were given a clean bill of health.

Karissa received this award at school.  Matt and I almost cried.  We are so proud of her.

This is a tarantula.  Addi was so excited to show me this picture after school she nearly fell over.

This is the most exciting news of all.  Matt has worked his tail off at the Auto Club and has been promoted to Branch Office Manager.  His first day at the Camarillo office will be December 19.  We are so excited!

We are so thankful for these blessings.

Quotes of the week

Karissa- Santa has glass and plastic. He can make an iPad.

Addison- Don't be disappointed. It was just an accident. (after yet another potty accident.)

Andrew- Dadadada

Matt- Friday nights aren't good for me.

Me- Holy crap! I didn't think I could do that.