W10 of Y3

Christmas 2016!!

The kids are all out of school, I'm off work for the week, and all the Christmas shopping is DONE!  

Now it's time to relax and enjoy the holiday season!

All set to make gingerbread houses

Never too old!

Whitney - Aiden - Connor

Christmas Cookies

I wanted to post a picture of their great work decorating the cookies but as I looked through all of the pictures I had to post all of them! I had to take several because they were being silly and wouldn't cooperate. I now know why Connor is my favorite child! lol! 

I finally gave up and sent them out of the room!

Even Kayla got in the holiday spirit with a little red bow in her hair - it's hard to see though with all that fur! She looked pretty though!

Babbo Natale

The Italian version of Santa Clause came to our house again this year.  We found out this year that we are supposed to them them money when they come.  Also, apparently you can have them deliver your gifts to the kids!  It only took 3 Christmas's here to figure it out.  Next year we are going to be prepared!

He drives around on Christmas Eve in the back of this tractor with a microphone and loud speaker playing Christmas music

Our neighbors are much more on top of this then we are!

Christmas Eve Dinner

We invited anyone from our church who didn't have plans for Christmas Eve to join us for a potluck and White Elephant gift exchange.

My white elephant gift! lol!!

Finally got everything ready for mass chaos in the morning!!  

Shhh.....

Christmas morning 

I didn't realize until after I took this picture that Whitney was crying!  She woke up with PINK EYE!  :(

Somehow she managed to muster up the strength to go see if Santa came though.... ;)

new slippers for everyone!!!

Taking a break

Round 2

The most awkward brotherly hug since Will Ferrel and John C. Reilly's hug in Step Brothers!

A well deserved nap!

We finished off the day with a homemade turkey pot pie...

...and football of course!  The boys stayed up all night and didn't go to bed until 6am to watch this game.
They said it was worth it!

Another wonderful Christmas is over but we will have the memories forever!  

W9 of Y3

This week was the last week of school for the kids which meant the last week of Christmas shopping for me.  All the gifts have officially been bought!!  Next week will just be relaxing, sleeping in, baking yummy things and getting ready for the big day.  

Animal Shelter

After the last day of school on Friday a few kids from the Student Council went to deliver warm blankets and food they had been collecting to the animals at a local animal shelter. 

Our small group

The sweet, sweet pups!!!

This was Aaron, Whitney's favorite!!

It was a miracle we got out of there without taking at least a dozen dogs home!
Even though we couldn't give them furever homes, hopefully our blankets will give them warmth this winter!

W8 of Y3

Holiday Show - Week 2

This was the last week of the Holiday Show for Whitney and Jeremy.

They performed 4 nights in a row and were pretty exhausted by the time Sunday came.

At the last show, I had to get a picture of the guy that everyone says is Jeremy's twin.  (he wishes!!!)  

After every show the entire casts has a potluck to celebrate.  

So much good food!

Presenting the director, Jerry with gifts for putting up with all these crazies!!

 Being part of the theater is almost like a family - especially when everyone is overseas and far away from their own families.  There are people you get really close to and there are others that annoy you to no end but, you're all part of something wonderful and have a special bond. 

At least one of us has been in 6 shows since we moved here.  It's a huge time commitment but, in the end, the payoff is worth it.   However... I'm always glad when a show is over!  :)

W7 of Y3

Honor Roll

This week Jeremy and I were so proud to go to, not only one but TWO honor roll assemblies.

Aiden was one of only 10 students on the all A honor roll!  AMAZING!

Connor was on the all A and B honor roll... while starting his first quarter of high school and playing on the varsity football team!!  

HOW did I get such amazing kids!???!!

Random Photo....

Jeremy and I have a tradition to meet up at a local restaurant for lunch.  The restaurant is a buffet but not like an American buffet....  you pay buy the size of plate.  You can fill it up as high as you want but you only get to go through once.  

As you can tell... I know how to get my money's worth!

Holiday Show

This weekend was opening night of the holiday show for Whitney and Jeremy.  

I got to be backstage Mom for the dress rehearsals.

Opening Night

These two did a GREAT job!!!