I was going through some of B's school papers that he brought home for Christmas Break. I assume to practice handwriting, he had written a letter to Santa. As written....Dear Santa, I would like legs that have peple. I wil sav a lot uv cuces. Love B, your friend B. (Translation, I would like Legos that have people. Iw ill save a lot of cookies.)

Because I tend to stay on top of the house during the week, I find I have been lazy the last couple of weekends, in all areas. For Christmas lunch, I threw an elk roast in the crock pot, which I knew the kids would not eat. So, what did they have for Christmas lunch, our gingerbread house. (In my defense, Jose worked part of Christmas day, so we were just snacking all day and did not have an actual sit down lunch, or dinner for that matter.) I look the other way when there is a mess and am not as good about having the boys clean up. Sunday I tried something different. I gave the boys one job each (ie pick up the green cup over by the couch) and then told them to come to me for their next job. I started counting how many jobs each of them did and before long, they were hustling all throughout the house trying to out do the other one. Too bad JB is not old enough yet to fully get in on the action. And then because they still were loud and crazy, I made them run our stairs 5 times. They better sleep well tonight.

JB seems to be feeling better. Still is preferring not to talk, although at times he surprises us. But it does tell me he is one little strong willed kiddo.

Jbird has been really sweet lately. Voluntarily offering people pieces of his gum and bandaids, insisting when they refuse. He has initiated calling up/skyping some family to thank them for his Christmas gifts.

On that note, I got smart this year and kept most of Christmas consumable or things needed. The boys love the character bandaids but hate to pay an extra dollar just for a super hero on the bandaid. So, they got some in their stocking. I bought them some of their favorite treats that I normally don't buy. I bought Jbird a new pair of shoes (seems the velcro on hand me downs eventually wears out). He was so excited, he said "mom, a NEW pair of shoes". Poor kid - always getting hand me downs. Jbird is so hard on clothes, JB will probably end up getting new clothes as he grows up.

Last night the older two had a fire with JR.


JB hung out with me while he finished his dinner.