Ok, I am sooo sorry

I did not realize that my last blog was December 1st...I am soooo sorry!! Well, let me update you on what has been going on since then....

Not a whole lot went on the first week after we rolled Mark and Trenity's house. The second week was kinda slow as well....well, I did do a lot of shopping these two weeks for Christmas presents....This week on the other hand as been pretty busy....Oh wait!! The first Sunday of December we (the church) go to the Children's home in Eldridge Alabama. This was the first year that me and the kids were able to go. YAY! We had a lot of fun and it was great for the kids to see what goes on there. We (everyone in the church) took food and served lunch to the staff and the kids at the home, then we gave all of them including the staff Christmas gifts and presented them with supplies that we had bought for them (necessary essentials like can foods, box foods, and etc... you get the idea) The we were able to tour one of the girls home. It was a two story house. The main level had a kitchen, living room or sitting room, a office room and the bedroom for the house parents. The upstairs had 6 bedrooms. There were six girls in this house so 3 of the bedrooms were big so that 2 girls go be in them. They took us around to each room and told us a little bit about each room. When we got to the living room/sitting room where the T.V. was , the told us that they don't get to watch a lot of TV, especially during the week. When we asked why they told us that they have too much to do. When they get home from school they have to do homework and chores, then the ones that are old enough to have a job they go to their job. Each girl is responsible for one room in the house and the earn a $1.00 per day for their chores being done. They have to do it all...like dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, dishes, laundry...etc. It was so amazing to see these kids and to see them so well behaved with such great manners and so appreciative of what they have. Once we got back home, Trenton was asking some questions and I explained to him that they kids their don't have electronic devices to play with or T.V.s in their rooms or other things like that. They have to work very hard each day to even watch a little bit of T.V. on the weekend. They are responsible for all their actions; if they don't do their chores they don't get their money. So I have been thinking about this and trying to figure a way to do something like this at home with my kids. It is so amazing to think about what all we take for granted everyday that ALOT of kids and adults don't have.

Ok, back to this week. I have finished my Christmas shopping!!! YAY!!! :) :) I am so ready for Christmas to be here. I love to give gifts!!! I am not going to go in to a lot of detail about this, but this year Jeff and I were able to help another family out with Christmas gifts for their kids and let me just say that it FEELS SO GOOD TO HELP THEM!!! I STRONGLY recommend helping a family if you are able to! It will make you feel so good to see them so happy!!!

Lets see this weekend and next week are going to be so busy!!! Today (Thursday) I went to Hollie's Christmas party at school, fun; then I went to work. The Christmas program for daycare was tonight and Hollie did so well. She sang the entire time tonight. (Last year she cried the entire time she was on stage) Tomorrow (Friday) I am going to eat lunch with Trenton and stay for his Christmas party at school. Then I am going to pick up Ashton- his bowling partner (and friend) so that I can take them to pre bowl since we will not be able to bowl on Saturday morning as we normally would. Then I am coming home to cook food for Saturday. Saturday morning we are going to my grandparents in Cullman to have Christmas with them and my mom's sister and all of her kids and grand kids. Then, we will come home so that I can rush around and get everything ready for a Dirty Santa party that I am having at my house Saturday night. Sunday, we have normal church morning and night services; but in between services we will be at the church so that all the kids can practice for the small Christmas play that they will be doing for Sunday night. Monday I will be going in to work very early and staying late so that we can do as many cases as possible since we are closed Tuesday- Friday. Then on Tuesday I am keeping my lil'man (Jaxson). I am SO excited about this. I love to keep him. Wednesday I will be wrapping presents because it doesn't seem that I will be able to do this before Wednesday. Then Thursday is Christmas---It is my turn for Christmas breakfast so Jeff's family will be coming over around 9 am for breakfast (we rotate houses each year). Then we will all part ways; at 4 pm we will all meet at Gail and Billy's for Christmas dinner. Friday my family will be coming over to do our Christmas. Saturday I think I am going to REST all day long.....WAHOO!!! :) I will be working Monday and Tuesday the week of New Years, but then on New Years we will be at home with our family and friends - the ladies will be scrap booking- :) to bring in the new year.....

Ok, well I think that about covers everything and gets you caught up. I will be posting some pictures soon so come back so that you can see them.
hugs and kisses to everyone and I hope you all have a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!