My hands have cuts and bruises...

Okay....I had no idea just how many toys had those stupid plastic ties holding them in place! In fact, I love the toy company that said "Hey, the ties aren't enough. Let's also use plastic to secure the ties and also weave the doll's hair though plastic so we make it almost impossible for the little girl to get the doll out of the package." Brilliant. Ironically, the toy that I'm speaking of had a short and I had to return it to the store in hopes of exchanging it for the same toy. However, the Toys R Us by us is sold out ("but we're expecting a shipment in the next few weeks") as are all of the Targets and Toys R Us stores located in close proximity to us. All for a little girl to have the joy of watching Dora spin and change into a mermaid......
I think I've assembled most of the toys that my children received. The only things left are ones that have multiple small pieces that I'd been avoiding so Charlie wouldn't eat them and a cradle and highchair for a doll. I think I need to vow in front of everone here that I will cut back on Christmas gifts for my children next year. We didn't get them a lot, but it just seems like our house has been pulled apart and any organization I had (Ha Ha Ha) is gone.
This is the first year that Riley understood what was going on and had a lot of questions about Santa. In our house he only brings one unwrapped toy to each child. I feel like this is a good way to go about it. However, it has led to some questions regarding her cousins receiving 3 toys from Santa. There is another little boy at Riley's school that is given everything by Santa. I disagree with this. Mainly because I want a little gratitude for all the hard work that went into shopping and wrapping those toys.
Lastly, the girls are thrilled to have received their own "Le Cafe'" from Grandma Ann. It came with 2 "Espresso" aprons and they have been playing in it nonstop since we set it up. Their dream of being barristas is finally coming true! They were thrilled yesterday when we stopped at Starbucks and the barrista asked them what they wanted to be when they grew up. Because of their great answer, they received free hot chocolates! (It's part of the cheer campaign from Starbucks, a new question/reason everyday to give away free stufff). The girls have saved their Starbucks cups to use in their Cafe'. I'd have to say, my kids make the best Macciato I've ever had!

My daughter wants to be a Barrista....

I know, I know.... I'm kicking myself because it's been so long since my last post. I apologize to my loyal friends and family to check often for news on our family. We're back now and fully in the Christmas spirit! Our trip to ATL was fun and a great time to catch up with family. We visited our old church for an amazing service, had a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner courtesy our family there (thank you!), and saw Santa Claus and the PINK PIG! How could you top all of that?!?! I took many photos, which I hope we have time to post soon. Bryan also got up at dark-thirty on black Friday and purchased a TV at Target by waiting in line from 4:45-6 AM until the doors opened. We arrived home to find out that it was too large for our armoire:( So, he sold it on ebay and purchased one on ebay that would fit. It arrived today and I hope after all of the effort, it actually works:)
You may wonder what we've been up to since our return to town and why I haven't been online.....Well, I've been trying to finish another Beth Moore Bible study(I have 4 days work left to finish and it's driving me crazy! Can anyone else relate?), we've decorated the outside of the house (I actually lost sleep over this because of our neighborhood and the realization that one of our neighbors has a professional decorator help her over the holidays! I know, long term, this doesn't really matter), we've put up 2 Christmas trees and 4 garlands, we've made 18 dozen Christmas cookies (not an exaggeration, but truth), and the list goes on and on. Now, I'm working on operation "Christmas cards". Only about 200 to go (also, not an exaggeration)! However, you may take this to be whiny, but we absolutely love it all!!!!
So, the title of my post today is that my daughter (actually both daughters, but particularly Riley) wants to be a Barrista at Starbucks when she grows up. I am fond of this idea because she could give me free coffee when she works there:) Can you tell that we spend a lot of time weekly at the Starbucks drive-thru? She knows the names of most of the local employees and actually remembers them each time. I'm so proud.....