Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!

I cannot end the year without my column of thanks. I worked on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and have been falling asleep on my computer finishing school work at the end of my days. Now that I have a wink of a break I can take a cleansing breath and sleep a full eight hours. Delightful. My hands and heart are excited to type here at this special place and share our family happenings of this wonderful season. 

We have so much to be thankful for. This Christmas was truly the best ever. I had my babies and the  majority of my family over, which was enough itself. On top of that, every dish of food came out absolutely delicious. Then on top of that, thoughtful gifts were given and received.  One of my favorites was a fresh eucalyptus wreath that was delivered to me. I love the smell of eucalyptus and especially the scent that flows through my home by my open door after a good rain. It is truly the gift that will keep giving. We had an Apple Christmas here. MacBook (another fave), iPad minis and Apple TV. Thats enough tech to take me until next Christmas to really figure them out and how they all work together! We have enjoyed our days exploring and spending quality family time with the season's givings. 

Seaside lego house building, squap, and ultimate fighting trashies have been the hit around here. I don't get the boys everything they want, but they were pretty spoiled this year with things and of course as always, my love. I must include the Christmas Lists below. The Sergeant was working on a two pager months before Christmas, researching as he erased and remade his list several times. Benny created his late December with only a few things on it. Both boys wanted a new trash can for our kitchen. Our kitchen can is one of a kind and getting the garbage out of it will push a saint to sin. Santa didn't deliver, so I'm guessing he is wanting us to use what we have and keep the humor. The boys were verbally disappointed. 

The Sergeants':

Benny's:

Today is my birthday and I couldn't think of a better start then taking the time to reflect and think of all that God has placed into my life to take care of and experience out of His great love. My son taught me something during his birthday just a few weeks ago. I always plan a party for the boys with their friends but when asked, Sergeant Stink said he just wanted to spend his birthday with his family this year. How simple, yet meaningful. Just when I thought that it couldn't get any sweeter, he showed me the sweetest. He told me to make sure that I wear my running shoes that day so that I can play with him. He had reservations on me and his day, and I was thrilled to play. We went to go and explore Flipside with each other and one best friend, who is family to us.

So today... I am going to spend my day with my family and indulging in them, a bike ride, piano lessons and dressing up for dinner. It will be a lovely day... here goes that column of thanks:

~My Family
~Good Health... Family AND Friends
~Faith
~Grandparents
~Candles
~Christmas Lights
~Boots
~Christmas Socks
~Piano Teachers
~School Teachers
~Karate Instructors
~Good Nurses
~Caring Physicians
~Meticulous Surgeons
~Talented Photographers
~FROYO
~Triathlons
~Massages
~Chiropractors
~Albuterol
~A Good Book
~Baths
~Challenges
~Failures
~A Good Kiss
~Men in Suits
~Dresses
~Hugs
~Love Notes
~Time
~Vacations!
~Bling-Bling
~My Jobs
~Christmas Cookies
~Snuggles
~Mint Hot Chocolate
~Anything Coconut
~My Sweet Scarlet
~Lap Pools
~Good Friends
~Orange Blossoms
~The dirty smell of my playing boys
~Nail Polish
~Boats and Lakes... together
~A Good Movie
~Responsibility
~Elf on The Shelf
~Nursing Journals
~Consequences
~Rewards
~Accomplishments
~Scarves
~Music
~Spa Days
~Good Days... the bad ones too
~Trust
~Teams
~Accountability
~Eucalyptus Wreaths
~Snow Fun

By the way... we have been making memorable moments with our Christmas Elf, Wayne Peppermint that comes to visit us every year. ;) The boys each created something with their new gifts and a touch of mom's help... enjoy... we did!