I guess I don’t have too many excuses for not posting, except that every time I sit down at the computer to write, I end up reading instead.  And then, POOF!  My time is gone.

Although today is sunny and 43, we have had some snow recently.  And so, we have had sledding and igloos:

Front of Igloo (Built, of course, by Jack)

Back of Igloo.  (Yes, I know it looks like a dog peed all over it, but that is yellow “paint”.  I suggested to Jack he use another color, but I was overruled.  Unfortunately.)

Do you see that look of utter joy?

Nothing better than SNOW!

Lovin’ it.

Looking for Luke?  He was playing hockey at the time these were taken.  And Maria?  She was in her spot, with her Snugi, in front of the TV…

Oh, brother!  I mean, sister!  We can’t help spoiling her already.  While the kids were in school this morning, some moms came over to my house for a Pink Party.  (None of those hand-me-downs have enough fluff or sparkle to them!)

The “cake”:

The spread:

The Honoree:

The guests:

The quilt:

The decor:

“WAKE UP!!!!!  IT’S CHRISTMAS!!!!”

This was Luke.  Who charged into our room, turned on all the lights and hollered for us to get up.  At 2:43 a.m.

“Luke!” We said in unison, “It’s only 2:43!”

“Oh, I looked at my clock and thought it said FIVE 43.”

Damn digital clocks.  Clearly the hopeful child simply read his 2 backward.  This never would have happened with an analog clock.  (Of course, those don’t come in the shape of a Lego Star Wars storm trooper.)

With only about 3 hours of sleep under our belts, we weren’t about to get up.  We told Luke to climb into our bed (wouldn’t want him tempted by the gifts under the tree on the way back to his room) and told him to go back to sleep.

Very close to the actual 5:43 this morning, we were re-awakened by our oldest boy.  Soon he was joined by all siblings capable of getting themselves out of bed.  There was no going back at that point.

And 30 minutes later?

It was all over.  I didn’t even have time to grab my camera.

No.  Dammit.  Thanks to Pinterest, I’m spending the few precious moments of quiet time I have doing things like this:

Star Wars snowflakes.  I must be out of my mind.

Well, it all actually turned out okay:

But I still don’t want to do it again anytime soon.

Since Lego is his life right now, it’s all Luke asked for.  Oh, and Nerf.  Because, you know, we NEED more Lego and guns around here.  Since we are absolutely SWIMMING in both, I tried to temper things.  Dan and I stayed away from Lego and bought him a hockey jersey.  It was a hit (or should I say ‘check’?)

He did get his fix from Grandma with a new gazillion-piece Alien Conquest Copter set (which kept him and Jack busy for hours last night).  And, his West Coast aunts sent him a Star Wars Lego alarm clock – also a huge hit (at least until it starts waking him on school days.)

And then there was the cake:

This definitely makes up for the Firetruck, don’tcha think?

I left Dan with the kiddos and flew to Dallas to join my very best girl friends.  Where we all participated in a half-marathon.

Several ran her first half.  One her last half.  One her second half.  And, two spectated (which, in the weather we had, was harder than running!)

We also managed to fit in some Tex-Mex, good beer, pasta, margaritas, more Tex-Mex and some wine.

Despite the very crappy, cold, wet weather, I could not have had a better time!

Thanks, girls!

Me:  Hamburgers.  Will you check the pantry for some buns?

Maria (looking in the pantry):  We don’t have any.

Me:  Shoot.  Call Dad, then, and ask him to pick some up.  He went to get the car (from the repair place).

Maria (taking my phone and walking into my bedroom for privacy):  Okay!

~Minutes Later~

Maria:  Dad left his phone here.  (She heard it ring when she tried to call.)  But, I left a message…  Oh!  Hahahaha.  I guess that was dumb…

Me:  …

Maria:  By the way, he got a call.

Me: …

Maria:  Oh!  (Doubling over in laughter) I guess that was me!  Hahahahahahahahaha.

Sheesh.  And?  Turns out we did have buns in the pantry.

Kids.