Better late than never!

I know . . . this is embarrassing! But I told myself – I don’t care how pathetic it appears – I will have a Christmas post up before Valentine’s Day . . even if it is the same week as Valentine’s Day, even if it is the day before. I repeat – I have yet to make a scrapbook album for Alexa. It appears this blog may be the “memory” she will have to look back upon and say, “Oh yes, we did celebrate Christmas in 2013.” So forgive the tardiness (as you have so many times before). I am not a well-oiled blogging machine . . . just a Mama trying to prioritize her life based on “What must get done,” “What should get done,” “What I’d like to get done,” and “In a perfect world, it will eventually happen.” Can I hear an “amen!?”


This post will play out like a family album mostly showcasing Lil’ A with her gifts & delight-filled smiles. It’s a post, after all, for her. Unfortunately, I wasn’t on top of capturing pics of the family this year (sigh). I wouldn’t recommend operating heavy machinery while viewing this post but perhaps it will rev you up for Christmas 2014 or remind you to write some ty notes for the gifts you received. A very belated Merry Christmas to ya’ll!! And yes . . . a belated Disney World post should be up next week. There were so many special memories, I want to make sure I don’t miss anything.

We celebrated Christmas at my sister’s new home in Edmond. Due to my week-long stereotactic radiation in November and a trip to Disney World in early December, we opted not to travel to CA to be with Chris’ family. My body was weary and our suitcases were too. We had a wonderful time with our immediate family enjoying a low-key Christmas. Alexa enjoyed oodles of quality time with her cousins – Rylen & Layton. They are pretty much inseparable. Alexa thinks they are “it.”

The themes for most of Alexa’s gifts were pink and Minnie Mouse/Disney items along with “kitties.” Alexa really wanted a real kitty for Christmas but that won’t be happening on Mama’s watch. I can say that because she can’t read . . . yet.  A friend gave me five years before we cave in and Alexa wins the “real kitty” battle. We’ll see. As long as cats have dander, it won’t be happening in our house.

KITTY CATS

She named this little guy (actually a girl if you ask her) – “Blacky-Whitey.” Let’s say Alexa is very descriptive.

She’s sporting the kitty slippers. I love these boiled wool slippers from Garnet Hill.

Checking out her personalized (pink) kitty sleeping bag for sleepovers at the cousins and trips to Houston/Mimi & Pop’s.

DISNEY TIME

If you aren’t up on your Disney Jr trivia. This is Mickey’s Clubhouse.

Checking out her Minnie heels and activity book in her new Minnie pajamas while her big stuffed princess Minnie Mouse looks on. Yes . . . she likes Minnie Mouse.

Alexa also received a “sparkly” Minnie from Ama & Opa in CA. She was in heaven with mousekateer madness.

MORE GIFTS & FAMILY


One of her fave games. She plays it often at our “home away from home” in Houston.


A “sweet” moment as the kids find another treasure on their scavenger hunt. A new Christmas tradition my mom instilled in 2004 when mom & dad moved to Dallas.


Alexa & Rylen showing off two of Rylen’s several artistic creations. She is ah-mazing at crafting these bracelets. Let me know if you want one. She takes custom orders! I tried making them as well. It was excellent hand therapy.


I think they could be sisters. Don’t you!?

A CALIFORNIA CHRISTMAS IN OK
Since we didn’t celebrate Christmas in CA this year, we had a special “gift opening” time at our home. This was pretty great for Alexa because she didn’t have to exercise very much patience waiting for others to open their gifts.


Alexa was ready to “craft” this reindeer ornament immediately after opening it. So . . .


she crafted!!


VIOLA!!


Just chillin’ – but check out the excitement below.

And why not end with this hunka hunka burnin’ luv (with a bit of bedhead)!! I love both of my sweeties.