It is starting to feel more

It is starting to feel more like Christmas.  I think my problem was that I thought I needed to be done with all the shopping which  I am not because to be honest the adoption has taken center stage.  In order to proceed certain documents have to be turned in before you can make go to the next step.  Anyway, I am usually done with all the shopping by this point because that is just how I roll.  I am a doer.  I am closer to finishing.  I just need to do my two oldest boys which I will get started on in the morning.  The second problem that was keeping me from feeling the holiday season is my diet.  See I have been really trying to lose weight, but the last month I haven't been sucessful.  I really wanted to reach my goal this year and finally lose all the baby weight of 5 pregnancies.  I didn't make my goal which made me sad.  Also because I haven't been eating well and not exercizing I just over all feel like crap.  So today I got off my b.u.t.t. and went to the gym even though it was dark and cold outside and I was tired.  I feel so much better.  Today, I retrieved all our Christmas books and wrapped them and put them under the tree though I might need to find another place for them because baby girl is determined to pull the Christmas tree down.  She has managed to mangle 6 ornaments.  Last night she attached poor frosty that was made for me by a blog follower.  I was sad.  She covered him in chocolate and pulled his yarn hook out.  Maybe that was the third reason why I was having a hard time with getting into the spirit.  This little girl of mine is one determined little girl.  She see something she wants and she goes for it.  Like Halloween candy for example: the fact that it is wrapped doesn't stop her from eating it.  She manages to bite through the paper until she can release the candy.  She knows where her brothers secret stash is and then we find the evidence all through the house. 

So, What is on our Christmas reading list:The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell, The Tale of Three Trees retold by Angela Hunt, A Present for Santa (Dora the Explorer) by Chris Gifford, McDuffs New Friend by Rosemary Wells, The Gift of the Magi adapted from the O. Henry, Duck and Goose It's Time for Christmas, by Tad Hills, How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas by Jane Yolen and Mark Teagan, Christmas Oranges by Linda Bethers, Merry Christmas Curious George by Margaret Rey, Snow Happy to Be Here by Cheryl Hawkinson, Santa's Stuck by Rhonda Greene, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, The Snowman Storybook by Raymond Briggs, Twas the Night before Christmas, The Legend of Candy Cane Lane by Lori Wall burg, Carl's Christmas by Alexandra Day, Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck, Die Weinachts geschiste by Eleonore Schmid, The Snow Angel by Glen Beck, A Christmas Dress for Ellen by Thomas S. Monson, Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner, Frosty the Snowman by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins, Bear Stays up by Karma Wilson, Holly and Ivy by Rumer Godden, Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, and The Animals First Christmas adapted byGaby Goldsack.

 

While the bible story of baby Jesus birth is my favorite Christmas story The Story of Holly and Ivy is my all time favorite.  I found it in cartoon version on You Tube.  There are 4 parts.  Grab a box of tissues and a mug of hot chocolate and don't forget to watch.  Have a great weekend!  I am going to a holiday party for the woman of my church.  I am sure it will bring in the Christmas season.  The program is usually always so wonderful.