Here's the surprise

For the last 3 weeks or so I hoped that Chris would be home for Christmas. In typical military fashion they kept changing the dates. He was suppose to originally be home for Thanksgiving and that didn't work too well. I didn't want to jinx it so NO ONE knew. I didn't tell any friends, family, co-workers, NO ONE.

Wednesday morning Nate and I were off and we went to the base around 8:15am. Nate didn't know why we were going. He thought we were going to get to taxi in a B-52. I didn't tell him that he just made that assumption. Two planes were landing with people from the island. The 1st plane landed around 8:32am (so says Chris). We were bussed out to the flightline and waiting for the plane to come to a complete stop. We waited and waited and waited. I didn't know at the time but there were 10 people aboard that plane. Chris was in the back and was one of the last ones off. Nate and I were both talking to people and not paying attention when Chris snuck up on us and surprised Nate.

Nathan was so shocked. His face said it all. It took him a minute to register that his Dad was there in person. What a great Christmas present. Unfortunately you can't top that.

Here we are making our 1st Gingerbread house. Never again. What a nightmare. It caved in within 30 minutes of completition.

I have a surprise and it's KILLING me

So, I have done a really good job this year. Usually I'm a sneak. I have been known to completely unwrap presents to check them out and rewrap them. Chris has to work REALLY hard to keep things from me. This year with him being gone he sent my Christmas to a friend. Boo on both of them for THAT one. But here's what is killing me. I have got a really big Christmas surprise but have to keep it secret for 36 more hours. AHHHHH!!!!!!!

The Polar Express

Nate and I at the entrance of the park. It was a little chilly but NOTHING like it has been the last couple of days. The Texas State Railroad does all sorts of theme rides. The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, New Years Eve, Valentine's Day, etc...I don't know who was more excited-Me? Or Nate? I think we both had a great time. We went with some good friends and luckily they drove. We didn't get home until 11pm and I would have probably killed us somewhere on the 2.5 hour drive home.








This is one of waiters. He was such a ham. The boys loved him. He really earned his money. He was constantly in the boys seat joking and messin' with them.

The boys

The Girls

The waiters spent A LOT of time with our boys.

Hillary and I with Santa. Only the kids got a bell off of Santa's sleigh. Cheap. The adult tickets were more expensive then the children's. I wanted a bell because I BELIEVE.

The whole gang. Kaye, Jared, Hillary, Nate, Nathan, and Joshua. Chris you were missed.

Nate playing on the tracks after the ride to the North Pole.

Going Private

Well, I think we've finally reached that point. If you are interested in seeing our blog you MUST send me your email address so I can add you. We will be going private in 30 days.

Love ya all.

Elfis at the North Pole

Tonight was Nathan's Christmas program. It was Elvis (Elfis) at the North Pole. Nathan was a dancing elf. I have to say that the costumes are a little cheesy but not once did Nate complain that he looked like a dork. He even had to ride the school bus dressed like this. I guess when all of 4th and 5th grade look like this it's not so bad. I thought he did a great job. He is such a handsome elf. We ordered the profession DVD so Chris can watch it later.

Nathan and Girls

Today I took Nate out to lunch for some Mom/Son time. It's a cold, rainy day and some soup and sandwiches sounded really good. We went to McCallister's and Nate was being really talkative. So I decided to broach the subject of "going out" with a girl. Oh, you should have seen that poor boys face. 3 different shades of red.

I told him I'd heard that 5th graders were "going out". He told me that was true. I asked him if HE was going out with a girl. NO, MOM!!! I'M NOT. I asked him why. He told me, "because you and Dad said I shouldn't until I was in High School". Pretty good answer, but are you interested in girls? His response, "geez mom, Girls are bosy and know-it-alls except for you...but you're not really a girl, you're a Mom.

Yeah, thanks kid. So then I ask if he's kissing girls. He gets this horrified look on his face and says "Mom, that is so gross. What if they have the swine flu or something? No, Kissing. Yuck!

That's my boy. I can't wait to talk to him again about this subject again. Like maybe after he's met his wife. I'll be sure to ask if his wife has been vaccinated properly.

Natchigoches in LA

Nathan & I in Natchigoches, LA for the festival of lights. We went w/ friends Saturday night. It was so cold. It was about 32 degrees and we were bundle up. The only bad thing were my toes were frozen. We had dinner at Merci Beaucoup. I thought it was fabulous.

Fireworks

Hillary & I waiting for dinner.

The boys.

Christmas time fun

Decorating the tree. What a time. We had flown back into Dallas Saturday the 28th of November. After a 3 hour flight, a 3.25 hour car ride, unpacking of the car, and getting something small to eat I got a bee in my bonnet to get our tree. I really wanted to decorate it on Sunday and I knew I needed to get it in water.
At 7pm Nate and I started looking for trees. We tried Home Depot (Christmas tree section closes at 6pm), the Lowes (same thing), then Wal-Mart. My FAVORITE place. We found a tree and pretty much just picked one out of the bins. We got it home where I had to saw off some bottom branches to fit in the tree stand and cut off the bottom for water to absorb.

I am feeling pretty good at this point until I try to center the tree. This is crazy. The stupid thing only works facing one direction and that NOT the direction I want. The tree is actually fuller now in the back facing the wall because my OCD won't allow it not to be straight up and down.

We did get it decorated on Sunday. We had to be a little bit sparing with our ornaments because our tree this year is about half the size as last year. Without Chris here to carry the stupid thing I wasn't about to do it on my own. I feel very accomplished though. Somewhat like a mountain woman just with shaved legs.

Our finished tree

I somehow got nominated for chairperson for the 20th BS Children's christmas party. Due to great ladies who stepped up to the plate I really didn't have to do much. Santa was awesome and I had to ask for a special Christmas gift. I'll let you know if it arrived on the 25th. Poor santa informed me immediately he had no control over my wish though. I think he better start believing.

Nate refused to sit on Santa's lap. I guess he's getting too old. We haven't broached the subject yet of if Santa if for real. I almost told him last night but if he's willing to pretend so am I. Personally, I love Santa. He rocks.

Exhausting

So I must have had the same idea as everyone else. Do my holiday parties the 1st week before it gets busy. This is my week.

Monday: Easy day. Work, Ride, Bake 4 dozen cookies, Sylvan, Grocery shopping.

Tuesday: Work, Physical therapy (mean man hurt me), Bake 4 more dozen cookies, Christmas party.

Wednesday: Work, Host luncheon, Christmas shopping, sylvan, scouts for Nate, Home Depot.

Thursday: Work, Ride, Decorate for Christmas party at squadron, take 30 minute nap (YES), soccer party, get ready for party tomorrow.

Friday: Work, Physical Therapy, Christmas party that I'm chairperson of at squadron (please go well), Snow?

Saturday: Ride, Sam's club (Yuck), Natchodghes, finish getting ready for Christmas party, shopping

Sunday: Church, Hosting party for work at my house, Fireside/caroling

Monday: I'm thinking the spa is calling my name. What do you think?