My morning:
Got up at 9am. That sounds so late but I'm actually waking up A LOT at night. It felt like every hour last night. Oh well. It's nice getting up whenever I want to. I ate breakfast and sat around talking with Kathy. At 10:45am I exercised on a treadmill in the home gym for an hour. Took my shower and spent more time on my hair than I have in months. Now it's 1pm. We're about to have lunch and watch a movie. Can I just say: Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Relaxing in Philidelphia
Well, here I am in Philidelphia. Well, really it's Bryn Mawr, about 25 minutes from downtown Philidelphia. I'm hanging out with my wonderful friend Kathy Strickler. She is here for a month without her husband and kids waiting to deliver twins. One of her twins (both girls) has congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Basically the poor baby has a hole in her diaphram and the liver is partly through that hole. She has a 50/50 chance of survival. And here at Children's Hospital in Philidelphia are the experts for this kind of thing. So here she is, waiting. So I decided to come stay with her and keep her company. She's not up to a whole lot since she is big, tired, and sore.
So here we sit watching movies or tv all day. We spent the morning cooking and baking because we didn't have to clean any of it up! That's right. We're staying with Kathy's Aunt and Uncle, who are so kind and gracious. They are really lovely people. They have a nice lady come and clean up their house (which by the way is a gorgeous, sprawling home) which is why we didn't have to clean up anything!
Today we went to Kathy's doctor appointment. I got to see both babies. They are both looking well. Both girls need to gain several more pounds though before coming. So we have made all sorts of treats to eat for the weekend. Hey, I'm just supporting Kathy. It would be rude to not eat with her. I wouldn't want her to feel bad! :)
I get to have four nights of uninterrupted sleep. Today I slept in until 9:15! It was glorious. I'm able to read, sleep, eat, and cook all without feeling guilty about what I still need to do for the day. It's very relaxing and enjoyable.
While I'm gone Ben has the girls to himself. I am sure he is spoiling them rotten. The morning I left they were both sad and followed me around the house. Ben was wonderful though. He got me to the aiport, Alexis to a field trip, Audrey to school, and then babysat Max (a boy I babysit every Wednesday) for me! He is so wonderful to take over my responsibilities so I can have this time with Kathy. Love you babe!
Now on to more relaxing!
So here we sit watching movies or tv all day. We spent the morning cooking and baking because we didn't have to clean any of it up! That's right. We're staying with Kathy's Aunt and Uncle, who are so kind and gracious. They are really lovely people. They have a nice lady come and clean up their house (which by the way is a gorgeous, sprawling home) which is why we didn't have to clean up anything!
Today we went to Kathy's doctor appointment. I got to see both babies. They are both looking well. Both girls need to gain several more pounds though before coming. So we have made all sorts of treats to eat for the weekend. Hey, I'm just supporting Kathy. It would be rude to not eat with her. I wouldn't want her to feel bad! :)
I get to have four nights of uninterrupted sleep. Today I slept in until 9:15! It was glorious. I'm able to read, sleep, eat, and cook all without feeling guilty about what I still need to do for the day. It's very relaxing and enjoyable.
While I'm gone Ben has the girls to himself. I am sure he is spoiling them rotten. The morning I left they were both sad and followed me around the house. Ben was wonderful though. He got me to the aiport, Alexis to a field trip, Audrey to school, and then babysat Max (a boy I babysit every Wednesday) for me! He is so wonderful to take over my responsibilities so I can have this time with Kathy. Love you babe!
Now on to more relaxing!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thoughts about Catie
A lovely woman that I know has passed away. I wasn't a really close friend. We had limited contact the last three to four years. And yet I feel as if I should write something about her. I don't even know if I can properly explain my feelings about this. I don't think anything I write will be enough but I am compelled to write something.
Catie was only 31 years old. She had a husband and three kids, the oldest of which is only six years old. I met Catie at Stanford University. Our husbands were pursuing graduate degrees. Catie and I had some play dates with our kids, helped babysit each other's kids, and saw each other at church activities. When I moved to Wisconsin and she to North Carolina we didn't really keep in contact. We read each other's blogs and and left comments. I watched from afar and heard about her fight with cancer for the last three years. Ben has remained close with Catie's husband Steve through playing games on the XBox at least once a month.
I feel sad knowing that she is gone. I feel devastated for Steve and the kids. Steve wrote a beautiful eulogy and made the most beautiful slideshow of his years with Catie. I cried through most of both. I remember Catie always smiling and happy. She had a really beautiful smile. That's what I really remember.
I find myself struggling to understand why people have to go through this kind of pain. I know we are here to be tested. I know Catie's family will see her again. I believe that their family is eternal. But that doesn't take away the pain and grief I know they are feeling and will feel for a long time.
This last week I have had many moments where I have been hit with feelings of sadness but also of gratitude that I have this time with my kids. It seems unfair that Catie will miss those moments. And yet I have felt inspired by her example to be a better person. I was really touched to read in Steve's eulogy how Catie doubled her efforts in reading her scriptures and praying. Also that she savored every minute she had with her family.
How much do I take for granted? How complacent have I become? I have felt a bit of a wake up call from Catie. What an amazing example she gave me. I hope that I can remember this feeling. I know Catie will be remembered always. I will remember her.
Catie was only 31 years old. She had a husband and three kids, the oldest of which is only six years old. I met Catie at Stanford University. Our husbands were pursuing graduate degrees. Catie and I had some play dates with our kids, helped babysit each other's kids, and saw each other at church activities. When I moved to Wisconsin and she to North Carolina we didn't really keep in contact. We read each other's blogs and and left comments. I watched from afar and heard about her fight with cancer for the last three years. Ben has remained close with Catie's husband Steve through playing games on the XBox at least once a month.
I feel sad knowing that she is gone. I feel devastated for Steve and the kids. Steve wrote a beautiful eulogy and made the most beautiful slideshow of his years with Catie. I cried through most of both. I remember Catie always smiling and happy. She had a really beautiful smile. That's what I really remember.
I find myself struggling to understand why people have to go through this kind of pain. I know we are here to be tested. I know Catie's family will see her again. I believe that their family is eternal. But that doesn't take away the pain and grief I know they are feeling and will feel for a long time.
This last week I have had many moments where I have been hit with feelings of sadness but also of gratitude that I have this time with my kids. It seems unfair that Catie will miss those moments. And yet I have felt inspired by her example to be a better person. I was really touched to read in Steve's eulogy how Catie doubled her efforts in reading her scriptures and praying. Also that she savored every minute she had with her family.
How much do I take for granted? How complacent have I become? I have felt a bit of a wake up call from Catie. What an amazing example she gave me. I hope that I can remember this feeling. I know Catie will be remembered always. I will remember her.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Enjoying
I'm not blogging because I'm too busy watching the Olympics. It is awesome! I love it! Well, not the opening ceremonies. BIG YAWN for that. But I did enjoy the parade of nations. On other uninteresting news my workout tonight is going to make me SORE tomorrow! But that is a good thing, right?
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Gone Away
I have had two dear friends move out of state recently. We had numerous going away parties for them. They were a lot of fun. We watched Twilight with RiffTrax (if you've never seen this you must. It is the funniest thing I have ever watched. I can tell you how to do this--email me and ask!) and laughed during the entire movie. They were tears during some parts because we laughed so hard. It is really sad for me that they are both gone. I feel a bit lonely and lost. They have been a really big part of my life for the last year and a half to three years.
What would I have done without Cynthia when I first moved here? We kept each other company on our many playdates before the kids went to school. We got together on most holidays and had a party "for the kids" so we could hang out! She was my visiting teacher who called and saved me my first winter here when I was so extremely sick and alone. Whose other boys can I dress in pink sweaters and take pictures of? Whose other two year old boy can I watch throw tantrums because his mom won't let him use the vacuum at my house? You will be very missed Cynthia.
DeAnn, the last year and a half has been gloriously full, noisy, and fun with you here. Having you just blocks away was the best thing ever. I loved that we could get our girls together anytime we wanted and in the summer could have them ride their bikes here. Alexis and Natalie were sure fun to watch and listen to. I enjoyed our babysitting swapping and our daily talks. I don't know if I should thank or curse you for introducing me to Vince Flynn. :) I am on the last book of the series finally! You are missed.
And how will I ever watch TLCB the same without both of you? It just won't be I know. But you both have truly blessed my life and have been such wonderful friends to me. I look forward to our many more years of shared experiences even though they will be from far away now.
What would I have done without Cynthia when I first moved here? We kept each other company on our many playdates before the kids went to school. We got together on most holidays and had a party "for the kids" so we could hang out! She was my visiting teacher who called and saved me my first winter here when I was so extremely sick and alone. Whose other boys can I dress in pink sweaters and take pictures of? Whose other two year old boy can I watch throw tantrums because his mom won't let him use the vacuum at my house? You will be very missed Cynthia.
DeAnn, the last year and a half has been gloriously full, noisy, and fun with you here. Having you just blocks away was the best thing ever. I loved that we could get our girls together anytime we wanted and in the summer could have them ride their bikes here. Alexis and Natalie were sure fun to watch and listen to. I enjoyed our babysitting swapping and our daily talks. I don't know if I should thank or curse you for introducing me to Vince Flynn. :) I am on the last book of the series finally! You are missed.
And how will I ever watch TLCB the same without both of you? It just won't be I know. But you both have truly blessed my life and have been such wonderful friends to me. I look forward to our many more years of shared experiences even though they will be from far away now.
Visitors
On the 27th, Alexis' actual birthday, we had Janet (Ben's sister) and Nicholas and their two girls, Adelyn and Maren, come for a visit. They had just had a mini winter vacation in the Dells and decided to come visit us for two days. It was so much fun! It was really fun to have them here on Alexis' birthday night. She enjoyed opening family presents with them. She acquired several more webkinz upping her total to a whopping 21, or something like that. I know, overboard but she loves those things and they are relativley inexpensive. Plus, you should see the games Alexis and Audrey come up with using all those webkinz. Hours of entertainment.
Anyway, Alexis and Audrey only had a half day of school that day so we spent the rest of the afternoon getting ready for our visitors and enjoying a quiet afternoon. I brought Alexis some flowers (pink carnations) and balloons to school when I picked her up. She really loved that. Audrey helped me wrap all the presents. And we had taco salad for dinner, one of her favorite meals.
We enjoyed two very late nights with Janet and Nicholas! We stayed up late talking both nights. I think the second night we finally went to bed at 1:30am. It was very enjoyable though. We also played RockBand when Ben got home from work the second night.
I took the girls out of school on Thursday and we went to the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. We stayed there for almost four hours I believe. That is the longest I have ever stayed there. The girls all had so much fun playing there together. Janet, Nicholas, and I even joined in the fun calling each other on the phones in the various mock shops. Janet even delivered me a plastic sandwich from the marketplace as I busily worked on someone's car at the mechanic shop. :)
Thanks for coming to visit us! We had tons of fun! We will return the visit this summer!
Anyway, Alexis and Audrey only had a half day of school that day so we spent the rest of the afternoon getting ready for our visitors and enjoying a quiet afternoon. I brought Alexis some flowers (pink carnations) and balloons to school when I picked her up. She really loved that. Audrey helped me wrap all the presents. And we had taco salad for dinner, one of her favorite meals.
We enjoyed two very late nights with Janet and Nicholas! We stayed up late talking both nights. I think the second night we finally went to bed at 1:30am. It was very enjoyable though. We also played RockBand when Ben got home from work the second night.
I took the girls out of school on Thursday and we went to the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. We stayed there for almost four hours I believe. That is the longest I have ever stayed there. The girls all had so much fun playing there together. Janet, Nicholas, and I even joined in the fun calling each other on the phones in the various mock shops. Janet even delivered me a plastic sandwich from the marketplace as I busily worked on someone's car at the mechanic shop. :)
Thanks for coming to visit us! We had tons of fun! We will return the visit this summer!
Audrey, funny Audrey
Last night Audrey and I were reading The Little Engine that Could. About 3/4 of the way through the book Audrey stops me and says, "If I was an adult and the toy clown and animals stopped me and asked for help I wouldn't help them because they should figure out their own problems." Hmmm. I think Audrey got the opposite lesson out of that story than I did.
The girls were discussing a school day coming up that is called Career Day. You get to dress up like the career that you want to go into. Alexis of course said she was dressing as an artist. Audrey announced, "Well, I'm going to be a vegetarian!" Alexis responded, "Audrey, that's when you don't eat meat. That's not a career." Audrey looked confused for a minute and I gently suggested that maybe she meant vetrinarian. Audrey still looked confused. I told her that is an animal doctor. She then looked very relieved and said, "yeah, that."
The girls were discussing a school day coming up that is called Career Day. You get to dress up like the career that you want to go into. Alexis of course said she was dressing as an artist. Audrey announced, "Well, I'm going to be a vegetarian!" Alexis responded, "Audrey, that's when you don't eat meat. That's not a career." Audrey looked confused for a minute and I gently suggested that maybe she meant vetrinarian. Audrey still looked confused. I told her that is an animal doctor. She then looked very relieved and said, "yeah, that."
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Alexis turns 10.
Alexis turned 10 on January 27th. I can hardly believe it. We celebrated with her friends a little early, on the 16th, because one of her best friends was moving and that was the only time she could come.
The theme for Alexis' party was "Under the Sea." The girls arrived and got a word put on their back. They had to figure out what it was by asking everyone else yes or no questions. It was quite fun to watch them figure them out. Towards the end some of the girls resorted to asking if the word/item started with an A, B, C, etc. Pretty funny. I think the hardest one was electric eel.
Two crafts that we did were put iron on appliques on small tote bags and some sand art bracelets and necklaces. We also played Pictionary. The girls loved that. Then we ate cake and ice cream and opened presents. The last thing we did was make oceans in a bottle. That was fun and turned out great. We put some sand and shells in a clear jar. Then I put blue food coloring in some water and poured it over the sand and shells. The girls put glitter in the water and then some baby oil to make bubbles. They looked pretty awesome!
The theme for Alexis' party was "Under the Sea." The girls arrived and got a word put on their back. They had to figure out what it was by asking everyone else yes or no questions. It was quite fun to watch them figure them out. Towards the end some of the girls resorted to asking if the word/item started with an A, B, C, etc. Pretty funny. I think the hardest one was electric eel.
Two crafts that we did were put iron on appliques on small tote bags and some sand art bracelets and necklaces. We also played Pictionary. The girls loved that. Then we ate cake and ice cream and opened presents. The last thing we did was make oceans in a bottle. That was fun and turned out great. We put some sand and shells in a clear jar. Then I put blue food coloring in some water and poured it over the sand and shells. The girls put glitter in the water and then some baby oil to make bubbles. They looked pretty awesome!
No pictures
For some reason I can't upload any pictures to my blog. I've been trying for weeks to figure out the problem. I've decided to blog anyway and maybe one day I'll figure how to put pictures on here again.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
That kind of day
I smell like pancakes. Or, more accurately, my back smells like pancakes. At least that is what Audrey said to me this morning when we woke up. Hmmm. How could I possibly turn this into something positive? Well, if I smell like pancakes then maybe people will think I am an awesome baker. "Wow, she's such a great homemaker," they will say. "She bakes pancakes for her kids every morning." Yeah...I took a shower and put on perfume today.
I'm trying to make dinner and Alexis becomes frustrated with her division homework. I can tell she is breaking down because our conversation goes like this:
A: I really need your help! I can't add or multiply right now. I just need you to tell me the answer.
Me: Really? Wow. I can't believe they let you stay in fourth grade.
A: Well, it's just really hard!
Me: Oh, it's hard? Why didn't you just say that before? If it's hard I'll just give you all the answers!
A: (giggles) I mean it's easy!
Me: Oh good. Then you should already know the answers.
We banter like this for a little bit and I'm kind of proud of myself for keeping the tone light and distracting Alexis a little bit. After a minute or so she starts to cry.
Me: Okay, Alexis. You need a break. Go get your other homework and take a break from division.
A: No! No! I'm fine. I'm calming down.
Me: Really? Then why are you crying?
A: I'm not crying!
Me: Oh? I guess you're just spitting from your eyes then. That is something really remarkable. We should Daddy when he gets home. He'll be so proud.
Alexis starts laughing and I congratulate myself again on using some humor to deflect a major breakdown. Alas, it does not last and she just keeps complaining.
Me: Okay Alexis I have a test for you. Let's see if you can listen and obey. Please go get your map homework.
A: No, I just have four more problems. Please, give me another chance. I'm fine. I'm fine. (She's saying all of this while crying and laying prostrate on the counter).
Me: Okay, you just failed the test.
Alexis keeps arguing that she is fine. I think I asked her three times to get her map homework and she kept stalling. Finally, out of patience, I tell her now she needs to go sit on her bed. Quickly she changes tactics.
A: No, I just need to tell you something.
Me: Please go sit on your bed.
A: No, I just need to tell you something. I'll forget, I'll forget!
I ask her a third time to go to her room and she keeps up the arguing, all the while NOT GOING TO HER ROOM. I calmly (on the outside anyway) walk her to her room and shut the door. AHHHHHHHH!
I continue to make hot dogs and mac n cheese. Yeah, it's that kind of day. As I am opening the packet of cheese it flies out of my hand, across the counter, and onto the floor. Half the cheese is gone and as I scream out in frustration Audrey comes running into the kitchen. She says, "Oh!" and kindly refrains from laughing in my face. She runs to the closet, grabs the broom and starts to sweep it up. Then she plugs the vacuum in and cleans it all up for me. I know I shouldn't be cynical about this and I am grateful for her help but it's always amusing to me that Audrey knows just when to kick in her angel behavior. :) She's no dummy! I do appreciate that she senses my mounting frustration and tries to help though.
At dinner Audrey told me that she wants to grow her out so long that she can use it as a scarf. Then her neck would never be cold. Uh huh.
It's been that kind of day.
I'm trying to make dinner and Alexis becomes frustrated with her division homework. I can tell she is breaking down because our conversation goes like this:
A: I really need your help! I can't add or multiply right now. I just need you to tell me the answer.
Me: Really? Wow. I can't believe they let you stay in fourth grade.
A: Well, it's just really hard!
Me: Oh, it's hard? Why didn't you just say that before? If it's hard I'll just give you all the answers!
A: (giggles) I mean it's easy!
Me: Oh good. Then you should already know the answers.
We banter like this for a little bit and I'm kind of proud of myself for keeping the tone light and distracting Alexis a little bit. After a minute or so she starts to cry.
Me: Okay, Alexis. You need a break. Go get your other homework and take a break from division.
A: No! No! I'm fine. I'm calming down.
Me: Really? Then why are you crying?
A: I'm not crying!
Me: Oh? I guess you're just spitting from your eyes then. That is something really remarkable. We should Daddy when he gets home. He'll be so proud.
Alexis starts laughing and I congratulate myself again on using some humor to deflect a major breakdown. Alas, it does not last and she just keeps complaining.
Me: Okay Alexis I have a test for you. Let's see if you can listen and obey. Please go get your map homework.
A: No, I just have four more problems. Please, give me another chance. I'm fine. I'm fine. (She's saying all of this while crying and laying prostrate on the counter).
Me: Okay, you just failed the test.
Alexis keeps arguing that she is fine. I think I asked her three times to get her map homework and she kept stalling. Finally, out of patience, I tell her now she needs to go sit on her bed. Quickly she changes tactics.
A: No, I just need to tell you something.
Me: Please go sit on your bed.
A: No, I just need to tell you something. I'll forget, I'll forget!
I ask her a third time to go to her room and she keeps up the arguing, all the while NOT GOING TO HER ROOM. I calmly (on the outside anyway) walk her to her room and shut the door. AHHHHHHHH!
I continue to make hot dogs and mac n cheese. Yeah, it's that kind of day. As I am opening the packet of cheese it flies out of my hand, across the counter, and onto the floor. Half the cheese is gone and as I scream out in frustration Audrey comes running into the kitchen. She says, "Oh!" and kindly refrains from laughing in my face. She runs to the closet, grabs the broom and starts to sweep it up. Then she plugs the vacuum in and cleans it all up for me. I know I shouldn't be cynical about this and I am grateful for her help but it's always amusing to me that Audrey knows just when to kick in her angel behavior. :) She's no dummy! I do appreciate that she senses my mounting frustration and tries to help though.
At dinner Audrey told me that she wants to grow her out so long that she can use it as a scarf. Then her neck would never be cold. Uh huh.
It's been that kind of day.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Baker's Cyst and other mysterious problems.
Just so everyone can breathe a big sigh of relief--my Baker's Cyst has burst! I know everyone was on the edge of their seats and couldn't sleep over this. Seriously, this is a huge relief for me. I can walk normally again! It is weird to think that there is fluid draining inside my leg but since I can't see it or feel it I accept! My doctor said by the end of two weeks I shouldn't feel anything. My leg shouldn't bother me anymore. And, in true Emily Thomas' crazy body fashion, he has no idea why I got the cyst in the first place. Usually it is caused by arthritis or some tearing but I don't have either of those things. It's a mystery! Just like the infection in my knee (the same one coincidentally) back in 2005 that gave me a trip to the ER, flu like symptoms, exposed slit in my leg, tremedous pain, and weeks of non walking--all with an 18 month old and a four and a half year old! Yea my body! Also just like the allergic reaction I've been having in my eyes! Holy annoying mess. They are better now with some sort of steroid drops I'm taking. Is that why I've been acting funny? JK. But really the drops give the nastiest aftertaste in my mouth after I put them in my eyes. I know! Weird! Well, I have fulfilled my blogging quota for the day (okay with my track record--two months!) so I must get ready to pick up all the kids from school.
By the way, am I the only one having trouble uploading pictures to Blogger? I have some awesome family pictures that I am trying to post but it won't post them! ARGH! Help!
By the way, am I the only one having trouble uploading pictures to Blogger? I have some awesome family pictures that I am trying to post but it won't post them! ARGH! Help!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Christmas
We had so much fun on our Christmas break. We spent 10 days in MN. The girls went sledding with Ben and other cousins and Uncles almost every day. If they didn't go sledding they were outside playing in the snow. That would be because the day after we arrived in MN we got 18 inches of snow there. It was just magical and wonderful.
The girls got everything they wanted for Christmas (and then some more I am sure). They had a lot of fun with this years family Christmas talent. We choreographed movements with written words on our bodies to the song "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" by Weezer. We were awesome. I'm so humble. I will try to upload a video of it. Alexis played a piano piece, Audrey sang a song, and Ben wrote a great poem about all the grandkids' futures. I did nothing extra because my Baker's Cyst was a big pain the butt! But that's another story.
Lori and I organized her house during our trip. I thought it was great fun. Tiring but the results are so much fun. We'll see if she invites me over to her house again! Hmmm. I'm sensing a pattern here (see my Thanksgiving post).
Other than those exciting things we played games and ate lots of bad food that tasted great. We also took 6 girls to see The Princess and The Frog. I have to say that I did not enjoy it and I wouldn't recommend wasting your money on it in the theaters. It was that disappointing to me. Oh well. I think the kids had a good time anyway. And thanks Ellen for paying!
All of the cousins played really well together for such a long period of time too. With 8 girls around aged 9 to 3 (and a 3 year old boy as well) there is usually some kind of squabbling going on. But really they all got along really well. It was actually usually my own two "angels" who squabbled with each other. Ahh, sisters.
Well, that is the summary of our Christmas vacation. Kind of lame really but it was lots of fun. Now on to a new year and Alexis' birthday!!!
The girls got everything they wanted for Christmas (and then some more I am sure). They had a lot of fun with this years family Christmas talent. We choreographed movements with written words on our bodies to the song "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" by Weezer. We were awesome. I'm so humble. I will try to upload a video of it. Alexis played a piano piece, Audrey sang a song, and Ben wrote a great poem about all the grandkids' futures. I did nothing extra because my Baker's Cyst was a big pain the butt! But that's another story.
Lori and I organized her house during our trip. I thought it was great fun. Tiring but the results are so much fun. We'll see if she invites me over to her house again! Hmmm. I'm sensing a pattern here (see my Thanksgiving post).
Other than those exciting things we played games and ate lots of bad food that tasted great. We also took 6 girls to see The Princess and The Frog. I have to say that I did not enjoy it and I wouldn't recommend wasting your money on it in the theaters. It was that disappointing to me. Oh well. I think the kids had a good time anyway. And thanks Ellen for paying!
All of the cousins played really well together for such a long period of time too. With 8 girls around aged 9 to 3 (and a 3 year old boy as well) there is usually some kind of squabbling going on. But really they all got along really well. It was actually usually my own two "angels" who squabbled with each other. Ahh, sisters.
Well, that is the summary of our Christmas vacation. Kind of lame really but it was lots of fun. Now on to a new year and Alexis' birthday!!!
Thanksgiving
I cannot upload any of my pictures from Thanksgiving or Christmas so I will just write down my version of the events in an attempt to get caught up with my blogging.
We went up to Ben's parents house in MN for both holidays. We had lots of fun, as always, on both occasions. In a nutshell there was great food, lots of goodies, lots of game playing, and little sleep.
My sister-in-law Lori and I stayed up for almost 40 hours straight to get to all the good shopping on Black Friday. I love shopping on Black Friday. I know, I'm crazy. But I love the deals and I love Lori's company. How can I lose? Plus, we get a little silly and crazy with sleep deprivation so it's just funny! We decided to hit Toys R Us at the midnight opening. That was our first mistake. There were so many people lined up that we had to walk around the back side of the building to get into the front door. Then, the lame management let EVERYONE in at once. It was so crowded that it took me 30 minutes to get across the store. Lori and I had to call each other on our phones to ask where the other one was and it took us forever to find each other because we couldn't move. Finally, after an hour and a half I decide that we should stash our merchandise behind some of the food items and come back later. Because let's be honest. No one was there to buy any food items. Lori hid two cameras and a webkinz really well and I hid my webkinz not so well. Anyway, we went back around 8:30am. Of course now the store had the check out line running right through the aisle where we hid our stuff. We calmly said,"Excuse me," and got our stuff! It was still there! It was so awesome! I was really proud of myself for hiding the stuff but wish I would have thought of the idea sooner instead of waiting in the store for an hour and a half!
The rest of our shopping was great. I think we got everything we wanted. We got back to Lori's house at 11am, threw a birthday party for her 3 year old, took all the kids swimming, went back to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner and playtime and then we both collapsed around 10pm I think. I had a great time. We'll see if Lori invites me to go shopping with her next year. :)
We went up to Ben's parents house in MN for both holidays. We had lots of fun, as always, on both occasions. In a nutshell there was great food, lots of goodies, lots of game playing, and little sleep.
My sister-in-law Lori and I stayed up for almost 40 hours straight to get to all the good shopping on Black Friday. I love shopping on Black Friday. I know, I'm crazy. But I love the deals and I love Lori's company. How can I lose? Plus, we get a little silly and crazy with sleep deprivation so it's just funny! We decided to hit Toys R Us at the midnight opening. That was our first mistake. There were so many people lined up that we had to walk around the back side of the building to get into the front door. Then, the lame management let EVERYONE in at once. It was so crowded that it took me 30 minutes to get across the store. Lori and I had to call each other on our phones to ask where the other one was and it took us forever to find each other because we couldn't move. Finally, after an hour and a half I decide that we should stash our merchandise behind some of the food items and come back later. Because let's be honest. No one was there to buy any food items. Lori hid two cameras and a webkinz really well and I hid my webkinz not so well. Anyway, we went back around 8:30am. Of course now the store had the check out line running right through the aisle where we hid our stuff. We calmly said,"Excuse me," and got our stuff! It was still there! It was so awesome! I was really proud of myself for hiding the stuff but wish I would have thought of the idea sooner instead of waiting in the store for an hour and a half!
The rest of our shopping was great. I think we got everything we wanted. We got back to Lori's house at 11am, threw a birthday party for her 3 year old, took all the kids swimming, went back to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner and playtime and then we both collapsed around 10pm I think. I had a great time. We'll see if Lori invites me to go shopping with her next year. :)
Monday, November 16, 2009
Late Halloween Post
Alright, I'm very late posting this but oh well. The girls had a fun Halloween. We had a Halloween party on Friday with a bunch of friends. We played games and ate pizza.
Then Halloween came and Audrey went as a bat. I made her wings out of an umbrella and they turned out pretty spiffy. I took the idea from the internet. There are no bat wings out there people. Only Batman outfits. Leave it to Audrey to request this kind of an outfit!
Alexis went as Cleopatra. I found her outfit at WalMart. She loved that I put make-up on her. I think that was her favorite part of the outfit and the night!
We carved pumpkins on Halloween this year. Usually we do it earlier but it didn't happen that way this year. The girls had a great time carving this year. Audrey and I made one together and then she made one on her own.
These are our pumpkins. Ben made four pumpkins with the RockBand symbols on them. They turned out awesome! I don't think this picture does them justice though.
Then Halloween came and Audrey went as a bat. I made her wings out of an umbrella and they turned out pretty spiffy. I took the idea from the internet. There are no bat wings out there people. Only Batman outfits. Leave it to Audrey to request this kind of an outfit!
Alexis went as Cleopatra. I found her outfit at WalMart. She loved that I put make-up on her. I think that was her favorite part of the outfit and the night!
We carved pumpkins on Halloween this year. Usually we do it earlier but it didn't happen that way this year. The girls had a great time carving this year. Audrey and I made one together and then she made one on her own.
These are our pumpkins. Ben made four pumpkins with the RockBand symbols on them. They turned out awesome! I don't think this picture does them justice though.
Audrey's Birthday Party
Saturday we had a Webkinz/Animal Party for Audrey. She had six friends over and I invited a friend of Alexis' over so I could have two big helpers. That actually turned out to be the greatest idea. It was so nice to have them help. This was the most stress free party that I've ever given. I'm sure part of it was because I didn't make a cake this year. I bought one from Costco (if anyone wants some cake I have A LOT left over) that Audrey picked out.
Here are the party guests:
We started the party with, of course, an animal game. One person sat in the middle with their eyes closed while the rest past around a stuffed animal. When I told them to stop passing it around the person in the middle had to guess who had the animal. The girls liked this game and got quite silly with it.
After everyone introduced their animal (everyone brought their favorite Webkinz or stuffed animal) they each got a balloon to pop. Inside each balloon was a piece of paper that told them what kind of bracelet and collar they would receive.
After we put the collars on the animals it was time to tie a fleece blanket for their animals. Each girl took home a little tie fleeced blanket and a collar for their animal and a bracelet for themselves.
Another game we played was where one person went into another room while everyone else got assigned an animal to imitate. When the other person came back into the room they had to watch the other kids and then guess what animal they were. To my surprise the girls played this game for 45 minutes.
Here are the party guests:
We started the party with, of course, an animal game. One person sat in the middle with their eyes closed while the rest past around a stuffed animal. When I told them to stop passing it around the person in the middle had to guess who had the animal. The girls liked this game and got quite silly with it.
After everyone introduced their animal (everyone brought their favorite Webkinz or stuffed animal) they each got a balloon to pop. Inside each balloon was a piece of paper that told them what kind of bracelet and collar they would receive.
After we put the collars on the animals it was time to tie a fleece blanket for their animals. Each girl took home a little tie fleeced blanket and a collar for their animal and a bracelet for themselves.
Another game we played was where one person went into another room while everyone else got assigned an animal to imitate. When the other person came back into the room they had to watch the other kids and then guess what animal they were. To my surprise the girls played this game for 45 minutes.
All the girls had a great time and I think Audrey loved her party which is all that matters.
As the last guest left Audrey jumped off the couch and said to me: For my next birthday I want a ninja party!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
6 years old
Audrey turned 6 years old today. It has gone by fast but life would certainly be boring without Audrey in it. She makes me laugh everyday. I'm so glad she is a part of our family.
This morning Audrey woke up (too early) to find streamers and balloons in the doorways of the house. This is a tradition that I started way back when Alexis turned 2 I think. I like that every time someone goes through a doorway they are reminded that it is a special day for a member of our family. I also had all the family presents wrapped and on the kitchen table.
I took cupcakes to school for the special snack today. Audrey got to wear a crown all day at school and I believe she is line leader for the week, a very coveted position in Kindergarten (I'm assuming because you get to always be first!). I worked in the school for several hours this morning so I got to see a lot of her today which was fun.
When I picked her up from school I had three balloons for her to hold and carry out. She loved that. Once Ben got home tonight we ate and opened presents. Audrey got to pick out all the meals today. She picked breakfast burritos for breakfast, mac and cheese, strawberries, and fishes for lunch, and fried chicken (I fry it myself), fries (I also fried these), and corn and peas for dinner. She originally picked ramen noodles, broccoli, and peas for dinner! That kid cracks me up! She can request anything that she wants and she asks for ramen noodles! Hilarious!
Audrey had to wait until 8:30pm to open her presents because Ben's train was over an hour late today. She even fell asleep for a half hour around 7pm. Poor kid! But it's important that every member of our family is here to celebrate with her.
Today on the way to school:
A Webkinz from Aunt Lori, Uncle Andrew, Lily, and Abby. This present got a "Oooohhhh!" She is also sleeping with her right now.
Audrey loves puzzles and it will be fun to help her with this one. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Thomas!
A new leapster Incredibles game. What could be better? Thank you big sister Alexis!
Fun body lotion from Aunt Peggy, Uncle Tim, Paul and Bekah! Thanks!
This one from Granny and Grandpa Dyer got a: "Ooooo, it's Goldilicious!" Thanks! If you haven't read any of these books by Victoria and Elizabeth Kahn you are missing out! There is also Pinkalicious and Purplicious.
This was the big gift that Audrey saved for last. She actually found out what was in it this morning because I left some wrapping out that said Barbie on it. Whoops. But she had no idea how much was in the box. She sure loved tearing the wrapping paper off of the box.
The big reveal. She had no idea how much stuff was in this box. 16 or 17 barbies, clothes, shoes, purses, and furniture. Thank you Craigslist! Her face is priceless in this picture.
And ten minutes after opening up the barbie box we got this in the living room:
This morning Audrey woke up (too early) to find streamers and balloons in the doorways of the house. This is a tradition that I started way back when Alexis turned 2 I think. I like that every time someone goes through a doorway they are reminded that it is a special day for a member of our family. I also had all the family presents wrapped and on the kitchen table.
I took cupcakes to school for the special snack today. Audrey got to wear a crown all day at school and I believe she is line leader for the week, a very coveted position in Kindergarten (I'm assuming because you get to always be first!). I worked in the school for several hours this morning so I got to see a lot of her today which was fun.
When I picked her up from school I had three balloons for her to hold and carry out. She loved that. Once Ben got home tonight we ate and opened presents. Audrey got to pick out all the meals today. She picked breakfast burritos for breakfast, mac and cheese, strawberries, and fishes for lunch, and fried chicken (I fry it myself), fries (I also fried these), and corn and peas for dinner. She originally picked ramen noodles, broccoli, and peas for dinner! That kid cracks me up! She can request anything that she wants and she asks for ramen noodles! Hilarious!
Audrey had to wait until 8:30pm to open her presents because Ben's train was over an hour late today. She even fell asleep for a half hour around 7pm. Poor kid! But it's important that every member of our family is here to celebrate with her.
Today on the way to school:
A Webkinz from Aunt Lori, Uncle Andrew, Lily, and Abby. This present got a "Oooohhhh!" She is also sleeping with her right now.
Audrey loves puzzles and it will be fun to help her with this one. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Thomas!
A new leapster Incredibles game. What could be better? Thank you big sister Alexis!
Fun body lotion from Aunt Peggy, Uncle Tim, Paul and Bekah! Thanks!
This one from Granny and Grandpa Dyer got a: "Ooooo, it's Goldilicious!" Thanks! If you haven't read any of these books by Victoria and Elizabeth Kahn you are missing out! There is also Pinkalicious and Purplicious.
This was the big gift that Audrey saved for last. She actually found out what was in it this morning because I left some wrapping out that said Barbie on it. Whoops. But she had no idea how much was in the box. She sure loved tearing the wrapping paper off of the box.
The big reveal. She had no idea how much stuff was in this box. 16 or 17 barbies, clothes, shoes, purses, and furniture. Thank you Craigslist! Her face is priceless in this picture.
And ten minutes after opening up the barbie box we got this in the living room:
Some things about Audrey:
She loves to dance. She can't keep still if there is music on.
She loves to make people laugh.
She loves to snuggle.
She is extremely thoughtful.
She is the best sharer that I know.
She loves ice cream.
She can be extremely silly.
I think Audrey had a great birthday. Now I just need to make it through her birthday party on Saturday!
I love you Audrey!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Bus driving and paper.
On the way home from school two days ago Alexis says to me: Mom, when I'm a grown up if the only job I can find is being a bus driver then I want to drive the little buses. The ones the K4 kids use.
I guess she is already thinking of contingency plans.
After Audrey's shower the other night she noticed that I had thrown some old paintbrushes away in the trash.
She said: Mom, you wasted a lot of paintbrushes!
Me: I guess I did.
Audrey: That's okay. I waste a lot of paper. When I get older I won't though because I'll get used to it.
Uh, okay kid. Whatever you say! These two girls keep me smiling!
I guess she is already thinking of contingency plans.
After Audrey's shower the other night she noticed that I had thrown some old paintbrushes away in the trash.
She said: Mom, you wasted a lot of paintbrushes!
Me: I guess I did.
Audrey: That's okay. I waste a lot of paper. When I get older I won't though because I'll get used to it.
Uh, okay kid. Whatever you say! These two girls keep me smiling!
Left Behind
So I show up to pick Audrey up from school and her teacher quietly says to me: Remember the bag of snacks that you brought in? Well, you left an item in the bag. I put it in Audrey's backpack.
I immediately remember that I had lost a bottle of Midol recently.
It's a good thing I know her teacher so well.
I immediately remember that I had lost a bottle of Midol recently.
It's a good thing I know her teacher so well.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Pictures only tell half the story.
But I don't have time to tell the full story so use your imagination and fill in the blanks!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Nothing New
Alright, I've been asked if I blog anymore. Obviously, I've been taking a sabbatical from blogging. I've been keeping a fairly busy schedule and when that happens blogging is usually the first thing to go.
I got a new calling in church that has started taking up some of my free time. I am the Ward Activities Chairperson, which means that I plan and execute all the Ward Activities (Christmas party, Chili cookoff, etc.) with the help of some other people who are on the committee. So that is fun and challenging.
I am volunteering a lot at the girls school, which I love doing. I love to see them during the day and help their teachers and other students. I like knowing what is going on in the school. After all, they are at the school for 6.5 hours a day.
We have friends over everyday after school. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays we have three friends get off the bus at our house for about an hour. Tuesdays and Thursdays we have two. So we are pretty busy after school as well. Sometimes I find myself with 6 or 7 girls at my house. It's great. They all play and leave me alone.
Audrey is taking a gymnastics class and a swimming class during the week and she loves both. I forgot to take her to swimming one Monday evening and I haven't heard the end of it. She prayed that I wouldn't forget next time. Whoops. That was one of those I feel like a terrible parent moment.
Alexis is taking piano lessons and swimming lessons. She absolutely loves swimming and I think she really likes the piano. She isn't complaining about them so that is good. We started with a new teacher a couple of weeks ago and she really likes her.
Ben has been busy working and providing for us, as usual. He is a wonderful provider and father. The girls jump all over him when he gets home at night.
So that is my exciting life. Running errands, volunteering, cleaning, babysitting, and working on church projects. Life is busy and good.
I got a new calling in church that has started taking up some of my free time. I am the Ward Activities Chairperson, which means that I plan and execute all the Ward Activities (Christmas party, Chili cookoff, etc.) with the help of some other people who are on the committee. So that is fun and challenging.
I am volunteering a lot at the girls school, which I love doing. I love to see them during the day and help their teachers and other students. I like knowing what is going on in the school. After all, they are at the school for 6.5 hours a day.
We have friends over everyday after school. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays we have three friends get off the bus at our house for about an hour. Tuesdays and Thursdays we have two. So we are pretty busy after school as well. Sometimes I find myself with 6 or 7 girls at my house. It's great. They all play and leave me alone.
Audrey is taking a gymnastics class and a swimming class during the week and she loves both. I forgot to take her to swimming one Monday evening and I haven't heard the end of it. She prayed that I wouldn't forget next time. Whoops. That was one of those I feel like a terrible parent moment.
Alexis is taking piano lessons and swimming lessons. She absolutely loves swimming and I think she really likes the piano. She isn't complaining about them so that is good. We started with a new teacher a couple of weeks ago and she really likes her.
Ben has been busy working and providing for us, as usual. He is a wonderful provider and father. The girls jump all over him when he gets home at night.
So that is my exciting life. Running errands, volunteering, cleaning, babysitting, and working on church projects. Life is busy and good.
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