Christmas Traditions

Decorating Christmas cookies every year was one of my favorite traditions growing up, and something that I hope that I can continue every year with Jordan and Madison. Over the weekend, we (and by "we" I mean mostly my dad) went on a baking frenzy! Jordan and Madison were very excited to decorate the sugar cookies. Here are a few of my favorite pictures:







Too hard to resist eating the frosting, I guess... lol





These were the final product of the girl's decorating skills.

House.

As I mentioned before, buying a house has been one of the most frustrating experiences we have every been through. When we started this endeavor a year ago, we foolishly thought that we would be in a house within a few months. However, while the housing market is a fantastic one for people who have a couple hundred thousand dollars in cash, we are not one of these people. So, instead, we have to rely on the horrible mortgage companies - which has been such an ordeal.

We are currently under contract for a house in Apopka, Florida that we were supposed to close on at the end of October, and here it is the middle of December and still no house. At this rate, I honestly will be surprised if we close on this house before spring - if we ever do. If this house falls through this time, though, we're thinking now just may not be the time for us.

So it's not that we are not sharing any information with anyone. The problem is: We don't even know what is going on. Just keep your fingers crossed for us. Because we really want a house. And soon.

Christmas is Coming...

And we are all so excited! The tree is up, and the presents are (as always) piling up under it. While we were looking forward to this being our first Christmas in our new home - apparently the world had different ideas. Now we are just keeping our fingers crossed that we will just close on this house. Ever. Buying a house has been a long, drawn out, frustrating experience. People keep telling us that it is like this for everyone, and while that may be the case, that doesn't make me feel any better. However, we are lucky that we have the opportunity to be in the living situation that we are in, and I know that my parents are thrilled to have us here for Christmas.

I got to take the girls to see Santa yesterday. Jordan was stoked to see him. Of course, Madison followed her lead - even though she really doesn't understand what is going on.



I loved that picture of them. My mom took it while I was just off to the side in case Madison freaked out. For anyone who knows Madison, they know that she is not fond of strangers. Going into this experience I anticipated the picture would be Jordan in Santa's lap, and me holding Madison next to them. However, as you can see, that wasn't the case. Madison wouldn't sit in his lap, but she sat next to him. It looks like a win to me!



This one was another one of my favorites, because Madison looks like she is in awe. So precious. We have the two cutest little girls. :)