All Set for Santa!

Merry Christmas!

The Things We Do For Our Kids......

Eversince the first inflatable went up at the Butler's "Christmas City", Ty has been saying he wanted "that" at his house. I hated to break the news to him that we would never have that amount of stuff in our yard. We've never had outdoor decorations until last year. We did get two lighted deer to put in our front yard. I guess he thinks he can keep asking and we'll keep adding. Well, everytime we're on 55, he talks about "The Butlers." The other day he asked if we could just have one of the blow-ups. Again, I told him that we were not buying that stuff to put in our yard. He just can't figure out why I don't want all that stuff in my yard.

While in the mountains, we saw some beautiful little villages lit up in all colors. We thought we could try lighting some trees in our yard. I did give in and go to colored lights for our tree this year since Ty has said he wanted his tree to be like Nana's. She uses colored lights for the kids and that's what Ty had his mind set on. I do have to say, it looks pretty with all the different colors. We mixed it with clear and it turned out really pretty. At first, Ty wasn't so sure because he wanted all color. It didn't take him long to "realize" (his new big word) he liked it.

Yesterday afternoon Ben got outside to string some more lights! Isn't it amazing at what you'll do to make things fun for your kids? Ty loves his outside lights. And it's a good thing. Cause this is about as close as it gets to "The Butlers".

Getting ready for Christmas

I love Christmas! I love the hustle-bustle it brings with all the parties, plays, shopping and decorating. Even though it often times gets a little hectic, it is still my favorite holiday. This past weekend was yet another busy one getting ready for our Sunday School party. Saturday morning was spent getting the house finished decorated. I love to use real cedar and pine just because of the smell it fills the house with. Since my mother and daddy have cedar trees, we have been cutting trimmings from them for the past four years now to use on my mantle. Real-live garland and greenery beats store-bought any day to me. Ty was at church practicing for the children's Christmas play so it gave us some time to get most everything done. When everything was finished, I was off to The Loot to buy my favorite candle. If you've never tried Mulled Cider by Tyler, you've got to. That's at the top of my favorite things right now. It will definitely put you in the holiday mood. As soon as I got home, I lit this little jewel to work its magic.
Our newly formed Sunday School class met up at David's Catfish for supper, and then came back to our house for cake and several rounds of Catch Phrase. I know several of us have played this game before, but it never gets old to me. It's so funny to watch everybody. We had a good time playing Dirty Santa, although the guys didn't think it was necessary to steal anyone's gifts. Don't worry, we girls made up for that. We had a great time visiting with everybody and decided it needs to become a monthly ritual. We can't wait to do it again.

Early Visit from Santa

Santa stopped by for a quick visit this past Tuesday night. Ty had been sick with horrible congestion and our visitor certainly perked him up for a few minutes. Ty has been asking for a backhoe and a bulldozer for quite sometime now. He got a small bulldozer from Santa on Tuesday night, and I could tell he wasn't very enthused about it. Later, when I asked him if he liked it, he said, "But I wanted a big bulldozer." Well.....maybe Santa will come through for him in a few weeks.

The whole time Santa was here, Ty was more worried about seeing the sleigh and the reindeer. He kept going to the window and looking out. He kept asking where they were. Santa was really good. He talked to Ty about how important it was to mind his mommy and daddy, and even told him that it was Jesus's birthday, and that was the real reason we celebrate Christmas. We thought he did a really good job!

Andrew on the other hand, didn't even know Santa was in the house. He just looked up at him like, oh, it's you. Anyway, here are a few of the pictures.

They're not Mrs. Prindables.....

but they're not to0 bad for the first time. My mother and I thought we would try making some caramel apples for a party and for little Christmas treats. If anyone has ever done this, you might could shed some light on the subject. The caramel package said to let the apples cool for 10 minutes after they've been dipped (before covering with nuts or any other toppings). After the 10 minutes of cooling, we had to really press the pecans, M&M's, and chocolate chips in the caramel. They didn't want to stay on very well, because the caramel had already hardened. This was a trial run, so if anyone has tips, I'd greatly appreciate them.

Ty had fun making his own M&M apple


The finished product

I survived.....

After countless kisses, smiles, cooing, and just a few tears (from mama), I got in my car and drove to work. Man, it was not easy leaving that sweet baby. He woke up in such a happy mood this morning, too. Even though leaving was not easy, it put my mind at ease knowing I did not have to pack up the house and drag him out in the cold. Ben's mom is coming to our house. That is such a huge blessing. When we decided Mrs. Sherry needed time to enjoy Mr. Garner's retirement, we prayed for someone to keep the boys. We also prayed for someone to come to our house. Both prayers were answered. And I wonder why we get in a panic about things? You would think by now I would just be able to say, "It's all going to be alright, because He's going to take care of us."

Thanks so much for the prayers. I know God gave me the strength to get through the day. I had been dreading this day since before Andrew arrived and would cry just thinking about it, but I really did well. I had a good day at school, and the thing I'm telling myself is "just 3 weeks and I'll be back home for 2."