More Snow

Snow accumulations of up to an inch? Better re-think that Mr. Weatherman who is wrong so often that we actually just expect the opposite of what he says!

Moving Right Along

It is embarassing to admit, but I just today finally got the house back in order from the holiday chaos. It was insane let me tell you. I feel so relieved just to have it done. The King has to work on Saturday because he had Monday off, but on Sunday we are going to take the girls to an indoor hot springs pool. We have never been to this particular one and have been wanting to try it out since we moved here. I am sure they will have a blast and it will be a wonderful way to relax after a hectic week. It's also something I think all three of them will enjoy equally which is a rare find these days.

In other news my OB office called yesterday and my first appointment was bumped back three weeks. I haven't even been seen at all! I don't even know how far along I am, my ticker is just a best guess. It's frustrating because the same thing happened with Midge and by the time I had my first appointment it was time to schedule my 20 week ultrasound. I guess it's no big deal I was just excited to be getting in. I am actually starting to feel a little better on my own which indicates to me that I am possibly starting the second trimester. One down, two to go!

Bad Hair Day

Preschool Woes

As a parent you are pretty much guaranteed at one point or another to second guess yourself on a particular decision. Especially as your children grow and their individuals needs expand. I truly believe that different things work and are appropriate for different children. I battled back and forth last year as to whether or not to enroll Chiggie in a preschool program. I weighed the pros and cons but ultimately I think I was persuaded by society and "professionals" that it was definitely the way to go.

Now, I really don't know. Sometimes it seems as though most of what she has picked up on is negative. I guess theoretically by keeping her home I would have been delaying the inevitable. I mean I am sure all of that would've come with Kindergarten as well.....or would it have. I also would have to question the particular school she attends. It is also a daycare facility and many of the children in her class have attended since birth. Because of this there are believe it or not cliques within the classroom. I never even really considered that possibility.

I am not concerned with what she is learning. I know that will come with time and formal education was never my intent. On the other hand I don't think a little structure would hurt. On top of that some of the facility's social ideas are a little odd. I agree that you can't tolerate children being mean and hurtful to others but it's just the cold hard truth that everybody is not your friend. I don't think there is anything wrong with children trusting their gut on this one. In the past the children that Chiggie has avoided all on her own have usually been too aggressive or rough for her liking.

Overall I would have to say that it is probably best to just go with your gut. If you are influenced by too many people with differing opinions you may just end up disappointed.

Fashion Diva

Chiggie is an absolute fashion freak! This is not reflective of the King or myself so I have no idea where it comes from. Take this conversation for example:

Me: So did you have a good time at dance tonight?

Chiggie: Yeah, there was a new girl and she was wearing the cutest boots I have ever seen.

Me: Did you learn a new song?

Chiggie: They were brown with fur around the top. If I had a pair like that I would sleep in them.

Me: They sound nice. Did you guys learn new music?

Chiggie: They were off the chain! Not like snow boots, but not fancy either. I would definitely need a new skirt to go with them.


What is "off the chain," and what am I gonna do with this kid?

Read the Book don't Watch the Movie

Pretty much since I learned to read I have preferred reading to television or movies. I have a vivid imagination and most of the time the real thing turns out to be a let down. For example when I got my first dispatching job I was living in a new city in a new county in a brand new state. I didn't know where anything was and had to rely on maps for everything. Fortunately I became very good at map reading and picked up on my geography very quickly. But I had still never "seen" most of what I was dealing with. I was shocked and disappointed to later find out that just because a subdivision is called Palm Sunset, doesn't mean it's nice and Whispering Sands apartment complex is actually a dump.

Anyway I guess what I am saying is that with a book you get to at least imagine the whole story where as with a movie all the work is done for you. I think life is really the same way. You can either carve your own unique imaginative details and get involved or you can just sit back and let the camera roll. I would rather write a book than have someone else make my movie.

Happy New Year

I have spent a lot of the day reminiscing on 2006 and fantasizing about 2007. I don't do resolutions for the new year, mostly because I am always changing my mind. A lot will happen in this next year, that I know for sure. I am already looking forward to the spring and summer. In a way it's nice to be through the holidays so that we can now focus on just life in general. It's gonna take me just a bit to get caught up and fall back into a normal routine.

Tomorrow Chiggie starts back up in the song and dance program that has been on hiatus for the holidays. Then next month both older girls will be doing gymnastics for a 6 week session which they are very much looking forward too.

One of things that I want to focus on in this next year is our house. We have done quite a bit since we moved in about 2 1/2 years ago, but there is still a lot to be done. This winter I want to paint the kitchen, the trim in the kids rooms, and maybe put in some new flooring. In the spring we hope to move things outside. We need to gravel the swing set area, fix and paint the deck, plant some new flowers, and paint the fence. A lot of hard work but it's exciting. So here's to another year and I hope it is full of many delightful surprises!