Sick House
Lauren started it all (as usual). And now two days later Ella and I are both sick as well. In fact, this morning (very early) I took Ella down to the ER to be treated for croup.
She made all the nurses and doctors gaga with her sweetness and made them all laugh with her reaction to the otoscope. When the otoscope's light is on she thinks it is a camera and perks up and smiles. It is pretty hysterical. And, in fact, she had Dr. Anderson laughing at her nine month appointment on Monday.
A couple of steroid shots later and she is sleeping soundly.
Since Lauren and I are both sick, as well, I decided to just stay home today and care for them and myself today. But as soon as I walked into the house from the ER Josh and Lauren were both up and ready for the day.
Of course, they each had a sound night of sleep and are rested and are active. Me, on the other hand, would like a bottle of Ny-quil and my bed.
But since we were all together, and up, I figured we might as well make the most of our time and bake our Christmas cookies for Santa.
They are all ready for us to decorate them tomorrow now!
Josh has had a haircut and Aunt Gretchen and Uncle Adam are coming over to pick him up and remove him from this germ infested house.
Hopefully, the rest of the week is more uneventful than this morning.
She made all the nurses and doctors gaga with her sweetness and made them all laugh with her reaction to the otoscope. When the otoscope's light is on she thinks it is a camera and perks up and smiles. It is pretty hysterical. And, in fact, she had Dr. Anderson laughing at her nine month appointment on Monday.
A couple of steroid shots later and she is sleeping soundly.
Since Lauren and I are both sick, as well, I decided to just stay home today and care for them and myself today. But as soon as I walked into the house from the ER Josh and Lauren were both up and ready for the day.
Of course, they each had a sound night of sleep and are rested and are active. Me, on the other hand, would like a bottle of Ny-quil and my bed.
But since we were all together, and up, I figured we might as well make the most of our time and bake our Christmas cookies for Santa.
They are all ready for us to decorate them tomorrow now!
Josh has had a haircut and Aunt Gretchen and Uncle Adam are coming over to pick him up and remove him from this germ infested house.
Hopefully, the rest of the week is more uneventful than this morning.
Out of Business
Well, as of 10:15-ish on Friday the Bricker Baby Factory is officially closed. I can honestly say that nine months ago I would have been a puddle of tears on the floor and grieving the loss of all future children. But it's amazing what a difference nine months can make. And since it was Dustin's turn to go under the knife I was even more gung-ho than he. ;-)
While I was pregnant with Ella I thought a lot about it being my last pregnancy. And while in my mind I knew it was my last I wasn't ready to make it permanent. And neither was Dustin. But now when we hold her in our arms we know our family is complete. She's the one we waited to come into our family and now that she's here we are content.
While Dustin recovered Friday afternoon, I finished my Christmas shopping, did grocery shopping and ran some errands that had been hanging over my head. So it was a VERY productive day!
Dad and Thomas came down to celebrate Christmas with us late Friday night and by the time we got everyone to bed it was nearly Saturday. Hence our very late start on Saturday.
After fending the children off the Christmas presents for long enough, we let them loose after breakfast. Ella wasn't sure what to do it at first but she got some good practice in for the BIG day!
Then it was time for the meal. Not many pictures of that, but when I told Ella dinner was ready she was very excited!
By the end of the evening everyone was stuffed and wiped. Poor Lauren feel asleep standing up.
Then yesterday was church and brunch at Zins. Let's just say I think this is our new Sunday morning brunch place. I had specifically requested the Chef's table and the kids LOVED being able to watch everything in the kitchen. Every once in awhile they'd get a wave or a wink from one of the chef's, too.
We love this place and Dustin and I made reservations there for New Year's Eve. This will actually be the first time we have ever gone out for New Year's Eve!!!
And now it's the week of Christmas. Were we not just celebrating Thanksgiving?!?!? Safe travels to everyone this week!
While I was pregnant with Ella I thought a lot about it being my last pregnancy. And while in my mind I knew it was my last I wasn't ready to make it permanent. And neither was Dustin. But now when we hold her in our arms we know our family is complete. She's the one we waited to come into our family and now that she's here we are content.
While Dustin recovered Friday afternoon, I finished my Christmas shopping, did grocery shopping and ran some errands that had been hanging over my head. So it was a VERY productive day!
Dad and Thomas came down to celebrate Christmas with us late Friday night and by the time we got everyone to bed it was nearly Saturday. Hence our very late start on Saturday.
After fending the children off the Christmas presents for long enough, we let them loose after breakfast. Ella wasn't sure what to do it at first but she got some good practice in for the BIG day!
Then it was time for the meal. Not many pictures of that, but when I told Ella dinner was ready she was very excited!
By the end of the evening everyone was stuffed and wiped. Poor Lauren feel asleep standing up.
Then yesterday was church and brunch at Zins. Let's just say I think this is our new Sunday morning brunch place. I had specifically requested the Chef's table and the kids LOVED being able to watch everything in the kitchen. Every once in awhile they'd get a wave or a wink from one of the chef's, too.
We love this place and Dustin and I made reservations there for New Year's Eve. This will actually be the first time we have ever gone out for New Year's Eve!!!
And now it's the week of Christmas. Were we not just celebrating Thanksgiving?!?!? Safe travels to everyone this week!
Bad seats
Josh's school Christmas program was this evening. Yeah, the old me would have been there in plenty of time to get a good spot. The new me showed up ten minutes early (obviously not early enough for this crowd) and was shoved on the end in the back.
Joshie walked in with the rest of the 1st graders and took his place. I thought, "GREAT" he's RIGHT in my line of view....and then the music director came up and stood directly in between my son and I. Seriously. Why does the director need to stand anyways? These kids are first graders...not NBA players.
So this is the only shot I got of him:
And obviously Ella was just as disappointed in our view.
I know, Ella. What a rip, huh?
And this is the only decent video I got of him. He is the kid who looks like he's growing out of the music teacher's neck.
Ella found a new toy to play with...her stroller. And that kept her happy while I squirmed to get a good shot of my favorite little boy singing his heart out.
When we got home I opened our gift from our daycare provider. Seriously...she is the best! She had them each make a number of crafts...but this one is my favorite.
The antlers are their hands and the face is their footprint. Seriously...could that be any cuter?!?!?
Joshie walked in with the rest of the 1st graders and took his place. I thought, "GREAT" he's RIGHT in my line of view....and then the music director came up and stood directly in between my son and I. Seriously. Why does the director need to stand anyways? These kids are first graders...not NBA players.
So this is the only shot I got of him:
And obviously Ella was just as disappointed in our view.
I know, Ella. What a rip, huh?
And this is the only decent video I got of him. He is the kid who looks like he's growing out of the music teacher's neck.
Ella found a new toy to play with...her stroller. And that kept her happy while I squirmed to get a good shot of my favorite little boy singing his heart out.
When we got home I opened our gift from our daycare provider. Seriously...she is the best! She had them each make a number of crafts...but this one is my favorite.
The antlers are their hands and the face is their footprint. Seriously...could that be any cuter?!?!?
**sigh**
After I took down the balloons and banner from my pity party last night I went to bed determined to wake up with a different outlook this morning. But when I heard Dustin get home from UPS at 11:30 only to give me a kiss and turn around and head to Sprouts I was ready to put the banner back up.
But once the sun rose I woke up to find that Lauren's eyes are almost clear of pink eye so I am thankful that the few drops I found from her last bout did the trick.
Once I dropped the girls off to daycare Josh and I went to his dentist appointment. He was supposed to have sealants put on his molars. I told him it was nothing to worry about, that we'd be in and out and that Mommy had that done when she was his age and if she can't even remember it that it couldn't have been that bad. He believed me.
So when he went back and a half an hour went by I wondered what the heck was taking so long. And then he came out - numbed and dazed. The poor little guy had to get Novocaine! I couldn't believe it! I felt awful for him and the look in his eye told me that he was more upset by the fact that he thought I had lied to him.
He is the child that wants to know what's going to happen; no matter how bad. Just like me. Don't sugar coat it. Just give it to him straight and he'll be fine. The worst part is the unknown.
His sister, on the other hand, Lauren wants you to lie to her face and smile while saying, "It's going to be a big tickle fest and you will get tons and tons of candy!"
They are different in that way (and in a million other ways as well (Thank God!)).
So I apologized to him profusely and swore to him that I didn't know they were going to do that. He could tell I wasn't lying as I was just as upset by it all as he was - you would have thought it was me in the dentist chair. I promised that I would never lie to him and that, unfortunately, he's my first so I'm still learning all these things, too. I gave him a kiss while I wrote out the check and we went and shared a shake on our way back to school.
Then tonight I figured that since I am tired of being a shut-in Monday through Friday, that I should venture out for an Advent service. I have not gone to an Advent service since Dustin started at UPS as I was always scared of going by myself with the kids.
But tonight I did it. No, WE did it! Me and the kids. The kids and I.
And it felt good.
But once the sun rose I woke up to find that Lauren's eyes are almost clear of pink eye so I am thankful that the few drops I found from her last bout did the trick.
Once I dropped the girls off to daycare Josh and I went to his dentist appointment. He was supposed to have sealants put on his molars. I told him it was nothing to worry about, that we'd be in and out and that Mommy had that done when she was his age and if she can't even remember it that it couldn't have been that bad. He believed me.
So when he went back and a half an hour went by I wondered what the heck was taking so long. And then he came out - numbed and dazed. The poor little guy had to get Novocaine! I couldn't believe it! I felt awful for him and the look in his eye told me that he was more upset by the fact that he thought I had lied to him.
He is the child that wants to know what's going to happen; no matter how bad. Just like me. Don't sugar coat it. Just give it to him straight and he'll be fine. The worst part is the unknown.
His sister, on the other hand, Lauren wants you to lie to her face and smile while saying, "It's going to be a big tickle fest and you will get tons and tons of candy!"
They are different in that way (and in a million other ways as well (Thank God!)).
So I apologized to him profusely and swore to him that I didn't know they were going to do that. He could tell I wasn't lying as I was just as upset by it all as he was - you would have thought it was me in the dentist chair. I promised that I would never lie to him and that, unfortunately, he's my first so I'm still learning all these things, too. I gave him a kiss while I wrote out the check and we went and shared a shake on our way back to school.
Then tonight I figured that since I am tired of being a shut-in Monday through Friday, that I should venture out for an Advent service. I have not gone to an Advent service since Dustin started at UPS as I was always scared of going by myself with the kids.
But tonight I did it. No, WE did it! Me and the kids. The kids and I.
And it felt good.
Trying to Re-focus
The last six months have been pretty rough. Yes, I can finally admit it: my life is not perfect. Not that I've ever really given that impression.
As of Saturday, I have been a single mother for two and a half years and Dustin has been living/working/breathing each week on the same amount of sleep that some people get in one night.
To say that this has been hard on our family is an understatement. To say that this has been difficult for our children is an understatement. And to say that this has been a thorn in our marriage would be the biggest understatement of all.
When frustration, exhaustion and stress come together there is rarely anything good to come of it. But Dustin and I have always been a good team. It always seemed that when one of us needed strength we got it from our partner. And when both of us needed strength we found it in our Lord. But these last six months have seemed to be overwhelming and I am ashamed to admit that my faith has been unsteady at best.
I truly believe that is why I am having such a problem getting into the Christmas spirit this year. These years of sacrifices and the lapse of time has created quite a bitterness in me. And at a time of year when I should be so thankful for my healthy children, my wonderful family and the life we have together...I am resentful.
So today as I was rearranging my work, life and schedule to take care of my sick daughter, my poor husband who hasn't slept since Sunday and my clients, I drove in silence...and prayed.
I prayed that my husband have the strength to continue his work and that his years of dedication be rewarded, I prayed for the strength to be a better wife and mother and I prayed that He give our relationship its strength back. I do not know how millions of families do this. I do not know how true single mothers do this. And I am embarrassed that I cannot.
But as I sit here listening to my children sing and play, exhausted from another day and without my husband...I have faith that this too, shall pass.
As of Saturday, I have been a single mother for two and a half years and Dustin has been living/working/breathing each week on the same amount of sleep that some people get in one night.
To say that this has been hard on our family is an understatement. To say that this has been difficult for our children is an understatement. And to say that this has been a thorn in our marriage would be the biggest understatement of all.
When frustration, exhaustion and stress come together there is rarely anything good to come of it. But Dustin and I have always been a good team. It always seemed that when one of us needed strength we got it from our partner. And when both of us needed strength we found it in our Lord. But these last six months have seemed to be overwhelming and I am ashamed to admit that my faith has been unsteady at best.
I truly believe that is why I am having such a problem getting into the Christmas spirit this year. These years of sacrifices and the lapse of time has created quite a bitterness in me. And at a time of year when I should be so thankful for my healthy children, my wonderful family and the life we have together...I am resentful.
So today as I was rearranging my work, life and schedule to take care of my sick daughter, my poor husband who hasn't slept since Sunday and my clients, I drove in silence...and prayed.
I prayed that my husband have the strength to continue his work and that his years of dedication be rewarded, I prayed for the strength to be a better wife and mother and I prayed that He give our relationship its strength back. I do not know how millions of families do this. I do not know how true single mothers do this. And I am embarrassed that I cannot.
But as I sit here listening to my children sing and play, exhausted from another day and without my husband...I have faith that this too, shall pass.
Out of the mouths of babes
Conversation #1
Lauren: Mommy, tell Santa I want bouncy house, okay?
Me: You have to tell him.
Lauren: No, mommy. He scare me.
Me: Well, how about we write him a letter to tell him that?
Lauren: Yeah, mommy tell Santa I want a bouncy house.
Me: How is he going to get it to you?
Lauren: He press the ding dong.
Conversation #2
We tend to order delivery at least once a week, whether it be pizza or spaghetti or chinese. I usually try and give myself one night off a week from cooking but if we have a really busy week, it may happen twice. Well, the Jaycee's were having their Christmas fundraiser and I told them I'd donate again. They requested that I just tape the check to the front door and they would send someone by to pick it up.
I forgot to tape it to the front door so they rang the doorbell.
And Lauren yelled, "SUPPERTIME"!
We haven't had delivery for three weeks now. I figured that was a sign.
Conversation #3
Last weekend Ella had her first taste of a fresh, out of the oven sugar cookie.
Me: Ooooo, Ella. Is that good?
Lauren: Uh, mommy. Ella a baby. She no talk.
Lauren: Mommy, tell Santa I want bouncy house, okay?
Me: You have to tell him.
Lauren: No, mommy. He scare me.
Me: Well, how about we write him a letter to tell him that?
Lauren: Yeah, mommy tell Santa I want a bouncy house.
Me: How is he going to get it to you?
Lauren: He press the ding dong.
Conversation #2
We tend to order delivery at least once a week, whether it be pizza or spaghetti or chinese. I usually try and give myself one night off a week from cooking but if we have a really busy week, it may happen twice. Well, the Jaycee's were having their Christmas fundraiser and I told them I'd donate again. They requested that I just tape the check to the front door and they would send someone by to pick it up.
I forgot to tape it to the front door so they rang the doorbell.
And Lauren yelled, "SUPPERTIME"!
We haven't had delivery for three weeks now. I figured that was a sign.
Conversation #3
Last weekend Ella had her first taste of a fresh, out of the oven sugar cookie.
Me: Ooooo, Ella. Is that good?
Lauren: Uh, mommy. Ella a baby. She no talk.
I'll have what she's having!
We had tickets to go on the Santa Express train ride in Boone, Iowa, on Saturday. I had been worried that the long car ride (two and a half hours one way), plus the hour and fifteen minute train ride may be a bit of a strech for the kids for one day anyway. So after our big storm this week I figured that given the current road conditions maybe risking an accident wouldn't be the smartest thing. Not to mention that the additional time in the car may be just enough to ruin what was supposed to be a fun time. So we decided to skip it and stay home - safe and warm - instead.
Saturday the boys played out in the snow and the girls stayed inside and did laundry. Sounds like Lauren, Ella and I got the raw end of the stick on that one.
Then Saturday night was my office Christmas party. I haven't been able to partake in the festivities for the last several parties because either I was pregnant or my own D.D. So, Saturday night I was in the mood to let loose...and boy did I!
We had a great time and I paid for it with a massive headache on Sunday morning. But it was totally worth it!
We went to late church and went to lunch with mom, Titi and Joel to celebrate the fall birthdays and anniversary. The food was good and just what I needed before we went home and took a short nap.
This weekend Dad and Thomas are coming down to celebrate Christmas! YAY!!
Saturday the boys played out in the snow and the girls stayed inside and did laundry. Sounds like Lauren, Ella and I got the raw end of the stick on that one.
Then Saturday night was my office Christmas party. I haven't been able to partake in the festivities for the last several parties because either I was pregnant or my own D.D. So, Saturday night I was in the mood to let loose...and boy did I!
We had a great time and I paid for it with a massive headache on Sunday morning. But it was totally worth it!
We went to late church and went to lunch with mom, Titi and Joel to celebrate the fall birthdays and anniversary. The food was good and just what I needed before we went home and took a short nap.
This weekend Dad and Thomas are coming down to celebrate Christmas! YAY!!
Caring Corner Christmas Program
Josh attends a daycare center at the Methodist Church in Marion called Caring Corner. He loves going there and I only wish I could afford to send all the kids there because it is ubber convenient and the staff is amazing!
Each year they put on a small Christmas program for family and friends and Friday night was the big night!
He did so good and looked good doing it! What a little stud!
Lauren loved the whole thing (especially the little ones). But when Josh's group went up she kept hollaring, "Where Joshie is?" So cute!!!
After the program they have a little fellowship with cookies and punch. While visiting Josh figured out that after losing so many teeth he doesn't even have to open his mouth to eat a candy cane.
He did such a wonderful job and I am so proud of him. It's just getting harder and harder each year to sit and look around to see all these families and know that Dustin would give his left arm to be there. This past week has been exceptionally difficult - a combination of physical exhaustion and the sheer fact we've been doing this for two and a half years (as of Wednesday) - so a few extra prayers would be greatly appreciated.
Events like this tend to be bittersweet for us.
Each year they put on a small Christmas program for family and friends and Friday night was the big night!
He did so good and looked good doing it! What a little stud!
Lauren loved the whole thing (especially the little ones). But when Josh's group went up she kept hollaring, "Where Joshie is?" So cute!!!
After the program they have a little fellowship with cookies and punch. While visiting Josh figured out that after losing so many teeth he doesn't even have to open his mouth to eat a candy cane.
He did such a wonderful job and I am so proud of him. It's just getting harder and harder each year to sit and look around to see all these families and know that Dustin would give his left arm to be there. This past week has been exceptionally difficult - a combination of physical exhaustion and the sheer fact we've been doing this for two and a half years (as of Wednesday) - so a few extra prayers would be greatly appreciated.
Events like this tend to be bittersweet for us.
Good ol' fashioned "Snow Day"
The meteorologists have been predicting this storm for almost week but most of the time they just blow things up and we end up with a Trace of snow. But this time they were right.
Josh's daycare closed early on Tuesday night and when I woke up this morning to see it was closed today I figured it was a sign I should be staying home, too. Dustin had gone in at midnight but was home by two am. So we were all home today and boy did we make the most of it!
I got up at my usual time to sit and watch the news....by myself. Normally, I'd say that was a waste of good sleeping time, but to be able to watch something that isn't in cartoon format is also a treat. Then of course I had to call work and the girls' daycare and let them know we would all be staying home.
I started a pot of chili for lunch and by 7:00 Lauren was up. So her and I made a nice big breakfast to give the boys fuel for clearing all the snow. (Sometimes it's good being a girl.)
By the time breakfast was over it was time to start the "bundle up" process.
Time: 8:10
Time: 8:12
Time: 8:13
Yes, Lauren was only out for about three minutes. The girl who has begged to sleep in her snow pants for the last two nights would only stand the wind for three minutes. I figured I'd have to drag her frozen body in from the snow before she'd come in on her own. Boy, was I wrong!
Time: 8:20
Time: 8:31
I had to drag Josh's frozen body in instead. Pretty amazing what the promise of a cup of hot cocoa can do!
Then we decided to do some holiday baking. I've never made the Resee's Peanut Butter Cup cookies so we gave those a whirl. And of course we had to do the annual Chow Mein Noodle Haystacks.
After we addressed all of our Christmas cards we got back to work on the annual craft project - lovingly dubbed the "Annual Bricker Craft Project Nightmare". I have no idea what in God's name I was thinking. The kids and I did one - ONE - the other night and it took me a couple of hours.
I should have taken the entire Michael's disaster as a sign from God that this was not a good idea!
Nonetheless, I have spent about five hours working on these things and we still have four steps to go.
But the end result is really pretty!
It stopped snowing for awhile but then picked right back up again some time this afternoon. I have no idea how much we've gotten total, but honestly, the wind is the worst part of this storm. Brrrrr!!!!
Tonight we made a homemade pizza and I wrapped the rest of our presents. Correction - all of our presents but the last two. Then as I worked on punching out the rest of the snowflakes for the crafts (and watching Shrek the Halls) the kids played jousting, swords and whatever else they could think of with the empty wrapping paper tubes - including tease the dog.
All the while, Ella watched them intently and analyzing all their bad behavior and storing it for future reference.
School has already been called for tomorrow but I am going to do my best to make it to work. So my "snow day" is quickly coming to an end.
But I am happy with all we got accomplished today and glad that I did it all without having to leave the house!
Josh's daycare closed early on Tuesday night and when I woke up this morning to see it was closed today I figured it was a sign I should be staying home, too. Dustin had gone in at midnight but was home by two am. So we were all home today and boy did we make the most of it!
I got up at my usual time to sit and watch the news....by myself. Normally, I'd say that was a waste of good sleeping time, but to be able to watch something that isn't in cartoon format is also a treat. Then of course I had to call work and the girls' daycare and let them know we would all be staying home.
I started a pot of chili for lunch and by 7:00 Lauren was up. So her and I made a nice big breakfast to give the boys fuel for clearing all the snow. (Sometimes it's good being a girl.)
By the time breakfast was over it was time to start the "bundle up" process.
Time: 8:10
Time: 8:12
Time: 8:13
Yes, Lauren was only out for about three minutes. The girl who has begged to sleep in her snow pants for the last two nights would only stand the wind for three minutes. I figured I'd have to drag her frozen body in from the snow before she'd come in on her own. Boy, was I wrong!
Time: 8:20
Time: 8:31
I had to drag Josh's frozen body in instead. Pretty amazing what the promise of a cup of hot cocoa can do!
Then we decided to do some holiday baking. I've never made the Resee's Peanut Butter Cup cookies so we gave those a whirl. And of course we had to do the annual Chow Mein Noodle Haystacks.
After we addressed all of our Christmas cards we got back to work on the annual craft project - lovingly dubbed the "Annual Bricker Craft Project Nightmare". I have no idea what in God's name I was thinking. The kids and I did one - ONE - the other night and it took me a couple of hours.
I should have taken the entire Michael's disaster as a sign from God that this was not a good idea!
Nonetheless, I have spent about five hours working on these things and we still have four steps to go.
But the end result is really pretty!
It stopped snowing for awhile but then picked right back up again some time this afternoon. I have no idea how much we've gotten total, but honestly, the wind is the worst part of this storm. Brrrrr!!!!
Tonight we made a homemade pizza and I wrapped the rest of our presents. Correction - all of our presents but the last two. Then as I worked on punching out the rest of the snowflakes for the crafts (and watching Shrek the Halls) the kids played jousting, swords and whatever else they could think of with the empty wrapping paper tubes - including tease the dog.
All the while, Ella watched them intently and analyzing all their bad behavior and storing it for future reference.
School has already been called for tomorrow but I am going to do my best to make it to work. So my "snow day" is quickly coming to an end.
But I am happy with all we got accomplished today and glad that I did it all without having to leave the house!
Santa's Reindeer aren't the only things flying!
The month of December is like this each year - one day it's Black Friday and the next time you look at the calendar it's December 21st. Sunday's sermon was about this exact thing and Pastor was quick to remind us all that we've only just started Advent and we have plenty of time until Christmas.
I sat in the pew thinking, you know what...he's right? But then I sit at my desk on Monday and think, "Crap. I didn't get everything done this weekend that I needed to!" It's hard enough being a single mom (Monday thru Friday) in July when all I have to do is laundry, clean, grocery shop, cook, work at my job and oh yeah, play with my kids! Doing all that on top of the Christmas shopping, decorating, craft projects, pictures, parties, snow shoveling, programs and Dustin working even more thanks to the heavy shipping season, tends to make me feel like the Tasmanian devil - talking jibberish and spinning wildly.
So when Lauren throws a wrench in my wheel and wakes up at 11:30 on Friday night and wants to play until 4:30 in the morning...my weekend goes to "you know where in a hand basket" real quick.
Our weekend was pretty jammed packed so I had planned on getting up early and getting a head start before any of the kids woke up. But when Lauren wanted to cook me dinner at 11:30 I figured I was in for a very long day.
I tried everything! We watched Dora, I scolded her, we cuddled, I gave her a snack, I gave her a drink, I scolded her again, I let her lay in our bed, I pushed her out of our bed, I tried to wake Dustin to pass her off to him, I even cleaned a bit. She just did not want to sleep. She wasn't cranky, she wasn't even yawning. She was just up.
So when she finally crashed at 4:30 I realized that if I went to sleep I'd never wake up. So, I got up, got dressed, went to Starbucks and sat in the Kohl's parking lot until they woke up at 6:00. Am I crazy? Yes. Am I determined? Yes. Was I tempted to keep driving and call Dustin from Texas? A little bit.
I had a great shopping trip and was out of there by 7:15. Just in time to bring home breakfast because, yes, Lauren was up again.
Good thing she's cute, huh?
Speaking of cute...
After about ten errands and a grocery shopping trip it was nap time. And any mother knows the importance of a good nap before pictures.
Yes, it was time for Ella's 9 month photos. Can you believe it?!?!? We decided to try again for a nice family photo. We'll see if the third time's a charm!
Here's a preview...
Pictures went okay. Yeah, okay. Ella sat there emotionless for most of them. And Lauren was more concerned about showing the photographer her quarter.
Oh well. I am destined to never have a family photo.
Josh had a birthday part to go to right after photos so we took the girls to Michael's. I had something to be framed and I had wanted to pick up the last few things for our annual Christmas craft. But between the chaos and the fact that their shelves were bare I was only able to get my frame ordered.
Before we knew it, it was time to get Joshie. We grabbed dinner and rented some movies and the day was over.
**sigh**
On to Sunday!!!
I had made reservations at Zins for brunch. Santa was going to be there and I figured good food plus avoiding the mall Santa chaos would be perfect!
So after church we headed downtown for a special treat!
The food was sooooo good! I think it's probably one of my favorite restaurants in town. It was Dustin's and the kids' first time there and there were NO complaints!
Lauren kept chanting "Santa Claus" over and over...that is until he appeared. Then she clammed up and wouldn't even speak with him. Josh was MORE than happy to go tell him everything he wanted for Christmas and was even nice enough to let him know that Lauren wants a bouncy house.
Lauren was happy to watch from afar. And since Ella is still small enough that we can force her to sit on his lap...she shared Lauren's sentiments.
Hehehehehehehe. Crack me up!!!
As soon as we got home I helped the kids put up their tree. I had gotten this package of 60 gift tags at Costco for $7.95 when I was up at Dad's one weekend. And they were just to pretty to put on packages so Josh suggested they use them as decorations on their tree!! It was THE perfect idea!!
Once I got some laundry going we started our Gingerbread House! Oh, what a mess...and don't I look thrilled! I am getting better...but I do still have to remind myself that this is for the KIDS, not me. And I am not a pastry chef.
We got our first snow last night and the kids were electric with excitement this morning. I told them it was time to get up this morning and they just laid there. Then I said, "It SNOWED last night!"
Next thing I know Josh had his face pressed up against the window and Lauren was making snow angels in the bed! It was precious!
We are expecting our first big snowstorm of the season tomorrow. Blizzard conditions and 8"+ are on it's way!
I must admit...I'm kind of excited for it, too! That's the six year-old in me, I guess.
I sat in the pew thinking, you know what...he's right? But then I sit at my desk on Monday and think, "Crap. I didn't get everything done this weekend that I needed to!" It's hard enough being a single mom (Monday thru Friday) in July when all I have to do is laundry, clean, grocery shop, cook, work at my job and oh yeah, play with my kids! Doing all that on top of the Christmas shopping, decorating, craft projects, pictures, parties, snow shoveling, programs and Dustin working even more thanks to the heavy shipping season, tends to make me feel like the Tasmanian devil - talking jibberish and spinning wildly.
So when Lauren throws a wrench in my wheel and wakes up at 11:30 on Friday night and wants to play until 4:30 in the morning...my weekend goes to "you know where in a hand basket" real quick.
Our weekend was pretty jammed packed so I had planned on getting up early and getting a head start before any of the kids woke up. But when Lauren wanted to cook me dinner at 11:30 I figured I was in for a very long day.
I tried everything! We watched Dora, I scolded her, we cuddled, I gave her a snack, I gave her a drink, I scolded her again, I let her lay in our bed, I pushed her out of our bed, I tried to wake Dustin to pass her off to him, I even cleaned a bit. She just did not want to sleep. She wasn't cranky, she wasn't even yawning. She was just up.
So when she finally crashed at 4:30 I realized that if I went to sleep I'd never wake up. So, I got up, got dressed, went to Starbucks and sat in the Kohl's parking lot until they woke up at 6:00. Am I crazy? Yes. Am I determined? Yes. Was I tempted to keep driving and call Dustin from Texas? A little bit.
I had a great shopping trip and was out of there by 7:15. Just in time to bring home breakfast because, yes, Lauren was up again.
Good thing she's cute, huh?
Speaking of cute...
After about ten errands and a grocery shopping trip it was nap time. And any mother knows the importance of a good nap before pictures.
Yes, it was time for Ella's 9 month photos. Can you believe it?!?!? We decided to try again for a nice family photo. We'll see if the third time's a charm!
Here's a preview...
Pictures went okay. Yeah, okay. Ella sat there emotionless for most of them. And Lauren was more concerned about showing the photographer her quarter.
Oh well. I am destined to never have a family photo.
Josh had a birthday part to go to right after photos so we took the girls to Michael's. I had something to be framed and I had wanted to pick up the last few things for our annual Christmas craft. But between the chaos and the fact that their shelves were bare I was only able to get my frame ordered.
Before we knew it, it was time to get Joshie. We grabbed dinner and rented some movies and the day was over.
**sigh**
On to Sunday!!!
I had made reservations at Zins for brunch. Santa was going to be there and I figured good food plus avoiding the mall Santa chaos would be perfect!
So after church we headed downtown for a special treat!
The food was sooooo good! I think it's probably one of my favorite restaurants in town. It was Dustin's and the kids' first time there and there were NO complaints!
Lauren kept chanting "Santa Claus" over and over...that is until he appeared. Then she clammed up and wouldn't even speak with him. Josh was MORE than happy to go tell him everything he wanted for Christmas and was even nice enough to let him know that Lauren wants a bouncy house.
Lauren was happy to watch from afar. And since Ella is still small enough that we can force her to sit on his lap...she shared Lauren's sentiments.
Hehehehehehehe. Crack me up!!!
As soon as we got home I helped the kids put up their tree. I had gotten this package of 60 gift tags at Costco for $7.95 when I was up at Dad's one weekend. And they were just to pretty to put on packages so Josh suggested they use them as decorations on their tree!! It was THE perfect idea!!
Once I got some laundry going we started our Gingerbread House! Oh, what a mess...and don't I look thrilled! I am getting better...but I do still have to remind myself that this is for the KIDS, not me. And I am not a pastry chef.
We got our first snow last night and the kids were electric with excitement this morning. I told them it was time to get up this morning and they just laid there. Then I said, "It SNOWED last night!"
Next thing I know Josh had his face pressed up against the window and Lauren was making snow angels in the bed! It was precious!
We are expecting our first big snowstorm of the season tomorrow. Blizzard conditions and 8"+ are on it's way!
I must admit...I'm kind of excited for it, too! That's the six year-old in me, I guess.
