Cute laughs

Why is it that when you are so frustrated with your kids and can't wait to get them dropped off at school so you can have peace and quiet, they do something to regret your thoughts?

I was taking Carolyn and Leah to school and we were late, of course, and I was so frustrated with them. I've never seen people move so slow until having children. (Of course the exception to the rule is when there is sugar involved. It's amazing how quickly they can move then!) Anyway, we are getting in the car and Benji (the dog) decides he wants to come too. Great, that's all I need. The dog can be annoying and I was already at my limit!

Obviously God knew what we all needed with that little dog. The girls giggled and laughed and squealed with delight the whole way to preschool. All because the dog was in the car. Nothing more. He did nothing exciting, in fact he laid down most of the drive. But to them it was the best treat. I couldn't help but smile when I was driving, being reminded that kids are on a different schedule and have a different perspective on things. Where I saw a dog and a burden, they saw the fun and excitement!

How I wish that I would look at things more the way they do. They have showed me my "mad" face and I just think, what do they see more? "Mad" or "Happy". I love my girls and I know that all parents go through this time when they are frustrated and exhausted. I just need to remember that I have two friends that are receiving their sweet children through adoption and they would have loved to have had the moment that I did.

Santa!

Santa is so awesome! I always thought that I would not enjoy Christmas as much when I no longer had Santa visiting me. I mean, at some point, he really needs to be focusing on the kids! I was so wrong! Santa coming for my kids is way better!

The girls were so concerned with what he would bring, hoe he would know and if he would be able to bring everything they wanted and more! They spent days writing lists, Michelle wrote her letter to Santa and then helped Carolyn write hers. Apparently she didn't think Leah needed one. She never said why though!

After the girls got their letters sealed in an envelope and addressed to Santa with a stamp, they stalked the mail lady until they could giver her the letters! Little did I know, she took it and a few weeks later, Santa wrote back! If I had known this as a kid, I would be writing Santa all the time! They were so excited to get a personal letter from Santa but started getting upset that they forgot some things and didn't think he would know!

So, we had to go see Santa before Christmas! The girls did great, Santa asked them what they wanted and Michelle said roller skates, Carolyn said Fashion Fairytale Barbie and Leah wanted presents. Leah was much more open which I guess is why she didn't have a letter! She would be happy with anything! It's funny because the girls said the things on their list after all the worrying!

Well, in their eyes, Christmas and Santa was a success because they all got what they asked for and more! We had such a great time being together with friends and family, as well as just being our little (or not so little) family.

Only 1 more day before school goes back and we have to start taking down the decorations. I am sad for this but I know that it will be plenty of time for the girls to think about what to put in their letter for next Christmas. Perhaps even Leah will have a letter next time!