The butterflies have arrived

There are now butterflies decorating the walls of EMN's room. We're not even half way done since it's slow, tedious work, but we all love the look so far. We'll probably have to do second coats on most of them but it's all well worth it! Everywhere you see little pieces of blue painter's tape will be another butterfly. The outlines are all on the wall, I just need the time to paint them all.

In other news, I have a brand new sewing machine since mine died about a month ago. I LOVE my new Bernina (Thank you Grammy!!) and took my first class on Saturday. I sewed up this little zippered bag as my first project. I've been sewing off and on for probably 20 years and this is the first zipper I've ever done (that I can remember). I'm ridiculously thrilled with this little thing and I look forward to many more projects on my new machine!

So a few videos of our Christmas day fun. First is the stockings where every gift was punctuating with exclamation - just the way you hope for! Second is EMN opening her much anticipated "dog and minivan for my dollhouse", the only thing she asked for from Santa. Good work Santa! Third is MTN opening his garbage truck and fourth is him playing with it. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

All the best to each of you!

Nothing sweeter

My little boy said his nighttime prayers by himself tonight. It brought me to tears and it probably always will. Seeing his chubby hands intertwined tightly as he holds them right above his nose, eyes squeezed shut, in his raspy voice saying the standard toddler "now I lay me, down to sweep, I pray Lord, soul to keep, love with me, through the night, wake me with, morning light". He peeked his eyes open with a big grin and I gave him the tightest hug I could. He was clearly proud of himself as he should be.

The other night at dinner he wanted to pray and he started out reciting the prayer above but then sidetracked into some other stuff. Even just a snippet was enough to leave me needing a tissue. I had no idea he knew the words but Mike did and he knew I would boo-hoo when I heard it. I did the same thing when EMN recited her prayer the first time too. It reminds me that they really are listening to what I say and what an awesome responsibility I have in raising them.

Fun Glasses

Nonna sent cool glasses that make lights look like hearts and rainbows. Perfect for viewing our Christmas tree!

Resourceful

These days, MTN tends to wake up demanding food. No "Good Morning Mommy", no hugs, just "I need breakfast". Yesterday our little trooper woke up earlier than his parents did so Mike turned on the TV for him and returned to bed. I woke up soon after and found MTN at the table where he exclaimed "I did it myself!" Sure enough, he got breakfast for himself. Cold stir fry noodles. He was thrilled and all I could do was laugh. The morning before he tried to dress himself but got stuck taking his shirt off so came running into our bedroom with only his shirt on. I have pictures of that too but they're not suitable for the blog as they include little boy nudity.

Last night we had a great time at the Schluter's house. They are friends of ours from our Osan days. We saw their neighborhood Santa and introduced the kids to smores. MMMMmmmm good!!

Wrong Number

Isn't is a bit sad when the folks who used to own your phone number get more phone calls than you do?? Michelle and family are no longer at this number. No, I don't have their new one. No, Greg can't come into work today. No, I never have worked in an OR. But I always wish the mistaken caller Happy Holidays!

A Girly Girl

Over the last four years, there have been many days when I wondered if my rough and tumble girl would soften the edges and become a girly girl. It's possible we're headed in that direction. Not only does she prefer dresses these days, but she repeatedly requested a pink and purple room with butterflies. And so, to make the transition from AZ to TX a little more bearable for her, we obliged on her color choices. The butterflies will materialize eventually. Tomorrow night will be her first night sleeping in her newly painted room and I hope she just loves it. She's a great girl and we love her very much. And we kind of like the tomboy nature she has and we hope she never loses her spunk and determination.

It's Winter!

Snow!

I promise this is snow!

You have to really want to see it. :) But it was cold and white and fell from the sky and so I'm sticking to my story. It was the most bizarre weather day. The link above describes how we hit a high temperature record and by the end of the day there was sleet and incredible wind. I was very happy and the kids were pleased that winter was finally here. Didn't deter EMN from her wardrobe choices (shorts anyone?) but not much does deter her. Still don't think we'll have a white Christmas but at least there are chilly mornings and excuses to drink hot chocolate (or is it cocoa? - that's the endless debate between the kids).

We got our tree up and the lights are on and then our progress stalled. Could be that Mike completed his tasks but I'm behind on mine. All in due time it will be complete. In the meantime, the Santa hat is getting a lot of use! I can't believe I forgot to bring my camera with me when we went Christmas tree shopping, but EMN wore it while we debated over trees. It goes with the shorts and sundresses she favors.

And there were some requests to see my new haircut. Please excuse the bad lighting. I love the salon (The Day Spa at Folawn's) where I got my haircut - they give hand/arm massages and a cucumber eye mask while the conditioner sits on your hair. It was lovely. And my stylist did a great job of listening to me. I look forward to being a repeat customer!

Tis the Season

Two Santa sightings today! One at the squadron and one at our church Christmas concert. I think EMN is starting to figure it all out. She keeps asking for a minivan and a dog and then quietly adds "for my dollhouse" - I'm not sure the Santa's hear that part. MTN asks for racecars. He was in the nursery during the concert so he missed the second sighting.

It's been a busy weekend. It's a drill weekend for Mike so he worked all weekend but we still managed to squeeze in a Rampage hockey game, a Spurs basketball game and the concert at Coker United Methodist today. Tomorrow is filled with appointments but at least Mike has the day off.

Minor Victory

Today MTN had his first haircut without tears! And it wasn't even a haircut I gave him! It was at Great Clips and I will always go back to that same stylist. Sara did an amazing job getting him to sit in the chair and wait until she was done. She made it a race between MTN and EMN and was very creative in helping him stay still. So now both kiddos have haircuts and will be ready for formal pictures tomorrow. Yay!!

And in news of the weird, my AARP card came today. Huh. Must be they think all military veterans are over the age of 50. I'm half tempted to pay the $12.50 dues and see if I get the discounts. On the other hand, I'd rather not have a retailer agree that I look over 50. So I think I'll let this offer pass.