Christmas Eve

 

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Thanksgiving/Christmas

 “You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing!” -Isaiah 9:2

We missed Thanksgiving because everyone was sick. So I’d like to recollect some things I’m particularly grateful for this year.

First, the victory in our Eldest’s voice when he asked me my grade in Legal Research and I told him it was an “A,” and I’m getting a 4.0, one-third of the way through the program. He responded, “Yes!” I’ve noticed him trying harder in school and wanting to share his grades with me.

Another joy I experience four days a week is being greeted by the two youngest with “Mom! You’re home! I love you,” and a hug when I get home from work. This piece was completely missing when I was a stay-at-home-mom. I don’t know how I lived without it. They are amazing.

Another thing both DH and I noticed is that Sweet Pea is maturing. She naturally and without asking steps in and cares for her little brothers. After DH and me, Sol responds to her best. If he’s crying and I’m not around, he looks for Sweet Pea. She’s a natural mother-er.

Also, the number of brand new or gently used clothes we’ve been given this year is amazing. Sweet Pea needed a coat. She was given a coat. It reminds me of the time I told the Lord I’d really like a cheap or free piano to give my kids for Christmas; and He responded with a free one from a friend who knew nothing about this prayer.

Finally, every single day I am indebted to and grateful to the 23 people who endured pin pricks and a unit of type A positive blood drawn from their bodies two-and-a-half years ago, which saved my life. DH has already given back 10 units; this is me on 3. DH has perfect veins and an efficient heart. He fills his bags in fewer than 15 seconds. He is a dream blood donor and goes every 8 weeks, which is as often as one’s allowed. And I’m most grateful for him. His generosity, how he does hard things, his manliness is attractive and inspiring to me every single day.

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Week in Review

 These are all over our home:

A friend I met at the local paralegal association it turns out is a devout Catholic and sent me this with a card:

Was out of town for one night for a company event across LA. On the way home, I stopped to charge here. The motherhood ideal. ❤️

The Engineer left this next to our espresso machine last night. Such a great kid!

Speaking of him, he’s trying to guess my birth year here; but he got my age wrong.

The Eldest was recognized for playing football. These events remind me of how tall he is.

The Fifth’s class party. He loves school more than anyone I’ve met.

This is where I stayed while away for a company event. I so wish DH could have joined but there were too many complications with the childcare.

DH makes sure it feels like Christmas with sugar cookie decorating every year. They love it.

We went out for brunch to make up for Thanksgiving when every single one of us was ill.

Boss is happy with me. ❤️

Last day of work before Christmas; and DH got off before I. So he took the kids to the science museum.

Boys watching Lego car crashes.

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Christmas Program

We can’t get enough of the Fifth and these PJs!!

Our view for the transitional kindergarten performance:

 

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The Cutest Phase of Gradeschool

Missing two front teeth. He is adorable; and I love chatting with him like this. 

 

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Santa without Breakfast

One of the benefits of having a 2e child is that there are many free events offered to us:

After this, we went to a Breakfast without Santa:

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The Best Way to Wake Up

Slept in until 8:00 a.m. the last two Saturdays, making up for the sleep deprivation of last quarter with ten and eleven hours of sleep. The Eldest came in and said, “I think you slept in longer than I did!” They remind me of why I’m working hard; and I love them so much!

 

Yesterday I was notified that I earned the UCI Legal Research and Analysis credential, which made my whole afternoon. There is so much to learn, but I am learning it! 💪🏼

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