All Because We Fell in Love

David had the day off today, which is rare for him.  I was bummed because I had many things to do today, and was looking forward to a day off with him on Monday.  But now, he has to work Monday.  Lame.

But that is neither here nor there.  As I just mentioned, David had today off and was being "helpful" with the kids so I could spend all day in the kitchen.

Would you like to see how David "helps?"

Sure you do.

First, he entertains Little Dude.

By sticking him up on high places.

?

Hmmm . . . .

It's probably my payback for my new sign that states:

"All Because We Fell In Love."

Do you see it there?  In  the shelves?  Do you?  Do you?

Oh, he loathes it.  He truly does.  But it was on clearance for about $1.99, so he needs to get over it.

And now, whenever the kids are acting up or glasses are breaking or I am walking by with my 9 millionth load of laundry for the day, David gleefully calls out:

"Hey, hon!  It's All Because We Fell in Love."

Such a punk.  And I love him.

It's like David's version of Elf on the Shelf.

(source)

Have you guys heard of this?  I hadn't until I saw them on Pinterest.  But anyways, we don't put elves on shelves.
Just our children.

David also helps by helping the children get in touch with their creative sides.

He gave Little Dude a tattoo and did this to the girls:

Can you believe him?

He did, however, peel 10 pounds of potatoes for me with a twinkle in his eye and a song in his heart.

Plus, Handsome Dude was begging and begging him to take him on a bike ride all day long, and he did.  And it was like, 22 degrees outside.  What a dad!

So, I guess I can get over it.

Just like he can get over my "All Because We Fell in Love Sign," because I have to deal with this business:

Let's move on.

We made "flat" gingerbread houses.  And, yes, I got the idea off of Pinterest, and, no, I do not spend a lot of time on that site . . . why do you ask?

Here's what they are supposed to look like:

(Source and Link to Instructions)

And here's what our decorating party turned out like.

Daisy Mae

Handsome Dude

He was pretty modest with the amount of candy he put on his first house, don't you think?

Little Dude.

Little Dude NEVER sits on his bottom.  He is such a rebel.

Sweet Pea.

Sweet Pea is going through a "Don't take my picture" phase.  It's not annoying at all.

My houses:

The one on the right is either A)  Santa, B)  A Puppy, or C) Santa-Puppy.

Your choice.

David's houses.

David was quite proud of his houses and declared them the best.  He also informed us all that he had taken a cake decorating class in his youth.

?

This was news to me, my friends.  He may have been lying.  As he oft does when he is at home "helping" me.  I will have to go straight to the source on this one and get back to you:  his mother.

And now, it is almost Christmas Eve.  We have a very busy weekend ahead of us and the children are about to burst from all the excitement and whatnot.  We will spend the morning at home.  I will attempt to make my own clam chowder for lunch, which should be interesting, seeing as how David is the only one who likes clams.

But, he enjoys the clam chowder and his mom used to make clam chowder on Christmas Eve, so I will give it a whirl.

If I can cook elk, I can simmer clams.

Then we will go to church for Christmas Eve service, which is my favorite part.  Afterwards we go spend time with David's family and eat finger foods, open gifts, and do a white elephant gift exchange.

On Christmas morning, we are opening presents and the like and then my parents, sister, and her friend will be coming over to join in on the merriment.

And yes, I am hosting a big dinner.  Because I am 30 now, and these are the things I must do.  But before I impress your socks off . . . my dad is bringing and preparing prime rib.  I am to be trusted with only the side dishes.  Which is fine by me.

I hope you all have a wonderful time with your families and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

And I must share one, last thing with you.  The very first Christmas after David and I met, I spent Christmas eve with his family.  We had a wonderful time and he even surprised me with a diamond necklace.

This is because he had a job, but no house payment, car payment, electric bill, children, a not-so-efficient diesel rig, and a four-year-old boy who is not so gentle with the glasses.

But I remember that Christmas.  I knew that night that I was going to marry him.

Not because of the diamonds, people.

Because I just did.

And here we are, 13 years later from that first Christmas.  We are blessed with four healthy, children.  We have bills that seem to add up too quickly.  Appliances break.  The gas tanks always seem empty.  We never have enough milk.  And there is always somebody crying.

But God has blessed us and we have everything we need.

All Because We Fell in Love.

Ha!

Did you see what I did just there?

That was smooth.  There's no denying it.

Merry Christmas!