Day of Silence

Cantata and Reindeer Noses

We took the girls to Grammy's church for a Cantata and Christmas story concert on Sunday. It was so nice to listen to the beautiful music and nothing is better than seeing little ones perform the Living Story. I loved it but we had to send the girls to the nursery half way through the service (it lasted 2 hours) to give them some talking time. Belle didn't do so well without her mommy but settled down later according to the staff in the room. She has been so attached to me lately. Then today Allie-Ann and I worked on her treat for her preschool class. We made Reindeer Noses and it was such an easy and cheap activity. We just used whoppers and gumballs, attached a label and walla...treats are done. I love finding easy and quick things that are super cute, especially at this time of year. 

December 16, 2012
Day 16: Visit Grammy's church for a Cantata

I made these headbands from a bow and band that I found at Michaels. I just hot glued it to the band, all for about $4. 

December 17, 2012
Day 17: Make preschool treats

Giving Back...

Each Christmas I like to do some giving back. I find that at this time of year, no one should be denied joy. I also like to use this time to teach Allie-Ann that Christmas is not a time for just receiving but it is also about giving and there is so much power in that. Today, we decided to take care of our furry friends this Christmas. I noticed that in my last visit to the vet that they had a Christmas wish list for shelter dogs around the area. You just pick a dog from the tree and provide the necessary things on the back of the tag for the dog. Some of the things were to donate money for a heartworm treatment, or for neutering, things like that. So I took Allie-Ann by this morning and let her pick a dog from the tree as our day 15 event. I think she was happy to get a few things for Gauge at the pet store. She has never met the dog nor will she ever I suppose, but in these moments I hope she learns about the power of giving to others. 
December 15, 2012
Day 15: Buy for someone in need

Heartbroken...

As I was putting up Allie-Ann and Belle's stockings today, I found out about the shootings in Connecticut....I am sick to my stomach thinking about the families involved and the thought of coming home without their little one is heartbreaking. How devastating and what world do we live in when our innocent ones aren't protected. I completely just don't understand why this happens. I know we are supposed to let our children be children and not be a "helicopter parent" but when you hear stories like this it just makes me want to hold on to them forever. As the sun shines today, I am completely gray and sad but I know that my God is a powerful one who I trust and have faith in knowing that this world that we live in is not ours and that one day we will be some place where love is forever present. 

December 14, 2012
Day 14: Make a Christmas ornament. 

Back to Normal....if there is a normal

As the dust finally clears, I can see two little girls on the mend. Thank goodness but unfortunately, I believe momma bear might be getting sick. There was no way for me to avoid it but I'm a tough cookie and have plenty of over-the-counter meds to get me through it. Allie-Ann has not been to preschool this whole week which meant that I had both girls stuck in the house with me and with Belle running wild with her nebulizer treatments, I'm quite ready for Christmas break with family who might just want to take a hold of my girls for a bit. It's hard to believe that it's only 13 more days till Christmas, as Allie-Ann has been keeping track of. I'm very happy to be finished with all my shopping, especially considering that we have been quarantined in the house the last two weeks. I'm so excited about the girls this year, since they are both getting older. They bring such joy to our lives during this time of year and make celebrating so much fun! 

December 12, 2012
Day 12: Decorate Gingerbread Foam House

My precious Belle, who has been through it lately. 

Don't let this picture fool you, two seconds later she knocked over the plastic organizer shelf.

Yes, Belle sneaks potato chips from the pantry....she's 17 months old mind you. 

 December 13, 2012
Day 13: Go see Christmas lights all around Lexington...The Price Family. 

I'm all about being festive, but good gracious, this is over-the-top, don't you think...Allie-Ann loved it and that's what it's all about, I suppose. 

Has the Day Ended Yet?

Lately it feels as if all the days are running together. Oh my gracious, it's been rough around here. Belle is still not getting any better and the nebulizer treatments are sending her up the walls. I'm not kidding, the little thing is WILD and is literally throwing things and running around like crazy. I'm hoping that tomorrow we can get off the treatments or I'm going to need some myself. She still has her cough and Allie-Ann still has a runny nose. We desperately need some relief around here but hopefully we will be said and done with this before Christmas arrives. 

December 10, 2012
Day 10: Make cookies for preschool Christmas program. 
I feel so bad that Allie-Ann is missing out on all the festivities. But her teachers are super sweet and have been calling. 

December 11, 2012
Day 11: Watch Santa Claus is Coming to Town
I know these are pretty boring but the girls have been so sick; we can only deal with low key things for now. We did have plans to go to the Governor's Mansion for the holiday open house on Monday but the girls were just not up to par. Then I had plans to go to Allie-Ann's preschool program with Belle but that didn't pan out tonight either. We WILL get out of the house eventually.

Poor Belle....

After a trip to the pediatrician this morning we found out that Belle has her first ear infection and on top of that she has to have nebulizer treatments. Poor thing, but she has been such a trooper and has been playing and smiling all the while having a double ear infection. Although she hasn't napped or slept in 2 days, I have enjoyed just holding her and hopefully the medicines will kick in and she can finally get some needed sleep. With all the sickness going on around here, doing our Christmas events have been a challenge but we have continued to do little things. Like last night, we went to the Living Christmas Story in Irmo, which was wonderful. We had to wait in the car for a while but with Belle it was nice because she was reclined in her seat. Allie-Ann loved that she could get out of her seat to see the living story. It was nice to get to talk with her about the true meaning of Christmas. We do have some other things planned this week and hopefully both girls will be feeling better to do them. 

December 7, 2012
Day 7: Decorate the front porch

December 8, 2012
Day 8: Drive-thru Living Christmas Story at Union United Methodist, Irmo