Mixed Bag: December Edition

Here's a look back at a few things that happened this month.  We've been busy but with me off work it hasn't been crazy-busy, just normal holiday-time busy.

Speaking of work, I will be transitioning from Underwriting to Treasury at the end of January (I will still be at Acceptance, just in a different department).  My goal was (and still is) to find a job outside of my current company, but this move is an answer to many a prayer specifically asking God to deliver me out of my present situation (dramatic much?)  I haven't been able to get too excited (yet?) but I am grateful for this opportunity.

Another goal, get my comma usage under control.  I know I don't use enough, or always use them correctly, but when I go back and add more, it doesn't seem/look right.  Help!

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I don't watch many commercials (#dvr #fastforward) but this line from a Best Buy advertisement caught my attention: Get ready for overzealous hugs, face touching and other clumsy displays of affection...

They had me at face touching :)

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 I seriously want to know.  You can leave your answer in comments :)

Patrice was here!  I got to visit with her at a Beautycounter social.  It was the best (because she is the best).

Stuffing stockings with KFC

Christmas caroling at Tennessee Children's home

Presenting Garrett a handmade sign and monetary gift from KFC (the kids decided to give Garrett the money that would have been used to purchase them each a Christmas present - love this!)

Check out those braids :)

Mrs. Roney's Elf on the Shelf - Elfis

Hallway artwork

Mug exchange at Ellen's hot chocolate-themed Christmas party

The kids did a lot of switching after the game :)

Waiting for Santa at The Children's Academy

(Lilly took her ponytail out right after we arrived (stinker!) so her hair was a total mess.)

Santa gave Lilly a My Little Pony toy

Phillip and the girls are on their way to Grandmother and Granddaddy's house.  They are so excited.  It's going to be a great Christmas!

Wii wish U a merry Christmas, Wii wish U a merry Christmas...

We celebrated Christmas a little early again this year.

We went to sleep Friday night knowing we would be opening presents the next morning, but much to our surprise, Santa had been here too!

The girls got a Wii U (and accessories), Lilly got walkie talkies and Ellen got the My Little Pony castle she really wanted (that Mommy hopes wasn't a waste of Santa's money).

Phillip and I don't typically exchange gifts (mostly because I end up buying us things as I am out shopping) but we decided to join in the fun this year.  He got me a new purse and a Broncos hat.  I got him the Patagonia jacket he really wanted.

Ellen and Lilly spent the afternoon playing with their new toys - so fun!  We met Laurie for dinner at Cheddar's.  We were going to go shopping afterwards, but in all of the excitement, Lilly did not take a nap and it was starting to show.

And then I took down all of the Christmas decorations, tree included, the very next day.  I was in a dark place.

Phillip and the girls leave for North Carolina tomorrow.  We will be spending the holidays apart for the second year in a row.  But Phillip and I will be switching places early next week, so unlike last year, we are both able to spend time at home with family.  I just wish it was together.

Him:  This will be our last unconventional Christmas.

Me:  We said that last year.

I am sad but the past few days have helped lift my spirits.  And we really did have a wonderful Christmas.

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I didn't get many pictures of the girls unwrapping their gifts (too crazy) but I took a few before and several after.

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It was a sweet, simple Christmas (which I happen to think is the best kind).

Rocco and Roxie seal the deal

My girls love going to Aunt Sara Jo's house.  But now that they have two adorable kittens, they really love going to Aunt Sara Jo's house!

Rocco and Roxie are so cute and so soft.  If Lilly was ever not holding one of them she would say "Mama, give me some cats."  And she meant it.

Lilly and De Ye watching Frozen

(the big kids were at school)

The Moss's beautiful Christmas tree

We brought our A game to A-Game

We took the kids ice skating for the first time on Sunday afternoon (it was also our first time going to A-Game).  Ellen was thrilled (she has been wanting to do this for the longest time).  I didn't get many pictures of the girls since I was on the ice with them but I got a few at the beginning and a few at the end (the lighting was horrible though).  I only lasted about an hour, and Lilly a little less than that, but Ellen skated for almost 2 hours (by the time we left she was skating like a pro).  (Lilly would have gone back out but Phillip had already turned her skates in.)

Gold star to Phillip for coming/helping even though he wasn't feeling well.  xoxo

We stayed together at first but it didn't take long for us to get in a groove

I think this is something we will do again (and Phillip can join in the fun next time).  The girls had a blast!

[Side note: I did not wear tall enough socks which was a big mistake.  A man asked me if I was okay as I was exiting the ice - I was in a lot of pain and could barely walk - not my finest moment.  But I still like to think I could have been a real ice skater :)]