This has been the scenario in the Cook house for the past week. We have been hit, and we have been hit hard. Ouma was down first, followed by mama, then oupa, then daddy, then Hayleigh, and finally Ian. The domino effect. I was pretty sure Ian was fine since everyone is better now, but he has just been struck.
After days of splitting headaches, congestion, and just feeling horrible, I could feel the Christmas joy and magic steep out of me, and I simply could not let that happen. So Saturday afternoon, I felt better, not 100% but better. I decided it's time for Christmas cookies (Ian was antsy to do something since he was the only "fine" one.)
We gather the ingredients, made the cookie dough so it could chill (here is the recipe I use for all our sugar cookie occasions,) and we gathered all the supplies to make our festive cookies.
We cut out a ton of Christmas cookies.
Then we decorating begun. It was huge sticky mess. But they loved it.
It was a successful cookie baking afternoon. The kids were happy, and content. I could feel the Christmas magic and joy return slowly. It was refreshing. We were left with some colorful and messy cookies. But it was perfect.
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Yesterday my mother-in-law so graciously volunteered to go to the mall with the kids and I to go see Santa. I am happy to announce it was a success, and we only stood in line for an hour and half. But we did it, and no one cried.
We have our fare share of crying Santa pictures. Ian told me he would go see Santa but he will not sit with him and prefers to stand next him, I am cool with that. He has the freedom to do that, and to be comfortable.
Hayleigh is all big talk, I mean she told us "I am going to kiss him on the mouth" well that never happened (I don't blame her) but when push comes to shove, she chickens out.
Yesterday I had to coax her, it worked until we were next, and I envisioned disaster. It occurred to Hayleigh and I at the same time, I had a small bottle of essential oils in my purse, she wanted it. Telling me it would make her brave and strong. Alias! It worked.
Sweet successes, our first no crying Santa picture (of both kids.)
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We are spending these few days before Christmas mending (Ian has been hit hard with a cold) snuggling, watching movies, and enjoying all things Christmas.
I found some rogue Christmas gifts in my closet that needs to wrapped, we have a small kitchen to put together, and some finishing touches on little projects.
The Christmas joy and magic have returned to our house in full force, and I am excited!
Happy Christmas eve eve!
Soak it all up!
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