december 18. 2009
Alex’s birthday is the 21st, but daddy was heading out of town for the week, and we wanted to watch her open some gifts…

Then had cake and ice cream with some of the grandma Lott and her kids and grandkids a couple days later. Then had a friend party the end of December, where the theme was definitely “indian.” Alex did her own games, I supplied the box cake…I’d prefer homemade, but who has the energy?…and she seemed to have the feeling of happiness, love, and that we are grateful for her.

Ski/winter coat and ski pants, Yea! Also other things, like a red bucket, full of helpful supplies…binoculars…compass…swiss army knife…small flashlight…from the Mysterious Benedict Society book…I can’t tell you how often she’s grabbed that little swiss knife(no knife on it:)) to help with random things. Really, it was a gift to me it seems, so helpful!

Madison and grandma Lott sewed a small wallet to match all the indian skirts that Alex and grandma Lott sewed for Alex’s birthday present, to wear and have her guests wear and keep an indian skirt. All inspired from Kaya, an American Girl. What a great investment…yes pricey…but I love them, the stories, the history, the character that is taught…love ’em.

december 16. 2009
i like to visit New York here and there, a couple of days at most, too busy, dirty, and not my style. But it is so beautiful at Christmastime, the atmosphere and lights are dreamy, and it was a perfect time to visit…

so we met at the hotel within a minute, couldn’t have timed that better! After the whole leaving the shuttle van at a light with luggage in tow, running and catching a cab, googlemaps on phone to make sure I was headed the right direction, go to check in to get a key to the room, and Jarom walks in right behind me…amazing!

we take a few pic’s, racing the timer on the camera..jarom thinks he can beat the three second time:), head to Rockefeller Center, think about ice skaing…too dang cold…eat at a restaurant down by the ice skating where you can watch, next best thing…romantic setting and good food…

head off to Wicked, absolutely amazing…i totally prejudged the play by the name, I’m so dumb!, had a great time, headed back to hotel, got up at 6:00am to get ready, grab a bite, and leave Jarom to go catch the plane, loved coming home and missed kids, couldn’t wait to see Jarom on Friday…wonderful, needed, grateful break!

december 16. 2009
However busy, complicated, hard and exhausting life can get, I’ve come to realize how much more often we need to be kids more, let go more, have more fun, let responsibility go for awhile, and remember who WE are, not all we feel we HAVE to do. How one day, changed and revived my spirit, my excitement came back, and Jarom and I being kids together, how much more we need of this, and less of the dullness of jobs, bills, things to do, people to call, and blah blah blah.

Embrace your inner child, and LET him/her out!