Vacation

We are enjoying ourselves immensely this Christmas vacation. We've been ice skating, playing Wii (guitar hero), jumping on the new trampoline, playing with new toys, and of course eating all sorts of junk. I'm hoping to get a chance tomorrow to post some pics of all the fun. Until then know we're still alive and enjoying what's left of '08!

Christmas Eve

Neglect

I'm not intentionally neglecting my blog. It's just the King is home and Christmas is just days away. We're busy shopping, wrapping, and just enjoying the season. Don't worry I'm still taking pictures and I'll post when I can!

Random Thoughts

The countdown has begun. The girls are officially "crazy" excited. They have no idea what they're getting from us this year and the anticipation is driving them nuts. Yesterday was Chiggie's school party and the girls looked very pretty. They all wore their Christmas dresses and pretty new earrings. They received many compliments which they always love. Chiggie is beyond excited that she is now off for a total of 18 days. This is exciting for me as well. I'm looking forward to sleeping in.

The King comes home tomorrow and we can't wait. Today was spent getting the house in order. I don't want to spend precious time cleaning. I told the girls that I was pretty sure Santa wanted to see our house looking its best and that got them motivated. At one point I even caught Boo using the little broom and dust pan. Too bad they're not this eager all of the time. Tomorrow we're going to church and then grocery shopping. That'll leave Monday and Tuesday completely open. Maybe we'll take the girls to a movie or something we'll have to see. As soon as I get a chance I'll post some pics from yesterdays festivities.

Mad

Today I lost my wallet. There was $60 inside along with the usual things like my drivers license etc. The most frustrating part is that I have no idea where it is. I just can't find it. I know the last place I had it for sure. I have called that store and it's not there. I am positive that I had it at the register but I can't recall past that point. I have run every possible scenario through my head to the point of driving myself CRAZY. I tore the house and the car apart looking for it. I called the police department to make sure there was no report or it wasn't turned in. At this point I have exhausted my resources and I'm giving up. This means tomorrow will be spent cancelling my debit card, getting a new drivers license, and mourning my lost cash. Then tomorrow evening I will probably find the wallet hiding in plain sight.

3 More Days

In 3 more days Chiggie will be out of school on Christmas Vacation. I am so excited. Thursday is her holiday lunch and then Friday is her class party. I don't know why they do them on seperate days but I've resigned myself to the fact that the end of this week will be crazy busy. The King comes home this weekend for the first time since Thanksgiving. I know yikes! He's worked everyday but this last Sunday when the roads were just too bad to get up the mountain. He'll be home for over a week so we're all excited.

I have a lot left to do to get ready for Christmas but surprisingly I don't feel much stress at all. The important stuff is taken care of and the rest will fall into place it always does. The girls are all enjoying counting down the days and I think even they are shocked at how close it really is.

Boo's Big Boo Boo

Poor Boo. She can't seem to catch a break lately. Poor thing is getting sick or hurt left and right. Today was by far the worst though. I was vacuuming the family room this afternoon when over the buzz I heard her SCREAMING. I turned around and blood was streaming down her face. She had tripped and hit her forehead on the fireplace. I could see a couple of gashes but couldn't properly assess them. I cleaned her up and got a closer look. One was a small almost puncture like wound. It looked painful but not big enough to cause worry. The other one was a deep, longer, cut.

I immediately called my Mom for a second opinion. She came right over to help with the other girls and take a look. She's a nurse and she seconded my opinion. Stitches would be necessary to close the wound. Fortunately the doctor disagreed. He said that because it had stopped bleeding and the location (the forehead) stitches were not recommended. He said it would leave a train track scar and the whole experience wouldn't be worth the trauma. He has two daughters himself and while he left it up to me said that he would choose to steri strip the wound and apply antibiotic. So Boo was off the hook, or the needle I guess.

The rest of the evening she was cranky and kept grabbing at her head and saying "owie?" I felt bad for her and guilty. I've always worried about the fireplace but luckily nothing has ever happened. We need some type of a bumper around it regardless of how it would look. Boo is a monkey though and she isn't easily deterred. Several times tonight I had to take her off coffee tables and such. Hopefully this will be as bad as it gets.....

Trapped

A stomach flu bug (Boo) and an additional 6 inches of snow left us feeling a little trapped today. The girls got creative and built this fort in the family room where they hung out for the better part of the day. The dog didn't realize understand and kept them busy by pulling it down repeatedly. Boo is feeling better tonight which is a relief. This is the last week of school before Christmas vacation and I'm hoping everyone can stay healthy!

Consequences

Staying up until past midnight every night and getting up at 6am is really starting to catch up to me. Every day I promise to go to bed earlier that night, but I just can't. The quiet at night is such a difference from the bustling noises of our days. It's so relaxing to have the time to read, surf the net, or watch a little t.v. in peace. Now that's it's the Christmas season I enjoy it even more. The warm fire, glowing decorations, and falling snow add to my desire to stay up just a bit longer.

The days have also been going by so fast lately. I feel like I just get Chiggie to school and it's time to go back and get her. I guess by the time we all get ready for the day, do a few chores, and eat lunch it's already late afternoon. Maybe that will be one of my New Year's resolutions: Go to bed.

First Real Snow

Last night we got our first real snow. It fell heavy until well after midnight. The weather today is cold but nice, so there was only a two hour delay. Chiggie did enjoy sleeping in.The little girls couldn't wait to get their snow suits on and make some snow angels. I took this from the back window. No way was I going to venture out. Boo and I shared hot chocolate while we watched them.It made the bathroom decorations seem that more festive.

I love this shower curtain.
This picture was taken this afternoon after quite a bit of the snow had melted.Our street.Pretty shot of the plum trees.The clouds moving out.Poor pond

Fa La La La La...

Tonight was the annual parade of lights and the weather was fantastic. Don't let the way the girls were dressed fool you, they had their hats and coats off 15 minutes into the parade. For the first year ever we made it through the whole thing without anybody melting down or nearly getting frost bite.We've also been enjoying the house being festively decorated. This is one of my new decorations. It's both festive and functional as it keeps the fire shielded.

Another new favorite, I got this one from my Mom and Step Dad. It's Santa's workshop. It spins around and plays Christmas music. Our village has really grown in the last few years.

Before going to the parade the girls and I baked and decorated 3 dozen sugar cookies. They loved it. They are finally getting old enough to do things a bit more independantly. I was surprised at how well even Midge did.

At the end of the day even the animals of the family were tuckered out. Seriously are these two cute or what??

Jump for Joy

For now they can only jump at my Moms. Until Christmas that is (wink, wink)

The Polar Express

Okay, so it may have taken me a bit, but here's a synopsis of our kick off to Christmas trip. On the day after Thanksgiving we woke the girls early and gave them the news that we were invited to ride the Polar Express. They cheered and jumped around excited while the King and I finished up packing and got everything we would need ready. By 9am we had begun the 5 hour journey.

The hotel we stayed at did not disappoint. This is the view of the atrium from just outside our suite.Here is the living room. The couch made into a bed for the older girls.The master bedroom was huge complete with a King size bed and large t.v. of its own.The hot tub was turned down a bit so the whole family could enjoy. The King and Tea relaxing.

The girls in their pajamas ready to ride the train.


The King and Midge enjoying the ride.

I sat with Boo and the older girls got to ride up front all by themselves. All of our hats are courtesy of Uncle Russell by the way!

Just like in the movie the conductor came through and punched our tickets. Meanwhile we sipped cocoa and sang carols.

Midge, a believer in Santa, receives her bell.

Much to her shock, Santa scooped Chiggie right up!

The next morning the girls got some fresh air out on our private balcony.

Eventually we had to return home, and this is what we had to drive through.
We had an incredible time and it was hard to come home. The girls are still carrying their bells around with them and talk daily about the experience. I'm so glad we were given the opportunity to take them!

Dropping In...

Alright, I promise I'll be back today with a real post. Complete with pictures from our trip and Thanksgiving, but until then I have a quick question. I have my own ideas on this one, but I'd like to hear some opinions from whatever readers I have left out there. So here goes...

What do you think the appropriate age/grade to begin sleepovers is? I'm talking about non-family member sleep overs of course. I know it depends on the individual child etc. I'm just looking for an "average." Please help me out on this one!

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for. I'll be back with pictures after our special trip!

Foggy

That's how my brain feels today, foggy. I guess all the "busyness" finally caught up to me. The girls and I spent the morning running errands. Including a trip to the vet for Napolean. Would you believe our little love is already considered obese? I was shocked. I had spent the last week or so concerned he wasn't eating enough. Poor boy will be dieting soon. Of course I'm going to let him get through the holidays.

The King will be home later tonight and tomorrow we will go over to my Mom's house to feast. Later in the afternoon we plan to put up all of the indoor Christmas decorations. I love to decorate and I'm hoping it makes it feel a little more like the holidays. Hopefully we'll get our snow tomorrow. I'll try and post a picture of the family I'm so very thankful to have tomorrow!

Catch Up

November started out strong blog wise and then I fizzled out. I've been busy really, but that's nothing new. I'm actually going through a fairly productive streak and not wanting to sit down much. I am reading everyone's entries even though I haven't written much myself or commented for that matter.

We've been battling colds for the last week or so but with some extra vitamin C we're doing better. Just in time with Thanksgiving being right around the corner and only 3 days until our surprise! Chiggie is out of school all week and I've enjoyed the more relaxed mornings. We've been getting up at our usual time just to keep the routine going but just not having to rush around makes all the difference.

I did get my camera back. You wouldn't know it with my lack of picture posting. I actually got it back last Wednesday. The concert was Tuesday and a lady saw the camera and took it home. I had to jump through hoops to get it back. She took it home and called the school with her information. I had to identify the camera and then drive clear out into the mountains to her isolated cabin (not kidding) just to pick it up. I was wishing at that point she just would've turned it in, but beggars can't be choosers.

We're expecting a snow storm on Thanksgiving and I'm hoping it happens. How exciting that would be for the girls. Tea has been asking everyday when it will snow. They really want to go sledding this year. Maybe a sled would be a good idea for one of their presents. I've rambled enough. I hope everyone is having a great holiday week!

Picture This...

Okay so picture this. You are at an elementary school music concert. The performance has ended and people are starting to leave. In a row nearby you see a small leather bag under an empty seat. You take a look and discover it's a camera bag. You assume it's been forgotten by its owner. What do you do?

A.) You turn the bag in to a staff member. The Principal and several other administrative staff
members are present.

B.) You take the camera back to your house and call the school in the morning with the information instructing them to give any inquisitive callers your number.

C.) Consider it your new camera. The old owner obviously didn't care about it or they wouldn't have just left it laying there.

Just curious, don't worry I'll follow up.

Good Weekend

The fact that I haven't posted in the last couple of days was actually a good sign. Boo finally got to feeling well enough that we were able to leave the house again. She is no longer taking 'round the clock breathing treatments although I am still giving them at night. Her personality has really perked up and she is not nearly as clingy as she had been for quite some time.



Yesterday we went out of town for the day with my Mom and little sisters. We went Christmas shopping at the mall and out to dinner. The girls had a fabulous time and loved seeing all of the Christmas decorations. A part of me can't believe the Holidays are already here. It's exciting and we have some fun things planned. I have a busy week ahead of me planning for two trips in less than 7 days!

Quick Update!

I meant to post last night but lucky for me I called it a night much earlier than usual. Things are going better. Boo is sleeping better than ever now that her lungs are clearing up. Today the little girls and I spent over 3 hours outside raking and planting bulbs. The yard looks so much better and just in time as snow is predicted tomorrow. I can't wait to see what my spring flower garden will look like.

End Already

This week just needs to end. Get it over with already. It has been miserable. Between Chiggie not wanting to go to school and Boo being so sick I have been stressed out to the max. I have so many things that I want to do but I just cannot find a focal point. It's times like these that make the King being gone so hard.

The Verdict is In

Bronchitis. Thank goodness I took her in. She was given a breathing treatment in the office with Albuterol and will have treatments every 4-6 hours for the next day or so. I'm glad I trusted my instinct, who knows what tomorrow would've held in store had she not gotten the medication. The medication that we had to wait 1 1/2 hours for at the pharmacy. It started out a 20 minute wait and just went downhill from there. Thankfully I took the girls to get something to eat to help pass the time, but still.

As for Chiggie, I think she just worried herself too much. She gets little ideas in her head and then becomes fearful. We had a talk and I'm pretty sure she's good now. Tonight should be interesting getting up every 4 hours and subjecting the baby to the torture that is a breathing treatment.....

On Second Thought...

I called the Dr. and Boo has an appointment this afternoon. Her cough isn't getting any better, she's exhausted, and I can't base my decision on insurance issues. I'm hoping whatever's going on we caught it early and treatment will be quick and simple.

Today is one of those days where nothing goes according to plan. Just a bit ago I received a very disturbing phone call from Chiggie at school. She was crying and calling me from the kitchen. I wasn't able to get much out of her other than she has a fear that I will be late to pick her up. This is an odd fear as I have NEVER been late. Even in Kinder I was always on time. I reassured her, made sure she was feeling physically well, and we hung up. I immediately called her teacher who was completely unaware of the call. She promised to look into it and get back to me. What a weird day.

As Predicted

It is cold and gray outside. It's actually nice for a change. We've had such nice weather for so long now, it's good to see the temperatures starting to drop and the sun hanging out behind the clouds for a while. I'm hoping we get the snow that was forecast to top it all off. No accumulations are predicted so it wouldn't mess up my whole need to rake and pick up dog doo doo thing.

Boo was up half the night coughing again. I'm giving her one more day and then I am going to cave and take her to the Dr. This cough has just gone on too long. We've had a switch in insurances. Our old policy is up and the new policy doesn't begin until January 1st. Soooo we're in a private pay gap and I was really hoping to avoid anything catastrophic. I'd hate to go and pay the nearly $100 to hear suggestions that I'm already aware of, but I'd also hate for her to need some kind of treatment. Decisions, decisions.

I need to get my camera out and take some pictures this week. I have been busy lately and haven't really taken the time since Halloween to take many shots. I'll make that my goal, take more pic's this week and get them posted.

On the Mend

The girls are all feeling much better. Boo is still coughing and hasn't gotten all of her energy back, but she's definitely through the worst of it. We were able to go to church this morning and even though I felt rushed I was really glad we went. This afternoon the older girls are going with my Mom to see Madagascar II. I'm jealous because it looks hilarious. Of course the little girls won't sit still so we'll just have to watch it when it comes to dvd.

Tomorrow we are expecting snow. I'm actually really excited about the prospect. There isn't supposed to be much of an accumulation but we'll see. I bought all of Chiggie's snow gear some time ago and she's been anxiously waiting to try it out. I can't believe Thanks Giving is coming so soon. We have a really fun surprise weekend planned for the girls and I can't wait to see the looks on their faces. Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Lather, Rinse, Repeat

Today was more of the same. I was puked on twice last night. Nobody has the stomach flu, but two of the girls inherited the Kings gag reflex and when they get to coughing, well you get the picture. Poor Boo. She was so miserable last night and there just wasn't a whole lot that I could do for her. Have I mentioned that she is jealous of the puppy too? Thank goodness she will always have "baby" status in our family because she is very high maintenance and wouldn't tolerate a new baby in our house.

Chiggie was feeling well enough to go to a costume party today and she had a blast. They don't get to wear their Halloween costumes to school so it was nice for her to get to see some of her classmates dressed up. It's hard for the little girls when we drop her off somewhere. They still don't really understand they can't tag along. It makes me sad even though I know their day will come as well.

Tomorrow I'm hoping everyone is feeling well enough to go to church. I also really need to do some raking and pick up our newly acquired dog poo, but that'll probably have to wait until Monday. It's supposed to be really cold and nobody is ready to be outside that's for sure. Oh and I must add. I did one of those things I swore I never would. You see early in the morning when the puppy first wakes up it's freezing outside. Literally, like in the teens, freezing. I hate to watch him shivering and looking so miserable soooooooo... I bought him a jacket. A fleece lined, jacket with a hood. He seems to like it just fine and I hope it keeps him warmer. The girls think it's adorable. Now if I start carrying him around in a purse, I MUST be stopped!

Yuck...

The little girls are sick. Last night was spent mostly measuring out medicine, taking temperatures, and laundering puked on bedclothes. Sorry if that last part was a little too much but I'm just trying to keep it real over here. This has been a crazy week and I'm so glad it's Friday. I hope everyone's not sick all weekend long.

Puppy Love

* This is mostly for my own record. If it bores you to tears feel free to skip and you won't hurt my feelings a bit!*

The puppy has officially been here for 4 days. The King had him for an entire week before he came home so he's technically been a Dauk for about 10 days. In some ways having him around is much easier than I anticipated. He is very cooperative and is learning quickly. At around 11pm I put him in his crate ( a very fancy house complete with windows the King bought him) for the night. He never even whimpers, just lays right down and goes to sleep.

He sleeps through the night and keeps his little house dry. At about 6:30 am I hear him stirring around and get up and take him out immediately. Consistency is huge and I want him to have a routine. Chiggie doesn't have to be up until 7 so that gives me 30 minutes to potty, feed, and play with the puppy and still give her my full attention first thing.

After he potties, eats, and plays a bit he is content to sit back and watch the action. If we go for a ride he comes along. If we go somewhere he can't, shopping etc. then he goes in the crate. He never protests but he is ecstatic to see us when we get home. He is kept plenty busy all day long by the girls who love to cuddle him and bring him his toys. Taking him out several times a day gets a little tiring especially when it's cold and he would prefer chew on a leaf over potty. I just remind myself that before long he will let me know when he needs to go out.

As far as the name goes we chose Napolean because he has such a dominant personality for such a little dog. The different spelling was intentional. We sure love the little dude!

Celebration Time

I almost forgot to mention that today is my 2 year Blogaversary. Two whole years. I certainly know people who have been blogging for a whole lot more than two years, but still. I've learned a lot in these two years and I've had a lot of fun too. It's so neat to be able to go back into my own archives and read about events that I'm sure I would've forgotten had I not made this type of record. I've also met several really neat people along the way. Who knows what the future holds but at least I have some documentation of the past.

The King's New Ride

For quite some time now the King has been pushing his luck with his car. A 1989 Ford Taurus that we purchased for $200. No heater and no air conditioner. It was a hot summer, but it's supposed to be a very cold winter. We had been looking into the idea of buying a truck, but I wasn't crazy about the idea of a payment. My hand was forced on Friday when he broke down on his way home. Luckily he was able to borrow a spare car from my sister and made it home. Much later than originally planned, but I was just relieved he didn't get stuck on the other side of the mountain. And now we shouldn't have to worry much at all.

As an added bonus the truck fits all of us so we now officially have 2 vehicles. It can also tow the camper and won't have any problems in the snow. I'm still not crazy about the idea of a payment but I think we just bought a little peace of mind.

Surprise

The King was able to come home on Friday night. It was great. The girls thought he was a trick or treater. Not only did he get to come home but he brought the girls and my little sisters a Chinese Pug. We had been talking for some time about getting a puppy and I've wanted a pug for years. He's a doll baby and the girls are in love. Tea held Napolean tight after his first bath. I gave him one in the sink.
Chiggie was actually laughing right here as he licked her ear.

What a sleepy little boy!

What a look!

Trick or Treat

Zzzzzz

I know the feeling kid, I know the feeling.

My Bad

It takes me exactly 13 minutes to get Chiggie ready for school. I didn't have this number until this morning when I woke up at 7:41. My alarm had been going off for approximately 1hr 20min. Hmmm, I must've been tired. I ran upstairs in a frenzy, flung Chiggie from her bed, and practically carried her downstairs. She was in the shower by 7:45 and out by 7:50. She got dressed and I helped her with her hair. She grabbed her jacked, a bag of cheezits, and her backpack. We were on the porch waiting for her ride (carpool) by 7:58. 2 minutes to spare!

Up until yesterday my Mom would call at around 7:15 just to make sure we were up and moving. Cocky me informed her that we no longer needed this call. In fact the ringing of the phone was waking the baby. Yeah, I'll have a glass of milk with that giant slice of humble pie please....

Ouch!

Today the girls and I all got our flu shots. I don't know what the deal is but my arm is killing me. I've had flu shots before and my arm is always a little sore, but not like this. Oddly the girls haven't complained at all. In fact neither Tea nor Midge even cried when they got the shot to begin with. Chiggie and Boo on the other hand to be a bit more emotional when strangers are coming at them with a needle.

The girls are very excited for Friday. And so far everyone is in good health unlike last year. The King gets off early so he will be able to trick or treat with us. This came as a surprise to me today so I was pretty excited! He's also bringing us home another surprise. Stay tuned you'll love it!

Halloween Teaser