Struggling

I have wanted to write about this for sometime but I got a little nervous that it wouldn't happen. But as we are moving along and getting closer I am feeling more at ease. We have a contract on our house!!! We are to close 3 weeks from today. It has been a huge blessing though a huge burden as well. We of course, lost a LOT of money on our house, being as we bought it at the height of the market and sold it at the bottom. Not only that we have to replace almost everything we owned ie furniture, beds etc. The big stuff basically. If I sit and thinking about all the money that is going to be needed to replace them I just want to cry. However, I know that God is bigger than our furniture. If we need to eat picnic style for a year we will make do, if we have to continue to sleep on air mattresses we will make do, if we don't have a couch or other places to sit we will make do. It would be so much easier if we didn't have to buy it all new. The risk of buying something used that has been in a contaminated environment isn't worth the risk to our health. As you know just having our furniture at the other place for 10 months was enough to have lingering health effects on me and the kids. I wish that I had a part time job that could help off set some of the cost as I know J as the provider is feeling it more than me. I just manage the money he has to make it. I did put in an application to sub at the kids' school so we'll see. I still feel like my main job right now is making sure we eat right and completely detox our bodies. God will provide I know he will no matter what.

The Peace of God

As you know, we have our house on the market. We have gone through a price negotiation with first time home buyers that just ended because they refused to come up any higher. We have had so many showings about 40 in the last 4 months. Through this whole process I have felt at peace. Which is so strange because normally this is a high stress situation (paying two sets of bills) and having a longer commute and other things. I know this peace comes from God and God alone. I was reading my friend Melissa's blog the other day! Hi Mel :) She had such a great post about living a Christ like life well there were two posts. It really spoke to my heart especially the part where she talks about how do I want to be remembered? As a good wife and mom? As a nice person? Those are great things to be remembered for but what does that really say about me as a person? They are pretty long posts so grab a snack but they are really worth the time to read. The power of God's peace and love and any other of His attributes is so powerful and I want to share that with the world.

Recently my sister-in-law and her two sons came for a visit. It was such a great visit. Though in talking with her I quickly got saddened by the realization that they will probably never be moving here. They have a strong conviction not to take on any more debt. Which is completely honorable. I totally get why but that also means that they don't see moving to a place where the cost of living is doubled even if the pay is higher as well. As much as it hurt to hear that they will probably never move here I knew that God was in control of everything and if he wants them here they will be here. So I committed myself to praying that the Lord's will be done in their lives even if it means they stay there. Selfishly I want them here. My kids have 6 cousins and not one of them live close. All their grandparents are close but they don't have play mates. See totally selfish!

Modesty and my almost 9 year old.

A few weeks ago I noticed that my almost 9 year old daughter had started doing these goofy poses with her body where she kind of sticks out her butt. I was not liking this so last night I took her out just the two of us to have a talk about modesty. Things I brought with were a Bible, a People Magazine, and a necklace. I started the conversation talking about some of the things I noticed her doing and that is why I felt it was important to have this talk. I gave her the definition of modesty from the dictionary which states; Modesty: behavior, manner or appearance intended to avoid impropriety or indecency. I then expounded on this definition with the definition of impropriety and indecency. I talked to her about what modesty looks like in each of the three areas stated above and how it pertains to her as a girl. Then I had her open the Bible to 1 Timothy 2:9-10 which says, “I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” I’m sure there are other verses that talk about this subject but I choose to go with just this one. We then talked about what this verse says and how to live it out. Then I gave her the People and told her to find 5 people dressed modestly and circle them and find 5 that were not dressed modestly and cross them out. She had so much fun doing this she went way above finding 5 of each. Then we kind of went through the rest and talked about why some of the clothing was not modest. Then I briefly touched on only her husband seeing her naked body didn’t want to go too far into THAT subject just yet. Then I pulled out a mother and daughter matching necklaces and asked her if she was willing to commit to being modest in all these areas. When she did I gave her the necklace to wear. She was so excited. This necklace will be a reminder to her that in all things to be modest. I also told her that she was my daughter but above all things she was God’s daughter and now she knows what her heavenly father says about this subject. When we got home I told her to go take a shower. Before our talk she would forget her towel in another room and walk through the house naked to get it. Last night she made sure she had her towel with her and then wrapped it around her to come ask me a question before she showered. I praised her for being modest. I know she understands the concept so I pray she is able to be successful at continuing to be a modest girl in all areas. I just pray for her so much in this area because she is a really cute and loving girl and I don’t want to squash that but I do want to protect her from any bad people that might take her the wrong way, you know. But for now we are working on modesty mostly in appearance and behavior but manners too.

The Goodness of God Through His People

If you read my hubby's blog you know that I totally stole that title from him! But I know he won't mind, love you babe :) As you all know we have been "tenting it" in our garage for about a month now. And the weather isn't getting any warmer out. Last night at church a man from our church pulled J aside and started talking to him about our situation. He has an empty 2 bedroom house right next to his house that he said we could stay in. What an amazing blessing. We are going to be going over there on Wednesday night during the kids' choir practice and checking it out. I can't even begin to tell you how blessed I feel and how at peace I am with all that is going on in our lives right now. God is really showing himself faithful to those who believe in Him. I can say through this whole process I haven't been afraid of what is going to happen to us or where we are going to go I believe that God would work it all out on our behalf, and guess what, HE did! Even though we haven't moved there yet or checked it out I just know that He will take care of us one way or another. I will say that my head was going crazy last night thinking about all the changes a move would make for us and how it would all work out but as soon as I gave it over to God I was able to sleep. That is HUGE for me, usually when my mind gets like that I have a terrible time falling asleep and then staying asleep. I will say lastly that the next time I update I will provide at least a few Disney pictures as they are on the computer in the house and we are working on making the house clean for me to be in a few hours at a time!!! Now praying that my hubby's need to get everything done in a 3 week period won't drive me CRAZY. He wants to pack, paint, and sell the house! People have asked if we are doing all the things to make is clean of all mold and spores why are we moving? Well we really and truly have out grown our house. We feel this was the push to get us to buy a bigger house so we aren't so cramped. Though I will say that our next house will not be bought on a whim like this house nor will it have been a foreclosure.

Peace

I have a lot of different topics running through my head today and really want to post about peace. When Monkey and Red were about 16 months old I started getting the itch for another baby. I really desired to have more kids. When I would hear someone was pregnant I would think I wish it was me. Well Peanut is almost 16 months old and you know what? I have no itch or desire to have another baby. I am so at peace with her being the baby and that my body will never again inhabit a growing baby. I came to the realization of this fact over the weekend when I looked at her and thought, "she is getting big and really isn't a baby anymore." She has started talking more and communicates with us all, no more baby-ness, well maybe a little! I was sad but it wasn't an overwhelming saddness. I am surrounded by pregnant people in our church there are 4 women my age pregnant and then I know a few more at school. I am so happy for them and I *can't* wait to hold their babies but I don't want one. This is an amazing feeling to have peace about our family. I have peace in my fears as a mother...am I doing a good job, do they know I love them, will I get to see them get married and have children and so on. I have peace because I know the one who is control of everything. He knows what tomorrow brings, even if I don't. I take peace in that even if it is heartache for us, because I know we aren't exempt from pain. I have peace in our financial state and J's job security. God has blessed us with a house (even if I think it is too small), food, clothing and extra money to be able to do fun things like a trip to Disney. I think of a blog I started reading about the husband not having a job and they have no home and they have 4 kids. Would I be able to find peace in that situation? I would like to think yes, but I really don't know and I really would not like to find out. Not saying that I don't ever feel overwhelmed because I do, case in point Monkey's allergy. When I started reading all the stuff that needed to be done I was majorly overwhelmed but God gave me the strength, wisdom and peace to do the important things in the house to help him and you know what? It is helping! If your spirit isn't at peace then I would love to talk to you and help you get to that peace that only comes from knowing God and having a personally relationship with Him.

People Pleaser.

Over the last few months I feel like God is revealing to me an area of my life I need to hand over to him. That area is people pleasing. J has told me several times that I am a chump, meaning that I can't say no when someone asks me for help or to do something. It's true. I completely dislike confrontation and I used to avoid it at all costs but that isn't healthy. I think I have gotten better in that area and sticking up for what I know is right.

Moving along, yesterday I got a phone call from my mom asking me for help with her kids. My first thought was sure I'll come and watch them for a week. But I didn't say that because I wasn't in front of my calendar and I needed to talk to J and make sure that I was available for the week. All day long I was thinking about taking the 4 kids to my mom's to watch her 8 and 10 year old. Different things jumped out at me as being obstacles and struggles if I chose to babysit for her. I was thinking of different ways I could make it work for all of us and me not being a basket case by the end of the week, because I wanted to please her with a yes answer. After talking to a few people and praying about it I decided that I was not going to be able to do it. Here is my problem. I don't want to upset my mom by telling her no so I didn't want to call her and was waiting for her to call me. After talking to J more about it and praying more I decided that I needed to call her right away and tell her my answer, that way she could try and get someone else, as they are planning on leaving this weekend, me being the first person they asked. I feel like that was a huge step for me because everything in me just didn't want to talk to her for fear I would disappoint her. Even after getting off the phone I felt like I let her down. Then I was reminded that it isn't my responsibility to make her happy or take care of her kids on short notice. I love my mom to death and I want her to be happy but I just really can't watch 6 kids ages 10 yrs to 10 months for a whole week by myself. I'm really not super women.

Keeping Busy

First I just want to thank all of you who wrote such sweet comments. I am doing better today but I try to keep myself as busy as possible. Yesterday GG and I did a few scrapbook pages from our Disney trip, but my mind wandered to that family. Giving my kids hugs and kisses at night makes me think about his little girl and wife. It's hard. I will never understand why he was taken so young. But I believe that God knows why and that it fits His good and prefect plan. I trust in God and I have peace in that, I am sad still believe me but I know that he is up in Heaven, singing and dancing and just having a ball.

Not wordless but I have a picture....

I went to the doctor's today and guess what! He wanted to have my toe x-rayed...off to the hospital we went. And sure enough it is broken. A very fine brake. Have to call tomorrow to see what if anything he wants me to do...here is what it looks like today...see pretty purple :)
I got the pleasure of talking to the nicest lady. She started talking to me because she saw my kids in the waiting room and thought they were so cute and behaved. I brought them with but I had help from Amy so they stayed in the waiting room. She asked about the baby, everyone does! In talking to her she told me that she is 88 years old, her husband is terminally ill, she has three boys, a girl who died at age 9 from falling off her bike, and that her first child was a stillborn baby boy. I had a voice inside of my screaming to talk to her about God, which I did but not if she knew where she would be when this life was over, I just couldn't get it out. I feel like I failed this opportunity and I am sitting her very sad. I am hoping she saw Christ in me.

Children's Choir!

Here are small little videos I took from today's performance of Hans Bronson. This first song I thought was just too funny with the girls acting like they are going to faint! I don't know why there is no picture but if you click the arrow it will play. The second is GG's solo, I should of started it a little sooner, but you get the idea!

Answers sort of...

I went to the doctor yesterday to make sure my lungs sounded clear, they did which is good. But I'm in pain. So they tested me for the flu and sure enough that is what I have. Explains all the chills, aches, pains, and sick to my tummy feeling I have been having. Now I just have to let it run it's course. I guess it's nice to know what is ailing me.

Last night was GG perform with the Ark Children's Choir, Hons Bronson. It was really cute. GG of course nailed her singing part and dance. I was a little upset that the battery in the camera was dead and I wasn't able to get her solo on video but she performs again on Sunday! I'm not sure if I mentioned this or not but she got a solo in the school program too. The girl has ALWAYS loved music. She used to cry when a song ended on the radio and she would dance to commercial that had background music! It is so exciting to see her talents develop and be used to honor and glorify God and not self.

Sunday

Well I actually got to go to church this morning. I talked my sick little girl into going. I am a bad mama but I really wanted to go. She stayed in our class during Sunday School it worked out good because J played his guitar and we did praise and worship. Then during church she sat in the back with me and since it was the first Sunday of the month they didn't have kings kids during church because of communion. For the last three months we have been talking to her about communion and what it means. She really understands what taking communion means and so we decided today that she could take her first communion. She was so excited until she ate the bread part of it and said it tasted gross. This year for my quiet times I have been listening to the Bible online at www.biblegateway.com while I read along in my Bible. There have been a few times that she has been home while I was listening and she came up next to me and listen and then we discussed what was just read, it has been really neat to see her grasps different biblical concepts. I really want to show my kids the blessings of having that personal relationship with Christ and give them a deep level of understanding who He truly is, instead of having them think the Bible is just a bunch of rules they have to follow in order to earn eternal life and the love of Christ. I fall short in this area A LOT but this is a new day and a new chance to train them in the way of the Lord.

Going in a completely different direction Red was going to take a nap and he asked me, "Mommy will you lay with me for a couple of minutes and then leave me alone?" I told him I would and so I went to lay with him. I had my hand propping my head up and he looks at me and says, "Mom your not laying down. LAY DOWN." I told him I was laying down but he said, "No your not your hand is going like this." As he tried to do what I was doing with my hand but he used the other hand so his elbow was sticking up in the air. It was too funny and cute.

Also update on the sickies...Peanut has started to return to her normal pooping schedule today. Thank the Lord, her little butt isn't beat red anymore. GG has a headache and has been laying around the house for the last few days. As I mentioned I talked her into going to church where she laid there too. I have a headache still but not has bad as before. I am able to function, which is great. All the boys are fine so I pray they don't get any of this. And that we stop passing it back and forth between us.

More baby details...

So are you sick of me writing about this pregnancy and baby yet? Well only a few more days and she will be here! I had an appointment today and I lost 2lbs. I couldn't change the time of the c-section so I am stuck not eating all day on Friday, but I have a plan. I am going to stay up until 2am so I can eat one last thing then I am taking my sleeping pill and sleeping the day away. I will get up shower and be off to the hospital. At least I will be rested :)

The kids had a great first day of school and surprisingly I didn't cry...I felt the tears coming but I held them back. I am looking forward to J being off work until the middle of October! He originally was only going to take 2 weeks but because of the c-section and me not being able to drive for 6 weeks afterwards he changed his plans and took off 4 weeks. I should be able to get help the last two weeks of recovery with the school thing.

Oh yeah one last thing, please continue to pray she turns because that would be ideal and I know that God is bigger than the medical field and He can get her to turn. Either way He is in control of this whole situation and so I am resting in that.

Pride

I am doing a Beth Moore Bible Study and let me just say it is a great study. I have always like Beth Moore and I'm so glad I have the opportunity to do this study with my small group. Anyways, there is daily homework and today's really stuck out to me so I thought I would share. We are talking about demolishing strongholds in our lives and today she talked about pride. This is what she wrote:

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
I cheat you of your God-given destiny...
because you demand your own way.
I cheat you of contentment...
because you "deserve better than this."
I cheat you of knowledge...
because you already know it all.
I cheat you of healing...
because you're too full of me to forgive.
I cheat you of holiness...
because you refuse to admit when you're wrong.
I cheat you of vision...
because you'd rather look in the mirror than out a window.
I cheat you of genuine friendship...
because nobody's going to know the real you.
I cheat you of love...
because real romance demands sacrifice.
I cheat you of greatness in heaven...
because you refuse to wash another's feet on earth.
I cheat you of God's glory...
because I convince you to seek your own.
My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
You like me because you think I'm always looking out for you.
Untrue.
I'm looking to make a fool of you.
God has so much for you, I admit, but don't worry...
If you stick with me,
You'll never know.

Pride is such an ugly thing to have, and I pray that God will take away any pride I have in my life and make me humble.

Where to Begin!

We are now on our 4th day of Spring Break and it snowed today, not cool. Friday we met our friends Belinda and her three girls, Amy, my mom and her friends for lunch. Then Belinda and the girls came over to play. It was a lot of fun. Saturday we dyed Easter eggs. Don't worry I have tons of pictures! I'm hoping to get them on here sometime soon. Sunday we the Easter program at church and Red clammed up and didn't say his line. But he did get the place to laugh a few times with his "Hi Daddy!", "Hi Monkey!" and "Hi GlamorGirl!" Of course he used their real names! I have a little video of that, too. We came home and did the Easter baskets and lunch then headed over to my dad's for dinner.

I want to elaborate a little more on their Easter baskets. We don't have much candy in the house so we tend to buy gifts for celebrating Jesus' rising from the dead. This year was really special because my friend had given me an idea that I just think it to cool not to share. We bought GG a crown and to go with it a Little Princess Devotional Bible. The reason behind the gifts is that she is a princess of the King of Kings. Jesus is her father in heaven which makes her royalty as a princess. The crown sits on her dresser to remind her who her Father is. The devotional was an added bonus I found and it just happened to have the crown on it. Now that she can read she should start to have quiet times with God so that she can grow in her understanding of who He is and in her relationship with Him. Of course, I am going to come alongside of her and help explain things!

Monkey's basket had a book about God's Mighty Worrier, we told him he is also a prince but that he in God's army, too. Same goes for the other two kids, they are all in God's army. It was a really good book explaining how we battle the evil in our hearts. Red's basket had a book about the Easter Story. They also got a few other little dollar items but the main gifts were the ones about Jesus.

The kids are being good so I am going to try and get the pictures on a slide show! But I make no promises :)

P.S. I had my EKG done and it was normal but they want to do an ultrasound on my heart to make sure it is structural right. What a headache! I had my 16 week appointment today in which Brae came with me. We got to hear that little heart beating strongly at 156! I also made my ultrasound appointment to find out the sex only 3 more weeks and we will be able to start the naming process!!!

Heart Broken...

I as sit here I am just completely heart broken over a little boy in Monkey's class. His mom started having seizures and was admitted to the hospital. They found out she has a brain tumor and upon further investigation found that it is cancerous. All of this within a weeks time. I know I am hormonal and tend to cry easily but I just find myself sobbing for this little boy, his baby sister who isn't even a year old and her husband. A note was sent home today in regards of helping the family with meals and getting them a cleaning service. They have shared with the class that this little boy's mom is sick but no details of how serious it is and they have prayed for her everyday in class. I just look at my Monkey and can't imagine not being here to see him grow up. But my main reason for writing this is for prayer for this family. Please pray for them they need all the prayer they can get.

"Lord, protect these children and help the family deal with whatever happens. Be there comfort and source of strength through this tough time."

We're Booked and I'm registered!

Today I called and booked a bed and breakfast for J and I. I have never been to one of those places and have always wanted to try one. This place is running a special and we get the best room for $100 cheaper then normal and they are giving us a $25 gift certificate for dinner. I'm so excited. This is also very out of character for me, but I feel like it is very needed. We are leaving the kids over night and it is a school night! We have never been away for a night by ourselves (except our honeymoon) and we have been married 7 years and 4 months. I wanted to go away before we have our next baby because the chances of getting away is going to be lessened at least for a while, having a nursing baby.

Secondly, I registered, well I have filled out the paperwork but haven't paid yet, for our women's retreat at church. Once again so out of character for me but I am also so excited. J actually took off work so he could be with the kids and I could go, I know what a great husband. Don't forget he is leaving us for 8 days to go FISHING! Anyways, I leave at 9:30am on Friday and don't get back until sometime Sunday. I have heard great things about this retreat and can't wait to go and be refreshed, grow in my relationship with God through the seminars, and get to know some women from our church better. I have a feeling I am going to want to do more things than I am going to have time for, like I have a few books I've wanted to read. I'm not going to stress about it because it is suppose to be relaxing.

The last thing is from my quiet time today. This verse really stuck out to me.
Proverbs 12:4 A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

Wow, I don't want to be decay to my husband's bone. I want to be a women of noble character. I want to grow in my marriage to my husband which means I need to make time to be with him, just him. This bed & breakfast is a special opportunity and I'm thankful to my friend for pushing me until I made the commitment, I believe Jeff and I's marriage will be blessed and strengthen for getting away to reconnect. I also want to grow in my relationship with God, which helps build noble character and having the women's retreat I feel is also going to be a huge blessing. So be a crown to your husband and not decay to his bones.

Party Time!

It's finally time for the Ultimate Blog Party! I am really excited about getting to meet other bloggers. So if you are so inclined please join us by clicking Here just add your name to the Mr. Linky and join in on the fun. Also they are giving prizes away! You really don't want to miss out on this PARTAY!

For all of you party goers that are stopping by for the first time...let me introduce myself. My name is Tonya and I am a stay at home mom of 3 blessings and we are expecting our 4th early September or late August. My oldest just turned 6 and she thinks she is 16, she definitely keeps my on my toes, and at night my brain hurts! I have two boys that keep me completely busy ages 4 1/2 and 21 months, boys have so much energy and I don't right now. Our family loves spending time together and our favorite places to be is at home and church. My husband and I's main goal is to teach our children about God and that is sometimes hard when we don't have all the answers but the Bible is a great tool for us in "Training them in the way they should go".

So tell me where is your favorite place to be?

Comical

That is what the kids have been today. First Red ran an errand with me to the bank and was being a goof. Then I picked the kids up from school and they asked what was for lunch and this is my reply..."Pork chops with cottage cheese, strawberries, vanilla yogurt, guacamole and chips." They scream with delight! "That sounds YUMMY." It was just funny to me because it is always..."I don't like this or I don't like that" whenever we sit down to eat. After lunch J left earlier so he could shower at the department. We will have our shower tomorrow! The kids were great with doing their homework that we even got to play a game while Red slept. Then they colored we watched a little television together. Ok, I admit it I was only there so the kids could play with my hair. I love that feeling and thank goodness GG loves to play with hair. A match made in HEAVEN. The kids are at Awana Club and I am catching up on some things that didn't get done while they were at school. That's about all that happened today but I want to leave with these verses...

Psalms 121: 1-2
I lift up my eyes to the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

I just love knowing my help comes from the Lord who created the heavens and the earth. Very powerful.

God is in CONTROL...

I know this but I need to be reminded of it sometimes. And this was one of those times. J and I are going to a wedding tonight (Lord willing) our normal sitter does stats for the basketball team which was scheduled to have a tournament this weekend starting tonight. So I asked another friend on Tuesday if she could watch the kids and she told me last night she didn't think she would be able to because of other things she had going on this weekend. So I called a few more people and since it was short notice everyone of them had plans. I was really worried/nervous about it last night before I went to bed. We responded to come to the wedding and they have already paid for us to be there. I feel real chumpy ditching so I really want to find a sitter. This morning we woke up and school was canceled so I was excited because I thought if school is canceled so is the game tonight. We got a message from the school saying that the game was still on for tonight. I was bummed. J looked at me and said, "Don't worry God is in control and if we are suppose to go to the wedding tonight we will get there." Not even two seconds later the phone rang and it was the school again and they canceled the game for tonight. Now I just have to call our sitter and she if she can still come over tonight, but the chances are good because the game she had to work is canceled.

The kids are outside playing in the snow while J plows our driveway and our 76 year old neighbors. He piles our snow on the side of the driveway that is next to our neighbors then he piles their snow towards our driveway making a huge pile of snow which he can make small sledding hills for the kids. The kids are having a blast and Red is watching them out the window. I feel bad he can't go but I don't have stuff small enough for him, don't feel it would be a good investment since he would only play for a few minutes. He will get to play in the snow next year.

GlamorGirl right before she went outside!

Monkey right before he played in the snow :)

Having fun in the snow!

I love having snow days...

Red watching from inside the warm house!!! He soo wanted to be outside.

The Day after Thanksgiving...

It is one of my favorite and least favorite. I'll explain but first I would like to say we had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'd also like to take a minute to tell everyone what I am thankful for...

1. How much God loves me and cares about me and how he has shown me this in the last few months. I have been learning so many things about exactly who God is and his Grace and Love, it is truly amazing. I know that I didn't do anything to deserve it but he gave us the gift of salvation through his son Jesus, who died on the cross for ALL of our sins. What a GIFT that is. There is so much more I could write but I'll leave it at that for now. If you want to know more just ask. I love talking about God and what the Bible says.

2. My family. I love them so much. They are truly blessings from God. My husband is a great dad and leader in our home. My kids are a joy even in their trying times. I am just so thankful for them being in my life.

3. My friends. They have been there for me when I needed them. I just feel so completely blessed. Need I say more?!

Now back to why I love today...it is the day we put out the Christmas decorations and put up the Christmas tree. We play Christmas music and I just love the feeling of togetherness when we work together as a family. Then we played some games which is becoming a tradition after putting up the tree. Even though we play games all the time anyway!

My least favorite part...you can't leave the house because it is crazy busy everywhere you go. I set up a playdate for the kids today at a playplace at the Mall. This Mall wasn't too bad actually but it was still pretty busy. Traffic is horrible though. We had a great time playing with our friends and it was nice for the kids especially since they haven't been in school for a week now. They were needing some friend time! That is all I have to say so I'll leave you with some pictures of today and decorating the tree.