Friday, December 30, 2011
Yesterday we let the kids play and cleaned up a little bit while Melinda and I did some very important adoption-related paperwork (that took most of the day).
Today is all about recovering the house from Christmas time. I am about to get down all the boxes from the attic and the house will be reset to how it was before November 17th when Melinda started setting everything up for our favorite holiday. Tomorrow night (New Years Eve) will come and go - no big plans and then Sunday (New Years Day) we will go to a party with our good friend Susan Durr.
Over the last few days of his vacation, Jack will get ready to start his new four, one-semester classes that start January 4, 2012. That means revising the course syllabi, fixing his Edline page (daily calendar of assignments).
Loaded Back Up, We Head Home in a VAN!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
We thought this all out in advanced and knew there was no way we could get all the presents back -- especially including the two awesome, 6-foot-tall, tee-pees with matching lounge chairs (yes, you read that right) that Nanny got X and A for Christmas. Those four very cool, but bulky gifts, plus the bounty of other gifts from Kiki's Christmas visit and Papa and Grandma's Christmas visit just would not fit in our SUV for a trip back home. So here was the plan...
Jack drove Papa's mini-van (that is not so mini) to Nacogdoches and Nanny's house. He loaded it all up including the kids and then drove back to the farm (with Melinda following right behind in our SUV). We left the SUV at the farm and will return for it January 6th.
After getting some neat games from Tommy when we drove up (the kids did not even get out of their car seats) and after Melinda jumped into the van, our family drove back home.
We also intend to use the van on Thursday (while we have it) to pick up a chest of drawers for X (that we loaned Melinda's cousin Tiffany years ago) and to take a crib back to Nanny's (that we borrowed from Kiki for foster care). We will then return it and get our beloved SUV back,
We had a great time, but are ready to sleep in our own beds. The kids are also ready to actually get to play with the cool presents that they have been getting the last few days.
Yea, Christmas Time!
We thought this all out in advanced and knew there was no way we could get all the presents back -- especially including the two awesome, 6-foot-tall, tee-pees with matching lounge chairs (yes, you read that right) that Nanny got X and A for Christmas. Those four very cool, but bulky gifts, plus the bounty of other gifts from Kiki's Christmas visit and Papa and Grandma's Christmas visit just would not fit in our SUV for a trip back home. So here was the plan...
Jack drove Papa's mini-van (that is not so mini) to Nacogdoches and Nanny's house. He loaded it all up including the kids and then drove back to the farm (with Melinda following right behind in our SUV). We left the SUV at the farm and will return for it January 6th.
After getting some neat games from Tommy when we drove up (the kids did not even get out of their car seats) and after Melinda jumped into the van, our family drove back home.
We also intend to use the van on Thursday (while we have it) to pick up a chest of drawers for X (that we loaned Melinda's cousin Tiffany years ago) and to take a crib back to Nanny's (that we borrowed from Kiki for foster care). We will then return it and get our beloved SUV back,
We had a great time, but are ready to sleep in our own beds. The kids are also ready to actually get to play with the cool presents that they have been getting the last few days.
Yea, Christmas Time!
A Kiki Christmas / Shopping for Suits, CoinStar and Tommy
Monday, December 26, 2011
A Kiki Christmas
While the kids had Christmas at home and at Grandma and Papa's on December 25th, today they traveled down to Katy, TX to see Kiki at her home (last time X and A saw Kiki it was at her lake house on Lake Livingston, so it was a bit of confusion for them).
Nanny, Melinda, X and A all crammed themselves into a present-filled car and drove down for the annual celebration with Kiki and the Rickels. Chance, Courtney and Cory (along with Kiki) were all there to celebrate the holiday.
After the big present unwrapping, the group played the round-robin, present-swapping, "Twas the Night RIGHT Before Christmas" game mentioned in an earlier blog.
Melinda, Nanny, X and A re-packed the car and headed back late to Nacogodoches. They all were happy, but exhausted from a day of travel and frivolity.
Shopping for Suits / CoinStar / Tommy
Jack stayed at Papa's Farm to spend some much-needed time with Erich (who we saw for a short time recently) and Alex (who we have not seen since July). Papa, Alex and Jack spent the morning shopping at a variety of stores in Nacogodoches to get Alex some suits for law school. There were some great post-Christmas, early-bird sales and Alex got a gift card for just this occasion. By noon, Alex has everything he needed.
Erich was getting a little antsy (since he had been on the farm for awhile anyway) so Jack and Erich made a run back into town to dump a bunch of coins into a "CoinStar" machine in Walmart. It took 25 minutes to dump it all in and the lady at the Customer Service window (who took the receipt to give the cash) had to do a double-take when she saw the total. Way to go Grandma and Papa and the coin jar! It was just a meaningless task to give Erich something to do, but it got the two of us out together for a few hours to talk.
In the afternoon Jack's uncle (Grandma's brother), Tommy came to the farm and we got to spend some great time with him. Jack spent a second night at the Farm.
Another fun, but long Christmas-season day!
A Kiki Christmas
While the kids had Christmas at home and at Grandma and Papa's on December 25th, today they traveled down to Katy, TX to see Kiki at her home (last time X and A saw Kiki it was at her lake house on Lake Livingston, so it was a bit of confusion for them).
Nanny, Melinda, X and A all crammed themselves into a present-filled car and drove down for the annual celebration with Kiki and the Rickels. Chance, Courtney and Cory (along with Kiki) were all there to celebrate the holiday.
After the big present unwrapping, the group played the round-robin, present-swapping, "Twas the Night RIGHT Before Christmas" game mentioned in an earlier blog.
Melinda, Nanny, X and A re-packed the car and headed back late to Nacogodoches. They all were happy, but exhausted from a day of travel and frivolity.
Shopping for Suits / CoinStar / Tommy
Jack stayed at Papa's Farm to spend some much-needed time with Erich (who we saw for a short time recently) and Alex (who we have not seen since July). Papa, Alex and Jack spent the morning shopping at a variety of stores in Nacogodoches to get Alex some suits for law school. There were some great post-Christmas, early-bird sales and Alex got a gift card for just this occasion. By noon, Alex has everything he needed.
Erich was getting a little antsy (since he had been on the farm for awhile anyway) so Jack and Erich made a run back into town to dump a bunch of coins into a "CoinStar" machine in Walmart. It took 25 minutes to dump it all in and the lady at the Customer Service window (who took the receipt to give the cash) had to do a double-take when she saw the total. Way to go Grandma and Papa and the coin jar! It was just a meaningless task to give Erich something to do, but it got the two of us out together for a few hours to talk.
In the afternoon Jack's uncle (Grandma's brother), Tommy came to the farm and we got to spend some great time with him. Jack spent a second night at the Farm.
Another fun, but long Christmas-season day!
Christmas Day! Santa "Proof of Life" Photo?
Sunday, December 25, 2011
I swear this is a completely unedited photo that I (Jack) took last night. I thought I saw some big guy in red and took this shot. It was late last night when I heard some noise. I ran in with the camera only to find the room filled with gifts. I quickly photographed the fireplace. Sorry, this was the best shot I could get. This may be the "Big Foot" moment for Santa Claus.
From what I can tell. these are black boots with some fireplace ash on them.
This second shot shows the fireplace right after the boots left. Whoever was in the fireplace tracked a bit of ashes and soot into the house. Not a problem, though, whoever it was left lots and lots of gifts for two awesome kids (X and A).
The kids woke up about 6:15 to a room full of presents, a plate of eaten cookies and drunk milk and a note from Santa!
It took almost two hours to open all the gifts (and get them out of their super-tough packaging plus putting in all the batteries). The kids had fun playing with the rocking horse, bicycle, Legos, dinosaurs, whales, hot wheels and much, much more.
Around 9:00 we finally ate breakfast, cleaned up a bit and packed to go to Grandma and Papa's Farm.
By 10:30 we were on the road and arrived 2 1/2 hours later. Erich was there already and Alex arrived soon thereafter. We had an awesome Christmas meal (thank you Grandma and Papa) and then opened Christmas presents in the sun room (for another two hours).
Jack stayed at the farm to spend some time with Alex and Erich while Melinda, X and A left early in the evening to go to Nanny's.
I swear this is a completely unedited photo that I (Jack) took last night. I thought I saw some big guy in red and took this shot. It was late last night when I heard some noise. I ran in with the camera only to find the room filled with gifts. I quickly photographed the fireplace. Sorry, this was the best shot I could get. This may be the "Big Foot" moment for Santa Claus.From what I can tell. these are black boots with some fireplace ash on them.
This second shot shows the fireplace right after the boots left. Whoever was in the fireplace tracked a bit of ashes and soot into the house. Not a problem, though, whoever it was left lots and lots of gifts for two awesome kids (X and A).
The kids woke up about 6:15 to a room full of presents, a plate of eaten cookies and drunk milk and a note from Santa!
It took almost two hours to open all the gifts (and get them out of their super-tough packaging plus putting in all the batteries). The kids had fun playing with the rocking horse, bicycle, Legos, dinosaurs, whales, hot wheels and much, much more.
Around 9:00 we finally ate breakfast, cleaned up a bit and packed to go to Grandma and Papa's Farm.
By 10:30 we were on the road and arrived 2 1/2 hours later. Erich was there already and Alex arrived soon thereafter. We had an awesome Christmas meal (thank you Grandma and Papa) and then opened Christmas presents in the sun room (for another two hours).
Jack stayed at the farm to spend some time with Alex and Erich while Melinda, X and A left early in the evening to go to Nanny's.
Rudolph and Jingle Lead the 1st Annual "Nelson Toys Parade"
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Rudolph leads with Jingle right behind on the firetruck, lead the 1st Annual "Nelson Toy Parade" celebrating the fun they all had with Jingle this holiday season. Tonight he heads back to the North Pole to stay until next Thanksgiving Day. X and A hope that he is giving a good final report to Santa. In the meantime, Jingle enjoys this last day, as do all his toy friends.
The whole family (Jack, Melinda, X and A) try to enjoy a final day before the busy Christmas events.
After setting out cookies and milk for Santa, cheese for Santa Mouse and reindeer food on the porch (hay with special sparkles that help Santa's reindeer fly) we all head to bed for a nice winter's nap.
Ooh... tomorrow could be fun!
The whole family (Jack, Melinda, X and A) try to enjoy a final day before the busy Christmas events.
After setting out cookies and milk for Santa, cheese for Santa Mouse and reindeer food on the porch (hay with special sparkles that help Santa's reindeer fly) we all head to bed for a nice winter's nap.
Ooh... tomorrow could be fun!
Jingle Makes a Snow Angel as a Nutcracker Looks On
Friday, December 23, 2011
That silly Jingle. He decided to dump a bunch of flour on the coffee table and make a snow angel. The nutty nutcracker nearby just watched and laughed.
Melinda and Jack make final preparations for the "big day" in two days.
Melinda and Jack make final preparations for the "big day" in two days.
Jingle Gets Eaten by The Nutcracker! / We All Go to See TBT's "The Nutcracker"
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Jingle Gets Eaten by The Nutcracker
Jingle plays around with his buddy The "Drummer" Nutcracker (not to be confused with Drummer's brother, The "Soldier" Nutcracker).
He pretends that Drummer boy is eating him for breakfast. What an imagination!
The Whole Family Goes to See "The Nutcracker"
Tonight is the last night of The Nutcracker as performed by Texas Ballet Theater. Our friend Lucas performed as The Nutcracker, Troxler was Arabian and Grandfather, Sasha was Father and Gopak, Tom was a Chinese, Letecia was Sugar Plum Fairy, Carrie was Snow Queen.
We thought it started at 7:30 PM, so we left at 5:40 PM (plenty of time going from our house northwest of Dallas to downtown Fort Worth. We started thinking and Melinda realized (once we were on the road) that it actually started at 7:00 PM instead. We arrived at 6:56, so Melinda dropped of X and myself (Jack) at the door and went to park. We ran in, got our tickets from Will Call (Thanks, Ben Stevenson!), ran to the restroom and barely made it in before the doors closed. Melinda and A were too late for the first act.
Melinda and A had a very special hour at Starbucks across the street where he got to pick out a cookie and drink. In the meantime, X stayed glued to his chair watching every second of the ballet. Of course, he loved at the end of the first act when it "snows" on the audience.
Melinda and A joined us in the second act and little 3-year-old A made it all the way to the Prince does his final solo. 5-year-old X was getting antsy about then, but lasted to the end.
What a great performance! Go TBT!
Jingle plays around with his buddy The "Drummer" Nutcracker (not to be confused with Drummer's brother, The "Soldier" Nutcracker).
He pretends that Drummer boy is eating him for breakfast. What an imagination!
The Whole Family Goes to See "The Nutcracker"
Tonight is the last night of The Nutcracker as performed by Texas Ballet Theater. Our friend Lucas performed as The Nutcracker, Troxler was Arabian and Grandfather, Sasha was Father and Gopak, Tom was a Chinese, Letecia was Sugar Plum Fairy, Carrie was Snow Queen.
We thought it started at 7:30 PM, so we left at 5:40 PM (plenty of time going from our house northwest of Dallas to downtown Fort Worth. We started thinking and Melinda realized (once we were on the road) that it actually started at 7:00 PM instead. We arrived at 6:56, so Melinda dropped of X and myself (Jack) at the door and went to park. We ran in, got our tickets from Will Call (Thanks, Ben Stevenson!), ran to the restroom and barely made it in before the doors closed. Melinda and A were too late for the first act.
Melinda and A had a very special hour at Starbucks across the street where he got to pick out a cookie and drink. In the meantime, X stayed glued to his chair watching every second of the ballet. Of course, he loved at the end of the first act when it "snows" on the audience.
Melinda and A joined us in the second act and little 3-year-old A made it all the way to the Prince does his final solo. 5-year-old X was getting antsy about then, but lasted to the end.
What a great performance! Go TBT!
Jingle Building a Car
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Jingle starts on X and Jack's build-a-car project. He got one set of wheels and axle and was starting on the second set.
Later in the day, Jack and X finish it off and X paints it. What a great job he did.
Later in the day, Jack and X finish it off and X paints it. What a great job he did.
Jingle Animoto Video / Vote for Your Favorite Jingle Photo / Black Nails Mix / Twas the Night Before Christmas Wordle
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Check out my (Jack's) Animoto Video of all the Jingle photos to date - set to Carol of the Bells. All of the items on this page are projects I am doing for training (for Richardson ISD).
Next is Jack's Black Nails Mix.egg created on Aviary (a free online tool). It took about 20 min to figure out the program and create this. It lasts about 1 min, 18 sec. long.
Finally, this is my Wordle of Twas the Night Before Christmas (by Clement Clarke Moore). Click to go to it.
I hope you enjoyed these. I got 3 hours of credit for them. Just 15 more hours of online training before April 2012. Maybe I can get in another 3 to 6 hours over this holiday break :-).
Check out my (Jack's) Animoto Video of all the Jingle photos to date - set to Carol of the Bells. All of the items on this page are projects I am doing for training (for Richardson ISD).
If you like these Jingle, the Elf on the Shelf photos, Vote for Your Favorite. The poll is limited to the first 30 respondents, so vote early. Sorry, only one vote per visitor.
Next is Jack's Black Nails Mix.egg created on Aviary (a free online tool). It took about 20 min to figure out the program and create this. It lasts about 1 min, 18 sec. long.
Finally, this is my Wordle of Twas the Night Before Christmas (by Clement Clarke Moore). Click to go to it.I hope you enjoyed these. I got 3 hours of credit for them. Just 15 more hours of online training before April 2012. Maybe I can get in another 3 to 6 hours over this holiday break :-).
Jingle Build's Some Muscle and Climbs Rope / Last Minute Gifts and Crafts
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Jingle Rope Climbing
Jingle has been missing his work out at the North Pole Gym these last few weeks and so tries to get in some upper muscle building as he climbs a long jingle bell strand from floor to ceiling. Go, Jingle, Go!
Gifts and Crafts
Jack made a quick gift run for a few last-minute gifts used in the 12th Annual Burgess "Twas the Night Before Christmas" gift swapping game. We collect odd-ball, small, fun gifts all year long in anticipation of this ritual set to take place this year at Kiki's in Houston in several days. Everyone will sit in a circle with a starting gift. Melinda will then read a "special" version of story that has lots of the words "right" or "left" substituted in. When the participants hear one of those two words, they pass their gifts in the corresponding directions (e.g. "Twas the night RIGHT before Christmas"). As you can probably guess, whatever gift you end up with, you open and get to keep. As you can probably also imagine, a wine bottle stopper that a 4-year-old might end up with is exchanged for a cool electronic game that an adult might end up with. Everyone ends up with something fun that was probably picked out for them before the game even started :-).
The boys also made some MORE crafts (nope... there are still more to do) for presents.
Jingle Rope Climbing
Jingle has been missing his work out at the North Pole Gym these last few weeks and so tries to get in some upper muscle building as he climbs a long jingle bell strand from floor to ceiling. Go, Jingle, Go!
Gifts and Crafts
Jack made a quick gift run for a few last-minute gifts used in the 12th Annual Burgess "Twas the Night Before Christmas" gift swapping game. We collect odd-ball, small, fun gifts all year long in anticipation of this ritual set to take place this year at Kiki's in Houston in several days. Everyone will sit in a circle with a starting gift. Melinda will then read a "special" version of story that has lots of the words "right" or "left" substituted in. When the participants hear one of those two words, they pass their gifts in the corresponding directions (e.g. "Twas the night RIGHT before Christmas"). As you can probably guess, whatever gift you end up with, you open and get to keep. As you can probably also imagine, a wine bottle stopper that a 4-year-old might end up with is exchanged for a cool electronic game that an adult might end up with. Everyone ends up with something fun that was probably picked out for them before the game even started :-).
The boys also made some MORE crafts (nope... there are still more to do) for presents.
Jingle Plays Hockey / Grocery Shopping Most of the Day / Speech Evaluation for X
Monday, December 19, 2011
Jingle Plays Hockey
Perhaps in celebration of Chance's birthday, Jingle played hockey with a few friends. Notice the great splits that Woody does to stop the puck. Nice save!
Grocery Shopping Most of the Day
The whole family started at Walmart and loaded up on some much-needed refill of groceries (it has been very busy around here and we just have been avoiding going to Walmart during this season). After unloading everything, we cleaned up a little and met with Tyler (our Covenant Kids case manager). Later A and Jack head out to the Asian Market for some stir fry "fixins" and then went to Kroger for a few items that we knew were NOT at Walmart. At least we did not have to shop for presents and got to avoid any "kids" isles.
X's Speech Evaluation
While meeting with Tyler, X's speech therapist (Jennifer) and her supervisor from Therapy 2000 come by for X's 6-month evaluation. X did incredibly well and, in-fact, jumped up an entire standard deviation in one of the two areas evaluated (putting him just two point below "normal" range). The other area he increased almost as far, but he had a long way to go. Since Therapy 2000 averages the two areas before determining if he still qualifies for their services, he will still be doing twice-weekly speech therapy. With the combination of school, our diligent work at home and certainly Jennifer, he has made significant progress. The therapist evaluating even said, given the trajectory of his progress, X might not even qualify in six months (meaning he would be within normal range of other children his age). This does not mean that he won't still have a learning difficulty or that previous diagnosis were incorrect. He is just learning how to cope with the disability much better. This was a huge victory.
Jingle Plays Hockey
Perhaps in celebration of Chance's birthday, Jingle played hockey with a few friends. Notice the great splits that Woody does to stop the puck. Nice save!
Grocery Shopping Most of the Day
The whole family started at Walmart and loaded up on some much-needed refill of groceries (it has been very busy around here and we just have been avoiding going to Walmart during this season). After unloading everything, we cleaned up a little and met with Tyler (our Covenant Kids case manager). Later A and Jack head out to the Asian Market for some stir fry "fixins" and then went to Kroger for a few items that we knew were NOT at Walmart. At least we did not have to shop for presents and got to avoid any "kids" isles.
X's Speech Evaluation
While meeting with Tyler, X's speech therapist (Jennifer) and her supervisor from Therapy 2000 come by for X's 6-month evaluation. X did incredibly well and, in-fact, jumped up an entire standard deviation in one of the two areas evaluated (putting him just two point below "normal" range). The other area he increased almost as far, but he had a long way to go. Since Therapy 2000 averages the two areas before determining if he still qualifies for their services, he will still be doing twice-weekly speech therapy. With the combination of school, our diligent work at home and certainly Jennifer, he has made significant progress. The therapist evaluating even said, given the trajectory of his progress, X might not even qualify in six months (meaning he would be within normal range of other children his age). This does not mean that he won't still have a learning difficulty or that previous diagnosis were incorrect. He is just learning how to cope with the disability much better. This was a huge victory.
Jingle Counts Down the Last 7 Days / X and A Change Rooms / Trofast Storage System Built and Set Up
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Jingle Countdown
Jingle made a big sign and lots of snowflakes to remind us we are just one week away from a Santa visit!
X and A Change Rooms
Today M and J also cleaned out a few outdated toys to take to Covenant Kids (for other girls and boys who need some toys) and A and X switched rooms permanently. To do that, we took down the crib that Christi ("Kiki") has loaned us, moved around the beds and most of the decorations. When we return from Christmas visits, we will pick up a chest of drawers that we loaned Tiffany (to go in X's new room) and tweak some other decorations.
Trofast Storage System
While Melinda started the major wrapping of the presents, Jack took X and A with him to Ikea to get the Trofast storage bin system mentioned several days ago. Unfortunately, they ran out of the storage bins that we really needed (14 1/2" high) to store the big sets of toys (like X's dinosaur collection), but we were able to get the 9" and 4" ones we also needed (for Hot Wheel cars, etc.). X and A played in the Smaland again while Jack bought and loaded it in the car, then Jack and the kids ate hot dogs and frozen yogurt as a treat in the Ikea bistro.
Upon return, Melinda continued wrapping and Jack assembled the two units. This storage system is what Melinda and Jack bought with Christmas money from Papa and Grandma. Thank you very much!
Jingle Countdown
Jingle made a big sign and lots of snowflakes to remind us we are just one week away from a Santa visit!X and A Change Rooms
Today M and J also cleaned out a few outdated toys to take to Covenant Kids (for other girls and boys who need some toys) and A and X switched rooms permanently. To do that, we took down the crib that Christi ("Kiki") has loaned us, moved around the beds and most of the decorations. When we return from Christmas visits, we will pick up a chest of drawers that we loaned Tiffany (to go in X's new room) and tweak some other decorations.
Trofast Storage System
While Melinda started the major wrapping of the presents, Jack took X and A with him to Ikea to get the Trofast storage bin system mentioned several days ago. Unfortunately, they ran out of the storage bins that we really needed (14 1/2" high) to store the big sets of toys (like X's dinosaur collection), but we were able to get the 9" and 4" ones we also needed (for Hot Wheel cars, etc.). X and A played in the Smaland again while Jack bought and loaded it in the car, then Jack and the kids ate hot dogs and frozen yogurt as a treat in the Ikea bistro.
Upon return, Melinda continued wrapping and Jack assembled the two units. This storage system is what Melinda and Jack bought with Christmas money from Papa and Grandma. Thank you very much!
Jingle with Toothbrush and Mouthwash
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Jingle knows how important dental hygiene is and is there to remind X and A that they need to brush their teeth at least twice a day! The toothbrushes he is with play Christmas toons to brush by. Visiting Jingle is the rubber ducky.
Jingle Hangs Around with Rudolph / Holiday Parties for X and A
Friday, December 16, 2011
Jingle Hangs Around
Jingle, "The Elf on the Shelf," hangs around with Rudolph on the "Christmas Countdown" calendar. He hasn't seen his buddy Rudolf in a few days since he has been busy watching X and A to report back to Santa.
Holiday Parties for X and A
It is that time of the year - the public school "holiday" parties (or, in the case of A and his private Christian daycare, true "Christmas" parties). Both had lots of fun making crafts and eating plenty of cookies and other "cheer."
Since this was the last day of semester finals for Jack's school (and the students are let out at 12:30), Jack was able to attend X's 2:00 school party. Since Melinda is a room mom, A was in tow. Fun and yummy!
Jingle Hangs Around
Holiday Parties for X and A
It is that time of the year - the public school "holiday" parties (or, in the case of A and his private Christian daycare, true "Christmas" parties). Both had lots of fun making crafts and eating plenty of cookies and other "cheer."
Since this was the last day of semester finals for Jack's school (and the students are let out at 12:30), Jack was able to attend X's 2:00 school party. Since Melinda is a room mom, A was in tow. Fun and yummy!
Jingle Reads "Santa Mouse" to the Zhu Zhu Pets
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Zhu Zhu Pets, Charlie and Frank, listen carefully to the story about Santa Mouse (their distant cousin). It is a "bootstrap" story about how a little mouse impressed Santa with his thoughtfulness (he made a present for Santa) and was given an official title of Santa Mouse by the Big Guy in Red himself. We will be leaving cheese for Santa Mouse again this year!
Jingle Brings Back Christmas Milk from the North Pole
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The note from Santa's Desk (not shown) explained that Jingle had brought back Christmas Milk from the North Pole that was made by special "Polar Cows." It had a strawberry taste and X and A drank it up fast. This is the second note from Santa! Wow!
Jingle Rides Into Town with Christmas Pillows
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Jingle, driving through the den in Anthony's firetruck, brings some Christmas pillows for X and A. I guess we know what the kids will be sleeping on tonight!
Jingle Plays Scrabble and Racks Up Some Nice Points
Monday, December 12, 2011
Jingle, our Elf on the Shelf, certainly enjoys board games and last night was no different. Today, we see he is also pretty good at Scrabble.
Check out some of the Christmas words he, Mrs. Potatohead, Fire Rescue Transformer and Diego have come up with:
Check out some of the Christmas words he, Mrs. Potatohead, Fire Rescue Transformer and Diego have come up with:
- Snow
- Santa
- Wonder
- Gift
- Trips
- Polar
- Cares
- Christmas
- Alex
- Xavier
- Jingle
- Tree
- Anthony
- Bow
- Family
- Feliz
- Erich
- Mom
- Daddy
Not a bad Scrabble game!
Jingle Makes The Nelsons "The Red-Nosed Family"
Sunday, December 11, 2011
That mischievous Jingle tricked us this time. While we were sleeping, he painted a red dot on everyone's nose. We were certainly surprised when we looked in the mirror. He got Jack, Melinda, X, A, Erich and even his visiting friend Sarah! X and A laughed when they found out that they looked like Rudolph. No one even woke up.
While we would love to show you the picture with X and A with the paint on their noses, we legally can't at this time. Maybe we can come back in April after our adoption and put the picture up.
That mischievous Jingle tricked us this time. While we were sleeping, he painted a red dot on everyone's nose. We were certainly surprised when we looked in the mirror. He got Jack, Melinda, X, A, Erich and even his visiting friend Sarah! X and A laughed when they found out that they looked like Rudolph. No one even woke up.While we would love to show you the picture with X and A with the paint on their noses, we legally can't at this time. Maybe we can come back in April after our adoption and put the picture up.
Jingle Zip-Lines into Erich's Stocking / Erich and Sarah Attend the Ballet, "The Nutcracker"
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Jingle and His Zip-Line
Knowing that Erich has come to visit, Jingle decides to have fun and builds a garland zip-line from the den chandelier down to Erich's stocking that is hung by the chimney with care. What a silly Jingle!
Massage and The Nutcracker
Today, Erich treated Sarah to a long massage at Massage Envy and later took her to see The Nutcracker performed by professional ballet company, Texas Ballet Theatre. They reported thoroughly enjoying the performance in Bass Hall in Fort Worth.
Jingle and His Zip-Line
Massage and The Nutcracker
Today, Erich treated Sarah to a long massage at Massage Envy and later took her to see The Nutcracker performed by professional ballet company, Texas Ballet Theatre. They reported thoroughly enjoying the performance in Bass Hall in Fort Worth.
Jingle Plays Poker / Erich & Sarah Come for a Visit
Friday, December 9, 2011
Jingle Plays Poker
Jingle, the Elf on the Shelf, wins a nice hand in No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em against Rex, Thomas and Santa Bear on the Nelson's poker table. Jingle is thinking of following Jack's 2006 footsteps and play in the Main Event of the World Series of Poker.(Melinda may suggest a less competitive approach!)
Erich & Sarah Come to Visit
Erich and his good friend Sarah, have come to visit. X and A for the weekend (and do some vacationing).
They also enjoyed ice skating at The Galleria in Dallas.
Jingle Plays Poker
Jingle, the Elf on the Shelf, wins a nice hand in No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em against Rex, Thomas and Santa Bear on the Nelson's poker table. Jingle is thinking of following Jack's 2006 footsteps and play in the Main Event of the World Series of Poker.(Melinda may suggest a less competitive approach!)
Erich & Sarah Come to Visit
Erich and his good friend Sarah, have come to visit. X and A for the weekend (and do some vacationing).
They also enjoyed ice skating at The Galleria in Dallas.
Jingle Enjoys His Ride on the "Little People" Train
Back from his nightly visit with Santa, Jingle decides to relax and enjoy a ride on the train at the Little People town in the playroom. Friends are there to welcome him back and find out what plans the Big Man in Red has for X and A!
Jingle Plays with the Abominable Snowman and Rudolf
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Jingle and his buddies Abominable the Snowman and Rudolf go sledding in the house.
Jingle and his buddies Abominable the Snowman and Rudolf go sledding in the house.
Jingle Brings Back Santa Legos and Plays with Friends
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Jingle plays with some friends at our house and brings back some special Santa Legos as well. What a nice Elf on the Shelf!
Jingle Hangs Around
Jingle Hangs Around
Saturday, we went to IKEA. We came back with almost nothing for now, but we did get this cool clothesline that Melinda was dying to try out for hanging the kids art work on the wall in the playroom. It works perfectly and even supports Jingle (who decided to play on it last night).
Cold and Wet Weather, but Jingle Stays Dry / Texas (Chex Mix) Trash
Sunday, December 4, 2011
A Dry Jingle Survives the Weather
It was very cold and wet last night (and today), but Jingle was prepared. Using A's fireman boot and X's dinosaur umbrella, Jingle made the trip to the North Pole and back just in time
Texas (Chex Mix) Trash
On Sunday, the oven, not the stove, was used all day! Once a year I make three huge aluminum roasting tins (that would each hold a large turkey) full of Texas Trash. We missed last year and there was mutiny from friends and family. I thought I even saw a small tear in one child's eye (just kidding). It takes about 7 hours to make and takes pulling out a tin and rotating the mix every 15 minutes for the entire duration to do it right. Of course that means almost nothing else can happen during that 7 hours. That means it was Harry Potter Day at our house. The kids watched 95% of both the first and second HP movies (excluding the extra scary scenes) and even got to see most of the second one a second time. HP 3 and later are too "dark" for 3 and 5-year-olds.
A Dry Jingle Survives the WeatherIt was very cold and wet last night (and today), but Jingle was prepared. Using A's fireman boot and X's dinosaur umbrella, Jingle made the trip to the North Pole and back just in time
Texas (Chex Mix) Trash
On Sunday, the oven, not the stove, was used all day! Once a year I make three huge aluminum roasting tins (that would each hold a large turkey) full of Texas Trash. We missed last year and there was mutiny from friends and family. I thought I even saw a small tear in one child's eye (just kidding). It takes about 7 hours to make and takes pulling out a tin and rotating the mix every 15 minutes for the entire duration to do it right. Of course that means almost nothing else can happen during that 7 hours. That means it was Harry Potter Day at our house. The kids watched 95% of both the first and second HP movies (excluding the extra scary scenes) and even got to see most of the second one a second time. HP 3 and later are too "dark" for 3 and 5-year-olds.
Jingle's note from Santa (X's Redemption) / Ikea Adventure / Healthy Soup
Saturday, December 3, 2011
X did much better on Friday (he got a Green day). Santa told Jingle he had taken X off the naughty list, but he has his eye on him.
Jingle brought back a note from Santa! A and X were excited that this came from the "Desk of Santa" himself..
IKEA Adventure
Today we took the kids to the IKEA in Frisco (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/store/frisco). This is a unique experience in and of itself.
When we entered, we noticed they have a free, monitored playland area (Smaland). We signed them in and got one of those flat, lighted buzzers that they give you when waiting in a restaurants. We then have one hour to shop while the kids entertain themselves. At the end of the hour we got buzzed. Sadly, we had only made it 300 feet from the station. Fortunately, that area was the Trofast children's storage systems (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/childrens_ikea/20474/) that we came to see up close. It is exactly what we need and we will return in the next few weeks to get it when we can actually put it in the car (with no kids in car seats).
We had to put the kids back in Smaland (pronounced "Small Land," but presumably spelled the Sweedish way) for another hour. We had finished our planning and were walking through the rest of this HUGE store when we got paged (becuase our battery buzzer died). We picked up X and A who thought they were about to starve to death at 1:30 PM and went upstairs to the IKEA restaurant (as opposed to the IKEA Bistro on the first floor). We had some very tasty chicken strips, fries, apple "cake" and drinks for all four of us for less than $20. Nice bargin. We went back down stairs and X and A had frozen yogurt cones.
Healthy Soup
Also on Saturday, I spent my usual 3 to 4 hours slaving over a stove making my healthy bean and veggie spicy soup. It turned out very well and made sixteen 2-cup servings (that I store and freeze in individual ziploc bowls with lids). It takes two huge pots plus multiple pans to make it all and takes over an hour to clean up the mess. I only do it once every 4 or 5 weeks and love to eat it for lunch at school.
Campbells Soup, Ha! My soup is mmm, mmm, better!
X did much better on Friday (he got a Green day). Santa told Jingle he had taken X off the naughty list, but he has his eye on him.Jingle brought back a note from Santa! A and X were excited that this came from the "Desk of Santa" himself..
IKEA Adventure
Today we took the kids to the IKEA in Frisco (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/store/frisco). This is a unique experience in and of itself.
When we entered, we noticed they have a free, monitored playland area (Smaland). We signed them in and got one of those flat, lighted buzzers that they give you when waiting in a restaurants. We then have one hour to shop while the kids entertain themselves. At the end of the hour we got buzzed. Sadly, we had only made it 300 feet from the station. Fortunately, that area was the Trofast children's storage systems (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/childrens_ikea/20474/) that we came to see up close. It is exactly what we need and we will return in the next few weeks to get it when we can actually put it in the car (with no kids in car seats).
We had to put the kids back in Smaland (pronounced "Small Land," but presumably spelled the Sweedish way) for another hour. We had finished our planning and were walking through the rest of this HUGE store when we got paged (becuase our battery buzzer died). We picked up X and A who thought they were about to starve to death at 1:30 PM and went upstairs to the IKEA restaurant (as opposed to the IKEA Bistro on the first floor). We had some very tasty chicken strips, fries, apple "cake" and drinks for all four of us for less than $20. Nice bargin. We went back down stairs and X and A had frozen yogurt cones.
Healthy Soup
Also on Saturday, I spent my usual 3 to 4 hours slaving over a stove making my healthy bean and veggie spicy soup. It turned out very well and made sixteen 2-cup servings (that I store and freeze in individual ziploc bowls with lids). It takes two huge pots plus multiple pans to make it all and takes over an hour to clean up the mess. I only do it once every 4 or 5 weeks and love to eat it for lunch at school.
Campbells Soup, Ha! My soup is mmm, mmm, better!
Jingle "All the Way" - Our Elf on the Shelf
Friday, December 2, 2011
Last year we set out our "Elf on the Shelf" (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elf_on_the_Shelf for details), but we really did not do much with him. This year we named him "Jingle," Jingle is a mischeivious elf that reports back to Santa each night. I will post a new picture each day.
Today, Jingle sits in a fancy Christmas cup, he reads X's apology note to his teacher (for misbehaving in class yesterday) and contemplates how this might affect the naughty or nice list. Not a good start to December for X.
Today, Jingle sits in a fancy Christmas cup, he reads X's apology note to his teacher (for misbehaving in class yesterday) and contemplates how this might affect the naughty or nice list. Not a good start to December for X.
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