So much to share...

I have so much to share yet every time I think I'm going to have time to blog about it, I end up getting sidetracked. First I would like to share with you my recent win. A big Thank You to Kristen for hosting the giveaway! I am so happy to have won. I'm sure my girls will enjoy this!

To those who came to our annual Christmas Party last weekend, Thank You. I hope you all had a great time. We enjoyed spending time with each of you (and the children).

Other points of interest today: Tonight, we had a nice dinner of Cheeseburgers, diced peaches and potato chips. Jacob prepared the cheeseburgers all by himself. For ten years old, he is very good in the kitchen. He loves to cook and will cook breakfast on the weekends to surprise us. This past weekend, we woke up to him cooking pancakes. He had every child sat down at the table and eating! Even in spite of his hormonal self, he really is a great kid!

During dinner, the kids and I were talking about how we handle emergencies. We first talked about medical emergencies and what we need to say to the people who are trying to help us. We went through a few mock senerios and here is how one of them went. Katelyn found me, who needed help. She promptly called 9-1-1.
Me (as the 911 operator): 911-What is your emergency?
Katelyn: My mom is having a baby. (I think my jaw dropped at this point)

All of us started laughing! Jacob piped in that Mom can't have anymore babies. Then, we started talking about adoption.

We discussed what adoption is, who gets adopted, and who adopts the children. Katelyn then says, "People who can't have babies can adopt the kids who don't have a mom or dad."

Jacob said, "Well, even though Mom can't have anymore babies, I don't think we will be doing that." Apparently, Jacob has reached his "sibling" limit.

We then spoke about house fires and what to do in the event of a house fire here or at someone elses house. We went over our plan again and reminded everyone of our meeting place. Discussing things like these are never easy, yet very important. I made it a point to remind them how dangerous it is to hide or try to come back inside to find someone (or something). I pray we never ever have to endure such an event but it puts my heart at peace knowing that we have tried to prepare them for such a disaster.

I did however, learn that when the kids were nervous or frusterated, they tended to mix up our address. They nailed our phone number every time but not the address. So, I will be making signs to hang up around the house for them, just in case.

After dinner, we dished up some ice cream and enjoyed our treat together. Just wait until I share the photos with you! We had Heavenly Hash and Peppermint flavored with candy cane pieces in it. Some of us (cough cough) had a taste of both. Did you know the peppermint flavored is quite tasty with a bit of Hershey's syrup drizzled over the top of it? Or, so I hear. (smile)

We hung lights up in the girls' bedroom and replaced the hallway light with a red bulb. We put the red lamp in the main bathroom and turned on all of the other Christmas lights. The kids played a bit longer and by 8:30pm, all four of the youngest children were asleep. I'm just in shock that Jonathon fell asleep so quickly!

Jacob and I decided we would start making muffins for his party tomorrow. During our baking session, we had this conversation:

Me: Do you love me? (half joking, half serious)
J: (long-long-pause) YES!
Me: Am I a cool mom?
J: How much money are you going to give me?
Me: Are you kidding me? What does that mean?
J: Well, you did spend twenty five thousand dollars for us to go to Disney so yeah, you're pretty cool.
Me: Uh...I didn't spend $25 thousand dollars, Jake.
J: Well, you're still pretty cool.

Thank goodness for that, eh?

I still haven't finished our Christmas letter or cards. I know, I need to get moving. Even if they arrive late, it's the thought that counts, right?

So, with just a few more days left before Jolly Old St. Nick arrives, how are things going at your house? Are you all ready for the big guy in red to arrive? Any last minute gifts you need to rush out for this weekend? Any big plans?

I've got a few more posts to share with you tonight so I'll finish this one off. I hope you're all having a Happy Holiday Season so far.

-Becky