Christmas Spirit

We had a short-notice visit from Nana yesterday afternoon. She made a quick trip up and stopped to have dinner with us. She brought with her several gifts. The kids received matching PJs, and a book/cd combo called THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS to study for Christmas. They also received some Christmas sheets for their beds. I couldn't resist getting out the Santa hats from Grandma and Grandpa and getting this picture to share. I absolutely love the look on their faces!

After dinner, I went to and Enrichment meeting at Church. It was a wonderful experience. We all took an ornament that had some meaning to us behind it. We could purchase or make it for the exchange. I made one that I shared previously, and received a handmade one in return. It was wonderful to hear everyone's stories behind their choices. I feel like we really shared a piece of our lives in getting to know each other better. We also had goodies galore! I had to make a round for dessert. Miss Montana sang some Christmas songs for us, she has a BEAUTIFUL voice (and she was losing it to sickness). We also picked up an ornament to purchase a gift for those less fortunate members of the Ward. I'm pretty excited to shop for someone that I have no idea about (we got the age and gender -- male 21).

Fiona also disappeared for a while yesterday. She was crawling around playing with the kids when I noticed that I hadn't heard her in a while. I called out her name, and she did answer, but I wasn't sure where she was. Well, here's the picture to explain.

This is the first time that she has gotten across the tracks. She knocked off a bell ornament and was playing with it, and she took off the engine and second car of the train. It was so cute that I HAD to take a picture. She knew that she was not supposed to be there because she just kept saying "UT_OH" over and over. I pulled her out and haven't had a problem since (I say this keeping my fingers crossed). Just in case, I have elected not to put the bleach into the tree water that the recipe called for.

We also took some time yesterday afternoon to make snow globes. Macy and Stuart love them whenever they see that someone has one, so we took some glitter, water, an old babyfood jar, and a small toy from the toybox. Here is Stuart showing his off. He has a duck inside. Macy made one, but could not find it for pictures before the publishing deadline. Another mystery to solve.

Since the end of the month fell last week, the kids were able to finally cash in their good behavior money and go shopping on Wednesday night. We did quite a bit of running around. Stuart found a bargain at Walmart getting two sticky Dora and Boots figures for a grand total of $1.76, and then saving the rest of his money for Toys R Us (the only store sign that they can "read"). He ended up buying a large box of transportation goodies including, but not limited to, a helicopter, fire trucks, police cars, and crane! Back at Walmart, Macy just couldn't stand the money burning a hole, so she spent the entire wazoo there. She came home with amini Cinderella doll that had changeable rubber outfits complete with shoes (chocking hazard for Fiona, so this is limited to the kitchen table for play). She also had enough money to buy the following Bratz doll. This doll came ready to go skiing. Macy says that she is skating, snowboard, and skiing; depending on what her desires are at the moment.

Well, that's the news up here. We're hoping to go outside today and get the suburban washed. It's forcasted to be 53! We are also having someone come over to measure for new carpet. I hope that it will be replaced. I would love to have the smell out of here. Have a great Friday everyone.