Creating our own fun is the name of the game around here.  Noelle found chopsticks for her microphones, towel for her head piece, and enjoyed dolling herself up in her "dressing room." 

Rara came to stay with us last week after my surgery.  She and Noelle made this snowman craft for our mud bench.  Thank you for taking care of us, Mom.  We love you with all of our hearts!

Bekah came over the week before my surgery and decorated cupcakes with us.  I thought I had Christmas sprinkles, but I didn’t.  We creatively turned Valentines and the 4th of July into Christmas.  It was fun!

Thanks for hanging out with us Bekah.  I always love having my side-kick around.  Now we just need to get your sister to clear her schedule for some cupcake time!  Lol!

This is what Noelle picked out all by herself to wear on Saturday.

Thank you Grand Papa and Mama Kay Kay for letting Noelle spend the night with you on Saturday night!  She LOVED it!

Noelle and I have been telling bedtime stories about Jesus.  Elaborate, detailed stories… I’ll tell a portion of a story, then we’ll sing a Christmas carol, and then go back to the story and on and on. 

We were actually talking about the wise men and how I imagined that they each had a camel because they had to travel so far to see Jesus.  She interjected, "When camels get mad, they spit.  They really do!" I don’t know where she got that, but it was a perfect contribution to the story!

Okay, so last night’s story was awesome (in addition to that).  I felt like God had really given me the words to convey how special Christ’s birth is to our 3 year old.  I ended with, "Do you have any questions, Noelle?"

She said, "Yes Mommy.  Why don’t you like to wear goggles underwater?"

I’m back and able to sit on an egg crate for small increments.  I’m still in a LOT of pain, but family and friends have been so faithful to help us.  Thank you everyone, from our move to my recovery, we’re grateful and slowly but surely getting back on track.

Melissa had a female surgery in Roundrock on Monday.  We thought recovery would be easier, but she is still in a lot of pain and can’t even sit down.  Please keep her in your prayers, as she is having a very difficult time right now.

If any of you are available to help with the girls next week, particularly during the day time hours, call me at 817-891-7324.  Thanks for your love and support!

The girls LOVED visiting Santa this week!  Noelle was star-struck and Anna Kate chuckled at Santa’s beard!

Noelle told Santa she wanted a doll house and a kitchen.  Lofty!

Santa gave each kid that saw him a beanie baby.  Noelle thought that was so cool!

The girls had lots of time to visit with Santa and sweet Mrs. Claus. 

Mike and I just love this picture.  We had a great family day!

I think this would be my favorite part about living in Japan!  Michele is modeling with Anna this time!  How cool guys!!!