Merry Christmas!

Okay, so I have been slacking.  Things have been a little nutty with Christmas and all.

The last week of school was crazy. I was running around trying to wrap up all loose ends before the kiddos were out of school. I got it all done and was even able to sew presents for all the staff of the school (compliments of the sunshine committee, which I co-chair). I made some extra tissue holders for family as well.

The kids pre-school did a wonderful job organizing a Nativity play in the worship space with a milk and cookie reception afterwards.  Rebecca was frankincense during the play and Tyler was a donkey.  They both sang loudly and did all the motions.  Ryan was able to take a few hours off work to come and watch so I didn't have to worry about taking pictures and videotaping at the same time.  Each class made presents for their parents which were homemade and extemely special.  Tyler made an ornament for the tree and a reindeer pin, as well as a Christmas tree tee-shirt that his whole class wore for their Happy Birthday Jesus celebration the next day.  Rebecca made us a book/calendar for the year with her handprints creating a scene for each month. It was laminated and bounded. 

The same day of the play, Tyler got his first stripe in karate.  It is a yellow stripe on his white belt.  Mr. Scott (his instructor) invited all the parents to watch his class do a demonstration of their skills.  Ryan and I were really impressed with all that he has learned so far.  That same week, Rebecca also earned a medal in gymnastics for her session.  She loves going and is trying to learn how to do a cartwheel.  She practices it all the time.  I hope it pays off for her soon so she stays encouraged.

During that same week we had our MOMS Club family Christmas dinner and a moms only ornament exchange.  Both of those events were lots of fun.

Ryan and I went to our supper clubs Christmas party. Adam and Kelly hosted it again this year. I think this is their 3rd year hosting.  They changed locations this year to their neighborhoods clubhouse and it was so nice.  We had lots of room for the food, games and gift exchange.  Every year the party coordinator (Adam) comes up with games/contests for us.  This year it was a gingerbread house making competition.  Matt won and I can't remember who placed 2nd and 3rd. I think there was another game planned but we got started abount an hour late so we'll probably play it next year.

On the same night of the party, Jill and Ryan hosted their annual cousin sleepover.  They have all the Galasso and Strange cousins over 1 year go over and spend the night.  I know that they plan all kinds of fun activities for the kids and this year they came home with crafts.  My kids are still talking about how much fun they had.

My side of the family was spending Christmas in New Jersey this year.  We celebrated early with them.  The kids each got a barbie jet, imaginext batcave, and little people airport.  These have been much played with toys once we opened them.

The week of Christmas was also a crazy week for us.  I hosted a Christmas party for our book club one night and a margarita and mexican happy hour dinner for my girlfriends the next night. Both were very different affairs but each was a lot of fun.  I was lucky that Ryan came home to cook our fajitas and watch the kids for us during the happy hour. It was just what us moms needed to have a minute to enjoy ourselves during this busy season.

We spend Christmas Eve and Christmas night at Ryan's parents house. The food was great(as always). The kids ran around crazy (as always) but mostly got along great. On Christmas night, they put on a show for us.  It was very sweet. Madison was the director and I suspect the writer as well. It is great how all the kids listened to her and did a great show for us.  She plays the piano and played some Christmas songs for us. All the kids sang the carols as well.

Our kids all received lots of great presents this year.  Rebecca got lots of accessories for her barbies and easy bake oven. She also got some games and an MP3 player.  Her favorite gifts were her Barbie jet, Barbie cruise ship, and tickets to see Annie with all her cousins.  Tyler got some games, a nerf gun (which is Ryan's favorite present), and an Artic Cat which is a power wheels toy. His favorite gifts are his monster truck/gator (what he calls the Artic Cat), his batcave, and his pirate ship.  Jason got a play center and tee-ball set from Santa.  He definitely loves the tee-ball set the most.  He also jumped right into the ride-on toy before anyone else could.  We are so thankful for all the presents we received. Thank you!

We went to lunch the day after Christmas with Ryan's Aunt Carol, Uncle Vinnie, his cousins and their kids.  We haven't seen them all of them in a long time (although we did get to see some last year) so it was really nice to catch up. Hopefully when the weather is nicer, we can plan a bbq in the new backyard and invite everyone over. It will be easier to talk than at a restaurant. 

Well, I think I have caught you all up.  I hope each of year had a Merry Christmas or whatever you celebrated.  And I hope you have a Great New Year!