Merry Christmas

Jaron woke up this morning about 6:00. He came into our room and asked if he could look out front at the tree to see what Santa brought. I told him to come right back after he looked. He was gone for about 5 minutes so I got up to make sure he wasn't opening the presents. He had got back into his bed. He asked if I would cuddle him, so I did. Then we went back into my bed to get Jacob and Jenna up.

We all came out front and the kids opened their presents. Jaron got an ecosystem. It has live shrimp in it. It is so fun to watch. He also got a chemistry set, Iron Monger figurine, some clothes, movies, and a skateboard. Jenna got a princess dress up set, a Little Mommy doll that goes on the potty, some clothes, movies, and a digital camera. They were so excited about everything.

We spent the rest of the day playing and relaxing. Jacob has to work tonight, so we are going to do our Christmas dinner on Sunday. I am going to cook Prime Rib, baked potatoes, ceasar salad, and rolls.

Christmas Eve

My parents came over today to celebrate Christmas with us. They brought a couple Papa Murphy's pizza's and salad. After we ate Jaron and Jenna opened their presents. They got some really nice things. They both got a bunch of clothes. Jaron got the Leap Frog Tag reader. It is really cool. He also got some books, a remote controlled car, a Hulk digital camera, and a puzzle. Jenna got a baby doll with a shopping basket, and a toy piano. They had so much fun. We had a really nice visit with Nana and Papa.

Saturday - Tuesday

On Saturday, we recovered from our party. I mopped the kitchen floor and vacuumed. Jaron, Jenna and I just kicked back the rest of the day. Then, after Jacob went to work I put the kids in the bath, bundled them up in their jammies, wrapped them in blankets, then got in the car to look at Christmas lights. We just drove around Lake Ca. We didn't see anything special. Jenna ended up falling asleep and Jaron started to complain. We saw about 10 deer eating grass and we got chased by a crazy dog. It was fun though, stuff memories are made of.

On Sunday, we left to go to Fresno to visit Jacob's family for Christmas. On our way down I say a sign that said "Santa's Wonderland now open at Bass Pro Shops". Jacob and I found out where it was and took the kids. It was so awesome. They had a whole corner of the store set up for kids. Santa was there taking pictures with the people. They had different games for the kids to play. We had our picture taken with Santa, but I couldn't get our scanner to work.

Monday we spent the day at my in-law's house. We had a really nice visit. We ate homemade tamales and taquitos, with homemade salsa, and 7-layer dip for lunch. It was delicious. The kids opened presents that afternoon. Jaron and Jenna got some really cute clothes. Jaron got some remote controlled cars that when they bump into each other, they come apart and then you put them back together. He also got some great books and a dinosaur curator set. It is really cool. Jenna got some books and more things for her kitchen. Jacob got a gift card for the Apple store. He has already used it. He bought an FM transmitter for his i-phone so we can listen to the music on it in the car. I got a digital picture frame. I love those, they are so awesome, I can't wait to get it set up. My mother-in-law got Jaron, Jenna and their cousin Gabriel matching Christmas pajamas. They were so cute running around together. They had a great time.

Tuesday we came back home. We got home around 8 last night. Jaron and Jenna fell asleep on the way home, so they were wide awake. We finally got them to bed around 10. Jacob and I waited a little bit, and then started to wrap presents. We got them all wrapped and we finished about 12:30 in the morning.

Christmas Party

Last night was our Christmas party. It was so much fun! We had about 13 kids come. They were all really well behaved and had a great time. We did one project. It was a bunch of foam pieces that they glued together and put a thermometer on it.

Then, we ate some goodies that I baked over the last 2 days.

Next, we played pin the hat on the polar bear. It was so funny! Some kids did pretty well getting their hat close to the polar bear's head. Other's, not so good. Still they really enjoyed it.

Finally, we did a gift exchange. Each child brought a wrapped present. We sat in a circle and passed the presents around the circle while Christmas music played. When the music stopped, the present that each child was holding was the present they got. The 2 year old girls did really well passing the presents, the 5 year old boys did not do so good. It was pretty funny, we expected the girls to have trouble with it. They boys were passing too fast and the presents were getting piled up.

This party was so much fun! We will definetely be doing it again next year!

1st Day of Christmas Baking

I started my Christmas baking today and I will finish tomorrow. I want everything to be done for our party Friday evening. Today I made the best chocolate chip cookies, swirled cheesecake nibbles, and chocolate chip turtle bars.




This morning after I dropped Jaron off at school Jenna and I went up to town. I had to pick up one more gift for Jaron. I also had the tires rotated on the car and got the oil changed. Now the car is ready to go to Fresno this weekend. We are going to Fresno Sunday through Tuesday to celebrate Christmas with Jacob's family. While we were waiting for the tires to get rotated we walked down to Raley's so I could order the cookies for Jaron's classroom's party on Friday. I got Jenna a doughnut and strawberry milk. She was so cute eating and drinking!

Over the Weekend

On Saturday, I knew Jacob and I were going to celebrate my birthday since he had to work on the actual day. I had no idea what we were going to do. He had me thinking that Jaron and Jenna were coming with us. I just assumed we would be going to dinner somewhere in town. Then he asked Jaron and Jenna if they wanted to go to Nana and Papa's house. Jacob was very tricky, he only let me know what I needed to know at the time. Then, a little bit later he told me Jaron and Jenna were going to be spending the night with my parents and they would need a change of clothes and pajamas. I still had no idea what we were doing. Then, while I was fixing my hair, he told me I needed to pack a change of clothes, something comfortable for walking around the next day. So, we take the kids to my parents house. We leave there and Jacob drives through town and pulls into the Holiday Inn parking lot. So I think we are going there. We weren't. He was tricking me again. Then we drive to the bank to get some cash. After that, he pulled into the parking lot of Nello's. He parks and asks if I want to eat there. I said sure, he said too bad we're not eating here. He drives all the way through town and then gets on I-5 south. Now I'm thinking we are going to either Chico or Sacramento. He gives me one guess and I say, are we going to Chico and having dinner at Christian Michael's? I guessed right. Christian Michael's is one of our favorite restaurants in downtown Chico. He also tells me we are going to stay at the Holiday Inn. Jacob lived there for about six months when he was in the police academy. So we get to Chico and check into our room. They upgraded us to a suite. When we get in our room, we realize it is the same room Jacob stayed in during his last week of the academy.



We left the room and went to the restaurant. Dinner was delicious. We had the crab cake appetizer and the fillet Mignon for our entree. Jacob had tiramisu for dessert and I had the warm brownie with ice cream. It was a perfect dinner. After dinner, Jacob and I were going to walk around downtown, maybe try to find some live music. I was really full from dinner and had woken up with a sore throat. So I asked Jacob if we could put my leftovers in the car first. When we got to the car I said let's sit down for a minute. Jacob said if I wanted to go back to the room that was ok. I thought that was a great idea. So, we got back to our room around 8:30. We had to laugh at ourselves because we never get to go have a night out on the town. And there we were back at our room by 8:30. We got into bed and we were able to talk and cuddle without interruptions. It was so nice. A perfect way to spend the evening.



When we woke up Sunday morning we went down to the restaurant and had breakfast. Jacob asked what I wanted to do. I said did you plan something, he did, so I said let's do that. After breakfast, we packed up and checked out of the hotel. I assumed we were going to go shopping in Chico. When we got on 99, Jacob passed the exit for the mall. I wondered where we were going. Then I realized we were going to Roseville to go shopping at the Galleria, my favorite mall! We did a lot of Christmas shopping for the kids. They did some remodeling on the mall. There is now a Children's wing. Most of the children's stores are all together now. So awesome! We walked the upper level first and then the lower level. We went into the Coach store. We looked at the purses and then I started to leave. Jacob said that this was my present, he wanted to buy me a Coach purse. I told him that I really appreciate the gesture, but I would rather spend the money on the kids. He tried very hard to convince me, but I just couldn't justify it right now. I didn't want to be selfish. He said I really deserve it for how well I take care of him and the kids. I felt really bad for not letting him get me what he had planned on, but he understood. He said we would go there again the first of the year and get me a new one.



After we were done at the mall we went to eat at Claim Jumpers, another one of our favorite restaurants. We both ordered the pork ribs with potato cheesecakes. They were delicious! After eating we started back home. We had so much fun, but were very anxious to get home to Jaron and Jenna. When we got back into Redding, there was some snow on the ground. So exciting! Jaron and Jenna had a snow ball fight with Nana and Papa. They had a great time and Jacob and I were so appreciative of them for watching the kids so we could have a night away. I couldn't think of a better way to spend my 30th birthday!

Recipes

Yesterday, I went through my recipes and decided what I would be baking this year. I also made my grocery list. So, this morning I went shopping and got everything I needed. I picked a new recipe that I haven't made before. Jacob and I thought it would be a good idea if we "tested" it out before I make it to give to people. It is called chocolate chip turtle bars. It is a Paula Deen recipe. I made them when I got home. They are delicious and very rich. I am also making peanut butter blossoms, the best chocolate chip cookies ever, peppermint chocolate bon bons, candy cane cookies, toffee bars, and the turtle bars. I am going to make this all next week for our party on Friday.

CopTails

Logan's was sponsoring "CopTails" today to promote safe holiday celebrations this month. They had local law enforcement officers serving free non-alcoholic beverages. Jacob was one of the officers serving drinks so of course I had to go there for lunch to take pictures of him. He did a great job serving those drinks!


I also finally finished decorating the Christmas tree today. I tried to finish it yesterday, but I didn't have enough bows to get it done. So, we went to Wal-Mart to try to get more, but they didn't have what I wanted. So, we went to Target, that's where we bought the bows last year, but they didn't have the same ones. I got some different ones to fill in with. Anyway, it is finally finished!

Monday

On Monday, I helped out in Jaron's class all morning. Usually I leave when the kids go to lunch, but this time I stayed and Jacob and Jenna met me there. Mrs. Ritter went over Jaron's report card with us. She had nothing but the best things to say about Jaron. He is doing so good in school. She is going to start a math G.A.T.E. program the first of the year and Jaron will be in that. It means more homework, but that's ok. He is also graded on his homework and home reader. We were the only ones that got all 4's on that. (4 is the highest grade). It was a great meeting.

Then, we hung around until 12:15 when the kindergarten concert started. All the kids were so cute. They sang Christmas carols. Jaron was very serious. He even yawned a couple times. So funny!

After Jaron got out of school, we went to Red Bluff because I had to renew my drivers licence. Thank goodness I didn't have to take the test.

My Birthday

Today is my 30th Birthday. Something I have not been looking forward to. This morning when I woke up, I went into the kitchen to get Jenna some juice. Sitting on the counter were the most beautiful bouquet of red roses. Jacob brought them home this morning when he got off work. There are 30 of them. It is the biggest bouquet I have ever seen. Jacob also gave me the most beautiful cards from himself and Jaron and Jenna. One of the cards Jaron recorded a message that said "Happy Birthday Mom, I love you". So sweet! It brought tears to my eyes. This afternoon the doorbell rang. Jaron ran for the door. I had to stop him, because we weren't expecting anyone and I didn't want him opening the door. It was my good friend Koren. She brought me a ice cream cake from Baskin Robin and card with a gift certificate for the Prime 11 Cinemas. So, we will go see a movie together soon. That was so sweet of her. The rest of the day, I just did laundry and we finished putting the lights on the tree. I will finish decorating it tomorrow.

Roller Skating

Today I took Jaron to Viking Skate Country to teach him how to roller skate. My Mom watched Jenna and my Dad came so he could take pictures and help teach Jaron. It was so fun! Jaron was scared at first. He wanted to quit. I told him that I knew he could do it and I wouldn't let him get hurt. I gave him a big hug and we started to try again. He was a little wobbly, but by the end he really started to get the hang of it. We really had the best time. When we were done there, we went to Old Navy to get Jaron a new outfit for his concert on Monday. Next week is family music week at the school. We get to go listen to Jaron's class sing Christmas songs for us. Of course he needed a new outfit for it. He has been practicing his songs around the house. So cute! We also went to Target to get some more lights for our tree. We will probably finish decorating it tomorrow.

Report Card

Jaron got his first report card sent home today. His grades were really good and his marks for behavior were great, too. We are so proud of him!

Jaron, Jenna, and I started decorating the tree tonight. I bought three boxes of lights the other day and it's not enough. So, tomorrow I will go to Target and get a couple more boxes so we can finish decorating the tree. Jaron and Jenna were having so much fun. I turned on the Christmas music and they were dancing around and goofing off. So cute!

Play Date

Today we had some friends come over to play after school. They used to live across the street, but moved a few months ago. Anyway, the kids all had so much fun. They were running around like wild animals and it was great! I got a pizza from Papa Murphy's and some cookies to snack on.

This morning I went to Target and got the lights we needed for our tree. We didn't have any because the last two years, we got our trees flocked and had the lights put on at the tree lot. So, Jaron and I will try to decorate our tree tomorrow. He can't wait.

I also got the invitations for our Christmas party. We are going to have a party for some of the kids from Jaron's class and our friends. It is going to be so fun. We can't wait. My friend Koren, is going to ask her brother if he will dress up as Santa, and her sister is going to dress up as Mrs. Claus. I am so excited.

Well, I think I am going to start filling out the invitations.

Getting Ready for Christmas

Well, the last couple days we have been doing our Christmas decorating. We started on Monday, hanging the lights outside. It became more of a chore than we bargained for. We got them all up and then a fuse blew. We changed the fuse, then after 5 minutes of being on, it blew again. We went through this a few times. We needed to go to Wal-Mart to get a few more strands to finish the house anyway, so we picked up an extra box. We got the last 4 boxes of the lights we've used the last couple of years. Anyway, so we couldn't finish doing the lights until yesterday. Jacob changed out the strand that kept blowing the fuse. Then it happened again. We decided we just had too many plugged in together. So we used another extension chord. Thankfully, that was the problem. While Jacob was working on the lights, I was inside rearranging the furniture so we could put our tree up. (We got our tree Monday night, too). When Jaron got home from school, he was so excited to see that Christmas has started to come to our house. While Jenna was sleeping, I decided to take a rest. While resting, Jaron grabbed the step ladder and some nails and hung the stockings where they go. When I got up and saw that he did that, I was so proud of him. It was such a cute thing to do. Today, we brought our tree in the house. Jaron was super excited to see it inside. He wanted to start decorating it right away. Here are a few pictures from the last couple of days. I hope everyone is having fun getting ready for Christmas. I love this time of year!