Monday, December 28, 2020

Christmas Festivities

It is Christmas break and I don't think I could be anymore excited about it than I am!!! Two weeks away from school/work is so much needed right now, however I know my job will only be harder with COVID upon our return since people will congregating with families during the holiday. I can't blame people though, it has been since March that we have been socially distancing, not traveling and wearing masks and honestly I think we are all tired and just ready to get back to normal. At least I know I am!!!!

On Christmas Eve, the we did our annual decoraingd cookies for Santa. Nothing like getting it done last minute . . .The boys and I had fun decorating and as you can tell from the pictures of Camden's cookies, he is becoming a bit more creative with his decorating . . . He was extremely proud of his cookie that is Santa's honey with poop coming out (Poo-mas). Lord help me!



Camden's creations


Casen's creations


After Christmas Eve service, my parents and our family headed out to Hockley for Rudolph's Light Show which is a drive through light show set to music. It was an enjoyable treat!



We then came home, the boys picked out which cookies they wanted to leave for Santa and then headed to bed in anticipation of the big day.

              
Our house is ready for Santa's arrival                                                                                 

The boys got exactly what they asked for from Santa - new iPads and big 'ol stuffed animals. Camden actually asked for a 6 foot teddy bear, however Santa did not see the need for that, so settled for one a tad smaller (thank goodness). 


Santa gave them lottery tickets in their
stockings and they were both winners!

Gifts from Shane and I included new sheets (yes, my boys asked for sheets for Christmas), Legos, Bakugan, clothes, fingerboard stuff and other odds and ends.

Nina has been a good girl too!


After we all opened gifts, we got dressed and ready and my parents came over (they are staying in their motor coach at a place in Katy as they are headed to Louisiana with friends after Christmas) and we opened gifts with them! 

Yard art for Mom


Electric toothbrushes, Crocs, money and
ornaments from Grandma and Grandpa

Bourbon for Dad!

Mom and I (mainly mom) started preparing our Christmas meal and Shane's family came over so we could celebrate Christmas with them. We then enjoyed great food and fellowship.





My sister and her family were in Mexico, so we celebrated Christmas with them upon their arrival home on the 27th. It has become our tradition that we open gifts and then head to our whole families favorite Mexican restaurant. 

COVID ornaments

A cool new soccer ball

Hopefully this will do something
exciting to my hair. :)



More bourbon for dad!

My parents and their grands! 


I love the fact that we were able to spend time with each of our families despite COVID. It amazes me how fast the boys are all growing and how fun they all are.  It was definitely an enjoyable Christmas. We are truly blessed!



Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Spreading Christmas Cheer

I absolutely love the Christmas holidays. The joys of this holiday season just make me happy. I have learned to do most of my Christmas shopping early and do a lot of it online, which leaves more time for us to enjoy different Christmas activities and not feel some of the stress that comes with Christmas due to societal expectations.

Earlier this week, Casen and I were able to attend Braden's Christmas concert. Unfortunately, Camden had soccer practice so was not able to go with us. I was so glad Melissa invited us to go with her. It is so hard to believe that Braden is a senior and I know she and Shawn are doing everything they can to absorb these last days of Braden being in Shawn's band. I really feel it has been a neat experience for them both!

Melissa gave the boys these 
amazing masks!
Casen and Braden


Thursday night, Cooper dropped off Christmas pajamas for the boys. He has always brought them the night before Polar Express day at school. Unfortunately, Camden no longer has Polar Express day as he is getting too old (sniff sniff) but Casen still does and he rocked his pajamas! 


This past weekend started the beginning of our Christmas break. Today, Casen and his new baseball team, as well as the whole Blacksox organization, were able to spread some Christmas cheer to people at Reach Unlimited. Reach is a facility that provides support services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The field his team practices on is located on Reach Unlimited's property. I am so glad that their coach not only focuses on God but also on community outreach. They boys had a great time handing out candy and other treats to the people as they drove by in their cars. They were also able to take a picture with Santa, something we weren't sure we would be able to do due to COVID!



Their coach surprised them with team shirts.