Merry Christmas To All

This Christmas has truly been one of the best. The kids are all at the perfect age & have enjoyed the fun and magic that the season brings.

On Christmas Eve, Q&R went with Mimi & Papa to the children's church service at Christ Church United Methodist.  This service is designed specifically for children and included a live nativity.  The kids always enjoy that special time.

on their way to church...

not a creature was stirring...

except for this little mouse...

her wish came true...

and this little mouse...

"Thank you, Santa!!!"

totally enthralled...

more morning fun at Mimi & Papa's...

Sweet P opening a gift...

(this princess likes her beauty rest, so she wasn't up 

quite as early as her cute "bubba" & "sissy")

Mama's girl...

girl talk...

Twinkle was a lot of fun this last month.  I certainly know he must be tired and ready for some rest.  No rest for The Schmidt's just yet, though.  The kids & I are headed to visit with the Kentucky cousins tomorrow.  Snow is in the forecast - the real deal, not the kind that Twinkle brought to our home.  I think we're ready!

Christmas Help

I'm so very fortunate to have help during the holiday season.  This little elf likes to help Mama unload groceries.  We like to call her the "Texas Tornado".  She can turn a room upside down in mere seconds.

Christmas Partying

This time of year is always busy with the hustle & bustle of the season, including classroom parties at the kid's schools.  A dear friend of mine at work covered my position this week so that I wouldn't miss the opportunity to see my sweet babies. After our nation's recent tragedy in Connecticut, moments like these simply cannot be missed.

trying to get a smile out of my sweet girl...

and a cheese...

#1 boyfriend, Joe-Joe...

#2 boyfriend, Matt-Matt...

my beautiful girl crafting...

toothless buddies...

my handsome dude snacking...

Jack Frost

Last night, Twinkle brought back some powdery goodness from the North Pole.  Only 8 more days until Christmas!!!  Let's hope Mother Nature gets that memo.

Magical Morning with Santa

For the past three years, we have enjoyed our trip to the Country Club to have a lovely breakfast with Santa. The kids always enjoy sharing their handwritten letters and having special individual time with the magical guy.  Thank you to Mimi & Papa for the wonderful memories!

Christmas party with my sweetie the night before...

waiting for old St. Nick...

Q-man & SC...

Charlee Jean is on the nice list...

Ri reading her list to Santa...

Santa's elf...

peek-a-boo...

sweet P & Sutton...

Sutton talking to the big guy...

Scooby

Mimi & Papa's sweet little Scooby went to doggie heaven this week.  It was a tough conversation with the kids, not knowing if we were saying the right words.  Q seemed to take the news a little harder than R.  He has asked a lot of questions and shed a few tears.  They both drew pictures for Mimi & Papa.  After I tucked Q in last night, he got out of his bed and told me he was going to ask Mimi if she wanted another dog.  After pausing, he asked if he could use his own money to buy another dog for them for Christmas. My sweet boy.  My heart hurts for the loss of Scooby.  At the same time, it is full of love and admiration for my sweet boy who worries about the feelings of others.

Rest in peace, sweet Scoobs.  You will be missed.    

Red-Nosed Reindeer

My sweet older girl had her Christmas performance this week in her ballet class.  She really enjoys the class and is actually quite good.  On the drive there, she kept asking if we were going to be late.  She hoped that we weren't,  because she had worked really hard on her program.  I'm so glad we got there in time.  Watching her dance always puts a smile on my face.