Update

The other day, I mentioned how I had put part of Middle Sis' Christmas list on my blog page.  Well, Middle Sis heard me say that and did not know I had.   She was fine with it though, and we started to talk about some of the things on her list that made us laugh.  The thing that makes me laugh the most is that she was/is totally serious about the things on her list!   At one point Middle Sis said reflectively, "I didn't get a mannequin.....maybe for my birthday!"  

When I realized she was serious, I asked why in the world did she want a mannequin?  She replied. "So, I could, like, put it in the bathroom and freak people out."

As we mentioned other items, and asked, "So you really want (fill in the blank with a crazy item on her list)?"   She simply, and in all seriousness replied, "Yeah.."  

Someone said, "Why do you want a lot of beards?"  She looked reflective and touched her chin and replied, "I just really like them...."    Oh, my silly girl!   

We had a wonderful Christmas and Holiday break!   I loved the time to focus on being together and celebrating the Christmas season!

On Christmas Eve we took advantage of the local $5 Tuesday movie special (& free popcorn:) and took everyone to see Frozen.   We realized it was the first time we had taken all seven children to a movie!  We had one whole middle row to ourselves with one empty chair left on each end.   It was a special night, filled with all the excitement Christmas Eve brings.

Christmas Day as a family was fun, exciting, and special as well!  When I woke up at 8:30am, I couldn't believe the children let me sleep!   Of course, they had been up since 6:30am or so.  The first thing I had us do was go around and tell what gifts we were going to give Jesus.  I figure that since He is the reason we celebrate Christmas, it is only right that He get the first gift! 

As a mother, I was happy to hear, "This is the best Christmas ever!" a couple of times.  I put a lot of thought into what each child will receive.   I love seeing them be surprised and joyful!   I was even surprised with a couple of things myself! 

As for now, we are trying to get back into a regular schedule with lots of learning mixed with some fun.