New Year's Eve 2009

Another year has come and gone, and it all seems to go faster each year. It has been a pretty good year for us. I feel very blessed by the past year. I hope 2010 is a good one, too.

I started out today not feeling well. My stomach was really bothering me but by late morning I was hungry. However, at that point my head was killing me. I had a lot to do today, too, to get ready for tonight. The kids really helped out a lot.

Michael's dad took me up to Pundman to get Michael's truck. They had to replace a fuel pump on it. So, I paid for that and brought it home.

My mom, Griff, my brother and SIL came over between 6:00 and 6:15 tonight. We had all kinds of snacky type foods. Probably more than we needed but we managed to graze all night long. It was a nice evening. We all talked and played Wii. Michael made a fire in the fire place so it was nice and cozy downstairs while we were playing Wii.

Everyone stayed until midnight so we were all awake until late. I hope the kids sleep in late tomorrow morning.

December 30, 2009

Well, Christmas is put away in our house now. I started putting things away this afternoon. I started with my International Santas because they take a long time to put away. I keep them in their original boxes with the packaging inside each one of them. I now have 45 of them.

The kids played outside while I did this part of it. It snowed today. They were able to make a snowman. I think they used up every bit of snow that was in the front yard because we didn't get a lot of snow. They put the snowman on the front steps so it looks like it is greeting people who come to the door. It's cute.

I worked on putting away Christmas stuff until 5:00 and then stopped to make supper. The kids helped by taking the ornaments off the tree. After we ate supper Michael and I worked on putting the rest of the stuff away. We finally put the last box (the tree) in the back room downstairs at around 8:15.

I did leave out a couple snowmen, since it is still winter. The wreath will stay on the door until the weekend is over and the Scottie pillows can stay out for a little longer, but everything else is put away. The furniture in the living room is put back in place. And, my pictures are back out.

I love Christmas and I love having the house decorated, but putting it back to normal is not horrible. I have mixed feelings about it. I am sad when Christmas is over, but I am glad to see my house "normal" again. I miss my pictures when they are put away so the Christmas decorations can be put out.

December 29, 2009

Today the kids and I went to the dollar show. We watched two movies there today. We went in for the noon showing of "Where the Wild Things Are." I wasn't really impressed with it. Actually, I was a bit disappointed in it. I expected more.

It was really kind of dark. I do not like the method of having the camera jump around with the character, either. I makes my head hurt and makes it impossible to focus on anything. As for the story line, it's a kids movie so I expected it to be a little more lighter in mood. Even the book ends a lot lighter than this movie did. I got bored with it, too, which is very unusual for me. I found myself checking the time on my phone to see how much longer the movie would last.

After "Where the Wild Things Are" we went across the lobby to one of the other theaters to see "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs." That was a really cute movie. It made us laugh. They did a really good job with the story line for this movie. There are references to other movies in it, too.

Maybe it's just me and was not intentional, but there were parts that looked like they came straight from horror and/or adventure movies. I saw references to "The Decent," "The Day After Tomorrow," and "Journey to the Center of the Earth." There is another movie, that I saw referenced, but I cannot remember what it was now. The cop also reminded me of "Lazy Town." In any case, it really was a cute movie. The kids loved it and want it on DVD when it comes out.

December 28, 2009

My day started at about 6:30 a.m. I got up when Michael left for work. I paid bills while the kids were still in bed so they would not bother me while I was working on those. I also managed to eat some breakfast before they got up. Caleb was up and out of bed by 7:00, of course. Michaela got up about 30 minutes later.

I decided to take the kids to Monkey Joe's for a while this morning. We were going to meet one of Caleb's friends there, but they didn't make it until later. Caleb was a little bummed that we missed them, but he still had fun. We took Sami with us this morning, too. I love having her with me.

When we left there we met Angie and Louie for lunch. We went to Cracker Barrel. The kids were great. We even had a man stop by our table and compliment us on our children's behavior. That was cool.

This afternoon, I managed to squeeze in a nap. I got to curl up with my new blanket. Abby curled up with me. It was a great way to spend a couple hours this afternoon. Michaela and Caleb were so good about letting me sleep this afternoon, too. I'm really proud of them.

This evening Michael managed to get Caleb's television working. Yeah! We are going to have to get ahold of AT&T because Michael is not able to figure out how to get the U-verse remotes to turn on the television on and off. But, I'm sure that will not be a big deal.

December 27, 2009

It snowed today! We got MAYBE an inch, but it was so pretty coming down. It did have the roads kind of a mess for a while this morning. I just love the snow. I hope we get more. I would have not been upset if it had snowed all day instead of for just a little while this morning.

Michael went duck hunting this morning. The kids and I hung out around home. I got some more pictures on CD's. I'm almost finished with August now, but I ran out of CD's. I managed to move the rest of my pictures to the bigger hard drive. I also defragged both my hard drives. Then, I got my new software put on my computer. I am going to have to read to learn how to use it. I am a bit nervous. I'm not used to having to read to learn software, but I think I can figure it out.

I also worked on laundry and went to Wal-mart again today. I got some more CD's. I also got a few necessities and another CD case because the one I have is almost full. And, I got a couple birthday cards for Michael's dad.

Michael spent most of the day working on getting Caleb's television set up. He had to go up into the attic and run wires from downstairs. It's been a big job. I am so glad to have a husband who can do things like this.

We went out to Red Lobster with Michael's side of the family tonight. It was to celebrate Michael's dad's birthday. It was a good evening. We had fun talking and eating. I got crab legs. My nephew tried some of the crab meat and he liked it.

This evening Michael tried to finish getting Caleb's television hooked up and realized he needed a different king of cable. He'll have to get it tomorrow. So, Caleb will have to wait another day, but I think he'll survive.

I messed around a little bit with my new software. It seems to move very slowly on my laptop. I'm not sure why. I may have to put it on the PC. We'll see how it goes for a while first, though.

December 26, 2009

I think the day after Christmas is a great encore to the holiday. We don't really have any traditions for this day, but it's usually just spent mostly at home and just the four of us. Anyone that knows me knows that's when I'm happiest, at home with my husband, kids and Abby.

We didn't get the present mess cleaned up as much as I usually do, but it isn't bothering me at all. We'll get to it. I spent most of the day working on laundry and trying to get my pictures from 2009 off my hard drive and onto CD's. I made it half way through July. I guess I take A LOT of pictures. But, it is important to me to keep them in more than one place.

I am doing this to clean off my hard drive. I plan on deleting all I can from my hard drive. Then, I'm going to defrag it because I've not done that in a long time. This is all in preparation to put my new software on my computer. I am anxious to learn how to use it. Hopefully, tomorrow I will be able to finish getting these pictures off my hard drive.

Michael worked on getting the kids' new t.v.s up today. Michaela's is up and working, but he really only had to put it on the wall. All the cables and wires were already in her room. He got Caleb's up on the wall and some power run to Caleb's room, but has to get the Uverse cable run to his room and the Uverse box hooked up in Caleb's room. He's really working hard to make sure the kids can enjoy their gift from Santa. He's such a great dad.

Caleb has spent most of the day in the basement with his new Wii games. Michaela has spent most of the day in her room with her American Girl doll. She did get to talk to Anikca on the phone for a little while. I think that made her day. She misses not getting to see her friend much because of the way their school schedule is set up.

We went out to eat tonight. We went to Trailhead and had nachos! It was really yummy! It was just a really good day all around.

December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas to everyone! I love Christmas. I love everything about it. Although I've been a bit tired today because Caleb came in around 5:00 a.m. to tell me he couldn't sleep because the rain was pelting his window so hard. I let him get in bed with me for a little bit, but that did not last long. I made him go back to bed.

Before 6:00 a.m. he was back in my room waking me up again. So, I went into his room with him and was able to get him to lay down and be quiet enough for me to at least doze until 7:00 a.m. Then, we got up.

We always do stockings first. The kids dig into theirs first. Then, they help Abby dig into her stocking. Next, Michael and I get into our stockings. Then, it's time for presents.

The kids open their gifts from Santa first. They both got small flat screen televisions this year. They also got PEZ sets. Michaela got Wizard of Oz and Caleb got Mickey Mouse.

After that they pass out the presents. We watch the kids open their presents first. It sure does not take them as long to unwrap them as it does for us to wrap them. They seemed very happy with what they got.

Michael opened next because Michaela had started to open one of his presents because she thought it was hers. The tag was a little smeared.

When Michael was finished I opened mine. I got very spoiled again. I got a sleep set with the Nickelback logo on it, Night at the Museum II DVD set, Nickelback CD, Photo Shop Elements 8 and a Dummy Book to go with it and my blanket. Oh, and my stocking came with a bottle of wine.

After we opened presents, Michael went to take a shower. The kids got out some of their new toys and played for a little while, but not for long. I made them eat some breakfast and get dressed so we could go over to Michael's parents' house.

We were over there by 10:30 a.m. Jeremy and Kelly and their kids got there a little bit after we did. We did family pictures and then it was time to open presents again. Michaela got her American Girl doll and was thrilled with it. I'm sure it's her favorite present this year. Caleb got more Bakugan, his Club penguin DS game and a really cool Nerf Wii game. Michael got two big toys. He got his leaf blower he wanted and a chain saw on a stick.

I was very spoiled again, too. I got a really cool fleece sweat shirt I wanted, LOST season 5 on DVD, Rabbids Go Home Wii Game, Ice Age III DVD, and another Tri-pod. Now I'm going to have to decide which tri-pod I want to keep. But, I was really happy with it all.

I was also really happy that our niece seemed to really like the case we got her for her iPod touch. And, Michael's mom seemed very happy with her computer game and her candle snuffer that we got her. It means so much to me when we are able to judge correctly and get things that people like. My nephew was a lot more thrilled receiving the points card for Xbox and the Game Stop GC than I was giving it. But, it's more important that he liked it than that I did. I'm really glad he liked it.

Dinner was delicious. Michael's mom outdid herself this year I think. I really enjoyed the meal. The conversation and company was really good, too. It was a very good day.

We came home around 6:30 p.m. The kids got into their pj's right away because they got new ones as Christmas presents and couldn't wait to wear them. We just kind of hung out around home. The kids played with some of their new toys. Caleb has had his Bakugan out a lot. He and Daddy tried to figure it out. I curled up under my blanket and watched television. If we had a working DVD player, I'd have watched one of my new movies. But, that will have to wait.

December 24, 2009

I love Christmas Eve. It is my favorite day of the year. It was always special when I was growing up. It still is. The weather was crap today. It rained all day and we were not able to put out the luminaries this year, but it was still a great day.

I did some errands this morning. I had to get a few things to take to my mom's tonight. People were crazy out and about, though. I was really glad to get home.

I did take a nap this afternoon. I'm thinking my blanket will be great to take naps with once I get to use it. I may have actually bought it but Michael says I cannot have it until Christmas day. Oh well, that's tomorrow. I have a feeling I'm going to have to share it with Abby some, but it's big.

Tonight was Christmas at my mom's. We had good food, yum! Then opened presents. I got a black long sleeved t-shirt, a gold sweater, a tri-pod for my camera, EZ combs, Mama Mia DVD. I think we all got pretty spoiled tonight. Michaela was thrilled with her Apples to Apples game and her dress making set. Caleb loves his robot and Bakugan.

Griff got an Xbox for Christmas so the kids were given gifts that had two Xbox games in them. It was funny when they opened them because they both said, "We don't have an Xbox." Then, Griff pointed out the one he has and let them know that those were their games to play when they were over there at their house. Of course, Caleb had to try his out right away. He loved it.

Michaela, mom, and Karen started playing Apples to Apples. I ended up being judge for that. It's a cute game and can be really funny.

We came home around 8:45 or so. The kids got ready for bed, but watched some of 50 Frist Dates with Michael and me. They went to bed around 9:30 or so. Michael and I finished watching the movie and then put out the presents and stockings from Santa.

December 23, 2009

This morning the kids and I did some errands. We stopped and had lunch at Burger King and then came home to get started on the cookies. I took the easy way out this year. I just did not feel like doing baking this year. Some years I'm really into it, like last year and the year before, but this year I just couldn't face it all. So, we did the place and bake method this year.

We baked:

• 80 brownies with Christmas swirl chips
• 4 dozen chocolate chip cookies with Christmas swirl chips
• 2 dozen chocolate chip cookies with mint swirl chips
• 4 dozen chocolate chip cookies
• 4 dozen round sugar cookies with sprinkles
• 6 dozen shaped sugar cookies decorated with store bought icing

That's a lot of cookies! And, they were all baked in one afternoon!

We got a phone call from a lady that lives over on Mallard this evening. She said that UPS delivered a box to her with our address on it. So, I went to go get it. It was the wine gift box (which actually only has cheese and stuff like that in it) that Michael's boss sent to us.

Then, after the cookies were done, we went to see Christmas lights. We went through Fort Zumwalt park in O'Fallon and then went to look at a couple houses with cool lights. One house we went to has a website neverenoughlights.com. It was really cool. We sat and watched the lights through about 5 songs. I really enjoyed it.

December 22, 2009

I have been so tired today. I did not sleep well last night again. I even took a sleep pill, but it did not work. I need to go find the other pills I've used before, they worked better. I really hope I can sleep tonight.

This morning the kids and I went to the grocery store for our weekly grocery shopping. I am really not into baking this year, but they want to make cookies so I was going to get those holiday cookies that Pillsbury puts out during each holiday, but they didn't have any at Shop and Save. We did get some sugar cookies and chocolate chip cookies, though.

We stopped at Dierburgs on the way home to see if they had any holiday cookies. Not only did they have those, we found cut outs with icing, cookies with red and green chips, brownies with red and green chips, and cookies with chocolate mint chips in them. I think even though we're doing it the easy way we'll still have a good variety and I can still send tins to the neighbors. We'll bake them tomorrow.

Before we came home we had to stop at Quick Trip. Michael needed gift cards and scratch off lottery tickets for his employees so we stopped to get those for him.

When we got home the kids let me nap. They were really good about letting me nap today. Probably because I was so grouchy at the grocery store.

I only allowed myself to nap for an hour. After that I made myself some lunch. The kids had eaten their lunchables earlier. It was my plan to fold some laundry and then wrap presents after eating, but I really had a hard time getting myself motivated today.

I finally got myself downstairs around 1:40 p.m. I was down there wrapping presents until 4:40, but I am finished wrapping. The kids helped me clean up the family room down there as much as we could. I couldn't put the wrapping stuff away because Michael still has to wrap presents yet. But, we got it clean enough so they could play on the Wii again.

We had toasted ravioli with sauce, green beans and chips for supper tonight. They all helped me clean up supper, which was very nice. After supper, Michael went in search of giant bows and I folded a load of laundry. Now, I'm sitting on my butt for the rest of the night. I really hope I can sleep tonight. I am so happy my kids were so good today and hope they are like that the rest of the winter break.

December 21, 2009

It was a busy Monday even though I did not have to go to work and the kids did not have to go to school. We had to take Abby to the groomer first thing this morning. After that we went to get Sami. Angie had to work today so Sami spent the day with us. I loved having her with us today.

We went to PetSmart to get Abby's Christmas presents. We got her two indoor frisbees. I got two because the two pack was cheaper than the single. We also got her a big candy cane shaped bone. She gets one of those every year. Then, we got her doggie cookies. I had already bought her a new place mat for her bowls. And, she'll be getting a package of rawhide chew sticks as well as pup corn and puppy oreos from Santa.

Next, we went to Wal-mart. I needed ink and a folder to put the family tree print outs into for my grandma. We also ended up getting a few other things including milk because Michaela had put the milk carton back into the fridge empty so I had to eat dry cereal this morning.

When we were finished at Wal-mart we came home. The kids played while I got the rest of the family tree stuff printed out that I wanted. About that time the phone rang and it was time to get Abby.

After we brought Abby home we went to Wendy's for lunch. I love Wendy's. We enjoyed our lunch very much. I REALLY liked having Sami with us. She's a great kid. I just love her to death.

This afternoon I worked on wrapping presents. It just seems to never end. I am so not into it this year. Very few gifts I wrapped got more than a bow for the finishing touch. I just want the wrapping done.

After supper tonight I went to the post office to mail the Christmas cards and my grandmother's gift box. Then, I stopped at Walgreen's and got some more gift boxes.

When I got home I started wrapping again. Michael went to his parents' house to wrap the gifts from Santa. I think I should be able to finish wrapping tomorrow. When Michael got home I stopped because I was tired. I did not sleep last night so I'm hoping to sleep tonight. Michael wrapped my presents when I came upstairs. I will be glad to get it all finished so I can put that mess away downstairs.

December 20, 2009

It was a busy day. We went to church this morning and stopped at Steak 'n Shake for lunch. Then we came home. I did some laundry and then went to get some tape because we did not have any to wrap presents.

I came home and tried to print out some more of the family tree I've been preparing as part of my grandma's Christmas present. I am still having problems getting my laptop to talk to my printer. I guess I'm going to have to buy ink for the other printer and print from the PC instead. It's really starting to get frustrating. I also wrote my letter to my aunt that I write every year.

This evening we went to Olive Garden for Michael's mom's birthday dinner. All the McCoys were there and it was an enjoyable dinner. Michaela and Caleb were in heaven getting to have time with their cousins. Michael's mom seemed to like her birthday gifts.

This evening Michael and I wrapped presents until almost 10 p.m. My back really hurts. I just cannot sit on the floor like I used to, but I think still not feeling 100% does not help matters much.

December 19, 2009

So begins the last minute preparations for Christmas. Christmas is just 6 days away now. It is so hard to believe that Christmas is so close already. Each year seems to go by faster than the last.

I feel some what better today, but still not great. Michael got up and went hunting this morning. He shot two ducks but lost one. I thought the idea was to kill them, not shot and chase them.

This afternoon we had to take Michael's truck to get a fuel filter replaced on it. I went out and did the last minute shopping. I had to finish shopping for Michael and get stocking stuffers. It wore me out today, more than usual. It's probably because I'm still not feeling great.

This evening we went to Applebee's for supper. They have the 2 for $20 special going right now so Michael and I both got steak. It was yummy. Michael's parents were there and we talked to them a little before the food came.

After that Michael needed to get something at Lowe's. We ended up buying a new garage door opener, too, since mine broke. Now, I'll have a quiet one on my door like Michael has on his.

Michael went out shopping after we came home and I managed to fold a load of laundry and wrap four presents.

December 18, 2009

Today was the last day of work before Winter Break. My Winter Break began at 3:30 pm today. Michaela and Caleb both had half days at school today and went to their grandparents' house after school. It feels so good to have two full weeks and an extra weekend (16 days total) off from work. There will be a lot to get done when I get back to work, but that's ok, it too shall pass.

I still do not feel well at all. Michaela has not felt well today either. She and I had soup for supper and Michael and Caleb went out to Burger King to get away from us sickies. They saw my mom and Griff at Burger King.

I am going to bed early tonight. Hopefully, I'll begin feeling better tomorrow since I'll have had two full days of anti-biotics in me.

December 17, 2009

I feel like crap. I am getting a sinus infection again. Tonight was the last night of water aerobics for this session and I almost did not make it through it. I really am not sure how I managed to get myself dressed and home without falling asleep. I have taken meds and am going to bed now.

December 16, 2009

Tonight was Girl Scouts. The girls got to make Christmas bracelets and picture frames. We also did an ornament exchange. Michaela ended up with a cute little doggy ornament. We gave the girls little goody bags with an activity pad, small box of crayons, a little stuffed snow man and a candy cane in each. They did a great job tonight. It was a fun evening.

Michaela and I came home and I got to work on the Christmas cards. Using my work laptop went much better. The cards actually printed pretty quickly tonight. I am finished with them. They are all addressed and just waiting stamps at this point. I'm just glad they are done, finally.

My garage door opener broke tonight when I was leaving for Girl Scouts. Great, something else we need to replace now. Michael's truck has been acting up, also and he needs to take it in to have it looked at. Also, I need new tires on my van.

Michael went Christmas shopping for his dad tonight and came back with a couple things. I managed to get one last thing for him mom on the way home from work. I've also decided what else we're going to get our niece. We just may finish shopping before Christmas. Except I'm not sure Michael has gotten anything for me yet. Hmmmmm.......

December 15, 2009

I tried working on Christmas Cards again tonight. There is something wrong with my computer, I think. I try to print and it just sits there forever. Then, it'll print one and sit forever again. It took me over an hour to get the inside of 6 cards printed. It's very frustrating and annoying. I even tried to download new drivers for the printer, but my computer would not let me download them.

I began addressing the envelopes by hand because I just don't want to deal with trying to print them after all of this. I am going to bring my work laptop home tomorrow night and try printing from it to see if it works better. I hope so because at this rate it could take me a week to get these things printed.

I did manage to get the goody bags for Girl Scouts, my class and Caleb's class filled tonight while I was waiting. I am going to stop and get candy canes for them on the way home tomorrow. But, other than that they are ready. We need the Girl Scouts ones tomorrow night. Caleb will take the ones for his class to school on Thursday and I'll give mine to my students on Friday.

December 14, 2009

Today was the beginning of the last week or work before Winter Break. Our Winter Break is two weeks long again this year. I like it when we have a long Winter Break. I only have to go back to work one day before my kids at the end of it and that is only because their teachers have a PD day the same day we do right after Winter Break.

Tonight I finished laundry that did not get done this weekend. Some how the hamper in the kids' bathroom is already full. I had it empty yesterday morning. Of course Michaela went through three outfits yesterday. I don't think she went through that many outfits a day when she was a baby.

I also worked on our Christmas card tonight. I needed to get them printed, but did not get many finished. I have 17 completely printed and another 12 or so with just the fronts printed. For some reason it was taking forever. My computer was not playing nicely tonight. I guess I'll work on them some more tomorrow night. I want them done. I really am not enjoying this process as much as I used to enjoy it.

December 13, 2009

It was a really busy day for us. I did a little bit of laundry before we went to church. After church we went to Pantera's with Michael's parents. Then, we came home and changed clothes.

While we were at home, I did a little more laundry. I also got out the Christmas presents I have already bought to see exactly what I had. Then, we took the kids to Michael's parents' house and left them there so we could go to do some Christmas shopping.

Michael and I started out at Toys R Us. We only got one thing there for Caleb. Then, we went to Best Buy. We ended up getting a couple stocking stuffers for the kids and an Xbox points card for our nephew. After that we went to the mall. We got Michael's mom a gift while we were there. We also got something else for our nephew.

Next, we went to Wal-mart out on 94. We got the kids' big gifts there. We also got something for Michael's mom and something for our niece.

After that we went to the Wal-mart closer to home so I could get some ink. They were out of the ink I needed at the other Wal-mart. We looked for lights, there too, but did not find any. It seems they are sold out of lights.

Our last stop was Lowe's. We bought a spot light for our snow man that is going to be put out in front of our house while we were at Lowe's. They were also out of lights.

Michael decided he'd go and shop for his dad later, so we came home. We brought all the stuff we bought inside the house, then we went to eat. We had Arby's.

When we were finished eating we went to Michael's parents' house. Michael and his dad snuck the big presents into the garage over there. We are keeping them over there until Christmas Eve. We'll wrap them over there, too, probably.

We came home around 8:30. The kids went to bed and I folded two loads of laundry and put another load in the dryer. I am going to have to finish laundry tomorrow evening while I print Christmas cards. Now, it's time to shower and go to bed.

December 12, 2009

It was an eventful day for us today. The kids and I started the day by going to buy them shoes. Both of them needed new tennis shoes and Michaela needed some dress shoes. We found what we needed at Payless.

Then, this afternoon when we were finishing up eating lunch there was the sound of screeching tires. Michael was able to get up from the table in time to see a teenage boy in a Jeep hit the light post in front of our house, spin back out into the street, hit another car and causing it to go up into the yard across the street from us and spin to a stop in front of our house. The other car had a lot of damage to it's door, fender and the back window was shattered. The Jeep had a caved in front end.

I called 911. Evidently the man in the other car called to and said he did not need an ambulance. I'm not sure that was such a good idea. Michael said there was a big red spot on one of the kids' face that was in the car with the man. This was not the man's son, he was someone else's child. I'm not even sure they called the boy's mother.

Michael went outside to wait for the police to arrive. The teenage boy said he'd lost control on the wet pavement, but we know he peeled out by the sound of the tires. Michael to the police officer what he knew. The boy got a ticket for driving recklessly. It's the type of ticket that requires he appear before a judge.

After that it was time for us to get ready to go to the Trans Siberian Orchestra concert. We took the kids this year. It was their first time going to any kind of concert. Caleb was so excited you would have thought it was Christmas Eve. TSO added some cool stuff to their light show. They have all these t.v. screens and a net of LED lights now. I thought it was really cool. Michaela and Caleb loved it. It was a good afternoon.

We came back to town and had a late supper at Applebee's. It was a good supper. I think we were all pretty tired, though. We came home and just chilled at home for the rest of the evening.

December 11, 2009

Yeah, it's Friday! We had our first Fun Friday at work today. I ended up having to do detention. I don't like doing detention. But, it ended up not too bad once I made sure all the children who were with me had work to keep them busy. I was actually able to get one of our students that can be a bit of a challenge to sit still quietly for over 15 minutes and work on a handwriting packet. I was pretty impressed with the fact that he accomplished that. It was a big thing for him.

Tonight the kids, Michael and I went to Red Robin for supper. I had the soup & salad combination with French Onion soup. After Red Robin we went to Wal-mart to get a few things. Then, we came home.

I worked on our Christmas Card for quite a while tonight. I could call it finished, but I'm not sure I'm happy with it. I just can't seem to get any good ideas for them anymore. Anyway, I am done for the night.

December 10, 2009

Tonight was swimming night. Michaela and I went to the Y. She has swimming lessons and I have water aerobics. It was good. The water has been kind of cold the last couple weeks, though. I've had to go sit in the hot tub for a few minutes both nights to warm up so I didn't freeze before getting under a shower head. I was really tired after class tonight, too.

December 9, 2009

Tonight I went in search of card stock so I can make our Christmas cards. This is usually a painful endeavor. Usually by this time you cannot find ivory card stock. But, I found it at Office Depot. That was the second place I went to tonight. I started at Hobby Lobby thinking maybe they'd have it since it's usually hard to find at the office supply stores. But, they only had note card size. I found what I wanted right next door at Office Depot, though.

Then, I went to Deals and found some things I am going to give the person I am Secret Santa for at work. I also found a few things for me. Nothing big, mainly paper plates and things I can use in my classroom.

After that I went to Dollar Tree and found the rest of the small gifts for my person at work. I don't know what I'm going to do for the big gift next week, though. I'll figure something out over the weekend. For now I'm all set to give my small gifts starting tomorrow and will not have to rush around in the mornings finding things for this person.

I finished Caleb's photo book tonight, finally. I think it turned out pretty good. I ended up adding 8 more pages to the original book, but he's worth it. I am anxious to see it. I also got the photo collage gifts I ordered in the mail today. The blanket I got my mom was not exactly what I was expecting, but it's cool.

December 8, 2009

We had a staff meeting after work today. It wasn't a real long one, but it could have been so much shorter if we didn't have people that needed to discuss everything to the ground. But, it wasn't a bad meeting and it was about actual things we are going to be doing over the next few days.

Tonight was nasty coming home from work. It's cold and raining. The temperatures are in the upper 30's, so there's no snow, just cold rain. And, since it's December, it just meant it got darker even faster. That is the only thing I do not like about this time of year. I hate the long hours of darkness.

December 7, 2009

The work week has begun. Just two weeks and then I'll be off for Winter Break. The kids and I have the same break this year with the exception of the first day back. They get one extra day because their teachers have a PD day that first day back like we do.

It was a pretty calm Monday at work. I like that. My students seem to be getting distracted already. It's hard to concentrate this time of year, I guess. But, we keep going and I keep reeling them back in.

Tonight was pretty quiet at home. Michael had to work late so it was just the kids, the dog and me. We just hung out after going to get Wendy's for supper. I worked on Caleb's photo book I'm making him. It's of his football season. I was hoping to finish it, but Snapfish was not playing nicely tonight.

December 6, 2009

It's Sunday already. The weekends go by so fast.

This morning the kids (all four) and I hung around the house for a while. Michael was gone hunting. Around 8:30 we went over to feed Zoe and let her out. They all liked helping with that and Zoe loved all the kids being there.

Then around 10:15 we took Chase home. I called Angie and told her that she could come get Sami whenever she wanted.

When Angie got here we sat and talked for a while. It was nice. I got to show off my Christmas decorations, too.

The rest of the day was spent on laundry and doing lesson plans and paper work for work. Michael worked out in the yard and brought the fire wood down to the patio for the winter. The kids were outside with him most of the afternoon.

We did go to Steak 'n Shake for supper, but other than that it was just a day at home.

December 5, 2009

It was a really good day. It was busy, but good.

This morning, Michaela and I went to the VFW Post. Our girl scout troop helped them with a Christmas Party that they throw for the residents of a veteran's home. We helped them play bingo and served them lunch and beverages. It was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed being there and interacting with the veterans.

Early this afternoon, I went to Sam's and Wal-mart. I needed to get a few necessities, but I was also on the hunt for a DVD player. Michael decided to move the Wii downstairs. I'm happy about that. I had a hard time deciding on one, but finally found one and got home just about a half an hour before we had to leave again.

Michael was working on cleaning up the family room. The kids both had cleaned their rooms and done some other chores for me.

We headed down to Main Street around 3:30 or so to go to the Tintypery. We had a 4:00 p.m. appointment to have our yearly family picture with Santa taken. It is an even quicker process than it used to be as they print the pictures while you're changing back into your own clothes. We left with two 8x10's today.

After that we came home and switched vehicles. Michael drove to his parents' house and we left him there to take care of Zoe. The kids and I went to pick up Caleb's friend Chase. Then, we went and picked up Sami. We are having a double sleep over tonight. I think I'll be tired tomorrow. After we got both guests, we went back to get Michael.

then, we went down to Main Street and waited for the Los Posadas procession. It was COLD down there, especially when we followed the procession down to the riverfront. It was cool, though. Not something I think I NEED to do every year, especially when it's so cold, but I'm glad we did it.

We took all four kids to RT Weiler's for supper. We walked down the street until we got there. My hands were frozen by the time we got there because I just had those little stretchy gloves on my hands. It was pretty busy, but we did not have to wait long for a table.

Now, we are home. The kids are all playing Monopoly together. I think that is cool. It's fun to see Michaela and Caleb playing with their friends all together.

Michael has the Wii working downstairs now, but I don't think he's told the kids. If he had Caleb would have run down there as fast as he could. We'll wait until tomorrow to tell them. I'm going to make them all settle down around 10:00 pm, because I need sleep.

December 4, 2009

I have felt icky most of the day today. I get hungry, I eat and then my stomach just rolls. When I'm up and moving around it is worse than when I am sitting. I feel a little bit better this evening than I did earlier, but I am really tired from it all today. I think I will be ok by tomorrow. I've had this before and it usually doesn't last long, or it's very mild the next day.

December 3, 2009

I am really tired tonight. I did not sleep well last night. I'm hoping this is not going to be a long bout with insomnia. Tonight was my water aerobics class and it was good, but kind of tough from not being there for two weeks, so hopefully, that was enough work out the fatigue so I can rest.

December 2, 2009

Tonight was a lot of fun. Michaela and I missed Girl Scouts, but it was to be at Caleb's football banquet. The banquet was held at a skating rink and the kids had so much fun. The adults did too. I kind of wish I'd skated, but I'm scared to anymore. I'm not sure I can still do it. I may have to try next time I'm at a skating rink. We'll see.

We had pizza and soda for supper there. And, there were cupcakes for desert. YUM! The head coach put together a really cool video for the boys and a great slide show for the cheerleaders. We had a TON of people there tonight. At one point I stood up on a bench to take pictures and was amazed at how many people we had there. It was cool.

I really enjoyed the season and really like the people we spent the season with. I hope next year is as good. Although, we will be without the younger boys. That makes me a little sad.

December 1, 2009

I cannot believe it is December already. This whole year has just gone by SO FAST. I love December, though. This is my very favorite time of the year. I love all the holiday stuff that goes on this time of the year.

We had a staff meeting today, but it was so NOT stressful. We played Christmas Jeopardy from Pete's Power Points. It was fun. It's nice to just get to laugh and just be adults with my co-workers at times. We also turned in our Secret Santa forms. We are going to pull names on Friday. I love doing that. I cannot wait until I find out who I get this year.