Leading Up to Christmas

This was a little gift I got from the Children's ministry team for volunteering in the nursery. About every other month, I volunteer and watch the bed babies during the church service.

Speaking of drinks, I tried a few recipes over the break. This one sounded yummy, but I found out I'm not a fan of ground ginger. When it was all said and done, the only thing the drink was good for was for taking a picture of it.

I got that cookbook and a few more from the library.
We've been going there often. The girls enjoy checking out DVDs. Chey also enjoys getting easy to read books. 
The girls made gingerbread houses at Rosa's house, while I worked.

Leading up to Christmas, we also spent a lot of time at home, just being playful.


Cheyenne wanted to wrap her sister up in TP. I told her she could, but after she was done she would have to bag the TP and use it. I'm such a mom!

Christmas Eve, we went to church and then looked at Christmas lights.

They Want to Learn How to Play Guitar

Angelica and Cheyenne want to learn how to play the guitar. Cheyenne says she has to practice EVERYDAY.

As you can see, Dakota is really interested too. ;)

Training. Sweet Treats. Furniture Shopping.

How was your weekend? I woke up early Saturday morning and went for an 18 mile run. I figured, if I'm going to run an ultra, I need to train like I am going to run one.

Luckily, I updated my playlist, so I was not completely bored running for 3 hours. This picture is a tiny snapshot of my run playlist. I'm in love with LeAnn Rimes - Spitfire album!

It's been forever since I ate a GU, during a long run. For this long run, I made a wheat wrap filled with almond butter and honey. I ate half of it around mile 14 and the other half at mile 16.

Trey's mom and Uncle were in town, so we hung out with them Saturday. The boys and kids were craving something sweet.

You know you've worn a Krispy Kreme hat at least once. P.S. those white sunglasses - I found at Academy for $2.98!

The kids were fascinated with the donut making process.


We decided to take our sugar crash to Rooms to Go. We are kind of in the market for new living room furniture. We like this set.

I'm ready for something different. I want leather. It seems more kid friendly. What do you think?

What I've Enjoyed the Most

Here's what I've enjoyed the most about my winter break…

Staying at home with my girls and witnessing precious moments like this…

Seeing Dakota so happy about the gift Cheyenne got her for Christmas and then getting to see Cheyenne's reaction. Chey wanted Dakota to love it and I was afraid she wouldn't, but she did. Dakota was dragging that Nutcracker all over the house, she even showed Trey and said LOOK!!!
GIRLS.GIRLS.GIRLS.
Spending time with my favorite girls. Nothing says girl time, like manis and pedis.

Slumber Parties!
Also, I can't remember the last time, I had a chance to spend this much time with my younger sister, Tasha. She's spent the night at least 3 times in the last two weeks.

These two have been playing super heroes for the last 2 days. Meet flower girl and Kota Bear.

Flower girl's main super power is sprinkling others with flowers.

No Big Rush
Last but not least, it's been wonderful --- not being in a rush to get out the door. I've had time to style my hair. Is that a selfie, I see? Why yes, it is. Trey got me a Conair Styling Comb for Christmas. Now, I can style my hair with a comb instead of my round brush.  I love it and this is me channeling my inner Lana Del Rey hairstyle.
It's been a good break. I go back to work on Thursday.

When it's Cold Outside

We make a fire and roast s'mores…
S'more are so addicting! I had to buy the individual wrapped Hershey Bars near the checkout counter because the grocery store sold out of the 6 bar - value bundle. I guess, everyone in town had the same idea.

I'm starting to get in Thanksgiving mode. It's about time, right? Last night, I made Paleo Stuffing. It has vegetables, so obviously Trey hates it. That's fine, more for me and the girls. Even if he liked veggies, he wouldn't have ate any, last night because he's sick with the stomach flu. Recovering from surgery, plus GI issues, it's been a tough season for him.

It's Always a Good Night When Mom Cooks & Sick Day at Home

Last night, my mom was in town and the best part was that she cooked for us. There was so much estrogen in the house, it's no wonder Trey went to bed at 9 pm, last night. He was like I can't leave, so I will sleep. I'm kidding, he loves us even when we annoy him with our girly chatter.

Dakota thinks she can color now. As long as she keeps markers on paper, I don't have a problem with that.

Chey has been running a fever off and on for 2.5 days. This morning, I thought she was finally over it and we got ready for the day. I was heading to work and I was 5 minutes away from campus, when she threw up in the backseat. We've been at home all day. I've been taking care of her, giving her medicine, trying to get her to eat (applesauce and anything else she can stomach). I've also been keeping her hydrated. She has been good about drinking water today. Dakota is feeling fine and she has enjoyed this day at home. She's a momma's girl.

Boys Will be Boys

Trey must be excited about football season...
I can't help, but think our old TV would look great in my future workout room. :)
We are not crazy, we have not started decorating for Christmas. This was back in 2007.

I believe this was the first Christmas we spent at our house. Notice the bare walls.

Box till you Drop

It's that old saying, kids just want to play with the box.
Ask any parent, it's so true!
I bought a garbage can and I was planning on tossing the box to the garage, but Chey asked me if she could play with it. Sure!
This cardboard playhouse entertained them for nearly an hour.

 And yes, I realize Chey has outgrown her shorts...growth spurt.
Also, Dakota tummy is falling out of her clothes.  
I seems like there's a lot of the same pictures of the girls with the box, but they looked so happy and I couldn't stop taking photos. I love these girls!

My Week in Photos

I'm exhausted, I woke up this morning and ran 13 miles. Even though I'm tired, I thought I'd throw some photos up.
I don't care how old you are, it's pretty exciting when you get mail from a friend. Thanks Brianna for the surprise!

Dakota and I made new friends and they are twins.

Friday night we had Family Date Night at the Keg! I got so full eating appetizers, that I didn't even finish my applewood bacon wrapped filet <--- that's a mouthful. That's ok. I had it for brunch, today. 
Amanda sent me this photo. She was prepping food for all the kids. This past week, she was watching another girl, as well. Monday, I usually pack all the food for my girls for the entire week. I guess, this day Amanda wanted to plate all the food. Cheyenne had the orange plate.

While I work, the girls get to do fun stuff like go to the park. Cheyenne, not pictured, was probably running around chasing Luke.

But it's ok that they go to the park and are out and about because then all they want to do afterwards is this...

Chey grabbed my phone and took the following pictures.

What Trey normal does when he's home.

What I normally do, when I'm at home.

And what Dakota does...