Good Samaritan

I have the most amazing story to tell.  I was at walmart on day and struck up a conversation with a complete stranger in the baking aisle.  Eventually we parted ways.  The remainder of my trip was hetic to say the least.  The girls were in rare form.....pretty much evil....they would take off their shoes and socks and throw them out of the cart.  They were hitting one another and bickering non-stop.  I was almost in tears from their uncontrollable behavior.  It was not a smooth shopping trip to say the least. 

As I was about to leave the woman I spoke to earlier came up to me, handed me an envelope, and said "I hope you have a very merry Christmas." 

I blurted out a confused "thank you" as she walked off.  

I opened it.  Inside was a Christmas card with TWO $50 bills!! 

Immediately, I burst into tears and chased after her.  Once I caught up to her I hugged her neck and thanked her.  I was so grateful and shocked by the whole thing. 

The day before we were down to only $2 in our checking account.  My hard working husband was paid the day I went shopping and met the generous stranger, but still, money was more then a little tight.  We wondered how we were going to buy a Christmas tree with the morgage coming up. 

So here are the picures of my beautiful children decorating our beautiful tree all thanks to a beautiful stranger.

I am looking forward to the day when I am at a place in my life where I can financially "pay it forward" to a complete stranger like this lady did to me and my famliy. 

Have YOU ever been on the recieving end or giving end of something like this??  What happened??

Santa Clause is like God?!

This Christmas was, by far, the best Christmas we've ever had. The kids are at that age where it is very magical. I have to be careful with my words though. Zander is a very smart little boy. He has lots of questions and remembers EVERYTHING. If I lied to him he would definitely remember. He straight up asked me if their was really such thing as Santa Clause. The idea of a man making all those toys and delivering all over the world in a flying sled is a little far fetched for him. I could tell he wanted to believe, but he has such a "old soul" and can be very mature and logical.

I had no time to prepare and was really put on the spot. Here was my reply:

You can believe in whatever you want Zander. Remember how I told you that there are different religions? That some people believe in God, Buddha, Jesus or Allah? And others believe in nothing? Well, it's kinda like that. Some people don't believe in Santa Clause.

Yeah, I know. Not my best work. Now Santa is in the same category as God, but I paniced and that's what I said. I just wasn't ready to squash his imagination and dreams. He's only five!

He seemed to accept my answer though. After listening to my ridiculous speech he said, "Oh, ok. Well, I believe."

Santa Came Early This Year?!

We were at the mall this week (Children's Place having a BIG SALE on all Holiday clothes ~30% off lowest marked price! I got the girls their dresses for $6.50 apiece!) Anyway, Santa is already there. Gavin HAD to go talk to him.

He sat on his lap, but was more interested in the bowl of suckers next to him. Santa made a little light conversation with him, commenting on his red hair. Gavin said, "Yeah. I have red hair. You have white. Can I have a sucker?"

"Well, why don't you tell me what you want for Christmas son."

"Candy," Gavin told him.

"Well, do you want me to bring you any toys this year?"

"Sure! How 'bout a dump truck or bulldozer....and candy" he added.

Finally Gavin got his lollipop and we were on our way.

The next morning me and the 4 kids rushed out the door to take Zander to school. This was in our front yard!

Gavin squealed with delight. "Mom! WOW! Look at that!" and he ran to it with the biggest grin on his face.

Sorry buddy, Santa didn't come early this year.

Camille & Maya

The only good thing about having our yard dug up, drive way re-done, and a portapotty in our yard (Yes, the City of Tulsa choose our yard for their construction workers to use the bathroom in...I'm so honored) is hours of entertainment for the kiddos! All 4 love watching them work.

The Best Christmas Yet!

What a fun Christmas. This year was really magical for Zander (4yrs).

Let me start by saying whenever anyone asked what Zander wanted for Christmas he would reply, "Anything. I will like whatever Santa gives me. I like everything...but I do need socks. None of mine fit me!" In my defense he DOES have socks that fit him, but one of my least favorite chores is putting away clean laundry. I don't know why, it just seems to finish drying at very inconvenient times:) Well Zander is referring to my not matching his socks up and putting them into his drawer. We have a laundry basket half full for mismatched socks. Whenever he goes to put on his he gets frustrated looking for his. By the way, I matched ALL the socks this week...his drawers are stocked!

Christmas Eve was a lot of fun. My sister Jacque, Aunt Duque, spent the night. We baked cookies for Santa and watched a xmas movie. Zander was so excited, Gavin went to bed early he wasn't feeling well. When it was time to go to bed we set out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. We then wrote Santa a note. It read:

Dear Santa,

I love cookies.

I love presents.

I want toys.

Do you want to give me some presents?

Love, Zander

After thirty minutes of lying in bed Zander called me into his room. He told me that I had to make sure I don't leave the xmas lights on for Santa...it may cause a fire. Just make sure I clean the living room so Santa doesn't trip and fall or step on anything in the dark!