4 more sleeps!

I can't believe that Christmas is in 4 days! How did this happen? I finished my shopping yesterday and today. Trying to clean the house and put up a few more decorations (we're much more sparsely decorated than usual at the moment!). And we're hosting a holiday playdate in the morning. Alex goes for his FOUR MONTH checkup tomorrow as well- where does the time go?? Chas is off Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (amazing!). We'll spend those days visiting Santa, going to church, and playing with toys, respectively. :) Then the kids and I head to Florida to visit the family on the 28th- to Orlando and then to Jax on the 1st, returning on the 3rd. Back to work/ school on the 5th. I wish I felt that I could enjoy the holidays more leisurely!

Rainy day blues

I should be thrilled that it's the last day of work before vacation... But instead, I'm depressed. It was a rough morning. The weather is REALLY crappy (think freezing and pouring down rain- few more degrees and it'd be sleet/ snow, but all we get is nasty cold rain). I am tired. I am worn out. I just want to snuggle up with my babies and stay home. Thank goodness I can. Tomorrow.

The Holiday season is upon us

Since Thanksgiving, life has been so hectic. Never a restful moment, seems like. The first Saturday of the month, we had breakfast and pics with Santa at Abby's school, and a birthday party in the afternoon. We did some Christmas shopping and by time we were making it home, the streets were barracaded for the local parade. We ended up sitting in the car watching most of the parade by the flashing blue light of the cop car nearby. LOL This past Saturday was Abby's first dance recital. (Yes, I need to add a pic here. For the time being, see my facebook album!) Somehow her 90 second performance turned into an all day ordeal. Started around 10 curling and pinning up her hair. Then makeup. We got lost on the way there (damn googlemaps!) and had to stop and ask for directions. Made it right at 2:30 (her call time), watched the 21 act recital. Waited for the craziness to die down- then took some pretty pictures before leaving. Stopped for dinner on the way home- let Abby pick, so of course we went to Golden Corral- her FAVORITE restaurant. LOL By time we got home it was after 7!! Good grief! Yesterday we took holiday pictures in front of the mantel. Can I just say THANK YOU PHOTOSHOP! Getting a silly 4 year old to look at the camera, two adults to look "normal" and a baby to look in the vicinity of the camera while not crying... All while operating the timer feature on the camera... Fun, let me tell you. And nearly impossible. Again, thank you photoshop. LOL

This week should be a LITTLE calmer. Aw, who am I kidding? We have a dinner date with the mommies on Tuesday (Family night @ Chic-Fil-A)... Teacher conference on Wednesday afternoon. Got to figure out gifts for Abby's teachers. Finals and grades due at school by the end of the week. Must get Christmas cards in the mail! Then VACATION! We'll spend the weekend cleaning, shopping, wrapping, maybe baking? On Monday is Alex's 4 month check up. Tuesday is our playdate (which looks like it will have MANY people in attendance, including Abby's best friends (twins) from school with their mom!). Wednesday, I think we're going to see Princess & the Frog (new Disney movie), Thursday is Christmas Eve, and Friday is Christmas! Wow! The following week we're going to Florida (well, the kids and I are).

I'm going to need a vacation after our vacation! :)

Loss, part two.

Just found out... Funeral for my coworkers' little girl will be Saturday afternoon. They will be mourning the loss of their baby girl, while my baby girl is dancing in her first recital.

Loss

It seems like this has been a year of great loss all around me. Is it just me? From relatives, to children from my mommy groups... relatives of coworkers and of friends... It is scary and difficult to know so many people who are grieving. Besides my own grandpa, the most traumatic loss, for me, was of a young girl I've never met. Coworkers of mine lost their 8 year old girl to cancer. The mere thought of a little girl dying like that... Just heartbreaking.

My smarty pants.

I had Abby take the Star Reading Test yesterday- it is a test on the computer that can tell at what level a child reads. I've used it at work with my students for years, and couldn't resist any longer- I stuck Abby on the computer when she came over to my school yesterday afternoon.

I peeked over her shoulder a few times and was frustrated that it seemed like she would daydream between questions. LOL If you wait too long, it skips ahead!

Well, her results blew my mind. Her score was 2.1- meaning she reads at a second grade level! For you teachers out there, her ZPD is 2.1-3.1.

The girl amazes me every single day. :)

Hmm

I am very much feeling, this week, like there is some giant joke or plan ... and I am not "in on it".

That's no fun.

End of November / Florida Trip

What an eventful (and not in a fun way) month we've had.

Car accident- NO FUN. Can I just tell you- I am now looking both ways about 20 times before I pull out into traffic. *sigh*

Grandma moving into assisted living. I'm not there to help, but get frequent updates from my mom about the moving and decluttering process. I cannot fathom the STUFF that accumulates when a family has lived in the same house for SIXTY years.

Grandpa passing away. After discussions went on for nearly a week, he was moved to Hospice. My grandma spent the night with him for the first time in about two months. He passed away the next day. My mom and grandma were with him; he closed his eyes and just didn't draw another breath. I'm glad he went peacefully. I'm thankful that he's no longer in pain. I am grateful beyond words that I was able to visit last month- to take the kids and see him one last time. I am glad that I was NOT there for the cruel, hateful things that were said to my mom, aunt, and grandma by my uncle. I don't know that I could have responded respectfully.

Even though it may not have made sense financially, Chas agreed to acompany me and the kids to Florida for the service. Abby and Alex both behaved beautifully at the church, but you just never know how those things are going to go- and I couldn't bear the thought of having to walk out with the crying baby or something. A week in Orlando was a bit trying- especially on a shoestring (maybe a threadbare shoestring!) budget, but we relaxed and enjoyed each other's company. The service was nice, and most importantly, my grandma was pleased.

My mom offered to watch the kids, and Chas and I took a SUPER-rare night out. We had the early bird special at a local seafood restaurant (Straubs, for those familiar with the Altamonte area- yummy and great service, too!) and then went to the movies! I can't even remember the last time I went to the movies!! LOL We saw "Men Who Stare at Goats" and we both enjoyed it. :)

Thanksgiving was wonderful. Aunts, uncles, and cousins all present (well, except the one who might have gotten beat up if he'd attended). Wonderful company, excellent food, and an overall great way to spend the holiday.

We went to a "Black Friday Brunch" at the home of one of my sorority sisters. There were a bunch of us there- spouses and kids in tow. I think there were a total of NINE little ones- ranging from a few weeks old (Teresa's twins) to four and a half (my big girl!). It was wonderful to share our little bundles of joy- and to reminisce.

After all that time in Orlando, we headed to Jacksonville to see Chas's family. We were only able to stay two nights- but they were nice. I always enjoy spending time with my in-laws. We were sad to find, Friday night, that my mother-in-law's aunt passed away. She lived 95 wonderful years, but it is always sad to see someone go.

We're now home. Thank goodness. And entering the crazy holiday season. I can't believe Christmas is 23 days away! There's so much to do! ACK! This Saturday alone, I have four places to be... pretty much at the same time. LOL We're going to try our best to make it to three of them- family photos, brunch with Santa, and a birthday party. I'm sad Abby's missing the opportunity to be in a parade- but they were the last ones to advise us of the event... so they didn't make "the cut". ;)

Enough blogging for one lunch time. More another time. :)

Thankful Project recap

I was unable to complete the thankful project in realtime because I ended up in Orlando and without internet access for over a week. But here are the remaining items on the list.



11/19 (Day 10) I am thankful for my husband. I appreciate, so much, the fact that you put aside what seemed practical, in order to support me this week.

11/20 (Day 11) I am thankful for my children who are amazingly well behaved when the situation calls for such.

11/21 (Day 12) I am thankful for reason, which my grandmother retains, regardless of what anyone else says.

11/22 (Day 13) I am thankful for beautiful weather, and the opportunity to spend time outdoors with the ones I love.

11/23 (Day 14) I am thankful for credit cards, and sleeping at the Sheridan.

11/24 (Day 15) I am thankful for modern medicine and its ability to erase minor discomforts.

11/25 (Day 16) I am thankful for having fun with my children- and also for the rare opportunity to spend adult time without them.

11/26 (Thanksgiving Day) I am thankful for my family, for the opportunity to gather with them, and for the food and togetherness we share.
I actually think I will add "Gratitude Journal" entries to my blog here, as I know it will help me to focus on the positive throughout the year.



Post-Thanksgiving entries:

I am grateful for my in-laws. I am a very lucky girl to have married into such a sane, supportive, loving family.


I am grateful for the car-knowledge held by my brother in law. Thank you for saving me from overspending at the auto-shop!


I am grateful to finally receive a (nearly) whole paycheck, after two months of measly ones. Phew!!