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I ordered a last-minute gift from Amazon. A text message told me it shipped the same day. This morning I received another text message saying it was delayed by at least a day. I searched the tracking code online at UPS. In under 10 minutes, they realized the issue (someone forgot to put it on the truck) and they immediately upgraded the shipping for a Saturday (Christmas Eve) delivery. True, it all would have worked out and I never would have known that this had even happened, however the fact that I could see the progress, the issue, and the immediate and proactive response means I’m even happier with Amazon and UPS. Bravo to both for making it all happen!

One of the perks of working from home is that I can squeeze in a few minutes of play time with the kids in the middle of the day. In this pic, Riley says, “Swing me high like a bird in the sky!”

Andrew is ready to hit the woods.

Katie never had much interest in learning to ride a bike, so we don’t push too much, but it was time she learned. It didn’t take long to persuade her to give it a go and within minutes she was riding solo. Momo’s house has the best driveway for the big event. I have a feeling that Jackie will be doing the same before the new year.

Andrew is growing so quickly. When he gets dressed up in his big boy clothes, he looks so grown up. I tried to catch a smile, but he was moving too fast. The smiling pics were all blurry, but he was quite the charmer that morning.

The kids dressed up as their favorite saints for a special presentation at a FISCHE gathering at Our Lady of the Rosary cemetery. I just love that beaming smile on Katie. Such cute little angels.

Pappy always bought two Almond Joys when he went to the store. Out of all the candy the kids collected, there were exactly two of these little gems. We miss you too, Pappy.

In our 2nd annual tradition of “outdoor Halloween movie night,” we watched “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!”

Since Halloween is one of the few times we get to connect with and meet new neighbors, the movie gives us an excuse to hang around outside and chat a bit longer. It’s a great hit and the neighborhood kids enjoy it as much as we do.

Can’t wait to meet this little guy. I’m getting excited as I start to get things together for him. Love ya little one! Mommy!

And that is my helper elf in the background, helping me way past her bed time !