A "Happy" High

I was texting my sister today, and she responded with saying she was still on a "happy" high. And I thought, what a great way to say it! That is what I am feeling today too. It has just been a great few days, lots of time with family and friends, and just some really fun and great memories together. Just memories that make you smile from the inside out!  And be so grateful to God for all He's done and given and provided! Here's why I feel like I'm on a "happy" high too! :)

Saturday---
My friend, Liz, started a tradition a few years ago of taking a day, and doing a Christmas cookie baking marathon.  And that's exactly what we did, with some other friends. Nearly 14 hours were spent making almost 15 different kinds of cookies! We were exhausted, don't get me wrong. Grateful we had wine when we had to frost and decorate 48 little present sugar cookies. (that cookie cutter is never invited again.... only trees and snowmen!) ;) And grateful for movies like "Christmas Vacation" and "Elf" to provide Christmas spirit as we cleaned up all the sprinkles and dishes. "Santa! Oh my god! Santa's coming! I know him! I know him!" :) And I would have to say it was a first, as it was raining, thundering, and lightening in the middle of December. Our outdoor cooling system had to come to an end when the rain started coming, or we would have had some soggy cookies!

Most of the crew.

This describes it best... :)

Saving our cookies from the rain!

So many to choose from!!!!!

As Frosty would say, "Happy Birthday!!"

Sunday---

My little friends, Peter and Elliot. (I talk about them alot).... for their Christmas gift, I gave them tickets to see the "Wizard of Oz" broadway show at the Orpheum with me. You see a couple years ago, I first introduced them to the Wizard of Oz movie at Movies on the Green at Midtown Crossing. And ever since then, they just love it! Peter in particular... he talks about it every time I see him!  So I wrote them a letter a few weeks ago, and told them what we were going to do.  And they both have been so excited! (along with me... let's be real here!)  So I picked them up at home, and they were just so excited!! I actually don't think I've ever seen Peter so excited before!! I thought his little face was going to burst with excitement!! They were kinda new to this live play thing instead of a movie, so their biggest question was, "How is the wicked witch going to melt!?!?" They were so concerned about it!  They both said so many cute and funny things, I wish I could remember them all. But here are a few that stuck in my head....

We were walking into the Orpheum, and it's cold, windy, rainy. We have two umbrellas. Elliot has his own, and Peter and I are sharing one. And remember, I am about 4 feet taller than Peter. And so we will say, the rain drops are getting him a little wet, and on his new glasses. But.. we are walking, talking, and Peter says with a smile, "Today is the PERFECT day to go see the Wizard of Oz!!"  "You're right Peter, it is the perfect day!" I say. They, children, always have everything in perspective!

We had to wait about 15 minutes in our seats before the show started, Peter sat on my lap, as he couldn't see well sitting in his own seat. (To be honest, and selfish, I was glad for this... I love holding him on my lap.) He yelled out loud "Start the play! Start the play!" He just couldn't wait! He was restless and giddy, moving all around on my lap. :)

When the show started, he was nervous for the tornado to come. How were  they going to do that? It made him a little scared, as he would jump to the loud booms and flashing lights, and covering his ears. And Elliot didn't flinch... he wasn't going to be scared! ;)

Then throughout the show, all the songs, he was singing and clapping! It was so fun! Elliot too was having fun with the songs, and the funny things the actors said. Their favorite, in which they were still laughing about when we got home. At the end, when Dorothy is telling the lion, tinman, and scarecrow goodbye, she says to the scarecrow, "I'm going to miss you the most!" and the lion says, "HIM?!?!" Oh my, they giggled and giggled!

We got a little snack at intermission time, and took some selfies. But when it was all over, they still didn't quite understand how the witch melted...  they thought it was magic with the computer screen. So I said I would tell them when we got outside. And I explained it a few different ways, and they couldn't WAIT to tell their dad at home how the wicked witch melted! :)

We stopped for treats on the way home, cupcake for Peter, ice cream for Elliot! It was the best!  But the funny thing, we were walking with our umbrellas, and the wind took mine, and pulled it inside out. Laughing out loud we all did!! Just like on Mary Poppins (which is a story all in itself).

All the funny things, all the laughs and smiles are so special... but my favorite of all, is when out of nowhere Peter says, "I Love You." It melts my heart!  And he said something else too, "You are so good to us." Oh wow! You are so good to me! Your entire family!! How grateful and blessed I am to have these boys, this incredible family in my life. Children as so honest, so genuine, so real. If only they knew how much joy they bring to others!  

Our "SO EXCITED" faces... "Start the play!"

Look at these studs! All dressed up! :)

Monday---

When my sisters, Angela and Sarah, were in college... I used to pick them up after work and take them for ice cream from time to time (Or Taco Johns) :) And I wanted to do that for Jill, another sister that is in college in Lincoln right now.  So we three girls left for Lincoln when I got off work. When we got to her dorms, we took a snapchat of us with a sign that would tell her we were there.  She literally called us in about 20 seconds after we sent it... sooo excited!! (this would only work for those who use snapchat frequently... thankful Jill uses it as a main way of communication) Screaming and asking if we really were in Lincoln!!  She met us at the door, jumping up in down, hugs, etc!! It totally not only made her night, but it made ours as well, to see her so excited!! :)  We kidnapped her, and took her for ice cream at Dairy Queen, and then to see an incredible Christmas light display she knew about! It was the greatest! Giving her a little break from studying for finals! And getting a little sister time in too! :)

"the snapchat"

Here is a little bit of the awesome lights! I wish I could share when "Let it Go" came on.... it's priceless, our amazing voices! But I can't get it to load.

  

and tonight (Tuesday)---

I met some new friends within the last few months, because of my mom. :) And they do a bible study on Tuesday nights. It has been so great to get to know them, share our faith, and learning to be more vulnerable, meaning sharing deep thoughts, trusting each other, helping each other. I am just so grateful for them! A gift from God!