Christmas Inspirations

This year I was quite inspired by my friends and all of the Christmas adventures they went on. My first inspiration came from Karen and Rachel P., who told me about The Cactus Gardens.

My second inspiration came from Rachael R. who had been to Santa's Village. I can't believe I have lived in my house for 8 years, and had never even heard of this place that was just a few miles away. A few miles into the ghetto, but never mind that. You have to be tough and fearless if you live in Las Vegas. Right? I mean a murder happened right down my street. I am sure a murder hasn't happened there in at least a week.

I think Jackson already looks a bit elf like, so this was perfect for him.

My final inspiration came from Kellie. And let me tell you this girl is an inspiration. First she has a big family that requires a lot of extra work to get anywhere, and she is about ready to give birth. When I am about ready to give birth, I don't leave the house, let alone go downtown. Her family had ventured out to The Bellagio to see the flower gardens, so we copied her and went too.

As we were waiting in traffic we were able to watch a good portion of the Bellagio fountain show. I am pretty sure this is my favorite thing on the strip.

So thanks girls for all of the inspiration. You made our holiday season even better. And all of these attractions are free! Which also made our holiday season even better.

Jackson On Jackson And Presley

I love living in Las Vegas. Last night we were down on the strip and just look at who we ran into. I don't know of any other place where I could run into Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley on the same night! As we were leaving, my little Jackson remarked about Michael Jackson, "I thought he was dead." Oh to be 5 again!

The topic of death got me thinking about a conversation my friend Amy relayed to me a few weeks ago. She was bringing Jackson and her two kids home from a party. Apparently a Michael Jackson song came on the radio, which sparked some interest. They all concurred that drugs had killed Michael. The topic of drugs naturally brought them to the topic of Elvis, and Amy's kids told Jackson that drugs had also killed Elvis Presley. But Jackson replied, "I don't know about Elvis Presley, but I do know about Elvis. And Elvis died of a heart attack." I am almost positive we have never discussed the death of Elvis, or heart attacks for that matter. But apparently that doesn't matter. 5 year olds form their own opinions.

12 X 12 - Christmas Edition

Instead of doing a normal 12 X 12 for December I decided to document what we did for the 12 days of Christmas this year. Each day the kids received a paper stocking with an activity for that day on the back.

Day 1 - Read A Christmas Story

Right before reading day 2's stocking, Jackson said, "I sure hope it's not read another Christmas story." Apparently he found that rather boring. Well he was in luck, because Day 2 was:

Day 2 - Have Hot Chocolate

We went to Starbucks, which was a bit of a bust. I happen to adore their White Hot Chocolate, but Sadie took one sip, pushed her cup away, and said, "Yucky." Jackson drank his but then said he had a stomach ache, while Megan drank about a quarter of a cup and declared herself done. Apparently they have no taste for the finer things in life.

Day 3: Write A List Of 10 Things You are Thankful For

I asked Sadie what she was thankful for, and this is the list she gave me (completely unassisted): Christmas Lights, Tennis, Money, Elmo, Grandpa, Mommy and Daddy, and Football. Her answers were uniquely hers, and I found them rather adorable.

Day 4: Write A Letter To Santa

Among other things, Megan asked for, DS games, a makeover salon (which Santa had a heck of a time finding), clothes and jewelry. She also asked for a Merry Christmas. Jackson asked for Bakugan, Hot Wheels tracks and cars, and a Hot Wheels Color Changer.

Day 5: Open This Present

Day 6: Make A Christmas Craft


Day 7: Make Paper Snowflakes To Decorate The Windows

Look at the cool shadows they made on the wall.

Day 8: Dance And Sing To Christmas Music

Day 9: Decorate A Gingerbread House

On this day we had a very special guest, Uncle Todd, here to help us.

Day 10: Bake A Batch Of Christmas Cookies

These sugar cookies are still in the house! I have discovered that apparently I am the only one who adores sugar cookies, so I have basically eaten every single one. These must be thrown away as soon as possible. My body can't take anymore.

Day 11: Draw A Picture For Santa

Day 12: Read The Christmas Story In The Bible

It was a great 12 days of Christmas, but I found it challenging to find time to even get these small activities in. This Christmas season was a busy one for me.