Update

I am back from New York.
I did forget to take my camera.
Lame.
I will try to get some pictures from others and tell you all about it.

*****

We did finally get a Christmas tree.
This was a miracle because apparently Christmas trees sell out in Iowa.
For real???
Because we almost couldn't find one, it has very pokey needles - it is the brand most people don't buy.
BUT, this means the kids are afraid to touch it, because it can actually make them bleed.

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E had her school Christmas party.
Justin was able to come... so she had two parents there to help her make her gingerbread house.

Says E:
"it is not a gingerbread house, it is made of graham crackers"
"do not tell anyone it has a milkbox inside"
and
"no, I don't need your help"
"no, that is not a good idea"
"no, I do not want to do that".

So, Justin and I sat on the floor and stared at the walls and almost fell asleep because there is something about the kindergarten room that makes me sooooo sleepy every time I go there.

*****

M is overjoyed about Christmas, and her upcoming birthday.
When she prays she says "thank you" for the Christmas decorations.
So, I guess it is good I finally got my act together and decorated this year.

*****

GQ is saying very cute things.
When I was in New York he always asked "You come right back?"
And he likes to hug my belly and say "I love that baby."
He also pats other round parts of my body - with a twinkle in his eye - and says "Is that the baby?" likes it's a very funny joke.
He told me this morning that the presents under the tree were for Christmas and that he wanted a train.... phew!
Yesterday he flipped out in the store because he wanted something so badly.  I couldn't figure it out because there was nothing interesting nearby.  Then I realized that he was pointing at the battery display:

"Train batteries, train batteries."

Because I am a slacker and hate the sound of trains left running in empty rooms he thinks these are among the rarest of items all over the world.

Maybe I could fill his stocking with them and keep the candy for me?