Christmas 2008

It's hard to believe that it's already come and gone and that tomorrow, I'll be putting the decorations away. It was a busy, busy, busy but wonderful holiday. My parents were in town as were Heather, Justin and Vivi. Thankfully, my office was closed for the weekend after X-mas so I was able to spend all my time with them for one last visit before they leave for Spain. We had a huge meal that was probably one of the best that Todd and I have ever made. It was a total team effort.

LC got her kitchen and dollhouse, while the boys got DS's and multiple other video games.

The tree before the kids see it:

Henry with his Lego City Helicopter:

Wyatt opening his LOTR series:

LC with a room for her dollhouse:

Vivi playing with LC's kitchen:


It was a wonderful holiday but it went by way too quickly. *sigh*

Christmas Pageant

Last night was the school's Annual Christmas Pageant, and luckily the storm held off until after it was over. It was Henry's very first one to perform in and Wyatt's first with a speaking part. He had to memorize his lines and wasn't nervous at all. I could not say the same. But, never fear, he delivered them without a hitch and made the program that much better.;)

Here is Henry singing his song, "Mary Had a Little Child.":

Wyatt doing his speaking part:

And LC, just because she looks like an American Girl doll in her X-mas outfit:

Decorating for Christmas

We finally found the time to decorate for Christmas! The kids greeted me as I walked in the door from work with shrieks of excitement because Todd had set up the tree, but it needed to be decorated. They were so excited.

Don't mind Henry's reflective pants in the last picture.LOL

Foiled, again...

So, I bake cookies every year for X-mas; usually, about 4 or 5 different kinds. This year, since my goal weight is within sight, and the fact that my sister was just dx as a diabetic, I called a moratorium on them, much to my kids' disappointment. I was only going to do a limited amount of the one kind that they all like--my X-mas pretzels.

Today, my girlfriend Karen called to let me know that she has planned--you guessed it-- a cookie exchange. Grrrrr. There is no way that I can bow out or not bring any without looking like either A) a scrooge or B)a total slacker. And she planned it for Monday! 5 days from now! Two of which I work! Ughhhh!!!!!!

You'll know where to find me on Sunday. *sigh*

If there was ever a doubt...

LC is definitely a girl.

Today, we were discussing which baby was born first and LC was running down the list.

LC: "God made Wyatt first?"
me: "Yep. Wyatt was born first."

LC:"Then Henry got here?"
me: "Yes, honey. Henry came next."

LC:"Then God gave you me?"
me:"Yep. You are the last baby."

LC (squealing in delight):"And then God gave me shoes!"
me*raises eyebrows*: "No, that would be me and Aunt Heather."

He did it...

WOO-HOO!! Wyatt finished all 7 of the Harry Potter books in 6 weeks' time!! He was hesitant, at first, to read the books, but with a little encouragement he really got interested in them. The only problem is that it had been so long since I read them, that when he asked me questions, I couldn't remember the answers.

I was worried that some of the later books would be too dark for him, but he seemed to do all right although he did admit to being upset when Dumbledore died and then again when multiple characters died in the last one. But, he liked the ending with Harry and Ginny and Ron and Hermione all married with kids. And he loved the kids' names.

I am so proud that he tried the books and actually achieved reading them. I'm also a little sad for him that the series is done.

But, all is well.;)

Christmas Shopping...

I've officially started and it feels good!:) I started a few weeks ago when I ordered LC's first gift. Today, I picked up another one for her and one for Henry. Wyatt has one hiding in the crawl space, as well. I have a list of things to buy, so I am on the hunt every time LC and I are killing time after dropping the boys off but before she can go to school. I then drop her off and then head right back to the store to pick up what I've found. The best thing is the catalogs that are dropped off at my house that let me scout things out before I even leave the house. I swear, it's as much fun looking at the fliers and catalogs now as it was when the big Sears Wish Book showed up at the house.

Today was a trip to Target. The Imaginext Bat Cave was on sale so I grabbed that for the Hankster along with one of the accessories to it. Wyatt got the Lego Batman game for his PS2. Both boys are getting Nintendo DS's with some other games. Unfortunately, the Target near me was out of the Step2 Lifestyle Kitchen for LC, so I had to trek up to Lake Geneva to get it from them and then race home to put it in the crawlspace before I had to rush and pick LC up from school. Me carrying that monster box to the car, maneuvering it into the back, and then getting it into the house, into the basement and into the back of the crawlspace was a workout in and of itself. LC also has a dollhouse waiting for her down there. She is so much easier to shop for than the boys have ever been. There are so many things that I have seen that I know she will love, and I am struggling to come up with stuff for the boys. I am bound and determined to be done with my shopping by December, though.

Wish me luck.

Election Day...

I drove past one of my little town's polling places today and the parking lot was a mess, the police were directing traffic, and they had opened up the field next to it for extra parking. I have never seen it like this and this is the third presidential election I've lived here for. It really is exciting to me that people are taking our right to vote more seriously this year. Although I have hated my choices for president, I still exercised the right that I was given in 1920. A right I do not take for granted.

Get out and vote.

Trick or Treat

While the kids and Todd are out ToT'ing, I thought I'd post a picture while I wait for little hooligans to ring the bell.

LC is having a blast going out this year and isn't being shy, at all. The boys--an astronaut and Obi-Wan Kenobi-- and she are taking turns ringing doorbells and she belts out "Trick or Treat" at every house. They are all at such fun ages.

LC's Halloween Party

Today was LC's Halloween party at school, which I was finally able to stay and help with. I've never been able to before because I always had another little one tagging along. This year I was able to stay and help and watch their costume parade to all the other grades. It was so much fun and LC looked adorable, of course.;)

Visiting Henry's classroom:

Seeing Wyatt in his:


I'll have more pics of the boys tomorrow for ToT'ing.

She's gone and done it...

LC has turned into a know-it-all 3year old. Today, as we were going to pick up her brothers from school, it started snowing. Yes. Snowing. They were only flurries but it was snow, nonetheless.

The conversation went something like this:

Me: LC, it's snowing. Do you see it?
LC: That's not snow.
Me: Yeah, it is. It's just flurries, but it's snow.
LC: Mama, that. is. not. snow. <--I think the little diva rolled her eyes at me at this point because I know I heard a bit of a heavy, impatient sigh in there.
Me: Lauren, it is too snow. It's just a light snow.
LC: It's too small to be snow.
Me: O.K., LC.<--my standard answer when I don't want to argue with them.

We get to the school and the boys get in and excitedly proclaim that it's snowing. LC then gasps in shock and says, "Wow. Mama, it's snowing." What the heck?! I know little miss. I just freaking told you that!!!

I can't wait for the teenage years. [/endsarcasm]

Hospice...

So, I got a phone call a week or so ago from Hospice of Northeastern IL about my resume that I had e-mailed to them. I called them back but didn't hear from them, again. I decided to call one more time and talked tom the girl who had called me last week. She apologized for not getting back to me but said they are doing extensive interviews for managerial positions and wanted to know what kind of hours I was looking for. I told her that I was only looking for part-time-2 to 3 days a week. She said they didn't have that on the normal unit but then went on to ask what my Peds experience was. I explained to her that although I don't have peds hospital experience, I did have extensive experience with Peds in my office. She said that that didn't discount me and then asked for my number and said she would pass my resume on because they are looking for part-time nurses.

Let me say that I have wanted to branch out from office nursing and have felt a pull towards hospice for a very long time. I can't explain it, but I think I would be good at it. But not Peds. Never Peds. I've never wanted Peds let alone terminal Peds cases. I told Todd that if they call, I will go on an interview but even offering me double what I am making now, it would be avery position difficult for me to accept.

So, we'll see.

Busy, Busy, Busy.....

Whew. Where does the time go? Since starting back to work, I feel like there is never enough time, and I'm only doing it part-time. I don't know how other moms work full-time. They have my utmost respect.

The kids are doing great. LC loves school and, according to Miss Alice, is doing "wonderfully. She's right at home." She also loves going to her friend Cal's once a week. Henry is enjoying Kindergarten, although it is a lot for him to handle going to school full-time. He is simply exhausted by the end of the day. Wyatt is doing great in 3rd grade--it's a lot more responsibility for him, but he seems to be up to the challenge. He did forget his homework folder on Friday-which upset him immensely and is the very first time he has ever done something like this--but, I e-mailed his teacher and asked if there would be any way to pick it up at Harvest Fest which was yesterday. Guess who greeted us in the middle of the festival. Yep. His teacher holding his folder. It is just one of many reasons I am grateful we go to a small, private school. The personal attention can not be underestimated.

Swimming lessons started yesterday. Todd said that Henry swam the length of the pool and that LC jumped in with no help from the teacher. While I am so proud of the kids for these milestones, I am sad that I had to miss them. I need to tell Tod to bring the video camera next week, so that I can see it.

We got the kids' school pictures back last week, and I like them for the most part. LC's aren't the best but she has a tendency to squint her eyes when she smiles. LOL

A Fog Has Been Lifted...

For the last few months/years, I have been in such a...funk...I guess you could call it. Stressed, anxious, tense, and just intensely worried about everything. Unfortunately, the kids bore the brunt of that with a distinct lack of patience--something I am short of in the first place. I don't know if it's because of a change of meds or my taking control of my situation that has helped me, but I am finally feeling more normal than I have in 3 years let alone the last few months. As you all know, I started working, again, last week and I had virtually no anxiety over it, whatsoever--which for me is UNHEARD of. I obsess and over-think everything to the point of feeling sick and I didn't get that way at all this week. I am just so grateful that I have the family I do and the friends that I have made because the decision to go back to work was made that much easier for me because of them.

How it went...

My first day back to work could not have gone better. It went very smoothly and I felt so comfortable that it was like I had never left. I don't know if it's just a honeymoon phase, but I really enjoyed it and think it's going to go well. I had a few old patients that came in and that called and they were all excited to hear I was back so, that added to the feeling that I was in the right place.

LC also did just fine. Too fine, in fact. I met my girlfriend at the kids' school to grab LC before pick-up time and LC pushed me away, started crying and stated that she wanted to stay with Cal--my girlfriend's son who is her age and in her class. Although I was a little shocked at her not being ecstatic to see me, I was so happy to know that she had a good time. Obviously her adjustment to my working will go quicker for her than it will for me.

D-Day is tomorrow.

At about 4:30amCST, I will be dragging my butt out of bed to get ready for my foray back into the workplace. Bernard's office hours start at 7:00am, so, I need to be there by 6:30. It is one of two things I am not looking forward to. The other one is the commute. But, it will be good for me and the family for me to get back out there and help earn some extra money to get us through this horrific economy. Todd will get the kids to school and to LC's babysitter and I will pick them all up after I get off. Let's hope that things go smoothly for everyone.

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho...

It's off to work, I go. It was a very difficult decision to be made but I have decided to go back to work part-time at the doctor's office that I used to practice at. I am excited about the money but sad that time will have to be sacrificed from the family. Thankfully the hours are flexible and will only be Fridays, Saturdays, and every other Wednesdays. I'll still be able to volunteer at the kids' school and still have time to get other things done, but Todd will have to take over swim lesson duty on Saturdays.LOL

On a personal note...Heather, I want to thank you for gearing me up and giving me a pep talk this morning. You'll never know how much it helped me. You made me realize that I am doing something that really is for the good of myself and my family and that's all that counts. Thank you, little sis.<3

Busy, Busy Weekend

Well, the Summer has unofficially come to a close this weekend and we were on the go. Saturday was my cousin Joey's weekend and we had a babysitter all lined up for a night out. Joey is the last of my 19 cousins on my dad's side to get married and it promised to be a good time with many of my other cousins and all of my aunts and uncles being there. I had appts. for a pedicure and an up-do hairstyle to be done , so, I couldn't wait to get pampered. To top it all off, I came home to a clean house. Todd and the kids cleaned while I was gone! Could this day get any better?

The wedding was very short--15 mins.--and the reception started right after. Here is a pic of all of my Aunts, Uncles and parents. It's not the best picture but is the only one I have:

A picture of my cousin Suzanne and I:

Todd and I:

Today, we went to Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. What a great Zoo! We usually go to The Milwaukee Zoo but with economic times the way they are, we decided to go the cheap and free route. The kids loved being in the city and liked exploring this new zoo. At the Ape house, one was lying right up next to the glass and was face to face with LC. While lying there, it decided to smack the glass right at LC's face level. to say it freaked her and the kid next to her out is an understatement. LOL

The kids and I on the bridge right outside the entrance to the Zoo:

The boys petting a snake (LC would have nothing to do with it).:


The kids in front of the fountain in the gardens outside another entrance to the zoo:


And now, the kids are all tucked into their beds waiting for the boys' first dress uniform day and LC's first day at school all by herself and her classmates.

And then there were none...

LC's first day of school was today. It was her meet and greet with the teachers and the other students, which only totals 8 kids---5 boys and 3 girls. It's a small class, which I am kind of disappointed in. The teacher said that she thinks the economy has much to do with it. But, LC had a great time and the other kids seemed very nice, so, I'm thinking positive.

Her first day by herself is Tuesday, Sept. 2. I'll let you know how I do.

First Day of School...

Today was the first full day of school for the boys, and were they excited. Well, Henry was, at least. Wyatt was excited to see his friends but hated having to get up early and not being able to stay home and play all day. They both wore their uniforms and I will admit that I got teary seeing them matching and having Henry make a comment about how he likes looking "just like Wyatt." To me, he still looked too little to be wearing it and to be going to school all day, period. But, he is and I am dealing. In the interest of full disclosure, I did have to pull over to let Todd drive home today because I couldn't see through my tears. *sigh* The house was vry quiet today without him and I kept thinking I needed to rush through stuff to pick him up, but, he and I both survived and he seemed to have had a good day, so, we begin a new normal.

Here's the boys in their uniforms. I'm sure Todd has better ones, but they aren't uploaded, yet, so let these tide you all over...

Henry...He was really cold because it was only 65 degrees here this morning but supposed to get to 80:


Wyatt...he looks so tall to me, now. He is almost 5 feet tall:


The boys together...I think Todd has a better one. At least, I'm hoping so:


Stay tuned for LC's first day...

Disney Vacation 2008, Day 8....

Saturday, August 9, 2008...

Our last day and we decide to go to breakfast as a family to the Kona Cafe and have something so disgustingly delicious called Tonga Toast. I regret not having Todd take a picture of that sucker. It was literally half of a loaf of sourdough bread stuffed with sliced bananas and then fried up and covered with cinnamon sugar. I didn't even put syrup on it, it was so sweet.

After breakfast, I asked Todd to take some pics of the kids in front of the two-story waterfall that was located in our lobby:


We made one last trip back to MK to hit a few last rides that we didn't get on the last 4 times we were here. Wyatt really wanted to go to The Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and I am so glad that we did because LC ended up being one of the stars of the show. They picked an audience member to be Mike, Sulley and Boo and LC was picked to be Boo. She got a lot of "awwws" when her face was shown on the big screen and showed the 200 people in there that she could play "peek-a-boo." She even had people pointing her out afterwards, saying "there's Boo." It was soooo cute. We also went on "It's a Small World" and "Pirates of the Caribbean." Neither of which the kids were impressed with much.LOL

We did hit the Carousel one last time per LC's request:

And one more ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority:

On the way back to the hotel via one last ride on the Monorail:

Headed home after a long, memorable, fun vacation:

Well, there you have it, folks. Our vacation to Walt Disney World, that can definitely be labeled a huge success. I hope you've enjoyed looking at all of the pictures. I know I've enjoyed reliving it for you to get it down for all posterity's sake.

And with that...

THE END

Disney Vacation 2008, Day 7....

Friday, August 8, 2008...

Another lazy day ahead of us. LC's fever never came back after the initial dose of Advil yesterday, although she is still sinusy and teensy bit crabby. We head back to Downtown Disney today to pick up our ornaments and then plan to head back to MK for the afternoon parade that I have wanted to see for the last three years--since our initial trip where Wyatt ended up with pneumonia, thereby canceling our trip.

Rain is in the forecast, today, so Todd decides to leave the camera at home for fear of damaging it, so, no pics of the parade. It was fun, though. We got great seats for it right in front of Cinderella's Castle and I have to admit that I got a bit teary watching it and seeing the kids wave to all the characters and having so much fun. This is why I wanted to do this trip. This is why we suffered through the oppressive heat and crowds. To see the unbridled joy on my kids' faces as they watched the characters go by in the "most magical place on Earth", my dreams really did come true, as cheesy as that may sound. *sigh*

O.K. enough maudlin.

Enjoy some pics that the boys took with Todd's camera of Downtown Disney:



Tomorrow is the last day, but still many, many pictures to post...

Disney Vacation 2008, Day 6....

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Phew, a day to take it easy. No EMH, no alarms, just sleeping in and going at a slower pace, especially since LC woke up with a fever this morning. I knew it was coming, though. The night before, during the lights parade, she was very lethargic with watery eyes and a runny nose. I think all the swimming she has been doing--which includes jumping in on her own and dunking herself--has finally caught up with her little sinuses and they are rebelling. I give her some Advil and we head to Downtown Disney for some shopping where I find my X-mas ornaments for this coming Christmas. Anyone that knows me, knows that I do an ornament for each of the kids and then one family ornament. This year's theme is obviously Disney.

After DD, we went back to the hotel so that LC could take a nap. Todd took the boys back to MK so they could ride a couple of rides they had missed the day before--Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. They came back in time to get ready for the luau we had reservations for at our hotel.

A family picture:

The boys, before we went in:

LC having a hula lesson, before the ginormous princess to the left of her got in her way:

After the luau was over, we headed back to EPCOT so that the boys could meet the characters like LC had done on Sunday. After an hour wait in line, it was our turn to pose:



To close out the night, we headed back to our resort beach to watch the MK fireworks. We did this about 4 times this past week. It is so nice to have to walk only a short way to the beach to watch them in no crowd with almost no loud booms:

Stay tuned for more...

Disney Vacation 2008, Day 5....

Wednesday, August 6, 2008...

Early Magic Hours are today at Animal Kingdom, so off we go. Our plan of attack is to hit the Kilimajaro Safaris first:

We then decide to try to conquer Expedition Everest, which Henry absolutely loved. It's a roller coaster that goes up a hill, through a mountain, stops you at the top of the track and then sends you backwards back along those same tracks. It then stops you to watch a Yeti destroy the tracks which then sends you forwards down a huge hill and around some hairpin turns. It.was.a.blast. So much so that we all went on it twice.

Henry, in front of EE:

Dinoland is up next and while Henry and I go on Dinosaur, Wyatt and LC go on Dine-O-Rama together:

Kimodo Dragon:

Giant freaking fruit bats:

Us looking at the GFFB. Notice that there is no glass between those wood bars. You could put your hand right into the area where they were. The guide said that it is open air because the bats' wing span is six-freaking-feet, so, they can't fit between the slats.:


After we were done with the nature walks, we headed back to the hotel to relax before our dinner at Magic Kingdom's Crystal Palace for the Winnie the Pooh and friend's character dinner.

Another pic in front of Cinderella's Castle. Note the little diva that is LC, striking a pose:

Tigger and the kids:

Pooh Bear:

As is obvious by this Piglet picture, Wyatt is the only one that has the hang of looking at the camera and keeping his smile plastered:

Eeyore:

We then stayed for the Spectromagic Parade at 9:00pm. LC was not feeling good, but was a trooper and still enjoyed the lights:




What a great way to end the day.