Day One In Naples

We made it to Naples! The girls did a great job in the car. 2 days in the car was hard, but we had a good time. Well, Tom maybe didn't have a great time, but the girls and I did.
I am using Tom's'phone to do this blog so I hope it works.

Today we began at the beach. The girls spent lots of time collecting shells. All was good intill A took the shell bucket and dumped it out so she could put sand in it. Good idea,bad choice of buckets. B was very upset. Lucky for A the shells were easy to repick up from the sand for they were still in one pile. B said her highlight of the day was wave jumping. My highlight was laying on the beach while Tom had both kids with him.

We also had a surprise visit with cousin Vinny. It turned out that Penn was in town for a basketball game. Since Vince calls the games he was in town too. So to the game we went. Lucky for me I left the girls with Tom and went to the outlet mall that was down the street from the campus. Yes,so far this trip has been good for me too.

Well,typing with these tiny buttons is no longer fun so this is all for today.

Are We There Yet?

This is the phrase I will be chanting, as well as the girls, for the next 2 days. Why? You might be asking? Tom and I decided this morning (around 11:30) that we would drive to Florida for the week! Now I did start to freak out a little for I usually have a week or more to organize things before we fly to Fl. This time we will be in a car for 2 days and I have less than 24 hours to get it all done. My master organizational skills are now being put to the test. Plus as many of you know my husband is good, but does not do much of the prep work. I find myself giving him little jobs to do like I do for the girls. You know...bring up all the Christmas boxes so I can take all Christmas stuff down, pack for yourself, go away . Again, many of the things I tell the girls.

So with all the stuff I need to do why am I blogging? I wanted to let you all know why I might not blog for the next week, and to apologize to all of those that I had made plans with for I need to cancel. More importantly I am in total denial and in full procrastination mode so it is going to be a LONG night.

Wish me luck and pray that we make it. For all I know 1 might end up driving home and the rest flying no matter the cost.

Cookie Time With Uncle John

Once again Uncle John requested the help of the girls. Little did he know what he was getting himself into. The girls were very happy to join him for a day of baking 4 different types of cookies. A was just as good a helper as B was. This was a surprise to Uncle John for he was not sure of her abilities in the kitchen. B was pretty good too, but she would quickly loose interest and mom had to take over.

It was nice to spend the day with my brother in the kitchen. He is a great cook and loves to bake Christmas cookies. He really does bake about 10 different types from peanut butter to white peppermint fudge. He also does breads to give out as gifts. Many of the cookies are straight from my Grandmother's collection. With this being the second Christmas without her, it was wonderful smelling all her goodies.

The day went well and I got out of cleaning my house. Lots still to do now that Tom and I decided that 2 days before Christmas would be a great time to repaint a few walls. At least the walls look better.

So Far So Good

I am amazed at myself this year. Usually I am running around trying to get my act together for the big day of Christmas. Well not so much this year. I am actually ahead of schedule! I know, knock on wood, for I'm sure tomorrow my starter of a cold will be worse and I won't want to continue working on Christmas prep. So for now I am tooting my own horn and patting myself on the back.

I have cleaned out the dining room. You all know this room. It is our mudroom for 364 days. One day of the year it is actually used as a dinning room. Christmas morning I use it in all its glory to host Christmas brunch for my family. This clean out entails finding all sorts of things that need to be put away, or finished projects, or things that need to be paid/sent/or returned. It took me all day yesterday, but by the end I even got the tables ready. Well, not totally ready for the dishes are not out or anything, but the tablecloth is on them. It was a job well done.

Today was my Costco run. I figured I would try to do the food prep ahead of time too. I tallied all the eggs and cheese and bread I would need and hit Costco with A in tow. I figured if I wait much longer it will really become a mad house, and I want none of that. So in just 45 minutes I was all finished. I did however plan to also pick up photos and return a gift, but totally forgot to download the photos and never got to finding the gift. So I will be back there tomorrow, but it should be a quick visit.

Tomorrow I plan to wrap. I usually save this till the 23rd, nap time, but since both girls are not golden nappers, I have to plan ahead. I figure my best bet is while B is at school and A is glued to the tv. So that means in between B's school function I get to wrap and try to return a few more gifts. I also want to try to finish B's fleece blanket. I did A's today so I am on a roll.

Speaking of wrapping... It will be interesting to see just what I have purchased for my girls, on top of the pony, for this holiday. I have begun to take some things back due to the pony purchase, but I know there are more things around the house that would not fit into my closet. It will also be interesting to see if the present count for the girls is equal. Tonight we let the girls open any gifts that came in the mail. B was not happy that A got to open 3 presents and she only got to open 2. I tried to explain this by telling her that if she has more presents on Christmas than A we will have to take some away, right? Yea, that really didn't work. Her response was that "now it is A's turn to see how it feels when I have more presents than she does" Not bad huh? I so forget who I am talking to sometimes.

To all of my procrastinating friends I wish you luck!

Cookie Parties 2007

Well the long awaited day has come and gone. This was year 1 for A and her friends. For B it was year 3. Yes, I start the party thing at a young age. I found that this is one party that is not done. I was pleased at how many moms commented on what a great idea this is. I love doing it actually. I think the kids have such fun cutting out cookies and decorating them. It was also so fun to see the differences between parties.

A's did a lot more of dump the decorations on the dough and then mash it together. All the moms had fun at this one since they had to stay and help. Perhaps we had more fun chatting and drinking coffee than the kids had playing together. They did more running around than decorating, but when it was time to get the finished cookies you could hear a pin drop as they all began eating their fine work.

B's group of 12 was a little more wild. The constant question of "what are we going to do next" was getting on my nerves. Especially when they could see that I was busy getting cookies in and out of the oven. Thank goodness Tom was there to help (volunteer as B says). He did a great job. As the photo shows, Tom even began a train/conga line with the group. It was a good time. I was surprised by the number of gifts B got for being the host. Such nice manners these kids have :)

I did a lot of work for this event. From hand making aprons for all of A's guests to planning activities for B's group to buying and wrapping prizes for the games. B did help with some of these things, but I have already begun stocking up for next year's parties. It was a long day and I was tired at the end. Plus, if I see any more cookie dough it will be too soon.

Memories

So I have spent the better part of 2 nights at the computer downloading photos. I am now in my end of the year rush to get Tom's photo calender finished. This is not a huge deal, just time consuming. I mean how do I look at a year of pictures and pick 12?! Lucky for me shutterfly has upped their calender program so I can add 5 or more photos on a page! Great for the addition of photos, bad for the many more I now get to choose. I had a great time with colors and titles. Perhaps that is really what took me so long. I really think this is the best one yet. I can't wait to see it when it gets here. I'm sure, like last year, I won't even wait till Christmas to give it to him.

Another photo project I decided to tackle was scanning in photos from his parents wedding album. Yup, that is Tom's Mom and Dad on their wedding day way back in 1947. Tom's brother Danny was super nice bringing the album to us and I thought the least I can do is actually scan it. This did not take lots of time either, but the making of the album for us to have took time. I really like how it came out too. Well I like how it looks on the computer screen, we'll see how it looks for real when it gets here.

I have also spent hours trying to find a few more gift ideas for the girls. Uncle Danny wants to send them something too. I wish I got as many gifts as these two get! I really had a hard time now since they really don't need anything, plus with all my family and friends I am out of ideas. Thanks to Jennifer, I found a puppet theater and then I added the outdoor ice rink that I thought would be cool to have. Go leaps and bounds!

So now my eyes are tired and it is well after my bed time. It is time to do one last potty run with B and off to bed.

Ice Day

I awoke to the sound of the phone ringing. Oh my who died? What time is it? Wow! It is 7:00am and no one died. It was the school phone tree letting us know that B does not have school today on account of the ice storm. She heard her name and ran into my bed. Next the tv went on and she was super happy. I too was happy for this meant I could go back to sleep. I was not really tired, but just putting off the dizzy spell that hits when I get out of bed.

At 7:30 I decided enough was enough and it was really time to get going. I got A up and dressed and then B picked out comfy wear and all went down for breakfast. I, being a good mom, made oatmeal and then let them eat it in front of the Tv. Ok, the tv might not go under a "good mom", but I'll take what I can get.

I went to the computer to finish up Tom's present and lost track of time. I didn't see that coming :) Quickly I showered and got the girls out for A's class. B and I then were off to get a few things for her cookie party this weekend. B decided that we should go out to lunch after we picked up A. I didn't need much prodding for she wanted to eat at Panera. After lunch of sandwiches and soup we went to get B's hair cut. I didn't have much taken off, just enough to make it look better. Then over to Jewel for a few more cookie party items. You know dough, decorations, and a few other essentials. By the time we got home I was a tad tired and it was time for naps.

After naps back to work for me. Tom is out tonight so it is all me. Good thing I am feeling so much better. I will say I have yet to tip my head over for the fear of the dizzies.

Time to get off the computer for my youngest wants to have " my Elmo on".

Again!?!?!

It seems that I have been hit by the vertigo bug again. I woke up Friday morning to mega dizziness and wanting to vomit. I have not had vertigo for a few wonderful years, but alas, it seems to be back. Tom stayed home from work and I spent the day in bed or on the recliner in an upright position as to not begin spinning. I really hate this illness and hate it more for the lack of drugs they can give me for it. I did finally get some motion sickness pills around 3:00 and they seem to help. Nothing stronger however like I was hoping for.

Saturday I did another day on the couch and tried to get up and do a few things around the house. Still not up to par, but starting to get tired of laying on my back. Literally on my back. If I go on a side my head begins to spin.

Sunday I skipped mass and my mom's birthday brunch in favor of the piece and quiet I would have once the kids left. It was a nice few hours. I am doing more and trying just to not move my head much. Not sure how tomorrow is going to work. Plus this coming Saturday I have both girl's cookie parties that I need to get prep work done.

Oh well, I figure it is still better that I have been hit with this now than at Christmas. Hope this moves on quickly and I can get back to normal. I have to say I have enjoyed the rest a little :)

Not Just Another Day...

We have begun the pull-up stage! Now if only A would want to take off the "undies" to go on the potty. She will sit on the potty, but likes to have the pull up on her. She doesn't want me to take it off. Today she didn't even want her"undies" on. She wanted a diaper. So diaper it is. I guess she figured out that I have her go on the potty sometimes if she wears the princess pull-up. I swear the first time she actually pees on the potty she will just get it. Until then it is a new place to play and demand that we all "go way"

Other news is that thanks to the good ol' Catholic school, B came home yesterday all excited about St Nick. See he is the guy that comes around on Dec.5 and put little treats in good girl's shoes. One must leave their shoe out for him at night. B wanted to see if St. Nick would come to our house and leave her a little candy. I was told he doesn't bring presents like Santa, just usually little candies. Good to know! So before bed B set out her slipper and was nice enough to put out one of A's boots too. The excitement was huge when B woke up and found that St. Nick did in fact stop by last night. He brought her some candy coins and a chocolate Santa. He even added a coloring book to the goodies. Yes, due to this new adventure I had to run out to Walgreen's' last night to find something. Seeing her face and hearing her happy voice made it all worth it. Some days it is so great being a parent.

Snow Much Fun

This picture is for those who wanted to see our newest addition to our Christmas decorations. Tom wanted this big time. the girls are so into it. They love talking to baby Jesus. B is also very good about making sure all figures are looking their best.

Well the first big snow of the season has finally arrived. The girls were so excited to play outside today. After lunch they got bundled up and headed outside. A was all about falling down while B was all about eating fresh white snow. The girls had a good time running up and down the driveway (not so deep) and clearing off the blow-up nativity. After about 30 minutes A decided that she had enough and wanted to "go home". I took this opportunity to race B up and down the driveway a few times on the sled. Super fun!

Pictures? What Was I Thinking?!

I had a great idea that tonight after dinner when the girls are usually hyper we would try to get a photo for the Christmas card. The girls were so excited to get into their new Christmas jammies for the photo. They quickly got their hair brushed and were ready to go. Then the fun really began.


I don't know what I was thinking. This is could be the best photo I took. I actually said to the girls that I wanted to see their butts in the chair before I counted to 3. This is what they did. Yup, get ready friends and family for this could be the card photo. Leave it up to my girls to be sooo darn funny.

I did laugh and then I tried other ways of making them sit still. Little A wanted nothing to do with the sitting still part. B just wanted photos of herself. So much for a good idea. On the other hand it sure beat the tears and pouts that I usually get when I ask them to sit for a photo. At least this time it was full of laughter.

Long Weekend

Let us begin with Friday. B got picked to bring home the class pet for the whole weekend! She is the first one and has to write a journal entry about their weekend together. She was super excited about this. I on the other hand did not seem so excited till I saw the pet. Brownie is a cute, soft, stuffed bear. I can deal with that.

Off to pick out our tree as soon as Daddy came home. Good thing he got home early (3:30) for it was getting cold. B dressed Brownie in a hat and couldn't wait to get a photo with Brownie and the tree. Yes, it was a long weekend of taking Brownie with us all sorts of places. As soon as we got to the lot we all noticed just how cold it really was. So we quickly found the "perfect" tree and headed to the greenhouse where it was warm. Once warmer, we picked out our pointsetta plants. And of course took a couple of pictures of Brownie with the flowers and B.

We ended the day with home made pizza and a good movie. We watched Evan Almighty. I had seen it before and knew that it was good for the girls. They really liked the animals and B liked the story of Noah's Ark coming to life.

Saturday I got up at 5:45am to go get my hair cut. Funny I had no problem getting up for my hair cut at this crazy time, but to workout? No way! I came home with fresh bagels and soon with full tummys the girls and I hit Target and Michales for a craft session. Let me just say that my errand day with both girls is about over. They never want to be in the same area, or listen to me. however after the announcement for a missing little girl I quickly grabbed both hands and finished our list. back home B was set on decorating the house for Christmas. I had no interest so she did it alone. Let me say that for the most part she did ok, but there are a few places that need work. For example her idea of putting ribbon along the top of the couch. Not a bad thought, just not that practical. We then had a birthday party to attend across the street. Thank goodness that was all we had to travel for the weather was YUCKY. the party went well till the girls hit the end of their no nap rope. We quickly said good bye and headed back out into the cold sleet.

Today we had breakfast with Santa. I assumed that the girls would be great for this event. they were happy to put on dresses and bows so they would look pretty for Santa. they didn't even mind waiting in line to see him. As soon as we got to be next in line A decided she wanted none of this fat man and ran for daddy. This would have worked well if it hadn't been for the red rope that got in her way. A few tears and we were back in "No Santa" heaven. I am one of those parents that just doesn't care about if my kids sit with him or not. B was all over it since she had a few things she wanted on her list that she had forgotten to write. A stayed with me and didn't want to go near him. This actually was good for me since I have been trying to come up with a man to be Santa at my Mom's this year. It is hard since B seems to be able to figure out who it really is every year. But now knowing that A doesn't want anything to do with him I will stop the search and go without a "real" Santa this year.

After Breakfast we came home and decorated the tree. B was so excited to see all her favorite ornaments. Let me say that it seems like each and every ornament is her favorite. It was cute. the best part of today was the fact that I got both girls to take a nap this afternoon! Even big B fell asleep in a few minutes. It was a nice quiet hour :)

Well I have printed out the Brownie photos and now it is time to write down B's adventure with her now that she is awake. How many more hours till bed time?