Christmas Day

We had a simple Christmas. No big production, but tried to do a few special things. When Indiana got up, he wanted to "See Christmas" and asked if it was snowing. Sorry Pumpkin, it's easier to whistle up Santa Claus than snow in Texas. 

For Christmas, he got a real bicycle, with petals. No training wheels. We lowered the seat so he can still use his feet like he did with his balance bike, but hopefully, he'll get more comfortable and use the pedals. That was pretty much it for presents until we went to Jack and Mamie's house. Casey got himself the new Kindle for Christmas, and I'm going to order an electric toothbrush for myself. Man, we sound so old!!! I am actually quite looking forward to my toothbrush. My New Years Resolution is going to be brush my teeth more.

 

 Anyway....we did a few Christmas crafts while the pie was baking. I quite enjoy Indiana's use of color in painting ornaments. Quite avant garde.

And Gigi hung out in her favorite, favorite spot. Aren't they the cutest together?!?
 
Note: Uploading this photo was giving me fits. Despite my efforts, it was loading sideways. Casey fixed it, and he wanted you to know. He is a very smart man.

Chez my parents, Dad set a fire going, we opened more presents. I got a  very nice wallet, a beautiful silver and turquoise necklace and two berets. No joke. I've been needing a beret! Maybe. 

 

 Giselle loves her Mamie!

Dad made a delicious turkey and all the fixin's. Indiana ate some turkey and bread with gravy. Gigi had green beans, corn and stuffing. Together, my children had a full meal. I'll count it a win.

 In fresh jammies, Gigi sat with Dad and he shared a little ice cream from his cherry pie. A very merry first Christmas for the baby. :-)

For Nelda

Nelda, thanks for encouraging me to blog! Here's a summary of the past five months.

August:

 

Enjoying the last bits of summer, having breakfast with Sweet Pea. He ate my gravy and I ate his cinnamon roll. Good trade.

 

Soaking up some cuteness.

And hours and hours spent running with these folks.

September: 

 First all family outing to the zoo.

Indiana loves school! Of course, what does he always say that he did, "Play with friends." And learned about the body, apparently. :-)

Not a great picture...but at least we're together. Being back at work was a crunch. Trying to get work done, take care of the kids, keep up my running, and spend time with Casey, and sleep! That's about it. And at work, implementing lots of new techniques and re-doing every lesson plan, to boot!

October:

Twinkies. My Handsome boys.

 

Hot date!

 Checking out the turtles at the Aquarium!

 Baby girl turned six month! And began cutting her bottom two teeth, too!

November:

 Before the Turkey trot, a family tradition.

 Enjoying time with Nana Cindy!

 OMG this kid is too cute! He's getting to the point now where he's not just a cute kid to be taken care of, he's good company, a buddy.

 And this one is all smiles. She smiles and laughs, all the time. Such a sunny disposition. She sleeps from 6:30 pm until 8:00 am, most mornings, with one 5:00am feeding before Mommy goes to work. She's not a great napper, though, and still sleeps in the swing. But, she loves to eat. Mum-mums were a revelation. It took about two tries to learn to feed herself, and there was no going back. Avocado, sweet potatoes, puffs, banana, peanut butter, pasta...if it can be eaten by two teeth, it is!

The last long, long run, 22 miles, before the Dallas marathon. It only took 3 hours, 4 minutes! ;-)

December:

 Love these sweet kids. So blessed to be their mom!

 Baby Gigi!

 Give me that cracker! Seriously, she pulled it from my fingers. This baby loves to eat!

 

This is how we read books sometimes before bed. Truck jammies are required. 

 

 And this happy smile ends the picture show! Decorating cookies at school. I got to go, since my school got out early. It was some serious cuteness.

The marathon was a bust, unfortunately. I started too fast, the weather was too muggy, and slipping on  wet roads was wasting momentum, so I called it quits at mile 17. It had always been the plan to sign up for two marathons close together, hope for good circumstances for the first, but if it wasn't a good day, to cash in the chips and go all in at the next race. It's hard to maintain motiviation and gear up for another race post-holidays, but I've heard such good things about the Houston marathon (flat and fast!) that I'm willing to give it another go. :-)

It's Christmas Eve and time to go deliver some homemade gifts to neighbors and friends. Merry Christmas and many blessings to you.