Yes, it has been busy.  I didn't even post my Thanksgiving post that I had all planned out in my head.  I blinked really fast and it was already mid December.  So, just know that we had a wonderful Thanksgiving at my Mom's house and know that I am so thankful every day for the blessings that I have received. 

 

Speaking of blessings.....

The night of black Friday when we went shopping with hundreds of people.  It was my mother's maiden voyage into the black Friday mania, as well as Sadie's.  They both did quite well.  Sadie thought she had to have a Starbucks, so we got her a $5.00 Starbucks iced coffee and went to McDonald's for a 39 cent one.  Yes, she is almost too cool for us!

I participated in the Shop with a Cop again this year.  It's always fun and very rewarding.  I am so proud to be involved in things like this.  Puts a smile on my face. 

I got to see Kristi, sweet little Presley, and Dylan twice in about a month!  That doesn't happen ever!!

This last time was just last night.  Sophie loved little Presley almost to the point where she wouldn't leave her alone.  She wants to mother her like she does Molly.  I love seeing them together and miss my younger days when I spent every minute I could with Kristi. 

We now have an elf on the shelf.  Sophie named her Ella.  We didn't have one because I thought that Sophie would be too old for one and Molly is way too young for one.  However, Sophie spent the night with Tandie and met their elf named Elmer.  She told Elmer to tell Santa that she wanted an elf at her house.  Low and behold, Ella showed up at our house Sunday and the fun began!  It has only been two days, but this is what Ella has been up to when she returned each morning.  I was totally wrong about Sophie.  She is over the moon excited about this little elf!!!  But I was totally right about Molly, she could care less.



Speaking of Molly....she is learning so much every day.  I was so worried about her not talking a few weeks ago, but BAM--she is saying everything!!  It is amazing how much she is blabbering around now.  Most of it you can make out as real words, some of it you just have to guess.  But I love love this age and watching her figure everything out.  She is definitely the baby of the family and she demands the title and everything that comes with it.  Bless her bones she is so spoiled rotten!!

Sadie took art this semester and was really dreading it.  She has since learned to love it and has done very well, i might add.  Below is a picture of her self portrait that she drew.  I know that she can pick it apart, but I was very impressed.  More than that, I got this picture from a guy that I work with.  He went to the junior high on unrelated business.  Some of the portraits were displayed in the lobby and saw her picture.  He said that he knew immediately who it was from a distance without looking at the name on it.  He was impressed and took a photo of it with his phone and sent it to me.  LOVE!

Finally, this last picture is from when Kristi and Chastity were in for the Thanksgiving holiday.  We all met for pizza and to let the kids play while we visited.  Afterwards we went to Chastity's mom's house for dessert!  I so enjoyed the time that we spent together and getting to be around their kids.  It makes me feel so much closer to them and their families.!

 

I was going to say that I wouldn't wait so long to post again, but I try not to make promises that I can't keep.