Seeing santa

Yesterday was Eric's garage and pinata party. Today was Santa at the cannery.

Long lines and lots of Whining we found Eric had no desire to talk to Santa because he had already sent a letter and Maya was scared of him.

Wonderful!

Thanksgiving was nuts. At the last minute 7 additional people decided they wanted to join the fun.. You would think after being married 9 yrs I would be used to the unexpected company...but it still puts me thru a loop. I had a mini panic attack but once I decided just to let it go I actually had a pretty good time with these 7 stangers....funny (that is usually what happens). Elvia, Rosey and I woke up at 3 am to do black Friday. We had it mapped out totally OCD style. Yeah,,,,not very smart. After waiting in line for 2.25 hours just to pay for Elvia's two sweatshirts at Kohls we headed to walmart where they were sold out of almost everything I wanted but the kids pj's was the real bummer. Every year they have kids pj's for 4 dollars. So we went to Freddies, target, jc penney's and Toysrus. After all the crazy lines ets. and no stopping for food or potty breaks (as any real shopper knows food slows you down and drink increases the chances of needing potty breaks) I thought both girls might die or kill me (this was thier first yr tagging alog....and probably their last). We got starbucks and headed home where our kids and boys let us all take naps! What a blessing!

So now I have the wrapping and cookie itch.

Then we went to church and I was reading that the next sermon series is called real simple and it is about the holidays and christmas. And for a moment I froze and really thought about why I do all of this...3 am shopping 9 pm cookies and closet wrapping...and I wonder if in my effort to make the holidays a wonderful and memorable time, do my kids really get what it is about...yeah, I tell them, but does it sink in?

I know, I know, it has been a while. We have been keeping busy running through leaves and other fun fall stuff. Sarah and I made apple sauce to last 2 years a couple weeks ago...then there was halloween. Lots of fun with the ages we have now. Eric is doing great in math but hates sounding out words. Lisette is the teachers pet...because she adores the teachers more than any other child. Maya has been having a blast at home playing with Evan most days. Jose is loving Annie Wright and Panera is the same ole same ole....I really love being the boss more than anything. Oh yeah and Jorge moved in (Jose's younger brother)

Pumpkin Patch

So much fun at Spooners....we got pumpkins, hot chocolate, taffy, and carmel corn. Thekids thought it was a blast. They had a good time picking a pumpkin they could carry by themselves...they tried many before picking one. Jose's brother Jorge (HoreHey) came here Friday and has been staying with us. Today I madesure they taught him how to use the vacuum, and washer and dryer. Tomorrow we will learn, dust rags and wndow cleaner :)

Okay, one month into school and now I know what my mom was always griping about. I feel like a taxi driver. From dropping off to picking up and taking somewhere else. The kids (all3) went to awana for the first time and everybody but Eric thought is was sooo fun but Eric was okay with it. He was super tired because I woke him up early to attend teacher parent conferences 9which are really next week any how..my life story. I don't know how I can run a store like a shio but my life is so very different. If all goes well today we will be at the pumkim patch around 4 or so....(if all goes well)