Sleepover and Secret Santa

Maliana ~

Rough start to my week...but it wasn't all bad. See for yourself what I shared on Facebook:

~ feeling pretty crappy tonight with this bug going around but hands down, favorite part of the day was when Mali came in to hang out with me, rub my back, and retold the story of when our family was matched and her Daddy and I came to get her in China...then she continued to give me glimpses into her world at school, sharing moments of her life that I'm not able to see for myself. I adore these moments when she shares so openly and am so proud of this munchkin...such a fun age.

I just sat there on the bed and listened to you talk, watched all of your mannerisms that are growing more mature by the day, and tried to soak in everything you are in this moment of your life. I sure hope you always feel that you can talk to me about what happens in your life, the choices you make, how you feel about things. It's so important for all of us to have safe people that we can choose to share our most intimate moments with...I hope I can be the kind of mom that can continue to be in your inner circle with you as you get older. I know that things can happen and our relationship will shift as you grow into your pre-teen, teen, and adult years...however, I just want you to know that I will always have the time to listen, be interested in and care about what you have to say, what you think, and how you feel, etc...no matter what. It's one of my favorite parts about being a parent. Such a privilege. 

Snow was heading our way later in the week so on Wednesday I urged Daddy to please, please, pretty please put up the outdoor Christmas lights. So, he did that outside while I introduced you to the National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation movie inside. When he was all done, he had us close our eyes and walk outside in the dark with him, then he turned on some Christmas music on his I-pod and had us open our eyes as he unveiled his handiwork. I think our gasps and excitement was a decent pay off for him...3 weeks until Christmas day and we are so decked out and ready to get our holiday on! Santa Claus is coming to town, you say? Ok...bring it!

You and I prepared some Christmas cookies on Thursday that you girls could decorate when you have your first ever sleepover on Saturday night! Sammy, Alex, Joey, and Erin were all set to come over, 5 girls and 2 grown ups...which, knowing what I know now...it was just as interesting (and then some) as I'd imagined! Anyway, we had fun and with all of the Nerdy Nummies on YouTube that you watch...you sure do know your stuff when it comes to baking!

Friday was your first snow day from school but luckily daycare was open. I let you wear jammies all day (which you thought was awesome) and Santa even came to visit and read you all a story. Have I told you how much I love all of the activities that go on at your new daycare? They are pretty awesome.

evidently, you were the second to last person to
climb on Santa's lap ~ but you did it!

I love to see you sounding words out on your own,
this is "Miss Jessica" (your teacher)

Then we started opening up your Christmas books that I got from the library. You get to pick one before bedtime each night of the season. Such a cheap and fun thing to do! 

Saturday was a crazy busy day for our family. We began the morning at a holiday party for our COFCC group. Our social group (the Fu group) was hosting and so myself and another mama dressed up as elves for our second year in a row to help Santa when he visited. I probably have way more fun than you might expect by doing something so silly, but it just brings me joy to make people smile even at the expense of looking goofy. 

you wouldn't just jump up with Santa without Mama sitting
there with you at first...

Suzanne (Delaney's mom) was the other elf

Lily directing you, Colter, Chloe, and Lainey in
a chorus of Christmas songs

girl talk

When we got home, our house was "invaded" by 4 little girls for some more holiday shenanigans and a sleepover. Your cousins, Alex, Joey, Sammy, and also Erin came over and this was your first big girl slumber party. Needless to say, you had a great time and all of you girls kept me on my toes. In a short amount of time, we did 2 crafts, took you all to a movie at Easton (in our jammies, I might add, simply because it's fun and we could), checked out all of the gorgeous lights and the huge tree, train set, and nativity while there, and finally home for a bath for you and Sammy (since it's oddly a new favorite activity for the two of you), decorated Christmas cookies, and finally more craziness before you all passed out in the family room downstairs. By the time you were all zonked, I was exhausted...and thankful for each and every one of you. A couple memorable conversations and/or comments from the evening included:

(you to Sam) ~ "It's ok, Sam. If you wake up and are scared in the dark tonight, just wake me up."

(after proudly showing your new diary to Sam - she pulled out her Hello Kitty notebook and told you...) ~ "It's not like yours, but look at MY diarrhea."

(as I was cleaning up all of the glitter, sprinkle, and cookie mess in the kitchen, you said to me) ~ "Are you sure that you and Daddy can take care of all of these kids? It's a lot of kids tonight."

I am just so happy that your sleepover went so well and you seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. It may have been a lot of work, but I'd do it all over again to hear all of you chatting, squealing, and laughing. Music to this mama's ears.

painting in the playroom

making glittery jingle-bell snowflake ornaments

on the way to the movie...in our comfy jammies

taking in the trains

nativity scene

in front of the BIG tree

getting ready for the movie to start

decorating cookies after the movie

starting to drift off to sleep

and you're out ~ Abby is keeping watch over you all

Sunday morning Daddy made cinnamon rolls for all of you girls before we headed out to St. Phillip's for their Secret Santa with Memaw and Papaw. For some reason, you were thrilled that Santa Claus shook your hand, getting that really proud grin as you looked up at me excitedly. So cute.

the next morning, playing on the I-pad together

putting makeup on Abby to get ready for church ~ such a good dog

all packed up, ready to go!

wrapping some of your Secret Santa gifts with Louetta helping

Memaw and Papaw took the girls while you and Daddy dropped Erin off on the way home. I went to run some errands for the week. The rest of our Sunday was spent staying warm and relaxing inside, catching up on some long naps and more rest that was neglected the night before.

I am so happy that your first ever slumber party went off without a hitch...feeling so fortunate to be able to share our lives with such wonderful kids.

Love,
Mama