New Year's Eve is one of my favorite nights of the year. My dad was always terrified that one of us would get in a car accident on New Year's so long ago he started bribing us all to spend the night at their house. He provided an AMAZING meal and lots of fun.
I'll admit that the nights aren't quite the same without him there but its still a night I look forward to every year.
Our celebration tonight will include Nick, Stacie, Olivia, my brother Jordan, mom and us. This year we are doing something a bit different and going out for a big meal which we never do as an extended family. Then we'll head back to our house for games and trying to stay up to watch the ball drop. I promised Lauren and Avery they could stay up till 12. We'll see how it goes!
Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
The aftermath
It really looks like Christmas threw up all over my living room dining room and den/playroom. It is embarrassing. Both the mess and the sheer amount of STUFF that we have.
I do not even begin to have the storage for all of this. And I want my tree down. NOW! I want this all put away. YESTERDAY. And I want someone else to come and do it.
Ok, so obviously that wont happen. So I declared today, Get It Done Day!
Jordan called awhile ago and I think he might be scared to come home. Nothing is safe. I feel like I am pregnant or something and nesting. Like if I dont get this taken care of I might literally blow up or something.
Pray for me. Or maybe for Jordan!
I do not even begin to have the storage for all of this. And I want my tree down. NOW! I want this all put away. YESTERDAY. And I want someone else to come and do it.
Ok, so obviously that wont happen. So I declared today, Get It Done Day!
Jordan called awhile ago and I think he might be scared to come home. Nothing is safe. I feel like I am pregnant or something and nesting. Like if I dont get this taken care of I might literally blow up or something.
Pray for me. Or maybe for Jordan!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Other Christmas pictures
She is suddenly very old. Can time please stop and keep her seven? I really love seven.
Sullivan was extremely difficult when it came to pictures all week. I think this was the best we got of him!
Love my girls!
Oh my...
Gifts
Sullivan is pretty obsessed with this toy. When he doesn't know I am watching he holds Handy Manny like a baby and tells him he loves him. VERY CUTE!
The one thing Avery asked for this Christmas was a guitar. Grandma Cindy came through...both girls LOVE them! Our house is really LOUD!
Uncle Nick got the girls scooters. We went to the school so the girls could test them out, they are ready for summer now.
Baby's First Christmas
This little sweetheart was so very good through all the sickness she has dealt with this week. It started with the RSV diagnosis on Tuesday. She really acted practically normal except for some VERY long sleeping spells. Tuesday she slept all night and then in the am on Wednesday I fed her at 6 and she went back to sleep until NOON! Then on Thursday she slept till 10:30 and we had to wake her up at that time. Then Thursday evening she started running a temp and acting fussy. She just wanted to be held and rocked.
Now a smart mother would have taken her to Urgent Care on Friday. But I thought we'd wait it out. Well after NO sleep on Friday night I knew we had to go on Saturday. So what did we wake up to on Saturday? An ice storm. GREAT! So Jordan and I loaded up the two little ones, sent the big girls to my mom and off we headed to Waterloo to Urgent Care. Tess was diagnosed with an ear infection and a sinus infection. POOR BABY.
By Sunday evening she seemed to be back to herself again.
Besides the sickness Tess really got into opening packages, mostly so she could eat the paper...she may have ingested some while we weren't looking.
What a sweet girl!
Christmas 2008
Back last week - which seems like a month ago- I said that this wasn't going to be the Christmas we expected. Jodi commented that it might not be what we expected, but it was the Christmas that God wanted for us. The one He planned for us. I really need to thank Jodi because after reading that my spirits were lifted and I felt very excited for what was in store for us that week.
And truly, we had a wonderful Christmas Eve. It was hard not being at Jordan's parents with all the family and the kids and the fun...but we had an amazing night of just being with us. We got to actually play with the kids new toys, we made homemade pizza and decorated cookies. It was totally laid back and completely stress free. I haven't had a Christmas like that since I started having kids. And when I look back on it, Jodi was so right, it was exactly the Christmas that God had planned for us. I think He knew that we needed that. Just one night.
On Christmas Day we were able to go to my mom's with my family because my kids are the only kids under 15 there...so we did have a lot of fun celebrating with my family.
My kids were so totally spoiled that I am sure they will never need a new toy again. The girls big gifts from uncles and grandparents were scooters and guitars. I love and hate both gifts! Sully's big gifts were a Handy Manny truck and tools and some Thomas take-a-long sets. He LOVES them. My brothers also gave us our first guns...2 nerf guns for Sully. Although if you came to our house you would see that these gifts must have been for Jordan. He is having a BLAST with them!
We spent the day and evening at my mom's and just had fun. But as always there was that big empty spot sitting there. It doesn't get less obvious that my dad isn't there. It seems to become more obvious with each passing year. There is a void. A void that used to be filled with his smile, his laughter, the look on his face as he watched us opening gifts, the look that showed so much love and pride as he watched his children. The void that used to be filled with his bigger than life spirit. Christmas wont ever be the same. And I think what I realized this year is that even when I'm the one sitting around surrounded by MY grandchildren...there will still be a void, he will still be so greatly missed.
And truly, we had a wonderful Christmas Eve. It was hard not being at Jordan's parents with all the family and the kids and the fun...but we had an amazing night of just being with us. We got to actually play with the kids new toys, we made homemade pizza and decorated cookies. It was totally laid back and completely stress free. I haven't had a Christmas like that since I started having kids. And when I look back on it, Jodi was so right, it was exactly the Christmas that God had planned for us. I think He knew that we needed that. Just one night.
On Christmas Day we were able to go to my mom's with my family because my kids are the only kids under 15 there...so we did have a lot of fun celebrating with my family.
My kids were so totally spoiled that I am sure they will never need a new toy again. The girls big gifts from uncles and grandparents were scooters and guitars. I love and hate both gifts! Sully's big gifts were a Handy Manny truck and tools and some Thomas take-a-long sets. He LOVES them. My brothers also gave us our first guns...2 nerf guns for Sully. Although if you came to our house you would see that these gifts must have been for Jordan. He is having a BLAST with them!
We spent the day and evening at my mom's and just had fun. But as always there was that big empty spot sitting there. It doesn't get less obvious that my dad isn't there. It seems to become more obvious with each passing year. There is a void. A void that used to be filled with his smile, his laughter, the look on his face as he watched us opening gifts, the look that showed so much love and pride as he watched his children. The void that used to be filled with his bigger than life spirit. Christmas wont ever be the same. And I think what I realized this year is that even when I'm the one sitting around surrounded by MY grandchildren...there will still be a void, he will still be so greatly missed.
My greatest blessing...
Jordan has been working some crazy hours lately...just like the end of every year. I complain about this to him because it inconviences me...I get a greater load with the kids and the house. I am selfish and snotty about it...
Last night he was at work until it was just about time to get back up for the day. When I got to work today I saw that at 12:30 am he had emailed me. I opened the email and it simply read, 'I love you'.
He is much more self-less than I am. He gives more than I do. He worked basically 17 hours yesterday. And yet, he found the time to be sure that I knew he was thinking of me.
I don't know why God chose to give him to me as my spouse, but I do know that he is my greatest blessing. And I don't deserve to be loved like that...but I am so grateful that I am.
Last night he was at work until it was just about time to get back up for the day. When I got to work today I saw that at 12:30 am he had emailed me. I opened the email and it simply read, 'I love you'.
He is much more self-less than I am. He gives more than I do. He worked basically 17 hours yesterday. And yet, he found the time to be sure that I knew he was thinking of me.
I don't know why God chose to give him to me as my spouse, but I do know that he is my greatest blessing. And I don't deserve to be loved like that...but I am so grateful that I am.
Monday, December 29, 2008
I'm in trouble...
I just saw a headline that read;
"Women in crowded households have greater risk of heart disease."
I didn't read the article. I was scared enough by the headline.
"Women in crowded households have greater risk of heart disease."
I didn't read the article. I was scared enough by the headline.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
It works to get mad...
I have lots of Christmas pictures to post and stories to tell but for now, I've got this:
My washer isn't working...still. We bought it in March and it hasn't really worked since October. They were here on Friday AGAIN, temporarily fixed it, ANOTHER part ordered. I went to do laundry tonight...nada.
I lost it.
I have been VERY patient, very understanding with these people. But that ended.
When the girl answered I said, "Hi. You might as well get your manager on the phone because it will save us both a lot of time." She got her manager.
When the manager got on the phone I said, "Sir, I dont know what you have to do to get me a new washer but you might as well start the process because I am not getting off the phone until I get one."
He sent me DIRECTLY to 'new machines'.
I have a new washer coming this week.
Period. The end.
My washer isn't working...still. We bought it in March and it hasn't really worked since October. They were here on Friday AGAIN, temporarily fixed it, ANOTHER part ordered. I went to do laundry tonight...nada.
I lost it.
I have been VERY patient, very understanding with these people. But that ended.
When the girl answered I said, "Hi. You might as well get your manager on the phone because it will save us both a lot of time." She got her manager.
When the manager got on the phone I said, "Sir, I dont know what you have to do to get me a new washer but you might as well start the process because I am not getting off the phone until I get one."
He sent me DIRECTLY to 'new machines'.
I have a new washer coming this week.
Period. The end.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Snow day pics
Here's a couple of pictures from our Snow Day at my mom's this past Sunday. My kids are so lucky to have all these fun uncles!
Uncle Nick and Contessa
Uncle Jordan and Avery listening to some tunes.
Uncle Robert wrestling!
Uncle Nick and Contessa
Uncle Jordan and Avery listening to some tunes.
Uncle Robert wrestling!
Pics from our gift opening last night
The kids had a really good time last night. I love our Christmas with them. It is so special and I love watching their memories be made. I love our fancy supper, Jordan reading the Christmas story and the kids eyes as they see their gifts.
Ready to eat!
Tess liked opening gifts!
Singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.
Lauren and Avery got this 'sister' wall hanging for their room and the PB&J necklaces that Cassie introduced me to. The wall hanging says, "Sister will you...make believe, play dress-up, let me be the princess, tell me stories in the dark, always be my friend?" Before bed last night Lauren told Avery that they have those necklaces because they are best friends...forever. (Easily my favorite part of Christmas!)
Singing Jingle Bells and Away in the Manager.
Ready to eat!
Tess liked opening gifts!
Singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.
Lauren and Avery got this 'sister' wall hanging for their room and the PB&J necklaces that Cassie introduced me to. The wall hanging says, "Sister will you...make believe, play dress-up, let me be the princess, tell me stories in the dark, always be my friend?" Before bed last night Lauren told Avery that they have those necklaces because they are best friends...forever. (Easily my favorite part of Christmas!)
Singing Jingle Bells and Away in the Manager.
So this is Christmas?
Well things are unraveling at a rather rapid rate.
Tess has been really congested...carrying around the virus that has been in our house for a week or more now. Well yesterday I heard that RSV was really flaring up and that it had been in our daycare.
Sullivan was in the hospital at 2 weeks old with RSV and it was one of the worst things I've ever dealt with as a mother...so I take the virus seriously.
I made an appt for Tess yesterday afternoon. I was fully expecting it to be a wasted trip. No such luck. She's got RSV. And the dr. made me feel like we should be a little more worried about her than we were. She's on the nebulizer now and seems to be doing fine. Actually she is very happy, continuing to sleep through the AWFUL cough and loving the nebulizer.
However, since she has a confirmed case of RSV that means we are basically quarantined from other kids. Yep, no Christmas Eve at Grandma Cindy's with all the cousins. I actually cried.
Then things got worse. Avery woke up at midnight with a very high temp. and a sore ear and headache. She and I were back at the doctor at 8:30 this am. Yep, bad ear infection. The dr. said if we hadn't come in we most definitely would have been in an ER tonight. (I've done ER's and Urgent Care's on holidays - and I'm SO glad we didn't wait.
So our Christmas Eve will look a little different. We already opened our gifts with our little family so tonight we will play with toys, make homemade pizza and decorate sugar cookies. Lauren said she and Avery can put on a play of the First Christmas and we can read the Christmas story again and again. (She's so cute.)
And I'm actually excited. We will make this a memorable Christmas for the kids and turn our focus to the baby in the manager instead of the gifts under the tree. And as we all know, that's the way it should be anyway.
Tess has been really congested...carrying around the virus that has been in our house for a week or more now. Well yesterday I heard that RSV was really flaring up and that it had been in our daycare.
Sullivan was in the hospital at 2 weeks old with RSV and it was one of the worst things I've ever dealt with as a mother...so I take the virus seriously.
I made an appt for Tess yesterday afternoon. I was fully expecting it to be a wasted trip. No such luck. She's got RSV. And the dr. made me feel like we should be a little more worried about her than we were. She's on the nebulizer now and seems to be doing fine. Actually she is very happy, continuing to sleep through the AWFUL cough and loving the nebulizer.
However, since she has a confirmed case of RSV that means we are basically quarantined from other kids. Yep, no Christmas Eve at Grandma Cindy's with all the cousins. I actually cried.
Then things got worse. Avery woke up at midnight with a very high temp. and a sore ear and headache. She and I were back at the doctor at 8:30 this am. Yep, bad ear infection. The dr. said if we hadn't come in we most definitely would have been in an ER tonight. (I've done ER's and Urgent Care's on holidays - and I'm SO glad we didn't wait.
So our Christmas Eve will look a little different. We already opened our gifts with our little family so tonight we will play with toys, make homemade pizza and decorate sugar cookies. Lauren said she and Avery can put on a play of the First Christmas and we can read the Christmas story again and again. (She's so cute.)
And I'm actually excited. We will make this a memorable Christmas for the kids and turn our focus to the baby in the manager instead of the gifts under the tree. And as we all know, that's the way it should be anyway.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sullivan's first Christmas Program
Last night we attended Sullivan's first Christmas program. As we were walking down the hall to take him to his classroom I almost yelled, "I forgot the camera!"
I couldn't believe it. He looked SO cute in his red and black sweater and new black shoes - that he calls either, "daddy shoes or Christmas shoes".
I was amazed that he actually stood in front of everyone. I think it was likely only because he couldn't find us in the crowd to come running to!
He stood there very nicely. With one finger in his mouth, starring at the railing next to him. At one point he started crying. Luckily his favorite teacher smiled at him and gave him a thumbs up and that calmed him back down and he went back to his finger and the railing. Lauren and Avery kept telling us that they felt so sorry for him.
Then they passed out the bells for the kids to ring as they sang Jingle Bells. Sullivan held his bell in his free hand and did nothing with it.
It was ADORABLE! I was proud of him. I had tears in my eyes as I watched him. Like most of the kids he had no clue what they were even doing standing there in front of a room full of people...but I was still proud.
After the program Jordan said, "Sully, what songs did you sing?" He started singing Jingle Bells perfectly. Go figure.
So in love with that little boy!
I couldn't believe it. He looked SO cute in his red and black sweater and new black shoes - that he calls either, "daddy shoes or Christmas shoes".
I was amazed that he actually stood in front of everyone. I think it was likely only because he couldn't find us in the crowd to come running to!
He stood there very nicely. With one finger in his mouth, starring at the railing next to him. At one point he started crying. Luckily his favorite teacher smiled at him and gave him a thumbs up and that calmed him back down and he went back to his finger and the railing. Lauren and Avery kept telling us that they felt so sorry for him.
Then they passed out the bells for the kids to ring as they sang Jingle Bells. Sullivan held his bell in his free hand and did nothing with it.
It was ADORABLE! I was proud of him. I had tears in my eyes as I watched him. Like most of the kids he had no clue what they were even doing standing there in front of a room full of people...but I was still proud.
After the program Jordan said, "Sully, what songs did you sing?" He started singing Jingle Bells perfectly. Go figure.
So in love with that little boy!
Monday, December 22, 2008
The greatest event in history
One of my favorite things about Christmas is getting Christmas cards in the mail. Its the only time of year I care about mail at all. During December I literally fight Jordan to get the mail. I am giddy when I see all the cards.
Today was a good card day, I got lots.
One of my favorite to get every year is from the Pastor who married Jordan and I, Pastor Palser. He was my Pastor when I was growing up, he lives in Kansas now and he's just a great guy.
This year his card made me stop and think. It brought tears to my eyes. Here's the part that did it, "I trust you're all well and enjoying this special time of celebrating the greatest event in the world's history - God, the Son, taking upon Himself all that is human to become "God with Us - Emmanuel."
Christmas isn't about presents, it isn't about trees, it isn't about snow or even about family. Its about Emmanuel, God with Us. How awesome is that? He became Man for us. The ultimate gift.
Here's to celebrating the greatest event in history...Merry, merry Christmas!
Today was a good card day, I got lots.
One of my favorite to get every year is from the Pastor who married Jordan and I, Pastor Palser. He was my Pastor when I was growing up, he lives in Kansas now and he's just a great guy.
This year his card made me stop and think. It brought tears to my eyes. Here's the part that did it, "I trust you're all well and enjoying this special time of celebrating the greatest event in the world's history - God, the Son, taking upon Himself all that is human to become "God with Us - Emmanuel."
Christmas isn't about presents, it isn't about trees, it isn't about snow or even about family. Its about Emmanuel, God with Us. How awesome is that? He became Man for us. The ultimate gift.
Here's to celebrating the greatest event in history...Merry, merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Snow Day II
Well with the blizzard still in full force we had another snow day. Church was cancelled as well as the Christmas program for the kids tonight. I can't express Lauren's disappointment.
However, one of my crazy older brothers and his wife decided that they were brave enough to drive the 1.5 hours here to spend the day at my mom's with us and two of my younger brothers. He said he wants to play cards.
So we're off for a day of cards and sitting in front of the fire!
However, one of my crazy older brothers and his wife decided that they were brave enough to drive the 1.5 hours here to spend the day at my mom's with us and two of my younger brothers. He said he wants to play cards.
So we're off for a day of cards and sitting in front of the fire!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Tag
So I tagged myself. I saw this on a couple other blogs and thought it was fun. You open up your photo file and post photo #4.
This one was mine, from March 12, 2005. Its Melanie, giving Lauren at age 3.5 a hair cut in our kitchen. I vaguely remember us having them over for supper that night and saying, Hey Melanie, why dont you cut Lauren's hair while you're here.
Its so funny how fast time flies by...Lauren's 7 now. How does that happen?
Anyway, to the rest of you who check my blog, consider yourselves tagged!
Friday, December 19, 2008
I knew it!!!
So all week Sully has continued to be cranky, have a poor appetite, and to not sleep the best. I woke up today and said, He has an ear infection, I know it.
I took him to the dr. today and yep. Ear infection.
Poor kid, we haven't been the most patient with him through out the week. Poor kid!
I took him to the dr. today and yep. Ear infection.
Poor kid, we haven't been the most patient with him through out the week. Poor kid!
Tesser
Tess didn't see what all the fuss was about with the gingerbread house. She found her walker to be more fun.
I couldnt decide which picture I liked best so I posted them all. She has so many cute little expressions...
I couldnt decide which picture I liked best so I posted them all. She has so many cute little expressions...
Snow Day
Well the latest report is that we received over 8 inches of snow. Its fair to say that we are snowed in. Jordan put on snowpants and boots and walked to work. Luckily its only like 4 blocks and I'm sure Papa will be here soon to dig us out.
The kids were really excited for the snow day...we put together our gingerbread house. They took it very seriously!
The kids were really excited for the snow day...we put together our gingerbread house. They took it very seriously!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Contessa - 5.5 months
Tess has been stuck on 8 hours of sleep at night for about 3 months or more.
But the past week she has finally started to stretch it out. Last night was close to 10 hours. YEAH!
My other kids all slept over 10 hours at like 10 weeks old. I have told myself that the reason Tess didn't sleep like this was she wanted to make sure I knew that just because I THOUGHT I knew all about babies...I wasn't right.
She is also trying to get up on her knees to crawl. Maybe she'll skip the army crawling stage?
She's getting to be a ton of fun for the other kids just in time for Christmas. She absolutely lights up for them. Everyone comments on how much she obviously adores them. Very cute.
But the past week she has finally started to stretch it out. Last night was close to 10 hours. YEAH!
My other kids all slept over 10 hours at like 10 weeks old. I have told myself that the reason Tess didn't sleep like this was she wanted to make sure I knew that just because I THOUGHT I knew all about babies...I wasn't right.
She is also trying to get up on her knees to crawl. Maybe she'll skip the army crawling stage?
She's getting to be a ton of fun for the other kids just in time for Christmas. She absolutely lights up for them. Everyone comments on how much she obviously adores them. Very cute.
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