Fantabulous

Christmas was simply wonderful here. I would love to post some pictures of the children, but I haven't uploaded them yet. Plus, in a wonderful show of intelligence, Paco and I didn't make sure the camera was charged. So, there really aren't that many pictures anyway. Rest assured though, Pirate was THRILLED with his Darth Maul double-bladed light saber. Princess and TBEll LOVED their High School musical things as well as their other gifts. Each one got a new Webkinz, which was also very exciting. Princess did have a momentary moment of sadness when she realized that even though she told Santa every time she saw him (news to me) that she wanted clothes for her Webkinz, she didn't get them. But, I did point out that she has a birthday coming and all was well.

Possibly even more important, the girls were in the pageant at church. They did a great job, of course, and had a lot of fun. (Princess was Gabriel and TBEll as the Inkeeper.) Both sets of grandparents came and had a nice time. Right now, all three kids love going to church...I really hope I can encourage that so it continues!

Come again soon...I am actually going to post a recipe! (I got a Rachel Ray cookbook for Christmas. I modified a recipe tonight and it was GREAT!)

Kindness

There have been many times that I have been lucky enough to benefit from the kindness of both friends and strangers. While I do try to contribute my share of good deeds with the world, I do not believe that I have come close to reciprocating enough. Today, I was told by a friend of mine that he has managed to get the one toy for me that Pirate has asked for this Christmas. This particular item is not made anymore and is going on eBay for around $150 to $200. (I would guess it's original price was somewhere around $25.) Paco and I have been brainstorming different ways to come up with a homemade version, all the while telling Pirate that Santa called and said that the elves were really struggling and that the stores just didn't have one. I have been sad because this is the first Christmas that Pirate really understands things (both religious and commercial) and he was just asking for a stupid toy and I couldn't do it. We say no to our kids a lot and it was killing me that I couldn't indulge him this holiday. But, it goes against every fiber in my being to spend $150 on a gift for a 4 year old. So, anyway, my friend has found one for me, through a friend of his, and they are giving it to us. I cannot tell you how thankful I am for friends like this and I really do hope that I can someday return this wonderful gesture.

Happy holidays! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! I hope all of you can experience the magic of the season as I have!