Tuesday Twelve

1.  The last number of days have been filled with fun!  Friday The Mister went out for guys poker night and my friend Jacy came here with her girls for a sleepover.  I think we had as much fun as the kids.  Saturday was Basketball and Ryan had his best game yet.  His team didn't win, but we were so proud of how well Ryan played and thrilled that he had a lot of fun during the game and really shone as a leader on his team.  Saturday night I went to an ornament exchange with my old mom's group.  It was great to see some friends I haven't seen in a number of months and the night went better than anticipated considering there were some hurt feelings when I left.  The best part was seeing my friend Tanya.  She's cutting her hair and going in for a double mastectomy this week.  It felt good to hug her.

2.  Ryan got a surprise invite for a sleepover Saturday night and we didn't see him until Monday afternoon when I picked him up.  We really missed him here, but wow, the house was so mellow.  Crazy that he's old enough to go stay at a friends house for two whole days!

3.  Little Miss has been drawing up a storm lately and her artistic skills are increasing in leaps and bounds.  She went from drawing stick people to drawing flowers, hearts, rainbows and birds almost over night.  Even Ryan has commented on how good her pictures are.

4.  We had our first Skype experience a few days ago.  It was so fun and the kids really enjoyed SEEING their Grandparents and Great Grandma while talking to them.  Now that I realize how neat it is, I'll be encouraging some others to sign up for this free service.

5.  I made cut out sugar cookies from scratch this morning.  That dough is tough to work with!  Ended up with lots of cute stockings, presents, snowmen, snowflakes, Christmas trees, stars and bells.  Even better, all the kids that came over today seemed to have a good time decorating them.  Oh, and the best part, I had the big boy do a taste test between a box mix for sugar cookies that I made last week and the recipe I made this morning.  He thought the 'from scratch' cookie was better.  Yay!

6. The Mister is off work for a week, starting tonight!  I feel like we need to celebrate!  He's been working so hard for so long, I hope he's able to completely unplug for at least a couple days.

7.  I love going to the mailbox this time of year.  It's so much fun getting pictures and seeing how kids have grown over the year or getting cards with letters that share what the person's year held.  I'm always really impressed by the handmade cards, one day I might follow suit.  Maybe.  I'm not the best at keeping in touch, which makes the yearly cards even more precious to me.

8.  E has started taking his diaper off.  I walked into his room this morning to find his pj's on the floor, his diaper next to him in his crib and his onesie around his waist.  We haven't had the poop smeared all over everything experience with him yet but I know it's just a matter of time.  The older two both did it once, wonder how many times my little man will decide to play in the disgusting brown goo.

9.  There were 20 people at my house today, 6 moms and 14 kids.  I was thankful, yet again, for our new house which is so much better for hosting playdates.  I used to hate to host because there just wasn't enough space for kids to play and mom's to not be in the middle of it all.  Now I really enjoy having people over, especially when the kids are all so good and the mom's are so fun to be around.  Playdate at my place...bring it on!  Oh and Barbara, if you're reading this,  I promise not to steal anything from you next time we're together. ;)

10.  I actually got Christmas cards out this year....to most people.  No writing, just pictures, but a big accomplishment, nonetheless.  Christmas cards have been spotty for the last number of years so I'm thrilled to have sent some out.  Next year the list will grow as I compile a few more addresses over the year.

11. I'm enjoying a small piece of Williams-Sonoma Peppermint Bark as I type this.  (Thank you Craig and Mary!)  If you like Peppermint, dark chocolate and white chocolate, you must try this.  Don't try any of the copy cats, Williams-Sonoma makes the best version, just the right thickness and mix of flavors.   Between this and the white chocolate covered pretzels my MIL sent, the few pounds I've lost are sure to find their way back.

12.  Last but not least, I got a surprise gift that meant so much to me today.  It included something hand made and a small purchased item that I'd mentioned wanting awhile back and promptly forgotten.  My friend heard and remembered.  The hand made item is now proudly displayed on my buffet and the other will be well used.  I'm so blessed to have such sweet and thoughtful friends.  Thanks girl, you're the best!

Busy Busy Busy!

This week has been never ending, yet not nearly long enough.  Every year I think I'll get Christmas stuff done early so I can sit back and enjoy all the events and the spirit of the season and each year I feel behind by the first of December.   And it only gets worse.  The weather here has made things a bit more difficult this week, one snow day and two early release days coupled with 3 kids Christmas parties and I basically lost my last few hours of kid free time.  Thankfully everything is done for school parties and I'm nearing the end of my Christmas shopping and gift making.  A few more parties to look forward too over the next number of days and then some time to sit back and think about the reason for the season, and enjoy the Christmas tree, pine and cinnamon scents floating around the house, candle light, Christmas carols and Christmas goodies my Mother In Law sent.  Yum.  Since we live far from all our relatives, I'm really looking forward to some quality down time with my little family next week.

The desire for family time is exacerbated by wanting to be with and support my extended family right now.  My Aunt's husband passed away yesterday.  He was surrounded by those that loved him and his passing was peaceful.  A blessing, but its never easy to lose someone and I'd think harder at this time of year.   I really feel for my aunt, his children and my cousins.

Back to work.  Still lots to do!

Signs

The changing table I've used with all three kids broke this morning.  Maybe it's a sign that potty training should begin?  He'll be two next month, sits on the potty all the time and tells me when he has a wet diaper.    Unfortunately he still wakes up soaking wet every morning and from every nap.  Don't think we're there yet, but it's coming soon!  It will be bittersweet to not have a baby in the house, but I'm looking forward to the end of diapers.

For the love of books

E had to sit in time out at Mother's Day Out today.  It's the first time he's gotten in trouble at school.  I was mortified when I asked what he'd done, anticipating hitting, pinching or yelling "NO" when asked to do something.  He's done all those things at home, learned those tricks from his older siblings well before he should have.

Thankfully, he wasn't mean to another child or his teacher.  He was, however, mean to an inanimate object.
The boy ripped the flaps out of his favorite book.  He's done it at home too.  More than once.  Sigh.

For a book lover, this is a painful challenge.

Tuesday Twelve

1.  Another friend, another terrible illness.  She has lots of spunk and will to live and a sweet little boy who will encourage her to fight the battle of her life...for her life.  Brain tumor...breast cancer...these women are young, early 30's young.  What's going on with my friends??  Maybe it's Tennessee?  I've already lost a really good friend to Leukemia since moving here, this group of women is too young to have more loss.  Again, if you're the praying kind and have a few spare prayers, Tanya and Margie can use them.

2.  It's been cold here the last few days!  Like below freezing even during the day, cold.  With the cold came a discovery that all my kids need new winter jackets.  I thought the older two would be able to wear theirs another year, bummer.

3.  Along with the cold came snow flurries, which have really helped get me into the Christmas spirit!

4.  My goal is to get all Christmas crafting and shopping completed by the end of this weekend and then shipped Monday.  We'll see if I can make it happen.

5.  E has started talking up a storm.  It's great because he's able to communicate more and is less frustrated. The only sign he continues to use is more, and only when he really wants something.

6.  Even though he's a full on toddler now, there are still remnants of the baby days.  He still loves a good cuddle and loves to rock to the music for a few minutes before being laid down for a nap or bedtime.  I love that he has always been a kid that wants to be held and cuddled.  Since he's our last baby, I'm soaking it all up.  Don't get me wrong, he's all boy and is off and running when the kids are around, but he's always ready to give his momma a hug when she needs one.

7.  This is another item from our craft day, super cute necklace, right?!  It's made with a washer, scrap book paper, and a Mod Podge product that I can't remember the name of.  Every time I wear it I get compliments and I LOVE the color combination.  Love craft day even more!

8.  The big boy and I are going to have it out after school.  He's choosing not to obey a rule, so its time to lay down the law.  Not looking forward to it because I know there will tears.

9.  He came home, we had it out.  He took it better than anticipated.  I'm proud of him and hope a lesson has been learned.

10.  It's so quiet in my house right now.  The younger two are napping and the big boy is in his room doing something with crayons, paper and a few sniffles.

11.  We're having Chili for dinner, I should cut up veggies while the kiddos are quiet.

12.  I started this post at 7:32 this morning.  It took me until 3:46 to finish it.  But hey, at least I finished it, which is more than I can say for a couple other tasks I started today.

Way Back Wednesday

This picture was taken during the spring of 2005.  Our big boy was about the age our daughter is now.  We still see one of the girls in the picture all the time, all the others have moved.  The middle girls in each row are my friend Jenna's daughters.  Even though they're only an hour away, we don't see them much anymore.  It's so sad because when I go back through old pictures, there are so many of the kids together.  They were all such great friends.  We miss them and Jenna.  Hard to believe she's been gone for 2.5 years.

And another taken the following fall at the pumpkin patch.  Barbara, if you're reading this, I'd forgotten how short Ryan was compared to Brianna!