December...

I will admit that December came this year with much dread. I was not on top of my game and hesitated to get all that needed doing done...despite my problems, life continued...

Here is my 8th grader heading to his "Hippie Christmas Party" at church. Peace shirt was borrowed from his sister (out of the dirty clothes, lol), the cool looking blue shirt & shades were courtesy of Goodwill and peace sign necklace is from Party City and of course he owned blue jeans and flip flops.


Kaitlyn's Children's Minister hired a magician for the elementary Christmas party...here she is with he and his wife. A very good performance!


I barely had time to snap a picture...


...before this rat nibbled on the roof!


It's been c-o-l-d here in the deep south. I walked in to find these two warming themselves by the fire...


...seemed a popular spot.


Despite the lack of preparation this holiday season, my sweet hubby and I baked cookies together. This was one new tradition that I definitely want to keep...those cookies were delish!


My girl was a donkey in the Christmas play on Christmas Eve at church. This part was right up her alley...1) it was an animal and 2) no speaking...perfect!



Andrew performed Silent Night in sign language at the Christmas Eve service at church...a very cool and proud momma moment!


A new change this year was the addition of Santa's helper. My oldest was made privy to classified information...only he fell asleep and Santa had to do all the work...so, he only thinks he knows what goes on when all through the house, not a creature is stirring...not even a mouse!
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I will say that some little girl made it entirely too difficult for Santa to come...especially when it's 3:00 A.M. before she went to sleep! Next year I'm thinking that Mickey D's will only supply water with the meal and there will be no caffeine, chocolate or other stimulation that will alter sleepiness!
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One tradition we enjoy is spreading Reindeer food on Christmas Eve...despite the cold and rainy conditions our tradition was completed.


Poor Annie Bell was all "purtied" up with a bow and leash for Christmas morning. I might add that she was not impressed!

I LOVE my Christmas tree...it contains all things special to me...years of handmade ornaments and special keepsakes. For the past few years I unpack the ornaments, tell how it was acquired/made and let that child put it on. The tree is completely decorated by the kids and I don't move a thing...ever! This year the ornaments were strategically placed about two feet higher to keep the brat cat from stealing them. In the long run it didn't work and we had to crate him when unsupervised...worked great!

My oldest now towers above his MeMe and my youngest is quickly catching up.

Siblings...forced smiles, love...just for me.

Our year ended with a trip to Vic's moms in Louisiana where we enjoyed visiting with family and eating the best Gumbo, yum!

It is so rare to see my kids sleeping anymore...

...but early mornings and long drives will do it every time! I just love savoring this moment of peace and quiet ;~)

I guess when I look back, December wasn't so bad after all.

2009 was in general a trying year for me personally...mentally that is. I'm looking forward to 2010...out with the old and in with the new!