The chill of winter is a great time to curl up under your electric blanket and read a great novel.  I have been sucked into the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer.  I was told repeatedly by numerous people that I just had to read them.  I messed up and watched the movie first, which I loved, by the way.  However, this made it a little difficult to get into the book because, even though it wasn’t exactly the same, it was kinda like watching a rerun.  With all that said, I got half way into the first book and haven’t been able to put them down.  You should see my house…..

A couple of my friends and I decided that instead of exchanging gifts we would treat ourselves to afternoon tea. This was our second year and I have to say that it was fabulous!

We went to Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club. It was beautifully decorated for Christmas with gorgeous Christmas trees and festive touches here and there. I especially loved the scones and everything that was chocolate, but the best part was spending time with precious friends.  It was a pleasant break from the fast paced holiday season and the everyday life of motherhood.

photo credit: freedigitalphotos.net

We finally took the kids to see Santa. We try not to wait until the last minute because undoubtedly, they tell Santa that they want something that they have NEVER said to us and we are stuck. When Blake was four years old he told Santa that he wanted a four wheeler with guns on it. Well, Tucker and I were dumbfounded. He had never said this before and I certainly had never seen a toy like that. The worst part was that it was like three days before Christmas. Blake went on after that about how Santa was going to get him a four wheeler with guns on it. As I went out to begin the search, I prayed that the Lord would lead me right to it. God is so awesome! I walked into the first place and there it was - a small toy four wheeler with two guns attatched:)  Who knew?

After 45 minutes of waiting, Braeden and Ben sat on Santa’s lap. The most surprising thing this year was that there were more dogs waiting to have there picture with Santa than there were kids. One lady had even brought her three iguanas.

Afterward, we went to the new McDonalds that has the musical play place. Supposedly, there are only three in the country. Of course, I ate horribly and finished it off with a trip to Starbucks. My belly is beginning to shake like a bowl full of jelly.  Those diet pills are looking better and better.

photo credit: freedigitalphotos.net

I am so excited about what’s been happening! I think I am finally going to get a new vehicle. My 1997 Suburban is on its last leg and all that has been stopping us from putting it up for sale is a few performance parts. My husband, to my great relief, ordered those on Friday.

My husband is so precious.  The other day I found a long list he had made of all the things that he needs to repair in the house and on the cars as well as other things that he needs to take care of.  Many of these are things that I have been griping about.  Seeing it all written out was overwhelming to me, so I know that it probably is for him too.  I decided that I wouldn’t complain so much and be thankful that he is willing and able to do these at all and pray that God would give him the knowledge, energy, and time to do them.

I had the best morning all to myself - even the dog was gone. I am just so grateful to my Lord for a mother and father-in-law who love my kids and want them around and a husband who can see that sometimes I could use a break from even the d-o-g!