Yes, I am currently too lazy to go get the camera and put them onto the computer. I am quite comfortable where I am, under a fuzzy blanket while Ryan tickles my back. (On a complete side-note, if I had lots of extra money, I would hire someone to tickle my back whenever I so desired. I wonder how much money that would require...) Anyway, Jared has been bugging us to make his and Ayda's Gingerbread Houses since I bought them a couple weeks ago. I figured since December and the snow have both made their appearances, as long as Ryan was game, so was I. Jared did REALLY well - he was patient when his house required an adult's help, and then was so careful and precise for his part. It doesn't really surprise me - he is quite picky and detailed. For example, I can rarely put his socks on "right". The seam along the toe line drives him crazy - especially the ends. Has anyone seen "Finding Forrester"? The guy in that wears his socks inside-out for the same reason; that's going to be Jared. Anyway, his house looks really good. And he ate a few candies, but mostly saved them for decorations. I told Jared his house looked awesome and he said, "Thank-you, Mommy" so politely.

Ayda, on the other hand, was all about the candy. She did okay with decorating, but I had to keep taking the candy away so she'd have some left! And then she'd pretend to stick a piece of candy on, but instead just use the piece to swipe icing off of the house and then eat the whole thing. Or she'd stick one on and it would sort of flop over, so she'd pick it up, lick the icing off and try again. At one point she actually stood on her stool, stood over her house and attempted to take a bite. Seriously honey - that gingerbread ain't going to taste good, if you can even get a bite without breaking your teeth! We will not be surprised if we catch her sitting on the floor, having managed to wrangle her house off of the counter and onto her lap, munching away.

My weekend at Elkridge was fantastic. I did a lot of nothing. I got a good start on Ayda's birthday party invitations, watched TV, read and was at the spa for an afternoon. I am now ready to tackle Christmas and Ayda's birthday! If any mother out there needs a break, I highly recommend a getaway at Elkridge!

I am so excited for Christmas - I absolutely love this time of the year. It is bitter-sweet, because it was also Mom's favorite time of the year. I really miss her. I've had a few good cries lately and I'm sure more will follow. I did stop at Camp (Kadesh) on the way home Monday, and saw the girl LIT cabin that was built in her honor, with money donated from people when she died.

Well, I better get to bed. I'll try to remember to post pictures soon...