Who says boys can't multi-task?

Just today, I caught Donny eating AND sleeping at the same time! Male multitasking IS possible! He even managed to throw some food on the floor in his sleep. At least there is some consistency between his awake and asleep hours. :)

Things that make me happy...

Here are just a few random things that make this momma happy --

1) Watching the kids and Don playing together on the floor. There's nothing sweeter than watching how happy the kids are when they get to rough house with their daddy.

2) Snuggling with my baby girl who really isn't a baby at all anymore. Braelyn has always been the BEST cuddler! It's so sweet when she comes up to me and says, "Mommy, do you know what I need?" The answer is almost always a hug -- well, maybe milk or something to eat -- but usually it's a hug. We even kicked off our first official day of Christmas break with a nap ... Braelyn tucked herself into my side, and there we snoozed for about an hour.

3) Donny, Braelyn, and I were finishing up some Christmas shopping this morning, and Braelyn told everyone, "Hello." and followed it up with, "Merry Christmas." I'm sure most of the people weren't expecting to have that kind of interaction with a little girl, but it seemed to put a smile on some of their faces. :o)

Does this kind of creativity get worse?

Braelyn was just telling me the most unbelievable story! She claimed that Miss Natalie took her and a few other students on a bus ride while they were at daycare. Apparently, the goal of the trip was to deliver some mail. (Keep in mind that I have NOT been notified of my 4 year old riding the daycare bus.) I ask if she wore a seat belt, and she tells me that the bus doesn't have seatbelts. It's okay, though, because Miss Natalie drives really slow.

Mostly, I assumed this was a made-up story, but the story remained the same for about twenty minutes. After about 100 questions from me, I tell Don that he MUST ask if she actually rode a bus. I texted some moms from the class to find out if their daughters said the same thing.

About 10 minutes after I send the texts, I ask Braelyn again, "Did you really ride a bus today?" Her response, "No. I really wanted, too, though." UGH!

She really had me going! It does make me wonder what kind of stories she tells her teachers about US!

Family Picture 2010

Christmas Questions

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper

2. Real tree or Artificial?
Artificial. I think my mom was allergic to real trees, so I grew up with the fake ones. I don't know any better, so I'm fine with what I have.

3. When do you put up the tree?
The day after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down?
I don't have a specific date for taking it down. I guess it depends on how sick of it I am. Plus, I like to have it down before I have to go back to work in January.

5. Do you like eggnog?
Not sure I've ever tried it, but I'm not interested.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Honestly, I wish I could remember back that far. I'm sure my parents gave me LOTS of wonderful things.

7. Hardest person to buy for?
Don

8. Easiest person to buy for?
My kids

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
Nope

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
We mail them. I like having the opportunity to show off our family picture.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Oh, my. I'm sure I've had my share of those, too.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Miracle on 34th Street (the original in black and white)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Yes.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Gumbo

16. Lights on the tree (colored or clear)?
White lights

17. Favorite Christmas song?
All I Want for Christmas is You

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
I'd like to stay home, but we travel every other year to spend time with Don's family. It's only fair that way. :o)

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?
Probably, but maybe not in order.

20. Angel, star or ribbon on top of tree?
Angel.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas morning

22. Favorite children's Christmas song?
Up on the House Top

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
The feeling of being rushed.

24. Favorite ornament theme or color?
Anything that doesn't get broken by the two children that like to play with the tree.

25. Turkey or ham on Christmas day?
Ham

26. What do you want for Christmas this year?
I've had a hard time deciding this year. I've asked for a bookshelf for my classroom, and that's about it. Most of my wants are for my kids.

27. Does anyone in your family dress up as Santa?
No.

28. Age you discovered who Santa was?
I think I was in 5th grade. I figured it out by recognizing my mom's handwriting on the labels.

29. Eggnog, hot chocolate, or apple cider?
hot chocolate

30. Traditional colors (red and green) or other colors?
reds and greens

31. Do you have any Christmas decorations on your roof?
We have lights on the house.

32. How does Santa get into your house? Chimney or magic key?
Chimney

33. Do you prefer gifts or gift cards?
Either as long as the gift cards are for places I'd actually go -- please no Starbucks this year.

34. Favorite children's Christmas Cartoon?
I like all the old Christmas cartoons -- Rudolph, Frosty, etc.

YOUR TURN!!