Last night we turned on Christmas carols in our living room while we were doing laundry.  Noelle asked Mike if he could "pause" the First Noel song, and told us she’d be right back.  She came downstairs in her angel dress-up dress and ballet shoes.  She did a really beautiful lyrical number to her special Christmas carol.  She’s an awesome kid!

We had a blast crashing Victoria’s 18th birthday party last night!

I was in the middle of a huge teenage case study tonight.  Since it’s been over 10 years since I was a teenager, a lot has changed, and I’m so not with it. 

We were all sitting in the living room eating and everyone was really quiet.  I said, "So what do you guys want for Christmas?" and they all just busted out laughing.  Like I said, I’m so not with it.  At least I tried!  🙂

Happy Birthday, Victoria!  Your party rocked!  🙂

Anna Kate is starting to balance on her own.  She will hold a toy and stand and not even realize that she’s on her feet without us.  She’s the happiest, sweetest baby in all the world!  We are crazy in love with our sweet Anna Kate!

Last night Mike took me out for a birthday dinner date while his parents watched the girls.  When we got home, I was rushing around to get everyone bathed and in bed.  Noelle bounced into my room wearing her Cinderella finest and said, "Are you ready for the party?"  Noelle’s always throwing parties, and it didn’t even dawn on me that it was still my birthday, so I said, "Noelle, we don’t have time for a party tonight.  It’s bath time."  She literally started crying and said, "Mommy, we HAVE to have a party!  It’s your birthday."  I was floored.  I summoned Mike and Anna Kate to the kitchen table where Noelle led in singing, "Happy Birthday, Dear Mom-Mo (she thought of this nickname all by herself)!"  We had some cookies and then went to take baths, and I was the happiest mother in the whole wide world!

These pictures were taken right after I said, yes we could have a little party!

As Noelle and I were cuddling last night, she told me that Santa told her he was going to use the bouncy ball that she had given him to play fetch with his reindeer.  Isn’t that the neatest thing!?!

Yesterday Noelle was having trouble getting her pants on.  They were all tangled up.  Noelle was fussing and whining, "ayudame!" "ayudame!" which is "help me" in Spanish.  Mike and I couldn’t believe that was what had welled up naturally inside of her to say.  Thank you, Dora!!!

Thanks Mikey for the birthday wishes.  You’re cool! 

Happy Birthday, Melissa! You are an amazing wife and mother, and we are so thankful for you!

Love,
Mike, Noelle, and Anna Kate

First of all, let me say Noelle picked out some fancy jewelry to go see Santa today, including a blue Hawaii lei.  He was at the Arlington Resale store that supports the pregnancy center where I counsel.

Noelle picked out this gift bag from my craft closet, put her bouncy ball in it, and topped it off with toilet paper for her gift bag tissue.  She did this all by herself and came in to tell me she had a present to give to Santa.  

Isn’t that the most fantastic thing!?!  She totally melts my heart into pieces – so kind and good.

Aww… baby Landon’s 1st Santa pic!  How cool!!!  I love his smile, he’s sooo cute!

Noelle in full jewelry and cuddling with Landon.

I love how Landon is holding Noelle’s arm.  Today was good!

Wednesday night Mike took the girls to the Arlington Life Shelter with Texas Power to have a cookie decorating party with the children living at the shelter.  It was the biggest blessing of the holidays.  Noelle gathered toys to take to the children and we’ve been talking about it for weeks.  She was so excited!!! 

I got this picture from Texas Power.  Everyone was having so much fun!

Cheryl’s  grandson is getting some guitar tips from Mike – he was so cute, and Mike loved having a little buddy around!

Dancing to the Christmas carols… get down girl, go ahead, get down!

Thanks Jen for loving on my baby all night (back left of picture)!  You were an answer to a sick momma’s prayers!!!

Noelle laced a necklace on top of her ears, under her eyes, then on top of her nose.  She then put on glasses and got a silver beaded necklace, comb, and Rara’s eyelash curler and said, "I’m ready to do my surgery now!"  She put her bird in the bathtub and worked on him for quite a while.  We have one creative little girl.