Christmas Cards

Where do I begin to explain that they just aren't happening this year? First, I try to get a decent picture of the kids every year and I just never got around to it this fall. And, to be frank, the kids never cooperate and let it be an easy task, so "never getting around to it" can probably be equated to "avoided it". Then, I decided to just send out cards... with no picture. I actually purchased them at WalMart when I was there about two weeks ago. Cute little cards, recycled even - my sister would be proud of me. But, then I needed stamps. Proud of myself in that regard too. Went to the post office last week and stood in line like a good little soldier to purchase them. But....now it's the Monday of the week of Christmas, and unless I get out my address book TODAY and write out all the cards and address them and get them in the mailbox before the mailman comes, my chances of friends and family receiving them on time for Christmas are diminishing rapidly. So, my dilemma is now this... do I waste the cards and stamps (well, I guess those would get used eventually - like 3 years since we pay everything online now!) and just forgo this tradition and let everyone think they pissed me off and got crossed off our list this year, or do I stress about it and get it done? Another Darden Dilemma....

Bravery, or Insanity?

Christopher's birthday was last Thursday and when we asked what type of party he wanted to have, he shouted without hesitation, "A SLEEPOVER PARTY!" So, with an agreement from Mike that I could leave once all guests arrived, we sent out the invitations. We sent out 12, thinking about 1/2 would RSVP yes. Well, as you can see from the picture, sleepover parties are a hit. Come to think of it, I would take advantage of my child being gone for the night too!

So of course the day of the party it decided to snow in Houston. I mean really - what's the chance of this???? So, kids came already pumped up after an early dismissal day from school due to "inclement weather" and some even brought toys and tools to build snowmen and have snowball fights!

So, all kids arrived and chaos ensued! Pizza, popcorn, pretzels found the way into every nook and cranny of our floors (and you know how Mike is about our floors!). The Nerf guns should have been hidden before anyone arrived!!! And, Mike shouldn't have put on that 3rd movie!!!!! Nevertheless, a great time was had by all (all under the age of 10) and Christopher had the time of his life!

PS - Mike told me if I left that I better take a bag and leave my house key b/c I wasn't welcome back home :-)

Where has the time gone?

I can't believe it's been over a month since my last blog! I've thought about it a lot, but never seem to have the time to do sit down at the computer and write when I'm thinking about it....

Christopher's birthday was yesterday and he/we had a great day. He is starting to make that transition (albeit very slowly) from little boy to ... well, I'm not quite sure to what yet. He is having a sleepover party tonight, and since it's SNOWING in Houston and the kids are getting out of school early and will be all fired up, this ought to make for a wonderful party :-)

I'm really not ready for the holidays! The decorations are only half up...sorta like my attitude! Amelia wants a Zhu Zhu pet and I can't seem to find one anywhere! I was standing in line at CVS talking with another mom this morning about those darn creatures and she was telling me about her quest to locate one for her daughter and I was thinking, "Really....I'm not driving all over town like you. I'll just order mine on-line. You've lost your marbles, lady!" Well, ha ha, jokes on me....they are nowhere to be found on-line! Guess she has the right idea after all, and I'm the one with the loose marbles.