Christmas Traditions

Each year is celebrated while surrounded by family. Either family in Florida or family Oklahoma, which is always the best part of the celebration...family. But, each year as our family grows in to it's own it leaves me wanting more of our own family tradition. It feels like it's severely lacking in the traditions you want your kids to remember.
However, as I sat on the couch trying to keep my eyes open at the end of the day. Maybe our Christmas isn't as inadequate as I thought. Like, a present to open Christmas Eve, containing new pjs and a new movie to cuddle up and watch while tracking Santa to our door. The light sight seeing along with hot chocolate. Not to forget my personal favorite, staying up LATE with "Mr. Claus" wrapping those treasured surprises to be left by Santa in the morning. Sharing the customary messily iced only slightly licked and a little sticky sugar cookies and glass of  milk. Followed by cinnamon rolls for breakfast and more milk. Oh, and the popcorn tin!
Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.

Tiger Safari

There's a wonderful place called Tiger Safari, it's barely 10 minutes from our home. We took the kids last week and they loved it. Much to my surprise my daughter not only touched a rather large snake, but, held it. The tour guide brought out more cuddly animals, like a ferret, then we saw the not so cuddly porcupines. Which, I did not know has a rattle under all those quills. They use it as a warning, much like a rattlesnake. We were able to hear the deep growl of a lion, even though not full force roar, is still amazing. Those that live down the road say they can hear their rumble at night. They both fed tigers, one 8 ft and another close to 10 ft. Seeing those massive animals stretched almost the full heighth of a chain link fence to reach their yummy raw chicken leg, makes you feel pretty tiny. Talked to birds, raced a camel, fed cornflakes to goats and animal crackers to deer. Chance road giant turtles and yeehawed like a cowboy. God is an amazing creator of so many very different things. All in all, a fantastic afternoon.

Kindergarten DAY 1!

Rayleigh was so very excited for today, I'm surprised she fell asleep as quickly as she did last night. She said, "When I fall asleep, I'm going to be smiling because I'm so excited." She's a very big girl and walked in tall and proud, didn't want daddy to help carry her bag full of new supplies. Her teacher seems very nice and sweet. I'm looking forward to helping with face painting on game days :)

Chance on the other hand was not happy to leave his sister. The only time they have ever been apart is school times. And that hasn't happened since March. Guess I better have some fun distracting things lined up for him!

My Hero.....

The other day the boy was up to no good. I say, "Son, stop. Do you want a spankin?" To which he replied, "yea."
Me, "Whaaat? No... a spankin."
Again, "Yea, I do."
Me, "You want a spankin'?"
Him, "Yea, come on."
Me, "Sir?"
Him, "Yes, I want bacon." As he heads to the kitchen
So, what do you do? You get bacon for the boy...............

I am amazed the path God put me on before I knew I was on one. I am amazed He was working in my life before I "let" Him. The path along the way not only led me to Him but, He blessed me with a wonderful husband. Who has been very understanding through the last almost 8 yrs. More specifically the last 6.... when we were blessed with our first baby. The many emotional ups and downs parenthood takes you through. I was excited for her to start Kindergarten this year, but I don't really want to let go. It saddens me, my baby, just isn't anymore. I vow to hold you and sit with you to play...every time you ask me to. Because, that is a request I always want to hear. I love you, dear Rayleigh, my favorite little girl in the whole wide world.