Xmas Spirit Night # 1: Tree Trimming

This year we splurged: we got our tree flocked!


It's spectacular and the most beautiful tree I have ever seen. And worth every extra penny.

Bowl of extra ornaments on our table.

Finally a good home for all our "special ornaments:"


SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Crabs, Squidwird, the leg lamp from "The Christmas Story", Transformers, Jesus and a million Fish ornaments...
(I guess people like to get us fish ornaments because our last name starts with fish???...I think it's funny).

Tree Topper: The End:

Tomorrow...Hot Cocoa Night!

Xmas Events

Continuing on my hunt for Christmas Spirit, I decided to do something special with my family everyday until Christmas.

One day we are drinking hot chocolate, the next dancing to Christmas music, baking cookies, sharing stories about why we celebrate Christmas, drawing pictures about Christmas, making birthday presents for Jesus (after all He deserves it) ... all up until the big day.

Just thinking about it makes me excited.

Christmas Spirit

I've been thinking a lot about "Christmas Spirit" and what it means to me & what it means to my family. While Christmas has become a major consumer holiday- all about spending money, I really want to start something for my family to really celebrate what Christmas is with each other and the ones we love.



What this holiday means? And my responsibility to teach them how beautiful Christmas is and how great a holiday it is outside of "gifts."
Although, gifts are fun and a well deserved treat for a year well done, I would like it to be more than just that....

Yesterday the boys & I, my sister n law, niece, nephew and dear friend, Ms. Bane - went to the Sugar Plum Festival in Costa Mesa. It was amazing- all the handmade crafts and Christmas goodies. The only down side, they didn't allow strollers! 2 year olds, no strollers - it was rough and we were all exhausted.

Later that night we went to the Redlands Christmas Parade, Grandma Debby was number 84 and was beautiful. The boys were so excited to see their Grandma in a parade! It was exciting.

I actually got teary eyed at moments watching people say Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to complete strangers. I don't know why, it's silly, I know. But I thought to myself, this is what Christmas should be about.

I'll get to work on that.

53

53 years on this Earth.
I have 4 children.
4 beautiful grandchildren.

I work in a town 2 hours away from my family but 5 minutes from work.
I live in an apartment. Although I've always wanted to buy a house.
You do what you have to do for work.

I work hard. Sometimes it goes unnoticed.
I get home late.
And I'm not as healthy as I used to be.

I love my family.
They are my pride & joy.
I'd do anything for them.

Today, I was laid off.
53...and laid off??....

I met a man yesterday, business is slow and he's not sure how he'll pay his bills.
He told me when God closes one door another door opens.

The irony is endearing, isn't it?

Before yesterday God really wasn't a huge part of my life, but after today I definitely think Christ is in my life.

Out with the Old

My car has seen better days. It's definitely a mom car: stains, smudges, food, fingerprints, toys, and the kitchen sink!

It's ugly. It stinks and makes me mad that I've let it get this way. I should have rules; no food or gadgets..but where's the fun in that? And my "breakfast in a cup" is so convenient!

Well yesterday the time came to turn in my mom car for something new, something different.
The husband took the bull by the horns, and let our beast go for a brand new beast.

The dealership hated him. They hadn't sold a car in days and he took full advantage of that. ha ha
I'm surprised he didn't ask for a back rub to boot!

SO now we have a new car, that's ours. Smells pretty, looks pretty and has much more room.
Except he officially declared rules for this car: no food or drink!

Dang it!

Sleepy Head

With constant gatherings for the Holidays,
constant sick kids,
a sick husband,
and a sick wife.

mom is tired.
(It's seems to be the popular thing these days)

Ayden was up all night on Sunday, so yesterday upon coming home from work, I feel asleep at 6:30 pm and did not wake up until 6:30 am!!

12 hours of sleep. The good deep sleep that only comes every once in awhile. Where you forget where you live and what your name is! Ha

Welcome back to the living!

PS - Happy 100th to "We are the Fishers"

Our T-Giving

This year it was me & my kitchen. I'll be honest...I was worried.

But we made an agreement: I'll try my best to completely follow the recipes, kitchen - you cooperate and make sure my food is fully cooked.


The kitchen made it happen.

Tyler's recipes were SO good. We were thankful for him this year.

Take a peek:

Our gathering place:

Reasons to be thankful:

I am incredibly thankful.