.Christmassy

Tis the Season!

To breathe a huge sigh of relief that Christmas is over.
That's sad.
But so, so true.

Christmas means lots of family, which is amazing!  But with Tony and I both having split parents, it means a lot of celebrations to squeeze into only a few days off, and inevitably there will be people we do not see [ie: Tony's Dad, Nanny and Aunt in MN]. But, we did our best, went into debt, and totally won the "best Christmas presents" award (we awarded each other... yes, we were that proud).  The kids had a wonderful time.  They got their bikes on Saturday and got to ride around on a beautiful, sunshiney, 57 degree day.  Three days later it was Christmas and we got snowed in at the in-laws. Olivia got the flu bug Saturday night, and I on Monday night.. meaning that I spent Christmas hurling in a trash can in the guest room having delusional dreams and aching to no end. I got up long enough in the morning to watch the kids open their gifts and long enough in the evening to make it back to my scared little spot on the couch to watch Full House Christmas episodes. Sad but true.
Monique and Judah came in on Saturday, and Adam and Kristen came down, too.  It was a total sibling party and my heart hasn't been that happy in a while.  We have the coolest siblings.

Being the sickly one I was and lacking a camera, Judah and Mo got all the gift giving pictures and will have to be added in later.  I know there was so good'ens though.

The holidays snuck up this year, and I totally wasn't prepared.  Cannot make this mistake again. No ma'am.. too much stress.

Now its [sorta] back to work, back to making a little money so we can play more.

Tony and I have huge plans for 2013.  It will be the best yet!

 Bike operations

 Playing with Uncle Adam.

 Auntie Mo is home!

Kids writing Santa a letter :]

 55+ Christmas weather means trampoline time with Papa! 

 Resurfaced after the 24 hr flu

 White Christmas!

.Seven

Oh my, Little Livi... look how big you are!

Seven.. GOSH! So old! First of all my little princess, let me tell you how PROUD I am of you.  You have gone through many things in your young little life and have come out of each situation unscathed and ready for what's to come.  I tell everyone this, but your outlook on life and your positivity is something to be admired.  You never have a bad day.  I learn so much from you and really stop to take in your intoxicating zest for life!  You are such a special person.  You are a sponge and I love when you ask me to explain something to you.  You told Sebastian yesterday "Sebastian, you're the smallest. And I'd KILL to be 4 again.. no worries, school wasn't hard and you just get to play all day. Enjoy it, Bubby." I laugh so hard.. but who could you be mimicking?? ;].  You have taught me to choose my words with caution because you never know when they will be repeated or taken completely to heart.  You're a little talker and could probably talk an entire day straight without stopping.  You love Avacados, Tomatoes, Caesar Salad and other delicious foods most 7 year olds are missing out on.  You are wise beyond your years and you are incredibly TALL!  You learned to ride your bike this year and are so very proud of yourself.  You broke your arm in July, and grew it "back together" miraculously fast.  I think you are super-girl!  There is a million things I could rant and rave about you, but I will say this : Thank You.  Thank you for being a part of my life.  Thank you for Loving me unconditionally.  Thank you for being a wonderful sister to Sebastian.  Thank you for keeping the sparkle in your eye and never letting anyone get you down.  I look up to you, little lady.


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