Breathe, just breathe...

Do you know those times in life when you get so focused on accomplishing a certain task that the world around you kind of disappears into a fog?  That was the last two weeks for me.  I had grand plans for Christmas and everything that I was going to do from parties to presents to decorations, etc.  However, I am limited by finances to how much I can do every couple of weeks. In the end, it came down to me having two weeks to complete all my presents, decorations, party preparations, family activities, and so on.  By last Thursday, I had survived on about 4 hours of sleep a day and was so tired that I felt I was just spinning my wheels.  I found myself saying, "Next year I'm not doing anything for Christmas, !@#$$#%$%&%*!!"  Which is a lie, I will; however, I am determined to be more prepared and organized, hence this blog, right?!?  In the end, compromises were made, some presents were put on hold, and the world didn't come to an end.

Let me share the best parts of the last few days:

The final round of concerts:

Ms. Chavez and her students - Christmas Piano Recital

Tori - Piano - Waltz of the Flowers

Tori - Piano - Dance of the Reed Flutes

Jaidyn's Christmas Program: Christmas Is the Best In the West

Christmas Is the Best In the West - Title Song

Christmas Is the Best In the West - Part 1

Christmas Is the Best In the West - Part 2

Smith had his final few days of fun.  He seemed to get a bit dark there near the end, I think that was due to the 18 year old who helped quite a bit while I was sleep deprived!

Surgeon Smith

TP Smith

I love that he's still wearing his surgical mask!

Cosmetologist Smith

I don't think Santa wanted make up!

Gambling Smith

Wrapping Smith

Rocker Smith

Giving a concert for everyone with whom he has had fun!

Goodbye Smith

This letter came from here.  The kids all cried when they hugged him goodbye.

We hosted an adults only 'Ugly Sweater Party' - here are a few pictures from our photo booth.

I didn't get any pictures of the decorations, the trivia games, the hot cocoa bar, or the nog ball bar; I kind of got caught up in having fun with my guests and forgot!  You will have to take my word that it was set up very cute and we had a fantastic time.  

Sheila and I -  Love ya, Sis

I and my honey

1st Place winner - Angel

1st and 3rd place winners Angel and Crystal (she had lights - she had to take them off)

'The Girls'
Crystal, Tava, Brittni, Kim, Angel

After the party, we had the 'Jeep Express'.  I had great visions of the express this year - I was going to put the seats down, line the back with purple lights, have popcorn, candy, decorate-your-own mugs of hot cocoa, music - it was going to be awesome.  Instead, we blew a fuse in the jeep and had no lights so there was no decorating of the mugs, no feeling like we were in a limo, there was no music, to me it was a huge disappointment.  The kids, on the other hand, thought it was the bomb!  I sometimes forget that the simplest things make the best memories.  Here are a few of the lights that we saw:

Musical House - Good Tidings To You

Musical House - Angels We Have Heard On High

And, of course, everyone's favorite time of the year - Christmas Morning!!!!

Before I'm judged too harshly for the next pictures, let me explain.  A couple of years ago, I ran out of wrapping paper - OMG!! To fix the issue, I put each of the small children s toys in one big box and wrapped that.  Since then, it has been requested every year that their presents all go in one box.  Its a win-win, no $$ for paper, no time wasted wrapping, no waste on Xmas day, and the kids don't have to waste time unwrapping.  This year, I decided that instead of just a box, I would make them each a reading nook - that is the box that held all their presents. These boxes are for washers and dryers and stand about 5' tall  The kids spent the afternoon decorating their forts and their pillow loungers.

For Damien

For Airian

For Jaidyn

The biggest hit of the day:  Gizmo, our rescued chinchilla

"That's what." - She

Charlie collects buttons, just like I did at his age.  I found the last button I had bought in a box of old memorabilia and passed it down to him - it is blue with green lettering and about an inch in diameter.  It says "Buttons are stupid!" It appealed to my ironic sense of humor.  He understands me.

He was not impressed with the clock, however.  He thinks doing math while asleep could be considered abuse!!

"I like to party and by party I mean read books!"

"Forget Prince Charming, I'm waiting for my Timelord!"

Playing the game of Life

Xmas Jenga

Sorry about the sideways video - it doesn't last long!

All in all, it has been an event fulled last few days and I'm ready to just sit back for a little bit and breathe and be thankful for all that I have and those that I am with.  My life is blessed in many ways.