Into the New Year '11

So it gets tired to say that life is flying by but it is fact! Since November, we had a very nice Holiday season. M and E went to N.Y. to see her family for Thanksgiving while MHM and I stayed home. We had a nice time but from there, it was as usual a whirl wind from then to Christmas.

Starting November 29th, my job shifted from the Body shop 3rd shift to the Paint shop on first shift where I trained with CUD for the month of Dec before getting bumped back to second shift in January.

In order as best I can, we went to the St Martha kids party Dec 4th where E and MHM were very well behaved and waited to sit on Santa's lap with perfect patience. That night was very nice. It was also the first time since being back home that M and E could glimpse the "Crazy Christmas house" on our way home. This year it was all you could ask for and now we have to pray that it comes back next year as the young gentleman that does it is getting married.

Sunday Dec 5th was MHM's 3rd Birthday party. We had a nice turnout and he had a great time. M made his requested Truck cake where his favorite part were the Entemanns chocolate donuts used for wheels. He was such a good kid and it really shows he is growing up. Speaking of growing up, he a week later decided to ditch the "chocolate milk in a baby bottle hot as you can get it!" With some urging, we made arrangements to "give it to a baby" at school who needed it more. Then two days later, he did the same thing with his "chuchi" which really surprised me. We had decided to get rid of one for sure but he made the decision to go all the way. Way to go MHM. I must also say that E has been an exceptional help with her encouragement for MHM. She really is such a darling who is so tender and caring. She really is the best... We need to let her know that more often.

In between all the seasonal activities, I tried to get the kids into the spirit with all the TV favorites. I hope they don't go to overload from it. Thankfully they seem to know when they want one of their regular shows.

M and I were actually able to attend the K of C party on Dec 11th this year for the first time in years and also had a great time out. I am pretty sure that the next day or shortly there after, we got our first big snow event. E, MHM and I went out and built a snowwoman which I am sure had a name but don't recall. Anyway, it snowed quite heavily with some heavy wind but within an hour, we had had enough and had a sculpture to show! I believe a day or so later, after getting home from school the kids asked to play outside so we bundled up and headed across the street to a small hill and sledded for a time. We all had a very nice time and are hoping for more opportunities soon.

Next up was our annual Christmas party. This years charity was for the Afghanistan troops in honor of cousin N going there in January. Once again, we had a nice turnout and the kids played very well together and decorated a Christmas tree with cut out and colored ornaments. E was happy to have her friends N and K at the party as she is so often the only girl. Next stop after our party was the annual get together of cousins at our place for pizza and movies. Cousins L, J, K, and A showed up and had some fun along with GMa.

After the party, then it seemed all down hill but as always, there is plenty to do. M finished up classes then set out to finish Christmas prep. She did very well and was pleased to go into Christmas Eve with nary a gift to wrap. I didn't have as many consecutive days off as I'd have liked but being on days made if more bearable. I did have Mon and Tues off so on Tues we went to Flint to the kids museum. They LOVED it. The supermarket, and fire station are the biggest hits. That was a good day. On a couple occasions, we read in front of the Christmas tree, then said prayers and fell asleep under the tree. I hope that continues for years to come.

Christmas Eve was a peaceful day, starting out with breakfast and some shows. We got the kids down as early as possible for nap and were at GMa's house by 3:30 for the annual Elias shindig. The dinner was great and everyone was there. We listened to Scrooge then set in for presents. The kids had a blast! Then it was time for Christmas mass. The church was decorated nicely and choir was beautiful. The kids lasted into the mass for no more than ten minutes but M and I really enjoyed it. The best part was being able to stay home all day on Christmas. The kids were carried to bed and Santa went to work.

Christmas morning, was wonderful. MHM was first to rise (no surprise there) and his eyes just lit up upon seeing the presents and half eaten cookies. When E awoke, we hurried her in and noted the same excitement for her as well. The gifts all open, GMa and GPa came over for a short time to see the loot. We had a nice fire which GPa loved and the kids had a ball showing off the new stuff. I have to admit though that the present excitement, the twist ties and the instructions were a bit too much for me but after a bit it subsided and was a great day.

On the 28th, we went to Jumpin' Jacks with E friends K and N. Once again a great time for the kids, then we went to Johny Rockets for lunch. MHM ended up getting sick with Strep so he had to stay home the next two days leading us to New Years Eve. This year as last, we went to A and K's where we counted down to Greenwich Mean Time, & pm our time. The highlight there was the Fireworks display. Then after leaving there about 9:30 or so, we headed to Uncle S and Aunt L's for their annual party. The kids had an awesome time up to the New Year. As we were gathered around watching the ball drop, MHM was so excited. The ball dropped with noise, hugs and kisses then he turned to me and said "What do we do now" I laughed a bit and said we head for home. He took that to heart and immediately got tired. We did manage to stay out till after 1 am and the kids did awesome.

So the snow is now gone for about a week now, it is cold but there is not much in the way of weather comin' so we are happy to have had our White Christmas and look forward to a very fine year with our wonderful kids.