OVERBOARD would be a complete understatement.  Christmas at the Rose's completely revolved around the twins and Rose this year.  I'm really not complaining because I feel like this is what Christmas is all about - CHILDREN.  Rose was totally innocent this year - believing every single thing: Santa, Rudolph, Elf on the Shelf - no questions, no hesitation, no thought.  Just truly believing and vulnerable.  She was overwhelmed and excited.  I can honestly say that it was far better to be on the giving end this year than the receiving.  I really didn't want anything for Christmas, my mind was wrapped around Rose and the Twins and what they would love.  I know that I wont have very many Christmases that ALL of my kids believe with their whole heart, so I tried to relish in it as much as possible.  Cheers to a Fabulous Christmas! 

So, my new theme for next years Elf on the Shelf is that for each night the Elf comes, the kids have to GIVE UP one toy.  That way, hopefully by Christmas we will have cleaned out toys they no longer play with and will make room for all of the new toys.  I refuse for the new house to get cluttered with random junk, and this year I was not very successful. High hopes for next year.  Now, where do I put all of this stuff???

CHRISTMAS IN CARROLLTON

ENJOY THE PICS!!!  LOVE OUR LITTLE FAMILY

"CHRISTMAS IN MY PJ'S"

 Rose did another outstanding job at her School Christmas Program.  We rallied up the forces for this show since I knew she was a superstar!  EVERYONE did their very best to see her perform.  Mark and I could not have been any prouder!  I am still in amazement at all the Christmas songs that she learned.  Love Love LOVE this age and our little Roo.

Is that another yawn ?

Get it Girl

Note:  the tissue she stuck in her pants in case of an emergency

Those reindeer antlers are giving her trouble and why is her nose on her belly now?

EMERGENCY:  In the middle of the show, Rose proceeds to lift up her shirt, take some tissue she had out of her pants, and BLOW HER NOSE.  It was embarrassing but so funny.  

MEET RAINBOW

Rainbow was the class reindeer.  Rainbow watched all of the children each day and took notes for Santa Claus on their classroom behavior.  (This is the school's version of the Elf on the Shelf I am assuming).  Any hoo...  Unlike our missing (and still not found) elf on the shelf, Rainbow can be touched.  Rainbow came home with Rose for an entire night.  We reported back to school with plenty of pictures of our fun adventures with Rainbow.  Rose brought him to my office to get his teeth cleaned.  He then went to the park and Lost Pizza Co. for dinner!  He slept in a baby crib with 4 other baby dolls in Rose's room.  I tried to explain that Rainbow would report back to Santa that she was not sleeping in her own bed in her room and I was quickly informed "Fine, Ill just play with Maryn-Mills toys"

ONE TIRED LITTLE ANGEL

Rose was an Angel in the Children's Christmas Choir Program at our Church the first part of December.  I had not been to one single practice.  Not one.  Its always on Sunday night at 5 and that falls right in the middle of trying to get the twins fed, bathed, and down for the night - not to mention - its also my prime strategizing time for the week ahead.  So poor Rose just got dropped off at the back door for practice.  I literally can NOT take any credit for Rose's doing so well.  The children's director ordered the costumes and literally we did not even try ours on for size until an hour before show-time!  No joke.  I used scissors to cut the bottom off (and the sleeves) because it was way too long.  Honestly, part of me really thought the poor kid would never even make it down the aisle to the front, much less climb the alter and stand there and participate.  Needless to say, I felt quite guilty when she completely proved me wrong.  She RAN to the alter and climbed right up.  She sang her little heart out and I could not have been any prouder.  Actually, I got teary eyed a few times because it was at that moment that I realized my "baby" was a little girl now and she was totally fine without me.  I wish I had spent a little more time and actually hemmed her costume (not that anyone noticed) just because it was important to her.  The best part of the whole show was her yawning.  I swear.  I mean she was not tired (I didn't think).  I am assuming she just sang so hard it turned into a yawn???  ha ha ha.... It was a GREAT first Christmas Program and I will never forget it.  We LOVE our precious little angel!

A NEW YEAR... A NEW YOU... A NEW BLOG

I am so far behind on my blogging....  just wait until I upload all of my pics off of my good camera!!!  I have a lot of work to do.  FYI....  I am not off to a great 2016.  So far, I have gotten NOTHING accomplished on my "2016 to-do list"....  Please be patient....  and know my pics are worth the wait!!!