Lady Wildcats Basketball

Woo Hoo - Carlin made the West Hills Lady Wildcats 7th/8th grade A team again this year!  She is super excited and loves to play.  It keeps her busy - she practices at least three times a week after school and then plays one game on Saturday.  Her coach is also putting the teams into another league starting in January so she will play another game during the week.
So far, the team has won the two games they have played.  The first game she scored 4 points and the second game she scored 7 points.  She really hustles!
We love this cutie sooo much!  She really is a wonderful daughter!  I don't know how she manages her time because between her practices, games, and friends she manages to get all of homework done and keep her grades up.  Good job sis - we love you!

Decorating the Tree . .

Just had to post these pictures even though we put our tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving . . Dustin does not like pictures and his faces just crack me up! :)  -

Sub for Santa

Every year, at Christmas time, my office helps out needy families that live in the surrounding area and whose children go to the local elementary school.  This year the school gave us six families who were in need.  The families varied from a single mom with a small son to a very large family who had six children.  It breaks my heart every year because their situations are so sad and it really makes me realize how fortunate I am.  One family has a two year boy who has brain cancer and this will probably be his last Christmas.
The parents fill out some paperwork for us such as the names, ages, and gender of the children.  They also give us ideas that they would want or need and any clothing sizes.  Some just want groceries to make a holiday meal.  We make up paper ornaments with the information on it and post them in our lobby.  Employees can take as many as they would like, buy the items for the children, and then bring back to the office unwrapped. 
We have our kids save a portion of their allowance throughout the year so they can specifically use it for charity.  I picked out eight ornaments and let Caden and Carlin each pick four that they wanted to buy for.  Dustin and I took them shopping and we told them that they could pick out the item listed and that we would help them find a size if needed.  They really took the time to try to find something that they thought the kids would like and when we checked out at the register they did it all on their own paying with their money.  We are very proud of them and we always want them to realize how lucky they are to have the necessities and luxuries that some families can't afford.

Do you ever . . .

Do you ever just want to pull your hair out during the holidays?  During December we always have work, Christmas shopping, wrapping, baking, family and holiday parties, and the start of basketball.  Oh, and don't even get me started on the expense of it all!  I really try not to go overboard.  I also make the kids do something charitable whether it is Toys for Tots, a Secret Santa family etc.  They save some of their allowance during the year.  Then we all go together to pick up the items needed and deliver to said party.
This year I have been determined to enjoy the holiday season and try not to stress!  So far so good but it is only a week into the month . .   I am very excited because:

1.  My Xmas shopping is almost done!
2.  My presents are half wrapped all ready!
3.  We have some fun family functions planned!
4.  Everyone has stayed sane - so far!

** The only downside (or goodside? - I can't tell from him) is Caden and his girlfriend are no longer together.  He said they are better as friends.  I think that is a good choice for a 15 year old. :)

So if by some chance you don't hear from me after the New Year - feel free to check in.  I could be getting treated for exhaustion or maybe I will see you there . . .  Happy Holidays!!!