Merry Christmas continued...

This is the sequel to the blog posted below this. We have have so many fun memories to share :)

Christmas Eve

around 10:45 p.m.

Twas' the night before Christmas and all through the house,

not a creature was stirring,

not even a mouse.


Christmas Morning
6:30 a.m.

We actually had to wake up the kids because Jared had to go in to work at the fire station. There was no moaning and groaning this early morning, they all bounced out of bed. After I got my camera ready and the scene set the boys came down the stairs and Ashlyn came from her room. There was not any time wasted, gifts were unwrapped in a flash.

to: Clayson

to: Trey


to: Ashlyn

Here is how Christmas morning played out.

Clayson must have been good despite the letter that Ashlyn left for Santa. He got an iPod touch and cover, Shox, clothes, a music mixer, books and a reading timer, Axe, an excavator, Uno Flash and other fun stuff.

Trey loaded up with an iPod touch and cover, basketball shoes, clothes, a book and timer, wrestling ring and figures, juggling balls, a marble maze, fish aquarium stuff and other goodies.

The wild-haired Ashlyn got an Easy Bake oven and accesories, a Bitty Baby American Girl doll, a baby doll bouncer seat and doll clothes, shoes, clothes, a baby play center, CandyLand deluxe, Hannah Montana puzzle and bath soap, a Baby Alive and lots of other cool things.

Both boys got a cell phone (to share) and all three kids got a casio keyboard.
Christmas mornings are always so much fun to see what Santa brings. I love the excitement of the joyful atmosphere. Jared and I also got lots of great things.

Christmas Morning at Mimi and Pawpaw's

with Uncle Jason

10:00 a.m.

Mimi and Pawpaw with their grandkids and granddog Shorty.

And here is round 2 of gifts for the kids. Thank you Mimi, Pawpaw and Uncle Jason!

And here is me with my santa babies.

After this we all loaded up and headed over to Mamaw and Papaw's for the rest of the day. We have lots of cousins and aunts and uncles to keep us entertained and festive on Christmas.

Christmas 2008 was one we will never forget!

Merry Christmas

I hope this blog finds you ending Christmas with the best feeling, many great memories and happy children :0)

I go crazy at Christmas. I love buying gifts. I love the anticipation, the wrapping, the buying and returning, I love it ALL. It's so crazy how my mind works. I look so forward to the big day and giving things away but the closer it gets the sadder I get. I am not even sure that sad is the right word. I just don't ever want it to come and go as quickly as it does. It's bittersweet - maybe that's the word. I am happy it is here and am so sad to see it end. (And not to mention the lingering effects - like the trash and finding places for all the new fun stuff, which always leads to some rearranging in each room.)

The past two days have been crazy busy. Enjoy the Christmas journey with me. (I will be honest right now and tell you that this blog is meant more for personal journaling. If you are willing to read the boring details, I will be happy for you to. If not, at least enjoy the pictures.)

Christmas Eve

Davis family Christmas at our house

9am-12pm

The morning starts off with a mad rush to get the house clean, the laundry finished and put away, the dressing and ham cooked and the children calmed down. Noon seems like forever to them and how the time does fly for the grown-ups and their major to do lists. The morning sun is beautiful and all but it makes for some serious sweeping and steam mopping with the concrete floors. From ten to twelve every morning the sun shines right through all the windows making the dust sparkle, gleam and impossible to get it all. I swept my heart out and it's probably the reason I am aching so bad today. Weak, I know. Toilets clean: check. Upstairs cleaned and vacummed: check. Ashlyn's bedroom: check. My room and bathroom: will get to last. Kitchen clean and dishwasher running: check. Laundry done: no but it can remain in washer and dryer until this evening. Ashlyn's play room: hopeless, close door. Jared decided that this was the time to wash all windows inside and out. Hmmph. Please keep in mind that during the cleaning spree there are three children who need showers, clothes picked out and hair done and I still need to shower and get ready before the company at noon.

NOON

If there is one thing I have learned over the 14 years that I have been a part of the Davis family, they are usually fashionably late. I am not saying one thing bad about this. It helped me more than ever today. Because at noon I was in the kitchen making the final meal preparations and making it look Christmasy. Around twelve thirty our special guests started arriving. Jessica first. Mamaw, Pawpaw and Uncle Craig next. Nana and Pop. Aunt Patty. The gang is all here and so is the lunch. We had a good time eating and visiting. They even make cleaning up fun. Someone is always laughing - I love it. After lunch Nana gave the kids their stockings and later it was time for gifts. Clayson got an RC vehicle, a guitar, bed pillow with camo blanket and art stuff. Trey got an RC vehicle, electric drums, bed pillow with fishing blanket and art stuff. Together they got a ping-pong table (keep reading to find out how this turned our rustic home redneck). Ashlyn got real pearls, a book, a rocking chair and an art table. Satisfaction guaranteed. I spent an hour cleaning lunch and cleaning from gifts. When things settled down (an hour later) we did our annual Chinese gift exchange with men and women gifts. This is always a lot of fun. More to clean. Then, it was time for project completion. The art table was assembled by Pop and the rest of the boys put together the ping-pong table that now sits where a dining room table should be - in the dining room. Yes folks, we have gone redneck. All I need is an oblong tablecloth and some chairs to go around it. Very versatile. (Tonight it serves the sole purpose of holding all the gifts from the day to be sorted and put away tomorrow.) And the paddles, well they may be multi-functional as well :0) Back to my story, after all the excitement settled a bit some enjoyed the Polar Express, some played ping-pong, some crafted with Ashlyn and I cleaned. I was still okay with it. I was surrounded by people I love. We had a fabulous day with Jared's family and were sad to see them go at the end of the evening.

Christmas Eve evening

just the five of us getting ready for Santa

9:30 p.m.
Since Jared had to work today, the kids talked us into opening one gift last night. So, we told them to choose the smallest - which turned out to be the same for all three of them. Perfect. I have gotten into a form of digital scrapbooking and created them all an album featuring themselves. Trey was okay with it. Ashlyn was pumped. Clayson less than enthused. A short gripe session followed just to be certain that he showed gratitude and was appreciative. And then they talked us into a second gift - this would be good practice for Clayson to show he had a better attitude. Trey opened brown pants with a camo belt, Clayson two pair of jeans (which I thought he was going to cry in excitment- for real, see for yourself) and Ashlyn got some boots with the fur. All was well with the children. We gathered up some yummy cookies for Santa - made by our good friend Jennifer and Anna - and Ashlyn wrote a note to leave with the cookies and milk. The night was ending and it was time to get in bed so Santa would be sure to stop. Here are some pictures of our small family gathering on Christmas Eve.

the books

daddy and Trey enjoying Trey's special book

I told you he was excited!

Cookies and milk for Santa Claus.

"All of us have been good 'cept Clayson"

Maybe Santa has seen him on his better days. I'll leave you wondering for now. I have got to get to sleep. These festivities have worn me out and I love this happy exhaustion. Please stay tuned for the rest of the story.

For now, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Christmas Memories

I have found my thoughts wandering back to the days of young and some of my fondest Christmas memories. These thoughts catch me off guard- while I am in the shower, wrapping gifts, during a commercial, hearing a song or in the midst of certain smells. I just love Christmas and my mind becomes overwhelmed when I try to think of the memories on my own. So, when the thought comes to mind I reflect on that one memory and try to relive it in my mind. Here are some of my most recent recollections.

* My Mamaw and Papaw always came over Christmas Eve morning to see us with our gifts and to have breakfast. Jason and I could not wait to share our excitement with them.

* I remember my dad in his robe taking pictures - ha!

* Before my Grandpa Jenkins died we always went to his place at Lake Tawakoni on Christmas Eve and spent the whole day there with cousins that we did not see very often. We would practice Christmas songs and then perform for any that would listen. All the way home we would look for Rudolph in the sky and were convinced to get home and get in the bed as soon as we got home so Santa would stop.

* One year Dear Mr. Jesus was popular so we sang that for the family.

* Christmas Eve night was the hardest night to fall asleep. When I got a stereo I would play Christmas music all night long. It's still one of my favorite things to do. I heart Christmas music.

There are so many more but once again my mind is flooded and I can't recall specifics and there is whining in the other room so I guess my short trip down memory lane with you stops here.

I hope that my kids will love Christmas and have the fondest of memories when they get older as I do.

And, for the first time in my life I am making the dressing for both family gatherings. I hope that this becomes a good memory and not a funny story that comes up every year. I hear the oven beeping now...

Merry Christmas! May it be filled with Christ and many happy memories!!

It'S tHe MoSt WoNdErFuL tImE oF tHe YeAr

I truly love this time of year. The decorating is done, there are catalogs everywhere (and lots of items circled in each of them), a fire in the fireplace everytime that Jared is home, presents that are wrapped and one of my kids is always sorting them or rearranging, the calendar is full of activities with family and friends, school is full of excited kids and teachers and I have many reasons to shop. These are just some of my favorite parts of the Christmas (I refuse to say holiday) season. Oh, and not to mention surfing between KVIL and KLTY for the best Christmas song while riding in the car.

I want to share some of our recent Christmas memories with many more to come.

First: Our Christmas card photo shoot at Allison's. You'll be able to tell from these photos what an amazing photographer she is. The kids were good, she was good and the Christmas cards are great!


Second: Pictures with Santa at the Chicken Express. It was a fun family experience right on the service road of highway 175. When they asked if mom and dad planned to be in the picture I jumped on board as Jared shook his head no. We all ended up in the sleigh with Santa.

Third: Trimming the tree and decorating the house. I am glad it is done and that we can enjoy the atmosphere of Christmas in our home. Ashlyn loved the freedom of decorating her tree and Clayson takes pride in Granny's tree that he set up in the gameroom. Trey, well he enjoys the stockings and takes them literally.

Fourth: A night with the cousins. While Jared is away, the kids will play. Angela came up with her kiddos and we went to walk with the wisemen and then to Cici's.

Fifth: Ice, ice baby. On the eve of the icy roads my kids danced the night away and enjoyed being out of school the next day as we made sugar cookies with cookie cutters.

Sixth: Bunco night. We have a chinese Christmas gift exchange and it is always fun. Rhonda, Cindy and I had some post-bunco fun taking pictures of ourselves as elves :)

Due to the fact that this blog site is being stubborn I could not post the pictures with the details of the event, so here they are - in order.

Hope you are enjoying the Christmas season as much as I am!

baby it's cold outside

Ah, winter weather is here. Yesterday we were in short sleeves and shorts (not really but we could have been) and today we need our parkas, snowboots, thermals, toboggans, mittens and ski pants on just to walk out to the car. Of all days I decided to check my mail...

It is a blustery 29 degrees (wish I had the degree symbol on my keypad - must be a meteorologist thing) with the threat (I ain't scurt) of icy roads by the morning. You're kidding, you mean we might have to stay home until 10:00? There are lessons to be taught and Christmas activities to be done... I don't have time to sleep in. Kidding. Time is of the essence. Who wouldn't want to burrow under the covers and take a long winter's nap? I'm in. Bring on the sleet.

Wishful thinking I am sure. I think I will stay home tonight and enjoy the peace of being in the empty house with no kids and no spouse to interrupt my laziness. Sure I brought home papers to grade and I will find time to fit that in as I watch The View, Ellen, The Young and the Restless, Regis and Kelly and the news all under a blanket. We Davis' are like the cave people - no need to turn on the heater until you develop frostbite. No siree, don't want another high electric bill. I guess cave people did not really have that option but we are trying to slum it and be tough. I just wish Jared were here instead of in South Texas to get me a fire going and then I would be ready for him to go back to hunting. I plan to slip into my warmest pj pants and thermal shirt with some sweet socks that are as soft as cotton and sip on hot tea or hot chocolate (I haven't decided). It's just me, my TV, a hot beverage and this dandy laptop until about 8:00 p.m.

I came home, talked on the phone, made me some pancakes, blogged and am about to get real cozy. I love cold weather. It's Christmas - it's supposed to be this way. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!

shop, spank and go home

I have found secrets to saving money. In fact, I have found the secret to not spending a dime while at the mall during the Christmas season on a Saturday. Here's the scoopage....

I took off of work on Friday for a shopping trip all alone - meaning no kids, no crowds and hoping for little left on my list at the end of the day. I was very successful in this adventure at Bass Pro Shop, Grapevine Mills and then at the Galleria. The problem though is that there is very little left in the pocketbook until Thursday. So, (those that know me will find this as no surprise) I unloaded and sorted into piles for each kid and also made a return pile. I am an impulse shopper and look forward to returning some items the minute they come out of the bag. While unloading I also noticed that the checker-outer at Old Navy threw in a pair of pajama pants (that must have been laying around) while I went to get the second pair of shoes. It was either buy one pair of cute boot houseshoes for $14.50 or get two pair for $15. I had to get another pair (red) for miss Ashlyn and did not notice the added bonus of unwanted pj pants until I emptied the sack. I could not wait to return these today - that was $6.99 off my charge. I guess my first way to save money or at least to stop shopping is to load up before you are halfway through the mall that never ends with two bags on each arms causing your hands to lose all circulation. And be sure to have your purse and shopping bag with all lists, coupons, clipboard and circulars amongst the purchases. I was practically running to find the entrance where I parked because I was so weighted down and did not have a bit of room or another arm for one more thing.

But, if you are in the mood to Christmas shop and don't really have the funds to do so - take my three children. I had the returns to do today and Jared is hunting so the kids and I loaded up for a great afternoon in Mesquite on a Saturday during the Christmas season. All the way there I hollered at someone for arguing with me, tried to throw a curve spankin' to the one pestering the others and had to take away a cell phone. Why I did not turn around on 175 is beyond me. I thought maybe crowds and saying no to everything that they wanted would be fun. Ha! We meandered our way through Town East dropping into stores just so I could say "you'll have to wait for Christmas" to each child at every store. And then when I did try to find something for my Mamaw, I could not stand the hide & seek in the nightgown section any longer. Away we went - an hour and a half later - and did not spend a dime. So, if you are really in the mood to be in the atmospheric conditions of the season and don't have any money to spend, call on my three angels for a penniless shopping spree :0)

bare with me

Disclaimer: These do not belong to me. They are a size 4T.

I pick up Ashlyn today at Mamaw's and she jumps in the car and tells me that I sent Christmas panties in her bag for show 'n tell. I blow this off because she tends to ramble a lot and I was on a mission to pick up Allison's girls knowing that she was waiting on me. Sometimes it's hard to concentrate on a conversation after a long day at work and thinking about things that are needing done. So, it was after a party at Jenn's that this conversation resurfaced and I decided that I needed to get to the bottom of it (no pun intended). I asked Ashlyn what she was talking about. She pulls these panties from her bag and says, "These mama, you sent me these for show 'n tell." I just about died. For one, I have never seen these and two she has taken it upon her five year old self to trade in the backpack for a messenger bag - in which the panties were probably in there from last year. (New with tags, I might add.) I could not help but laugh and thought surely she did not show anyone when in fact she told me that she showed her teacher -Ms. Bullock laughed - and another girl's mom "who laughed real hard". I was laughing too of embarassment and wondering whose mom I need to track down and set the story straight. The teacher would not be a problem, the parent would be a little harder to contact. Ashlyn went on to tell me that they thought it was "hI-larious". At this point I found that to be true. Only Ashlyn would find these in her bag and show them as she thought they were intended. There are many reasons to smile at our house - even if they are little bitty Christmas bikinis :0)