Scary Christmas

Have you ever heard of Christmas scaring your child? I must clarify, not everything about Christmas scares Chrissi, but there are definitely parts that absolutely freak her out!!! As previously mentioned, our scary snowman (monster) still "scares" her. Of course she also knows that we all think it's cute and this will prompt her to really play into it when we have company. My neighbors also have one of those blow up snowmen in their yard. The other night we were getting ready to go somewhere and I was getting frustrated because Chrissi wouldn't come over to "our" side of the van. I finally clued in, she was completely freaked out by the big MONSTER next door. Then a few nights later we were watching the original Santa Clause on tv and Chrissi jumped in my lap. "Scare me horsies," is what she kept saying. Scare me is how she says scary. She was referring to the real reindeer that were on the tv. And of course there is Santa Claus!!! He scared the holy bejeebies out of her. Santa was at the boys school and my mom was adamant that we put her on Santa's lap, even though she was hiding behind our legs and just peeking at that scary looking man. (For real, don't you think Santa is a bit scary looking!) Anyway, we placed her on his lap for a split second and she screamed so loud and leaped off the man's lap into my mom's arms.

But like I said, not all of Christmas scares Chrissi. She does like the Christmas lights when we are driving. "Wook, Mommy, more Kissmiss!!!!"

Here are the pictures............in reverse order.

Chrissi is waving goodbye to Santa. She finally would talk to him as long as PaPa was holding her.





"I can't even look at him!"





"Save me, BaMa!"





"I am so outta here!"

Tenders

The other night I was TRYING (key word) to take the kids picture in front of the Christmas tree. Chrissi definitely had ants in her pants and was jumping and squirming all around. At one part she kind of sat in Bren's lap in a (cough, clear throat), not so nice way and kind of "smashed" his privates. Now I've heard them called all types of things, but Brennan laughed and said, "Ohhhhhh, my tenders, she smoosh'd my tenders". We all busted up laughing. Not too certain, but that might come from Kung Fu Panda. I think I overheard that tonight on our way home. I seriously still laugh when I think about him saying it. I guess it's nicer than what he could be saying, right?

Catching up

The week of my last post Jesse had surgery. I think he finally found a doctor that will be able to help fix his knee "for good" this time. He's going through physical therapy and will continue for the next 4 weeks. He is hoping to return to work tomorrow after his follow up appt with his surgeon.

Our house is already for Christmas!!!! The boys were so excited to decorate the tree. Chrissi helped as much as possible, well I guess I should clarify, she helped as much as we would let her. We watched The Polar Express while we decorated and the boys had hot chocolate......Chrissi just had marshmallows.

At one point while decorating I put up this cute lighted up snowman, probably about 2 feet tall. Until I decided where I wanted it this year I had put it on our entry way table. I was in the dining room going through boxes and I hear the softest little footsteps and the sweetest little voice say, "Here a go, monster!" I turn around and there is Chrissi ever so tenatively walking near the snowman trying to give it some of her fake jewelery. Cracked me up! I guess she thought that if she was nice to it, it would not get her when she walked past it to go to the toy room. The "monster" did get moved to near the Christmas tree, but Chrissi still tells everyone that it is a monster. I think at this point she is being silly, because sometimes she'll ask me to come see the ghost.

We had a very nice Thanksgiving at Sue and Mark's house. We made the decision years ago that going to more than one place was just too much. We spend Thanksgiving with Jesse's side and Easter with mine. It works out well for us, and I think everyone is ok with it. Of course we ate until we were miserable, but isn't that the point. The kids were REALLY good and had a great time. Sue bought Kung Fu Panda for the boys and some books for Chrissi since she is not really a tv watcher. Very relaxed and fun Thanksgiving!

I am one of those crazy shoppers that hit the stores on Black Friday. This year we decided to start a bit later...........4:30am!!! We went to JC Penney's first because they had some towels that I wanted. At that point it was me, my mom, and Erika. We headed in seperate directions with cell phones in hand. I grabbed my gift for our $15.00 gift exchange on my mom's side for Christmas morning. Then I grabbed my towels. Oh yah, did I mention, there were NO carts!!!! At this point I can barely walk I have so much stuff; I bought A LOT of towels. So I take a break by setting my stuff on one of the beds in bedding. At this point I text "help" to Erika. No response. I then notice these digital camera's that Sue wanted to buy for the boys. There were only TWO left. I left my stuff on the bed and quickly grabbed those. At this point I am flustered. How am I going to stand in line for 1/2 hour (at least) with so much stuff. I walk a little way, cell phone not really working so I can't get a hold of anyone, and set my stuff down on a clothing table. I look to my right and what do I see, but the EMPTY jewelry dept. I walk over with ALL of my stuff and the girl gave me the deer in headlights look which I took to mean, "Oh no! I am not going to check you out here!" But I am smarter than she gave me credit for. I decided to buy a pair of $100 earrings and then she HAD to check me out. That's the genius part of my plan you see, I've already taken the earrings back AND I got to check out without having to wait in the monsterous line!!! And that's my cool story of the day.

From there we picked up Trish and continued on with our day. Lots of money was spent and we did our part to help the economy!!! Of course lunch was involved. I truthfully think that restaurants (non fast food) would make even more money if they opened at 10, because let me tell you, we were starving by then.

Now let the list making begin again and again. As normal I will spend most of this month making lists for things that I forgot to buy gift wise (because I think I'm done) and lists for various things that need to be done before Christmas. It's December 2nd and I already feel like I'll never get done. But of course by the time Christmas actually gets here everything will be!!! Deep breathes, Cheri!!!!