It's My Life

On our fourth day of Christmas, the two kids and I headed off to visit Lego Land - Kansas City. One of my wonderful co-workers works part time at Lego Land and they had free passes that were about to expire so she let us go. I don't know if I was ever huge Lego fanatic but I am always impressed by what can be made out of Lego's. I have visited Lego stores in Minneapolis and Orlando and I have to say Kansas City's Lego Land was pretty impressive. I snapped photos from one of my favorite rooms in the whole place. It is a room full of Kansas City landmarks all made of Lego's. The room's lights brighten and dim on a regular interval so that you can experience Lego Kansas City by night and day. By night the Kauffman Preforming Arts Center.  In the first photo is the National World War 1 Memorial, Union Station, and the Sprint Center to name a few. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, The Spring Center, and The Kansas City Power and Light Build...

I share custody of my oldest son with his father. When he was little I dreaded him being gone over Christmas. Don't get me wrong. I believe a child have a right to both parents but it still broke my heart. I don't dread it any longer but I also don't look forward to it either. However, I have been divorced for a very long time and we do have this shared custody over the holiday's thing down to a science. This was my year to have The Boy in the days leading up to Christmas. When he has to leave our house on Christmas Eve we try to celebrate with our family and friends prior to his departure. So, here our Day 2 and Day 3 of our Christmas. The weekend prior to Christmas Day, our forecast included snow. And ice. Fortunately, those who could safely travel to our home did and those who could not were thought of and missed. My Mother-in-law (MIL) brought over Santa hats for everyone at the party. They were a huge hit! The Short Chic and her Papa e...

I love family traditions. Some traditions have been established for years. They have been handed down from parent to child for generations. {I enjoy black eyed peas every New Year's day because that is what my Grandma did.} Other traditions just happen because you tried something once and you liked it and decided to do it again. And again. This year we were invited to participate in my best friend's new family tradition. Three years ago they started gathering together in a bus to drive around the city and look at Christmas lights. This was our second year to be invited. We gathered the Friday before Christmas, thus starting our twelve days of Christmas celebrations. This tradition starts off meeting at my friend's mother's home. There is always a lot of excitement as we wait for everyone to show up. Adults and children a like reacquaint. My best friend gave all the kids a Christmas gift last year {pajamas} and they loved it so much she did it again this year...

Our final week with our Scout Elf, Isabella, has come and gone.  Isabella is back at the North Pole with Santa, having finished another successful Christmas season of scouting for Santa. Day 22: Isabella discovered there were other elves in our house. She met the Rice Krispies elves: Snap, Crackle, and Pop! Although I am not sure what she did to Crackle and she decided to take his place on our cereal box! Day 23: We had a family Christmas celebration on the night of Day 22. Meaning we were up late. We also had a snow storm that night. Meaning the entire family got up early to check out the snow that had fallen. Unfortunately, The Short Chic noticed Isabella had not moved overnight between Day 22 and Day 23.  I tried to explain that Isabella had been up late scouting the snow storm for Santa's arrival. Luckily for me, Isabella moved herself to our Christmas tree while we were off visiting Grandma. She did a good job of hiding there too, The Short Chic had a ...

Day 15: Isabella was found stuck head down inside a bag of M&M's.  I guess even Elves get chocolate cravings!  Day 16: Isabella got into my makeup. From the looks of it, she had a great time playing and trying out some new looks. Day 16 was also a Sunday.The Short Chic had a friend spend the night. They both loved seeing Isabella all made up. This is also the Sunday I fell down the front stairs and broke my tailbone.   Which is important for Day 17! Day 17 started off with us oversleeping. The Short Chic and I woke up 15 minutes before the bus arrived.  {I am blaming the pain medication for the broken tailbone.} As I am rushing around to get get The Short Chic ready for school, she comes downstairs with big crocodile tears in her eyes. She said to me, "Mom, I found Isabella." I asked her she found her and The Short Chic informs me that she found Isabella in the exact same spot as yesterday. We quickly determined that Isabella had some ho...