Unexpected Chicago Trip

The weekend took a bit of a turn shortly after noon today. We received the sad news that Kevin's grandfather passed away this morning. He was 97 and not in 100% good health but the timing was a bit unexpected. So we are all off to Chicago tomorrow afternoon to be together as a family.

Black Friday Bust

Getting up to go shopping at 4 a.m. for some reason sounds like fun to me. I even woke up this morning around 3:30 a.m. and thought about it. Crazy! I like the uncommon shopping hours. Two years ago when Abigail was just a little bitty I did almost all my shopping between 10 p.m. and midnight. That was kind of fun. Add in all the "hot deals" the day after Thanksgiving and today would have been a perfect day to get out there. But we are doing ok on our Christmas shopping and do not have that much more to buy (we're keeping it very low key with the Disney trip in Feb.) So when we woke up this morning Kevin and I decided we'd go to the gym. Since the kiddos crashed at my parents we could pop out of bed, into gym clothes and be on our way before 7 a.m.

En route to the gym, I was looking through the ads and confessed to Kevin that I was just curious about the toy store and thought maybe we should just check it out. We went in and it was a madhouse! I then remembered why I do not like to go out on Black Friday. We did find a couple things we could get but the line, which snaked in between aisles all the way to the back of the store, snapped us out of it.

So no super deals for us and no gym either. But it was kind of fun to get out there and shop before the sun is fully up.

Thanksgiving Day

The girls learned this cute little song at MOPS and it's been running through my head. "Thanksgiving Day is a happy day and we say thank you God" They do the little signs and all. When they sing and sign it it is very cute. Of course they would not put on the show for my parents and Jason and Kelly yesterday at our family gathering but that's okay. We had a very nice traditional family gathering that included games, lots of food and an after dinner walk.

Then as a special treat my parents rented a limo that drove us around to see some of the holiday lights. Madelyn and Abigail got quite a kick out of the ride especially the fact that their car seats buckled in in the way back. Abby just repeated over and over, "big car, big car!" and just giggled. Madelyn was very curious about "the driver" and when the DVD player wasn't working she called to the front, "Driver, oh Driver...."

It was all very exciting and a fun way to end Thanksgiving and kick off the Christmas season.

Time: where does it go?

I never really realized how the lack of naps could effect me so much. It's not like I ever nap when they do anymore. But for some reason a full day of go, go, go makes me so tired and the blog has been the first thing to go at night for the sake of my pillow (or the couch--where I have been falling asleep in front of whatever is on during prime time...very annoying to Kevin.)

My new thing is to do things in the morning and then try to put them down for a nap later. The problem is they want to fall asleep around 4 p.m. and that is just too late. But believe me, 5 p.m. without naps is atrocious. I guess we will eventually push it back farther and farther until they are just going to bed at an earlier time. But then it cuts into evening family time. Ah, the troubles.

But on to the fun stuff. We've been busy. But now the kiddos are up and it's back to it. I have some good pics to share including our visit with Santa yesterday (it was not a total bust!) Darn, I spent time on the computer instead of taking a shower. I guess it is pony tail day.

Big sister on the job

Quiet time was it's often-usual bust today but it did have a very funny twist.

I put them in their rooms and just went downstairs, eager for just a few minutes (I knew it would only be minutes) to myself to decompress. I heard them chatting away. Fine, whatever. Then all of the sudden I hear the toilet flush. I had put the gates on both of their doors though I know Madelyn can climb over hers without any trouble. I figure she just let herself out to go to the bathroom. Then more chatter and I decide to investigate.

I arrive upstairs to find Abby without a diaper on. By the smell I realize a dirty diaper was removed recently. I look at Madelyn who says, "I'm the big sister. I changed her." Abby is just looking at her, like this is all totally normal, saying, "Thank you!"

I just had to laugh. I mean I was a little nervous too. I don't think it is a good idea, hygiene wise for an almost 4-year-old to change diapers though she had flushed the contents (not the diaper, thank goodness) in the toilet and threw the dirty diaper away. She was taking her "big sister" job oh so seriously.

I washed them both up from head to toe and we had a little talk about big sister roles and where to draw the line. Now if she can fully potty train her sister I am all for that. Hopefully it is in our future.

Scrapping pennies together

We were already inside the doctor's office when I realized I did not have any cash in my wallet. Not a problem for the doctor's office, the co-pay could be made via credit card. But I was starting to fret about how we would get the car out of the lot. {On a side note: I think it is so silly to have to pay to park at the doctor's office/hospital. But you have to.)

I look to Madelyn, who almost always carries a purse. Does she have any money today? Coins. But I don't think they will take Chuck E Cheese tokens, though you never know.

I am looking at my watch, thinking, we can keep this to under 1 hour. I probably have enough change in the car for that. It was just a check-up on Abigail's ears. Her tubes, it seems, are about to fall out. But the doc told us today that her ears look good. The fact that she has had a cold for at least a month straight and has not gotten an ear infection bodes well. But a thumbs up visit, all in all.

I cannot overcharge on my co-pay and the ATM is all the way in the cafeteria in the hospital. I decide to go for it. With visions on charging through the wooden arm at the "toll booth" plaza, we make our way to the car. I am hurrying the girls as much as I can to stay under one hour. We will just barely make it. I am thwarted by everything possible: someone pulling out, a lady with a baby crossing the street and a stop sign. Then a line at the payment booth.

But we made it in under an hour. I didn't have to borrow any Chuck E Chees tokens from Madelyn. I proceed to pay my $2 charge (that is with the validation!) from the change holder in the car. Money is money but I did look totally silly paying for the parking in coins.

MOPPETS duty

Today I got to see firsthand why the children are so eager to attend MOPS. I mean I know I love the 2.5 hours of time every other Tuesday. Part of the participation in the group is to take a turn working in the MOPPETS classrooms. This year I was hopeful I would be in one of the rooms with my own children so I could see what they do and how they intereact with their friends. Luckily I was assigned to the Chicks room, which is Abby's group. Oh what fun! While the downside was I surrounded by 10 runny noses for 2.5 hours (man, those 2-year-old sure have the colds!) I also got to see all the cute things they do. It is really so sweet to see little children talk and play and learn about Jesus. I was suprised that Abby was not much into the large group singing time. However, when we got in the car and popped in the new CD of songs they sing together, she and Madelyn were "rockin'" out from their car seats. It made my day for sure. Looks like we have a new favorite CD.

School readiness

Yesterday was parent visit day at Madelyn's school. Very cute. I like the little handprints on the bulletin board with thing they were thankful for. Madelyn is apparently thankful for her dollhouse. Her friends were thankful for such things as trees and chicken. Love the candidness of children.

One of the funniest moments during the 1 hour visit was when the teacher was reading out the job choosers for the day. Half the class was able to choose a job and half would choose on Wednesday. The teacher called off all the names of the chosen first and then the names of those who would have a turn the next day. At the end, little Abigail, who was sitting right in there with the rest of the class, said so sweetly and innocently, "Abby too!" Everyone chuckled and the teacher agreed, "yes, Abby, when you come to school next year you will have a job." She was just as tickled as could be to be in the school. If she continues to shirk her nap, she might just find herself in afternoon preschool this year.

Game Day Success

Well for us we would have had success anyway....we just went to the tailgate. The weather was great then (amazingly). The weather quickly deteriorated during the game and the clouds absolutely opened up on all the fans. Our crew got back to our house just in time to see ND almost lose the whole thing (after a fairly big lead). Those boys! But they pulled through for a soggy success. Like I said, we had fun no matter what as tailgaters. Madelyn took her pom pom in for "share" day and apparently discussed tailgating. I wonder how that went over in school. I should have sent the photo of Abby lugging the cooler. What would they think of us?

Game Day Eve

Quiet time is such a bust! Man, what a bummer. Though I am getting such a kick out of this sibling unrivalry lately. Finally it is making the 20 months a part things seem a-ok. It's only taken me 26 months to feel that way. They actually pleaded to be able to play together during "quiet time." How could I resist? Maybe it was all a scheme to get out of quiet time. Whatever it was, it worked.

We are geared up for the Notre Dame/Navy game in town tomorrow. Hoping and praying for some Irish luck---in the game results and the weather for the tailgate. Unfortunately I do not think it looks good on either front. Not having the lambskin diploma from ND myself, I guess I am allowed to be a "fair weather" fan. Go Irish!

Customer Service crack up

It's after 11 p.m. and waaay past my bedtime but I just got off the phone with some very nice woman in India. Ahhh, customer service in the year 2008. Anyway she was not able to help me with my issue with Shutterfly but that's okay. I am still laughing with what happened before I was connected to India.

If you have spare time between 5am to 10pm Pacific Time, call this automated number for yourself, (888) 225-7159. Just "press 6" and you will be in for a treat. I guess they know if you are actually calling the help line to talk to someone you are pretty desperate and/or mad so they may as well have a little fun. Or maybe they are just testing to see if you are paying attention. Or maybe, just maybe, I am just overtired and a little punchy in this very quiet house. I don't know. It was pretty darn funny. Aye, aye matey.

New freedom, new fun

Now this is the kind of thing I have been waiting for. This is the reason we put so much money into finishing the basement and making it a play land. While I am upstairs getting dinner going or cleaning or (gasp!) having a phone conversation, my little monkeys can be having a good old time downstairs. And good ol' time it was down there. I had to crack up when I overheard them saying "Grace" before their pretend meal.

Soup for you

I hate to be late. What I hate even more is that frazzled just-get-out-the-door-now feeling. But you know what it happens almost every day. Hmmm. Today we were late to get out the door to get Madelyn to school. It was chilly and we were late but we walked anyway since Abby and I had MOMS Club which was almost right next door. We got her there in the nick of time for walkers (the carpool line takes much longer) but I still felt a little bashful as I approached the side door in a sweat. But it all worked out just fine.

They made soup today at school for a local homeless shelter. How cute is that? I actually know how cute it was. Very. I only know because this was the day that we had visited last year and I could see how adorable it was to see these little preschoolers sawing away at a huge peeled carrot with a dull plastic butter knife. You could tell they were so very proud. I was sure to write Madelyn's bag on the peeled veggie she brought in. Apparently on applesauce day I had not followed the procedure correctly so yesterday Madelyn was sure to remind me I had to put her name in the bag since I forgot with the apple. Geesh. You could tell she was disappointed in me but she was gentle and kind in her delivery. No eye rolling. That I suppose will come as the years go on and we embarrass her in other ways like dropping her off at the mall in front of her friends in the uncool minivan, which will then be as old as she is. Good days ahead!

Happy holiday

I wish every day was a government holiday. But then I guess it wouldn't be much of a holiday. Happy Veteran's Day indeed. We had a great one. It was a MOPS day so Kevin had the a.m. to himself which I hope was a nice treat. The kids enjoyed showing Daddy their projects and songs they were learning. The afternoon was so productive for me. Quiet time was kind of a bust (we'll get there, I hope) but I managed to get to the store for a few things (and get a flu shot which will save me the trip with kids tomorrow!) and get back to make a bunch of meals. I am trying this new "supper club" thing with friends. We each make several servings of one dish and swap. It seems really good in theory. I had fun cooking the afternoon away too. With a nice fall walk, and early-ish dinner and baths we had those kids in bed and asleep at an almost decent hour. Let's keep this schedule up. Now, if every day was a government holiday.....

Quiet timers

It's been a long time coming I suppose. I think we have officially moved from nap time to quiet time. I really did not think this would happen to us. I thought for sure we'd have the kids that would nap until kindergarten. But I am letting it go and focusing on quiet time: in their rooms, reading, playing quietly, etc. for a set time each day. I am drawing the line in the sand there. Here's me. Foot down. It went ok today so we will see what the future holds. Bon voyage, naps. It was good, really good, while it lasted.

Week in review

It's been quite a week! First of all, I believe my tooth appears to be fully fixed!!!! I am so happy. I cannot believe I was going to have it pulled. It would have been for nothing. Turns out I had two canals that were filled a little short and one "bonus" canal that was missed and never treated! Could have been the issue. Anyway, I'm taking lots of medicines this week--mostly high dose antibiotics now, less pain medicine (I have a check off sheet to keep them all straight!) I am almost back to 100%. It's been quite an ordeal but I think I am finally on the other side of it.

But in the mix of everything else...

Abigail got her first haircut (by me!) She was not really into it but she needed a trim of the bangs just to clear up the "Shaggy Dog" look. They were a little shorter than need be perhaps but it was a tricky assignment.
There was lots of playing in the leaves! Good fall fun and lots of leaves in our neighborhood to choose from. We love autumn!

Kevin and Madelyn went out on a little Daddy and me date (while Abby had a sleepover at Nana and Pop's) and I had a jewelry party for some of the girls. Check out her purse she had to take with her!! Too cute. They lived it up at Chuck E. Cheese until 8 p.m.

Finally, we celebrated Kevin's birthday!! Woo-hoo. It was big fun.....and a big CAKE that I made (It's the Maryland state cake...Smith Island Layer Cake which literally took a village to make. I borrowed cake pans and sugar from neighbors. It was supposed to be 10 layers but I got a little overzealous filling the first few layers and ran short 2 layers. Oh well. It tasted just the same, I think)

When we'll get a puppy

This morning I was reporting the news about our new president elect to Madelyn (it is so cute how she says Obama). As we discussed the events of yesterday further I told her about some of the things I thought she'd appreciate. Knowing that she could care less where he stands on healthcare and the war in Iraq, I knew one such fact she'd relate to is he has two little girls. She was very excited about this little nugget of information. I told her that in his speech last night he mentioned how much he loved his little girls and how they had earned the puppy they were getting to take to the White House with them. Madelyn "awww'ed" and said she wanted a puppy. I told her, that is fine, when your Daddy* goes to the White House we can get one. She happily agreed and said, "Alright!" How long do you think that will last? I should have taped that conversation because I think that conversation should be a legally binding agreement until the management decides otherwise.


*I do not think Kevin has any interest in running for President of the United States. But I wanted to say, for the record, if that is what he wanted to do so in the future, he would be great at it. This comment was not made to say he could not ever run for President. He would have our votes. If Madelyn could have written him in yesterday she would have.

Such a busy day

For a day that we kind of had nothing to do we sure were busy. Today would have been a MOPS day but due to the elections and school closings we skipped today. That meant a free day for us. What a novelty! We had to do a little b-day shopping and I had an appt. with another endodontist. I can't give away too much of our birthday errands because I do not want to give away any clues but I can say it lead us to the mall. So in between errands we managed to visit the pet store, ride the carousel, drop pennies in the fountain and have lunch. The kids had no complaints. I even braved it only with the single stroller. A first I believe. I like the option of being able to strap them both in but Madelyn is getting big.

She did pretty well. Except for the mad dash she made for the elevator (several steps and parents with stroller in front of me. There was her little face standing on the elevator as the doors were about to close. I yelled, "stop that little girl!" Amazingly enough an old friend from MOPS was in front of us and pulled Madelyn off the elevator. What a great way to run into someone you have not seen in a while....looking all harried. I suppose it could have been worse.

The best part about the day was my visit to the new endodontist. It was so well worth the visit. I think this guy is going to be able to save the tooth! I am so excited and hopeful. He seemed so certain and gave me much lower percentage that the tooth is cracked. He said he is a specialist in root canal retreatments and I believe him. You know he must be good because he does not take insurance. Who cares because I found out today our insurance does not cover endodontic work anyway. Now I just have to break up with my other endodontist. I make take the easy way out and cancel my appt. via voice mail in the off hours. I am so happy and I hope I do not fall in the scary low percentages when something more is really wrong. But if anyone can do it, I think this guy can. It was such a pleasant experience, if you can believe it. I took the children. Adventure in and of itself but they were mostly good. They made friends with the assistants and colored them pictures that they said they would hang on their refrigerators. They were rewarded with lollipops and an offer for soda (really in a dentist's office??) They did not partake in the soda but they fully enjoyed the lollipops. Too bad the girls had to end on a bad note when they almost nearly drained the water cooler--overflowing the little base part. All in the few minutes it took to make my next appt. Kids: they will embarrass you.

While we were up (no naps again!) and out we went right to vote. That was the best time of day to do that. The kids were so excited to take part in this wonderful civic duty. Abigail was so excited in fact she started pressing a bunch of buttons. I think I cast my ballot properly. Just kidding. I know I did but it could have gotten ugly there. We all got our "I voted" stickers and we went on our way on this historic election day.