Santa Claus

Today we went to see Santa.  We were suppose to go two weeks ago, but it iced.  Then last weekend, I was under the weather.  So that left today.  Cutting it a bit close, but we made it.  EG was oh so excited.  When asked what she was going to tell Santa, she replied "ho, ho!" 

We got to Bass Pro around 10:30.  Santa had arrived at 10.  Our ticket time was still 1:00! It's crazy how fast those tickets go.  It was nice though, because it gave us time to look around, grab lunch, and then do some shopping.  Little miss got a new camouflage shirt, daddy got a thermometer for his building, and me? I got two tackle box cases to put to use in my classroom! 

We joined our line, and you could tell EG was worn out.  I gave her my phone and let her watch Mickey Mouse while praying she wouldn't melt down on Santa.  

As soon as we made it to the final stretch, meaning actually on the red carpet in Santa's Wonderland, EG became a different child.  She was lively, awake, and ready! Yay! 

She loved, and I mean LOVED the talking reindeer.  Can you tell? She chatted and giggled with him for as long as we could let her. 

Jeffrey took her to sit on Santa's lap.  He said she said "hi Santa".  She didn't tell him "ho, ho", which could possibly be a good thing. Haha. She did smile for her photo but wouldn't look at the camera.

I think it turned out pretty cute though!  

I can't believe this is her third Christmas.  I don't want to forget these little moments.  Like talking with the reindeer, speaking to Santa for the first time....and even (and not Christmss related) shutting her eyes when she doesn't want to listen to you.  

Today was a bittersweet day.  While we enjoyed family time, another family said good bye to their 2-year old who has battled cancer.  My prayers are with them this evening.  May you rest in peace dear sweet Ellie. 

I know I held my child a little bit tighter today.  Today is a gift and tomorrow is not guaranteed. 

It won't be like this for long...

I've been at home for the past two days...ice, snow, sleet days.  It's been lovely!  It makes me wish for Winter Break even more. :-) My little one and I have been making a card for Santa, making a card for Daddy, building with blocks, wrapping Christmas gifts, baking muffins, playing in the little bit of snow, and painting toe nails.  We probably also did a dozen other things as well, with the attention of a 2 year old...haha.

That's right...2.  Since obviously I've had another epic fail at blogging, my fire cracker of a lady is now 2...actually 2 years and 4 months.  Hmmm, and we've bought a house, renovated and moved in within 2 weeks of closing with lots of help, and 3 days after we moved in...we found out we are expecting again! :-) Good thing it's a 3 bedroom house!

Anyways, back to our ice, snow,  weather days...So my fire cracker is constantly getting "boos", and as she fell out of her booster at the table when I tried to get her out (because we are Miss Independent), she of course got a "boo".  And what did she want? A kiss from momma.  That's it!  Just a simple kiss. :-)  Now this is a constant scene in our home....kisses for boos.  So maybe it's the pregnancy hormones or cabin fever, but it hit me...how truly amazing, sweet, words just can't describe that I can fix her biggest problems with some loving! I know it won't be like this for long.  One day, she'll have bigger problems....but I'm not ready for those yet and certainly am not going to think about them.  I think these simple days are a blessing from above.  And I thank The Lord for these days, as well as the sweet little girl that I get to call mine.

So, as all of this hit me yesterday, I realized I don't want to forget these days.  One day when there are bigger problems, I'm going to want to read about these days.  These small but oh so memorable moments...which got my brain racking for a way to remember...a Facebook post?  No, I'm already "that mom".  So I kept thinking...and today I was led back to my blog.  This time I have motivation. :-)

"This phase is going to fly by
If you can just hold on
It won't be like this for long."
~Darius Rucker

Time Marches On

"Epic Fail," as one of my third graders would say. Yep, that sums up my second try at blogging. So here we go for a third try...and they say that the third times a charm, right?

I think my OBGYN summed it up right this past week when she said that when we become mothers, we often put ourselves on the back burner. I agree. I define myself as a mother, wife, and teacher. They're my roles in life, and I love each one dearly. I never define myself as just "me".

So what's been going on with me since September?

Well for my mother wide--My little one just turned 18 months...she a spit fire. Her daddy's mini-me with her momma's spirit. ;) She's into, no, exploring everything. She's full of giggles and wiggles and even a tantrum or two. :)

Wife-- I love being a wife. I love my husband. I love seeing my husband as a father. We've worked really hard on many aspects of our relationship. We've learned that a marriage doesn't just happen, it takes hard work and dedication with a side of never giving up. :)

Teacher-- My class is still chatty, but they are an awesome group. The past month has been hard because we've been out with snow days and such which really puts a hurting on routines. They may be a loud group, but they are an easy to engage group. They just love to chat about what we are doing! :)

And just me-- I've read more in the past 6-7 months than I've gotten to in years. I also still love photography and have gotten the chance to do two photo shoots for friends, one for a 6 month old and one for a couple's Christmas photos. It's been a blast, and I wish I could do even more! :) I love seeing life through a lens.