Week in Review ~ 12/21

We had a full week leading up to Christmas break, staring with our trip to see the Legendary Santa on Sunday.

On Tuesday we had a school visit for Avery.  It is so hard to believe we are making Kindergarten decisions.  We are not rushing our preschool days one bit, though.  I had my staff Christmas dinner after that, so Ned and Avery picked up Sam and came home.  I managed to get home before anyone went to bed.  I had a headache and felt like I was getting sick, so I was asleep early on the couch.

Wednesday night Avery had her Christmas dance performance for families.  She got upset after they did it the first time because her antlers kept slipping, and she cried through the 2nd time they did it.  She perked right back up for a party at the end of class.

We had Polar Express day at school Thursday, and Kindergartners wore their pajamas.  It was fun but hectic day.  I needed my pjs as I had definitely come down with a cold.

Friday was the day I had been waiting for, but I was feeling pretty bad.  We had a concert and sing-along at school that morning and class parties in the afternoon.  I was lucky enough to have a child celebrate a birthday at lunch.  Sam had his little party at Jennifer's that afternoon but we slipped out after Santa came in since Sam is not interested.  Ned brought home dinner and I relaxed with the thought of two weeks off.

Ned hunted Saturday morning, and the kids and I went out in search of breakfast and Pepsi.  Avery acted out scenes with Mary and "Jovis" the whole way, although that's actually the shepherd.  We spent the morning at home since I was still not feeling great.  Ned came home after lunch then had 2 fire calls back to back.  Since he was gone, I was not able to go to the store, but I didn't complain since I napped while the kids napped/"rested."  We ran errands in Roanoke Rapids late in the afternoon and had dinner at Chick-Fil-A.  Even Sam was surprised we let him have juice after his meal.  We offered Avery ice cream so that she wouldn't play in the play area with a coughing girl.  Ned shared his ice cream with Sam, and we had 2 wound up kids.

Ned went to the store for me once the kids went to bed, then we got all the groceries for our big week put away.

Legendary Santa 2013

We ventured off for our annual Legendary Santa visit last Sunday.  We left  bright and early, met Mimi where she was leaving her car, and zipped to Richmond.  The zipping definitely ended with the drive, as we were met with a line way out the door when we arrived at the Children's Museum of Richmond.  I was sure that for some reason there was a delay in opening, but as we got in line we could see a full line inside the building.  About 45 minutes or so into our cold wait outside, the kids and I went and rode Santa's sleigh.  We then decided to stay inside, and Mimi came in with us.  She and Avery found a place to play while I let Sam run in an empty area.  Sam and I then joined Avery in a variety of holiday houses.  We were thrilled to find that Ned had made it inside and was to the first turn of the line, so we got some snacks and joined him.  Things seemed to move faster then and spirits were better.

What a relief to be called in the room with Santa.  Ned left us in line so he could video, and I was left holding heavy Sam.  Old Santa as he calls himself is worth it though.

Finally we were able to chat with the Snow Queen, then Santa called Avery and Sam by name to come and sit on his lap.  The first few seconds were spent quieting Sam, who was fussing but not crying.  Finally he got Duckie loose from Santa's arm and was happy enough.  I was so proud of Avery, who talked to Santa even though it looks like she's trying to break away.

Our professional photo definitely captures the moment well.

It was a long morning, taking about 3 hours from start to finish, but I wouldn't have backed out for anything.  I saw the Legendary Santa every year until I was a senior in high school and plan for my two to do the same.  You can see our past visits here: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012.

After a crazy morning we decided to go ahead with our plans of lunch at Short Pump.  I did not consider that Sam would fall right to sleep at 12:30 and spent most of the ride trying to keep him awake.  We had a calm meal at California Pizza Kitchen then got in the car to come home.  Sam felt that his 15 minute cat nap was more than enough and stayed away the entire trip home.

We left Mimi at her car and headed straight to Mason's birthday party.  We will make sure we do nothing else on Santa day from now on.  The kids behaved and had fun, but it was good to get everyone home after our big day.

Merry Christmas!

Sending you lots of Christmas love and merriment, from our family to yours!

Week in Review ~ 12/14

Well, I missed a whole week, but not too much was going on, so I'll just skip over it and try not to let it drive me crazy.  We had what I had hoped would be our busiest week leading to Christmas, but the one coming up is filling fast.

On Sunday we had fellowship breakfast at church followed by normal Sunday School and worship.  That night we had our Bible Zone Christmas play.  I was only nervous about how Sam would do, but when the little angels paraded in I heard a "Mommy" and cry that I know well.  I sat with Avery while she got it together, never really knowing what the issue was.  After that she went right up and did fine.  Sam did pretty good as well.  We had a covered dish supper afterwards which was a little hectic with 2 kids and lots of people in a small space.

Avery then had her Bible Zone Christmas party Monday night.  They decorated cookies and cards, had party food, and were visited by Santa.  I was very surprised when Avery willingly sat with and talked to Santa...a first at Bible Zone.

Tuesday night we had our preschool, preK, and Kindergarten program at school.  Before the program, I helped my parents decorate their tree and ran some errands.  Our little students were so cute in their Christmas attire and did a great job singing our songs.  Even better was that I was home in time to put Avery to bed.

Wednesday night we had dance like normal.  The 5:30 p.m. dance time is getting harder and harder to get to pleasantly.  Avery eats at a snail's pace on Wednesday night and it never fails that a train is crossing when we need to.

Ned picked the kids up Thursday afternoon so that I could make my much-needed hair appointment.  I headed straight home after that so that Ned could go to his Christmas party for the fire department.  He had been looking forward to his "party food" all week, and I was so sad for him when the siren went off about 15 minutes after the party started.  Always be appreciative of your first responders....they leave their party food to come help you.

Friday was a happy sight as the excitement had been growing in Kindergarten.  That night we went to the Mexican restaurant, and Avery and Sam made sure to accessorize.  Sam wore his shades all the way to the restaurant.  He also redeemed himself after having to leave FoSho early a few weeks.  We love our Mexican restaurant.  The meal is always ready before we've finished our chips.  After dinner we rode and looked at Christmas lights, and Sam wore his glasses about half the trip.

Ned went hunting Saturday morning so I got up with the kids.  We went to a kids' Christmas party at the Sadlers' and had a fun time.  I guess I didn't take Avery to a lot of stuff at this age, because I'm sure not used to chasing, pulling off the hearth, pulling out of the tree, etc.  He really did fine, but it's a lot.  We left there early to get Avery a quick hair cut.  I've been meaning to do it for weeks, and it looked so bad Saturday morning that I knew I had to get it done before Santa.  We dropped Sam off with Ned, had a quick cut, and picked up lunch.  After naps I went to the grocery store, thinking I was missing the rain.  I bought a TON of stuff and came out to find it pouring.  We ate dinner at home, then I did some wrapping while Ned was at a fire call.

I have a full week of school this week, as does Avery, and we started it off with a very big and fun day today.  We've got a full moon and a lot of holiday spirit to contend with this week!

21 Months

Dear Sam,

I hope one day you will be confident that the pros of being a 2nd child greatly outnumber the cons, like late monthly posts.  I remembered for a full week that the 7th was approaching then remembered again 5 days later.  We still love you, Buddy!

We have no new measurements but you feel heavier by the day.  You are still wearing 24 month or 2T clothes, size 6.5 shoe, and size 5 diaper.

Your sleep has been a little strange this month but still good overall.  After you had croup, you started taking awhile to fall asleep at night.  You didn't fuss, but you didn't go to sleep quickly like normal.  Then we thought you were sick again, and you had a really bad night.  You weren't sick, so I'm wondering if your 2 year molars are working their way through.  After that bad night you got back on track, but if you have a night that you go to bed a little late, the next few nights you don't go to bed quickly.  You are usually sleeping until at least 6 a.m. and still napping and going to bed at the normal times.

You're eating remains pretty much the same.  You've have picked back up on breakfast items that you snubbed for awhile and are eating good meals at Jennifer's.  Our dinner is never touched on your plate unless it is one of your approved items.  Yogurt, fruit, and cheese are your main dinner items.

You have developed a new love this month: Buzz!  We watch Toy Story or Toy Story 2 all the time.  You ask for it in the morning, in the afternoon when I pick you up, and any other moment that you are not watching it.  It is really cute, but the rest of us are really tired of Buzz and Woody.  You certainly have seen more TV than your sister had at this age, so I hope the cuddling we do when you watch TV negates the rotting of your brain.

We are definitely in the "twos."  I won't say terrible, but they are very different from your sister's time in this stage.  You say no much more than she ever did and just seem a little more emotional and passionate about things that upset you.  You will also hit when you're angry, but only at home.  Jen-Jen was so surprised the first time she saw you hit yourself.  I know you are just expressing yourself the only way you can, and I'm thankful it's reserved for home.  I don't compare you to your sister, but it's so interesting to me how you are so different.  For example, I don't think Avery has ever had a fit in public, while you throw minor ones every time I drag you out of Avery's classroom in the afternoon.

While the times can be trying, they are 10 times more sweet than trouble.  You love to cuddle and are now giving loves with your arms instead of just leaning your head in for a kiss.  You love your family, and you and Avery play some really fun games that only the two of you understand.  You still do funny things that seem babyish, but you are showing big boy behavior that's exciting as well.  I love for you to ask to rock or say "up me" to be held.  There are times that you only want Daddy, but usually you are a mommy's boy.

Sam, you are growing so fast and changing so much.  I just love this age of excitement and learning.  I would love to keep you like this but know things will only be more special as you grow.  We love you to bits and pieces!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Welcome, December

I'm starting this new month with a prayer that most of it looks just like this.

At home, with my family and Christmas tree, just like Kevin.

We've turned down a gala for my preK-12th grade alma mater, changed our minds about plans that would have been fun, and I won't be running a race that I paid for, all for more moments like this.

Of course, this picture didn't capture Avery jumping on the couch and the time-out that followed. And it missed Sam's epic meltdown over coming inside from playing in the cold. That cat is for once not in the Christmas tree (that's bitter chew spray on the mantle). We'd also prefer that Ned be in the picture instead of outside getting the leaves up.

But, for the most part, I hope that this will be our Christmas season. With only a few things left to decorate and a few fun, family outings ahead, we're ready to sit back and enjoy this holy, magical time.

Weeks in Review ~ 11/23 & 11/30

So another 2 weeks have come and gone...But, we're just busy enough, having fun, and doing well, so that's all that matters.

Last week I went to our state Kindergarten conference on Monday and Tuesday.  I left early Monday morning to get to Richmond on time and spent both days in lots of sessions that were mostly really good.  Sherri Sloane and Jack Hartmann were our morning speakers, and I attended several sessions with them as well.  Ned treated me to a night away, so I stayed where the conference was being held.  Monday night I shopped, had dinner at Panera, and was back in my comfortable clothes by 6 p.m.  I of course squeezed in some FaceTime too.  This was my first time away from home by myself since I had kids.

The rest of the week was normal, just very busy at school.  That Friday, we thought it would be a good decision to go out to eat.  We hadn't been out in several Fridays because I was more interested in picking something up and eating in.  We picked a restaurant we know to be slow, and as they sat the pizza on the table 40 minutes later I was on my way out the door with Sam.  He was not interested in eating and had gotten very upset when I took Avery to the bathroom.  He said he was ready to go home and I was happy to oblige.  Ned and Avery finished their dinner with Mimi and Vincent.

This past week was a busy holiday week.  Avery has been working hard at Bible Zone practicing her songs for the Christmas play.  I doubt she'll be using a wand there, though.

Avery's preschool had a Thanksgiving feast Tuesday at lunch.  I was unable to attend with it being a day before a holiday and since I'm trying to save days for Disney.  Ned went and had lunch with Avery, who was proudly in costume.

Ned was very willing to help decorate this year, so we did the Santas Tuesday night, set the trees up Wednesday night, and decorated them Thursday.  Last year I felt like I decorated all season, so I'm at least off to a better start.

We had our first Thanksgiving feast Wednesday night at Ned's parents' house.  Everyone behaved, no one was hurt, and nothing was broken, so it goes down as a win in my book.  On Thursday night we traveled to my dad's sister's house.  I was nervous that my mom would decide she didn't want to go since getting out and being around a lot of people still makes her uneasy.  They came though and we had a great, boisterous night.

Ned hunted most of the day Friday.  I got busy shopping via the Internet that morning and finished the Santa shopping.  We ventured out to the kids' Sunday School teacher's store for some bows and new garland.  I lost a few years off of my life trying to keep Avery still and navigate Sam's stroller in a very full little store.  Sam was also letting us know he wasn't having any fun.  Other than that, we stayed home and the kids played together very well.  I fed the kids early and Ned brought home Chinese for the two of us.

Saturday was a special day.  After Ned hunted in the morning, Mimi and her friend Nan came to keep Sam, and we took Avery to lunch at Panera and to see Frozen.  This was Avery's first theater experience, and she was just the right age.  She had lots of questions about the "commercials" (previews) but was pretty quiet through the movie unless there was something funny.

We got home about 5 p.m. and gathered up some odds and ends for dinner since I haven't been to the store.  Sam has a cough and congestion with a little fever.  I'm praying for a silent night.  We welcome December tomorrow, my most favorite month.  We have so much to look forward to, and while I do it with a little apprehension in my heart after last holiday season, I know there are wonderful things ahead....and what seems like less time to enjoy with the late Thanksgiving!  I'm being very intentional with my time this month so that I can enjoy every last minute.