MIA

Yes, I have been MIA the past few weeks.  There has been some sickness ... and busyness... and holidays came and went ....

... or maybe this is my problem:

It is a full-time job trying to get Chloe to keep her clothes on!

 I find little piles like this....

...all over the house!

Did she not get the memo that it is DECEMBER??  

(Although it WAS 70 degrees the other day ....)

Anyhow, this is her new thing to do.

Yesterday I took the kids to the dentist and while she was waiting for her brother and sister, she occupied herself by trying to take her pants off. Right in the middle of the office.

(It is getting rather embarrassing....)

Moving on, guess what is here?

My FAVORITE time of the year -- Christmas.

I am particularly excited about the season this year, because Chloe is old enough to "get" what is going on and she is loving all the lights and decorations (and turning on every musical Christmas snowglobe/decoration we have simultaneously....)  We have been reading the Christmas story to her and she is getting the hang of who Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus are (AND the animals ... don't forget the animals in the manger scene!)  

See?  She couldn't even decorate the house with her clothes on!

Tonight I took the kids to the mall to see Santa.

The poor guy taking pictures couldn't get Chloe to smile for anything!  

She wasn't scared but I think she was a little overwhelmed by all the dressed-up people.

I am  loving spending my evenings next to the tree.

I am looking forward to many more fun memories this December ...

and trying to make time to slow down and celebrate the true reason for the season.