Christmas Pics

Holly Jolly Christmas

I can't believe that Christmas has come and gone for another year! We had a wonderful Christmas here in Florida with G'ma Marcy and G'pa Charley joining us for the festivities. Our week just flew right by and now it seems like forever ago. The Abel grandparents arrived Saturday afternoon before Christmas left the following Saturday. We really enjoyed having them around and don't know exactly where their time here got to. Our activities included going to the beach (the weather here has been unseasonably warm...the beach was fantastic), shopping, Molly sleeping over with grandma...twice, looking at lights, visiting Santa, eating out, visiting with extended family, more shopping, more eating and all of that before Christmas even came.

Christmas eve we attended our early Church service geared more for the kidos. It was cute with a puppet show and kids singing Christmas carols. Then we were off to Jack & Candy's for the Knepp's southern addition. It was nice and it seems like more and more of my family are here in Florida now. Afterward we were sure to get our letter to Santa and cookies and milk out. Molly was terrified that she wasn't going to get to bed in time and Santa was going to skip right over our house. It was a restless night for me doing some last minute rapping and preparations and then when Molly was up at 5:45 am I was exhausted. We held her off until around 7 when we finally woke Roz who was considerably less enthused. Everyone seemed to get what they wanted most from Santa and the day was off and running with a great start. Marcy and Charley arrived around 9 and then my parents and Artie came for lunch at 12. Molly then went with my parents to the pinecraft parade around 3 so that everyone could have a little break from the action. It was a nice day and the part I enjoyed the most was being able to enjoy it at home with my girls and family. Traveling to IN for Christmas is nice but there is nothing like home.

That pretty much sums up our activities for the Holidays. Now the fun part of taking down the decorations and storing them ever so carefully until next year is upon us. No plans for New Years Eve or Day to speak of.

Until next time....

Just a smile...

Today was so hectic...I ran 10 miles to start the day and can't wait until this training lets up a little. I then mixed up a batch of cookies so that they could cool in the fridge and be ready for Molly and I when Roz went down for her nap. After picking up Roz at my mom's and running some errands it was time to pick up Molly and head home for lunch with Ryan. After lunch there was cleaning and baking to do all the while throwing in a craft just to spice things up a bit...and did I mention that our good friends were coming over for supper since things have been so hectic and we just don't get to see them as much as we would like? Well after decorating the cookies and their plates then finishing up supper just in time we had a great time visiting and enjoying our company. As I came in here to finish up some work on the computer Roz was screaming and through her screams (they are loud) I could hear Molly singing Silent Night to her and my heart just melted. It was quiet at first and then Roz became calmer and you could hear Molly's sweet voice trying to comfort her sister. That is what life is all about...the still small calming voice from those that love us the most. Thank you God for my life. My girls, husband and friends are all gifts from you. Help me to not forget......

The MOST wonderful time of the year...

Well things are going good here. We finished our second batch of cookies today for Christmas. I figure that if we bake one each week then it won't be as overwhelming as trying to do it all at once. I love to give a plate of cookies to friends & neighbors...although I do get carried away sometimes....wanting to decorate the packages and all. The whole idea is to save $$ and give something "homemade". Molly really enjoys baking with me. I really have to be careful though. Today I sat and listened to myself get on her for not doing it 'my way', and hated what I was hearing. I really try to make it fun for her and have to watch myself. So far this year we have made 2 batches of cookies (I know I already said that), one gingerbread house and homemade stockings (which I totally love). It really has been fun doing things with the kids and I look forward to spending many more Christmas's with my girls.

I FINISHED 18 MILES! Last sunday I RAN 18 miles. We had a really busy weekend and I just wasn't sure if it was going to happen but it did. I felt really good at the end and the sense of accomplishment was unbelievable. Then monday morning came....wow. My legs felt like 2 huge bruises, I couldn't bend and walking was a real challenge. I was supposed to run again on tuesday but my alarm went off tuesday morning and since I couldn't get out of bed I decided that another day of rest was probably best. Then this morning things went fine. I have a night race tomorrow...it is called the jingle bell run, and it should be fun. I think that everyone wears bells on their shoes and there are lots of lights and festivities for the whole famdamily. The girls and Ryan are going with me so we shall see....

As for our busy weekend last weekend, I can't really remember what we did other than church Saturday night, the beach Sunday morning (followed by the 'kids eat free' at the Oaks BBQ), my run and then dinner at Artie and Madelyn's. Artie fixed us tacos and I have to admit that he is a fine cook. We like spending Sunday evenings with them, it give the kids something to do so that we can all watch football! Yeah!

My Christmas shopping is just not really happening. I am trying to be extremely frugal with the ecomony and our work being so light so I guess that my strategy thus far has been to just ignore that gifts for the girls eventually do have to be bought. Hopefully things will change....and like soon. I did finish and order our Christmas cards yesterday...I really enjoy making them and hopefully they will come out to my satisfaction. Well I need to get going. I am leaving you with a couple of pics of the girls.

Molly and her Gingerbread Creation

Ryan and Roz watching a Christmas movie
Molly and her 'masterpiece' cookies

Until next time....

Home again...

Well we made it back to Florida Sunday morning around 6:15 am. I think...I was totally delirious. That traveling through the night twice in one week was too much for me. Sleep was impossible when we got home since the girls had slept most of the night and were raring to go. Finding a sitter at 6:15 am on Sunday is also impossible so needless to say I wasn't worth a darn on Sunday...or Monday for that matter. We did get our Christmas tree and decorations put up yesterday. It was so much fun putting them up with the girls. Roz did take a nap and gave Molly and I some time to finish up. Molly was so good...she knew exactly were she wanted to put everything and I must admit she has a great sense of style (most of the time).

As for our trip, it went good. We got to see most of our family and enjoy the cold weather for a change. Molly spent a lot of time playing with Allison. They played so good I was totally amazed. I know that I only heard of them fighting once or twice which is a big change from when her and Maddi get together. I guess it is always fun to play with someone new and Allison seems so easy to get along with. She is so soft it is unbelievable. Especially compared to Molly. One day we went to visit my Grandma Needie and Shawna & Allison went with us. As we were leaving the parking lot I asked if everyone was buckled in only to look back and see Allison tearing up. She couldn't get her seatbelt buckled. If that was Molly there would have been lots of screaming and thrashing but not Allison...only tears for her. She is so sweet. Being around her and Shawna make me wish that we could live closer...or better yet they could live here.

I got all of my training runs in while there. It was a challenge finding routes to run and trying to stay warm and out of the wind. The hills there were definately not easy and my thighs were burning for several days but all in all I am sure it was good for me...especially after consuming all of that turkey, dressing & dessert on Thanksgiving.

Marcy & Charley were the best hosts as usual. They always make us feel right at home and I appreciate them more and more every year!

Now onto another busy week of work, school (for Molly & Ryan) and preparing for the Holidays...the MOST wonderful time of the year.

Oh yeah, we are potty training Roz this week so please say a little prayer for me...I hate messes!

Until next time....