Singing in the tub!

I have been meaning to blog a little story about Mason for days now. Mostly, so I can read about it for years to come.

The other day I put Mason into the bathtub to soap... for anyone with boys, you know what that means. How do they get so dirty? I crashed on the sofa to watch a little TV when I heard Mason singing/humming. He hates to sing and hates for anyone around him to sing. I think this is the first time in all his 6 years that I have heard this coming from him. He was simply humming the tune to Indiana Jones. He has never actually seem the movie so I can only imagine that commercials do work. I don't know why but this whole thing just brought a smile to my face. It was a moment of complete love. Sometimes it's the small things. I just wanted to jump up and give him a bear hug. Instead, I just sat there smiling and enjoying the tunes.

Sleep?

I have been awake since 6:10 a.m. What do you do in house when everyone else is sleeping? I need to stay quite, so I'll just blog. I have been having problems with sleep this week. For the past year (since giving up caffeine after lunch - most days) I have taken great pride in my ability to sleep. Maybe, it's the excitement of Christmas. Maybe, it's the horrible diet I'm consuming. Whatever the reason, I need to sleep.

The funny thing about all this - If this was a work day for my, I would be begging for a few more minutes and prying my eyes open to stumble to the shower. Isn't it funny how that works??

Maybe, I'm just excited (nervous) about bringing the new addition of our family home today. His name in Bruno (I hope to change that) and he is a 9 month of American Bulldog/Boxer SPCA rescue. Bobby and the kids have fallen in love. I'm sure I will also. My only concern is Boomer. I sort of feel like I'm bringing a new baby home from the hospital. Will Boomer feel replaced and unloved? We have our happy routine in place and I am uneasy about changing it up.

-- Boomer always sleep with us - I'm not so sure about a 55 lb. dog.
-- Boomer feeds on demand. We have never had a scheduled meal time.
-- Boomer always gets the last few drops of milk from my cereal and Bobby's evening snack.
-- Boomer always rides with me to drop the kids at school every day.
-- Boomer scratches at the door to go potty.
-- Boomer was finally getting to go on vacation with us this year.

How will a new dog fit into all this? I'm sure everything will work out O.K.

Last weekend we took our annual trip to our church to see the live version of the Christmas Story. It was really impressive. It kinda takes you back to what it was like in those times. They had live actors and animals playing the parts - and even had a real baby playing baby Jesus. In addition, there were thousands of lights, hot chocolate, cookies, Christmas carols, plenty of photo opts and yes, Santa.

That brings me to the rest of the story.

It seems that this event is growing each year. This is great news. It provided many people their first opportunity to hear about the birth of our Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas.

The lines were really long but everyone was happy to wait while enjoying the choir singing. It was finally our turn to visit the Ho Ho Man (I like to call him that) and the kids were oh so excited. Santa's Elf opened the door only to find that a family had sneaked in the back door (avoiding the 45 minute line) and were taking our turn. The sweet Elf just said Oops! it'll be just another minute. What!! Are you serious? I wanted to say - but it is church after all.

No, problem we were still having a good time. We brought our neighbors along with us and while the kids were confused they didn't seem upset. It was finally truly our turn. When we entered the room and saw Santa and Mrs. Claus I noticed that Kaylea did not seem very happy. I didn't have time to question this expression before we were instructed to hurry because Santa had a line over 1 hour long waiting to see him. What! Are you serious? I wanted to say - but it is church after all so I just quickly guided the children onto Santa's lap and we took one picture.

After leaving Santa's "Workshop", Kaylea informed me that Santa isn't real because they had another identical Santa in the room across the hall. Of course, we all know that Santa couldn't possible do all the work on his own so he hires helpers. Our church just needed extra help on this busy night so Santa sent two. She understood!

I am sitting here at work reading blogs, a little bored (which doesn't happen often at work) and thought I would do a post.

I am really quite dreading the dreadful after school hours. I feel a little jab of guilt as I write that. How lucky I have to have a flexible job! I leave work at 2:30 everyday in time to fetch my kids off the bus. I truly love that I am able to do this everyday. But, it is the most challenging time of the day. I usually go home to a messy house because all chaos breaks out in the morning rush to get ready. The kids are cranky, tired, and LOUD all rolled into one and my patience level is -10. I have been trying for years to solve this problem. I haven't solved it yet!!

It is also my most unproductive time of the day. I'm not sure why!! I just can't get things rolling. I have every intention of starting laundry, cleaning house, cooking dinner, helping with homework... but all of a sudden it's 6:00 and I haven't accomplished any of these things and I have nothing in mind for dinner. Why does this happen?? I think I will make it my New Year's resolution to change this about myself (even though I don't believe in resolutions). The good news is - my sweet hubby comes home to this everyday (after a hard days work) and is just happy as can be - even in the midst of the chaos. I just love this easy going side of him!!

Anyway, I am ready to leave work now. I have a positive and a little energy (due to my slow day of work) - maybe today will be the day for change - Oops - that sounds like a campaign slogan. I'll keep you posted.

A 10-0 Season

Kaylea's soccer season came to a dramatic end today. We stayed tied for most of the game but they squeaked in a goal with minutes left in the game. We finished 3rd in the county. They were 10-0 during the regular. Bobby is her coach and he is really proud. The team was really, really good this year. We should have won our game today but sometimes things just go crazy. I love to watch soccer! I cannot sit and watch this game because I can't keep my legs still - they are constantly trying to kick the ball. I am already looking forward to next season. I told Bobby that I want to be his assistant coach next year (he laughed). It looks like fun and the U-12 girls are great.

Christmas Parade!

Oh my goodness, Kaylea FINALLY got to be in the Christmas Parade. We had a RE/MAX float this year and she was delighted that the kids got to ride along. I just had to crack up - I lost count at how many parade viewers knew her. I kept hearing "Kaylea, Kaylea" - coming from some cute little boy or girl. I think she will run for office someday.

Mason got a little bored about half way in. He wanted to stand near the handrail but I wasn't sure about that. I could just see him falling off. He did say (which he says about everything) "This is the most "boringest" thing ever. Of course, after we got off the float he was ready to go again. It was definitely an experience being on this side of the parade. There were tons of people watching this 100 float parade. I think it's the biggest one in Florida and it attracts folks from all walks of life (putting it nicely). We had a great time and we hope to do it again next year.

Tree Decorating!

I always look forward to decorating our tree each year. It is really like going down memory lane. We have dated our ornaments for years and we try to buy something that represents an event from the year or reflects where we are in our lives. We have some dated all the way back to 1994 (the year we were married). We have quite a collection!

Kaylea needed a little help putting the angel on top!

Our Wedding Day - December 3, 1994
I always try to put myself back to this day. It's so funny to think about what life was like back then. Back in the day when we sat around BORED on weekends. Back in the day when our first apartment was a combo of mismatched furniture, but boy were we proud. I have to say that after 14 years I still look forward to Bobby walking in the door every day. I am so proud of the man that he is today and of the marriage that we have. We have had 14 wonderful years together and will have many more to come.

What I can't believe is that I actually LOVED this wedding dress. I know that 80's fashion is popular again but I don't know about in the wedding dress department. I still remember trying this dress on for the first time. I just loved it. It was more expensive than the 2nd runner up and I felt bad that my mom was paying the bill. She insisted that we get it because I didn't say "I love it" when trying on the other one. She was absolutely right - I really wanted this one. I drove the sales lady crazy because I took every friend I had into the shop to see me try it on. I still have it preserved in a nice little box under my bed. It is all ready for Kaylea to wear in about 20 years.

Bobby never reads my blog but just in case - I love you honey and I couldn't imagine life without you. You make me laugh daily and I love that (even though I sometimes seem irritated). I know that you are always in my corner - no matter what! I look forward to many more years of FUN and excitement.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL!

BORN: DECEMBER 3, 1983

WENT HOME TO SEE JESUS: APRIL 10, 2008

We spent Thanksgiving in Orlando at Bobby's parents house. The gang was all there. I just love seeing these cousins all together. I ate until I swore I would never eat again (I was hungry by the next morning). All the food was delicious!!

We have some artists in the family.

Kaylea & Maddie joining the Polar Bear Club - jumping into 55 degree pool water!

Getting ready for the big jump!

Mason's turn!

Cute cupcakes!

Bobby met his mom and sister over at ICE at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando. This is the "coolest" thing ever. Everything is made out of ice and it is really, really cold. They give you these big blue jackets to wear. It's a good thing they are so long - they keep your fanny warm and dry going down the slide. I'm sorry I had to miss it. They had a great time.

Kaylea & Maddie living it up in sunny Florida

The whole gang - Mason, Bella, Evan, Kaylea, Maddie & Jack