Santa

Every year for the past several years, we have made it a tradition to go see Santa the day before Thanksgiving.  It is one day all 3 kids are off from school.  Dave can usually sneak away from the office since it is a slow day.  And it used to be really empty at the mall.

Let me just say that this is one of my favorite things all year.  I don't know why but it is super important to me.  I get very emotional (in a good way) and I enjoy it a lot.  You can see all our past visits here.

Well, in the spirit of keeping things real here...yesterday was not the magical Santa visit that it often is.

First of all, I have been having some really bad nerve inflammation and pain this week on one side of my body.  And it scares me because I have had this before and it lasted YEARS.  Many years ago, I was diagnosed with MS and treated for it.  Luckily, through a series of lifestyle and dietary changes, all of my pain and symptoms went away (and we realized it is not MS).  Well, the symptoms are back right now and I am in a lot of pain.  I am juicing and trying to eat super healthy (hard to do Thanksgiving week!).  I am also having sleep issues which is very unusual for me.  I fall asleep super early but then wake up in the middle of the night.  I never have sleep issues so this one is tough for me.

I say all that not to complain really but to admit that I was probably not in my most positive frame of mind for our visit to Santa.  I was very excited but probably a bit grumpy or edgy.  I did not even lug my big camera along which is SO not like me.

Anyway, Will had swim practice so the plan was for him and Dave to meet us at the Galleria.  Will had never driven there and wasn't even sure how to get there.  Often we are first in line but yesterday we ran a little late and there was a LONG line.  Luckily, I sat on a nearby bench with my leg pain and Dave stood in line for us:)

I did snap one picutre of Kate with my real camera but all the rest are Iphone shots.

I am very blessed that Will and Harry are still cooperative about going to visit Santa.  

They know how much it means to me:)

If you been around the blog a while, you know I always take a few "standing in line" shots...

selfie and not a flattering angle at all:)
This is how it is now waiting in line...kids on phones:)



Kate caught Santa's eye...



Santa bow

We are next!

So after Santa, we always eat lunch.  I suggested a nicer restaurant but the kids want junk food from the food court so that is what it was (for them).  I did not eat.  Then we usually go to Dylan's Candy Bar and get them get a treat.  Much to our dismay Dylan's  has closed in Houston:(

But I did spy a Godiva shoppe so we stopped in there and let them each pick out a special chocolate.

Well, I learned a lesson.  BRING THE GOOOD Camera! What was I thinking?!  Also, I got so upset at Dave because the video is of the back of Kate's head and not her little face as she spoke to Santa. Like really upset.  Like I had to hold back tears in the Galleria.  I am not proud of that but it is true.

Untitled from Kim S on Vimeo.

I put too much importance on capturing these memories and I really miss the actual moments my kids were with Santa.  I only have a few years left of this and that hurts this Mama's heart deeply. Their childhood is fleeting. In fact, I kind of want to take Kate back again on a weekday morning and enjoy it more.  I did that one other year.  I think what I am most upset is how quickly my kids are growing up.  Will has his own car now and is like a pseudo-adult. He is gone a lot. And Harry turns 13 this week!

If you have little ones, savor every single second with them!!!  I know that is hard to do sometimes.  I truly enjoy each stage of my children but I do hate how quickly it is all going by.

Well, we are getting ready for the 4th annual Turkey Bowl today.  And then we are having dinner with Dave's brother and family.  Happy Thanksgiving!!  We have so much to be thankful for.

And here is what I wrote this morning on my facebook wall....

I am sitting here meditating on what I am thankful for this morning. I am so blessed with a great husband, fabulous children that I really enjoy (most of the time) and incredible friendships and family (mom and sisters). I absolutely love the work I do and the life I have. But I realized that it is my faith in God that I am most thankful for. Because life gets hard some days and when I get disappointed in a situation or my family or friends or myself, it is my faith in God and His constant presence that lifts me up. Thank you God. Happy Thanksgiving y'all.