This and That

We spent the weekend at mom's. Jose and Deana went to the Casino boat in Evansville on Friday. That was their Christmas present from me, money to gamble away :)
They had a blast and Jose went in with $100 and came out with $180. Deana did not do as well, but she had a great time.

While they were gone on Friday, Mom and I decided to give the kids a present. If we could, mom and I would exchange presents on the day we buy them. We have never been able to wait. The kids opened their remote control cars that mom and Deana got them. Ruben LOVES his. He said it was the best Christmas present ever. Marissa's was a bit smaller and less complicated but she loves it too.

We leave Wed. afternoon to go back to mom's for Christmas. I was going to let the kids open all their presents Wed. morning. But then they would not get to play with them long before we leave to go to mom's. And I'm just not dragging all their loot to moms to have to drag it back again. So I decided they could open one present every night until we go to moms. I realized I'm the adult here and I can make and/or break the rules if I want to. :)
They opened their shopping carts last night.

So maybe that is a new tradition we will start. That way they really get to enjoy one thing before moving on to the next.

I really am enjoying the holidays this year. I am trying to live in the moment and just enjoying being with my family and making sure my kids know the real meaning of Christmas.

Every year we buy toys and donate them to toys for tots or our church. This year I decided to do something for people that we know. There is a single mom in my life who is a great friend and wonderful mother so we are doing some things for them. I won't go in detail about it here because it's just not necessary but I am really thankful we have been able to help this Christmas. It's such a tough time for everyone right now.

___________________________________________________________________________________

On a sad note, my best friend, Deb, called a little while ago and her Dad, Ernie, had a stroke last night. He has been in and out of the hospital the last month or so. But we all thought he was doing better. This family really has been through so much lately. Elizabeth is back in jail and we still don't know the status of the baby.
I feel so torn because I want to be there with Deb and the whole family because I consider them my family as well. But it's Christmas and I don't want to leave my kids either. Hopefully he will be fine and I can go the weekend after Christmas.

Please keep them all (Gouge Family) in your prayers.