December 22nd...

Busy day.  Work was steady but the running was crazy.  Caleb had ball from 2-4 so I ran home during lunch to pick him up.  Brought him back to work for 15 minutes, then dropped him off at school.  After work, I had to pick up Kyle at daycare, Caleb at a friend's house, {thanks, Kris} and the TenBrinkmans at their daycare.  I also planned to stop to get supplies to fix what I had ruined the night before but forgot until I was definitely out of the way of the stores.  Bummer.  I took a deep breath and decided my stuff could wait one more day.  For my sanity it had to.

After making dinner I figured I'd frost the cookies for the boys to make timing a little easier for them to decorate.  Yeah, so...

Who decorates Christmas cookies with chocolate frosting?  Idiot!  I remember the evening clearly.  I spent an entire afternoon shopping with the two K's {girlfriends, not my boys} and needed to stop real quick at Walmart on my way home.  I didn't grab a cart or a basket, found entirely too much crap to carry in my hands, quickly grabbed frosting and headed to a loooong self serve line where my hands both cramped up and I actually had to put stuff on the ground so I didn't drop everything!  I stopped there for the aerosol frosting because Meijer doesn't carry it.  I never thought to read the label.  Eww.  In the end, the kids were thrilled with the choice and added sprinkles on top!

Even Keith was excited about the chocolate .  Strange.  What was more strange is what he almost put on top of the frosting.  One of these things is not like the other...I caught myself yelling, "No!  Not that!"

Family game night.  Caleb wanted to, fittingly, play Family Game Night on PS2.  I have never played a video game. {except for Atari}  The only times I have ever had the controllers in my hand were to move them for cleaning purposes.  Never played before.  We played Yahtzee-my FAVE-but it was slow moving at first.  I want to have the dice in my hand and roll them in the cup and shake 'em out and onto the floor!  I am not cut out for video games.  Andrew wanted to watch The Middle so we moved to the living room and played real live Yahtzee.  SCORE!  And when I say SCORE, I really mean it!  I won the first game {with Keith as my silent partner} and WON the second, too, with a score of 494! But I'm not bragging. ☺

Family game night ended right after that.  Sore losers?  Hungry losers?  Tired losers?  All of the above?  Who knows.  It was definitely fun while it lasted.

I'll be up all night long tonight since I put some stuff off until the last possible minute like I always do.  If you're up, call...we'll chat.  But not for too long.  I still have my ghetto wall phone and cannot move around the house.

One more day until Christmas Eve...

december 18th-21st...

Okay, so I am sinking fast with this daily blogging challenge I set up for myself.  As the days get closer to Christmas, I am getting busier and busier.  Imagine that!

I cannot remember a thing about Saturday afternoon.  Maybe I did something.  Maybe I didn't.  That evening the TenBrinkmans came over for pizza and wine.  This whole thing started Thanksgiving day when my mom opened a bottle of wine for the adults.  The kids really wanted some too so I told them to plan on coming over to Aunt Jodi's for wine and crafts.  As the days progressed, so did the plan.  We ended up having a pj party.  We had pizza, bread sticks and wine.  We rented Home Alone 2, then watched Toy Story on tv.

 After all that, the kids still wanted to do crafts so they all made an ornament to take home.  The bellies have a piece that pops out for a picture to be put there.  Reindeer and Polar Bears.  After that, the crafting bug was still in 'em so they pulled out glue sticks, stickers, paper, markers and whatever else they could find.  Isaac made a mosaic snowman. Ash made a crown.  Alli made tons of stuff.  Kyle...hmm, I know he made something too.  And, of course, what night would be complete without me getting tons of love on paper?  Tons of love.  Tons.

 Sunday I was back to feeling poopy so Keith and Kyle went to church without me.  Actually they went to Sunday School without me and then headed back home.  Keith saw Caleb's friend Jacob in the parking lot and decided to a one-man chest bump.  Apparently the joke was on Keith.  Jacob was carrying a cup of hot cocoa and it spilled down the front of Keith.  On his white dress shirt.  Serves him right, I suppose.  How did he not see the cup in Jacob's hand??  Boys.

I think the highlight of Sunday may have been Kyle seeing his reflection in an ornament hanging on the tree.  Check out his schnoz...

 Step away from the tree...can you hear it?  It was a bit better, but yikes!

 Monday I took the day off work to accompany Pat and Andrew to Andrew''s 6 month appointment with Dr. Postellon.  We received a grand gift indeed.  Andrew has grown 2.4 inches and has gained 8 pounds in the past 6 months!  The doc originally said he could end up 5'6" and now possibly up to 5'9"!  Amazing news!!  On his own...I dunno. Definitely not 5'6!  He hit his first milestone of finally making it onto the growth chart.  The last time I saw him on the chart was when he was eighteen months old.  It has been a lenghty process but we are finally getting somewhere.  Andrew's biggest surprise was being told he didn't have to have x-rays or blood drawn.  Merry Christmas indeed.  And his dosage must be doing the trick because the doc didn't increase it.  Super great! {and, funny, because I may never have talked about this before on my blog, and if that's the case, you may be wondering, "what the... ??"}

I spent the est of the afternoon doing little last minute things.  Things like buying myself new sheets.  Ha.  Poor Keith.  I gave him a wish list of like 5 things.  I want every single item on my list.  I already purchased one of the gifts and then after reading reviews, changed an item on my list and told him I found a better one online.  I purchased that one too.  I'm really not about surprises this year.  I know what I need and that's that I guess.  I feel bad for Keith because that's NOT how he shops!  And then for me to buy new sheets?  I couldn't pass them up.  500 thread count.  Yum.  And at a deal.  I didn't know I wanted them at the time of the list.  Sorry, dear.

Sleepovers Monday night and a party for a guy out of WeMET so I was home alone.  It was super lovely, thanks.  And no hard cider for me.  Truth be told, I never moved my booty off the couch once I sat down.  Ahhh...

Sigh.  I'm almost there.  Monday's sleepovers for all the kids worked great for me Tuesday.  I had a hair appointment at 9 and was going to have to leave Kyle home with Andrew.  Not really a great idea.  Especially since I ended up staying longer than planned.  I'm on a plan to go darker.  I've been on the plan awhile now.  Is it my age that dictates this?  I decided awhile back not to continue with the crazy highlighting that started on my 16th birthday or somewhere really close to that.  I took baby steps with lowlights along with my highlights but each time started getting more of the lowlights.  This past time I really wanted to go dark.  I love love love Kristin's hair dark.  The darker the better.  I was just terrified to try it.  She did funny things like put her hair on my head to try it out.  I looked like a mop.  A dirty mop.  Well when we went darker, the color was safely accompanied by a multitude of high and lowlights to save my life.  The color was pretty but I would have fallen over with the color next to my face.  Anywho...even after having it done last time, I thought it was a little boring and wanted to go darker.  Annie just looked at me and shook her head.  I don't think she ever planned on taking me any darker.

Yesterday, I had a million questions for her.  In the end, we settled on using the same color as last time.  Annie explained the color would have more pigment because I was coloring on top of color vs. on top of bleach.  Oh, and I forgot to mention that I decided to forgo highlights all together this time...yes, it is the same color as before!!  {ignore what looks like really bad cheeks...i have a touch of bronzer on with some sort of crap in it that sparkles}

After the new 'do, I headed west to first drop off gifts for a family, then stopped to pick up Caleb, where I was given a gift myself.  My super sweet friend Kirsten saw something that reminded her of me at a store and wrapped it up...all for little ol' me.  Doesn't it just scream Jodi??  Love it, Kirsten!  Thanks. ☺

 When it rains it pours, right?  When it's Christmas and the money is short, it always happens that your car needs major repair, you buy a buffet, it needs to be redone, you buy extra gifts for people and yourself, you need your hair did...{oh, that's just me and, yes, I meant to say did...}  The picture doesn't do it justice and I really thought that since the paint lady hasn't called me since November 27th she wouldn't call until after Christmas, but...drum roll puhleeeaaassseee...

{clearly it won't stay here} It turned out super nice and the black dots on the doors and drawers are where the old hardware used to be.  The lady put knobs in some of the holes loosely so that I can get them open.  Nice thinkin'.  It's gonna look sweet in my bathroom.  Needs to be in there yesterday, though, because of yet another break in communication between myself and the house!  Our shower is leaking.  Our tiled shower.  The shower with all tiles.  Tiles from top to bottom, including the floor.  K and I started showering in the new tub the other night.  It wasn't the plan for us to use it.  So now we're basically back to 5 people in one bathroom.  WTH??

I had to complain for a second.  I'm done.  Oh, wait...no I'm not.  I have some peeps in mind to deliver cookies and such to this evening.  Ha, you ain't gonna get nothin' today!  I mean that in a kind way. ☺  Last night I decided never to bake again.  In my whole entire life.  Unless it's just for my kids.  And even then I should reconsider.  I got so angry I threw all the extra dough away.  You know, I've made cookies millions of times.  And they've turned out just fine.  But don't you know it...if I'm doing it for a reason, with a deadline, the whole project goes to hell.  Every time I think.  I also threw away something else I was working on.  Bah Humbug!!!

Being that it's Christmas and being that I really like these people, I will attempt something else tonight.  A true glutton for punishment.  On another positive, festive note...it's family game night tonight.  It says so in the advent drawer.  Kyle is already mad.  The others were sleeping.  We'll see.

3 more days until Christmas Eve...

December 17th...

I heart Johanna Olson.  Can I just say I totally dig her?  Of course I can.  This is my blog!  I am also thankful for my sister today.  She will be shocked by this, I'm sure, but she did good by me today and I am very thankful.  Thank you.   Can I also say that drinking a bottle of hard apple cider seems to make it difficult to make the hand/glass/mouth connection?  Don't be fooled...it has less alcohol by volume than a bottle of wine but I am being a mom right now, hellloooooo, and cannot get all crazy.  And believe you me, this is plenty!  I cannot remember my last drink.  Seriously though, this is heads over tails better than wine.  I love grapes, but all wines taste flat to me.  Champagne is the way to go.  Like the bubbles.  This particular hard cider tastes similar.  Picked up two bottles on our anniversary trip to TC.  Was waiting to share with my hubby.  Better luck next time, Keith!!

I came home to a super happy surprise this fine evening.  FIVE Christmas cards and a thank you card.  That's the most received in one day to date this season.  The extra super special part was that I received one unmarked from the addressee.  I cannot lie, these tend to be my very favorite.  I love getting cards and look forward to them every day but I looovvveee the ones that are totally a surprise until I open them.  Quirky, I know.  Super happy.  I love love love picture cards {not to discount traditional "card" cards} and keep them up every year, all year long, on my back door.  My friends and family picture wall.  No nail holes.  No  mess.  The kind of clutter I absolutely adore. {if you can really adore clutter}

The day was anything but uneventful, that's for sure and I am pleased as punch to be home.  Luckily work was slowish.  Really couldn't concentrate.  We did, however, have our Christmas office party today.  Ate like a caveman and totally made out with loot!   {did cavemen eat everything in sight and have bellyaches all afternoon?} Reinforced my excitement for our mystery trip next weekend.  Plans have changed since Thanksgiving.  We are no longer doing the train/city/Legos/casino stay/Michigan City trip.  Things change.  I put my big girl pants on, or am at least planning to, and will drive to our destination.  It's not The Rockies or anything.  Most will laugh when I blog about the trip and realize we didn't go too far.  My thing is my hatred of traffic.  I cannot stand GR and panic on the s-curve {thanks, Pat, for driving Andrew and I to the doc next week.} I was finally talked into Chicago when I agreed to take the train.  Well, we're going a bit further, drive wise, and we're doing it on our own.  In big traffic.  Yuck.  It's for my kids so I'm doing it.  Cannot wait.

Thinking I should clean my home, but this drink tastes so good that I think I'll just hang out.  School's out for two weeks, Christmas is a week and a day away and we leave the day after.  I'll be busy enough soon enough.  Tonight's mine.  To share with Kyle.  Mmmm.

December 15th and 16th...

How did I forget Wednesday?  I was here.  I was awake.  Dunno.  Ohhhhhhh...Wednesday I was preoccupied with other things. 

I left work early to catch Caleb's ball game.  They looked decent in the first half, but fell apart in the second, only to make a comeback in the 5th quarter.  I asked the varsity coach what advice he would give and he really didn't have any.  We're small and not as aggressive.  I suppose the aggressive part would be a hint at advice.  Either way, it was a good game to watch.  Mistakes were made on both sides and that doesn't exclude the refs.  Blah.

The boys had confirmation that evening.  It was a tough night.  A night I couldn't let go of all night long.  My church struggle is ongoing but manageable.  That night I felt out of control all over again.  It'll be talked about soon.  No more church stress over the holidays. {ha} 

Christmas party day!!  Kyle's class put on a little sing along show in the classroom and made tasty treats at food stations.   It was a fun morning.  Grandma, Poppy, Aunt Kristin and Uncle Jimmy showed up to watch too. {Ash was having a party across the hall}

The Edukators put on a mighty fine show last night.  Played some of their classics, added some new and sprinkled Christmas carols on top.  Money collected at the door goes to the Food Pantry.  Thrivent offered 50 cents for every dollar up to 1000.  As of counting time, they raised 3500.00 last night for the food pantry.  WOOT!  In total, over 10,000.00 has been raised for food.  That totally rocks!  The only bummer is that I bet last year, 100  people or so had to stand.  Maybe not that many, but close.  This year there were a ton of open seats.  The other big bummer is that Andrew was not looking forward to the concert so he went to the soccer game with the TenBrinkmans instead.  And his friends were at the concert.  Boo. 

December 14th...

Here's to a much better start to our day!

I decided to clean out my fridge before heading out to the store.  A move that must've cost me another 40 bucks or so!  Oh well.  My family can, once again, be well fed.♥

Since Kyle was back to school and back to daycare, I seized the opportunity to be a little crafty.  I have a pile of stuff I planned to do this Christmas both for myself and for gifts.  So far, it's not workin' out for me.  I have been waiting anxiously to use my new glitter.  After covering myself in platinum paint, school glue, hot glue, super glue and glitter {lots and lots of glitter} I finished a few tags and a little word sign...{the sign is much prettier in real life}

Wrapped a ton of presents!!  Holy cow.  I thought we were takin' it easy this year since we have plans to drive cross-country after Christmas {joking} but I guess I was wrong.

I'm not finished wrapping yet because I've also been busy putting gifts together for Kyle's teachers and aides, as well as Sunday School staff and Confirmation staff.  Whew!!  In all, there are 16 small gifts plus 3 bit larger gifts and a classroom gift.  I'm tired.  There are so many people who touch my childrens' lives on a daily basis and I want them to know we are thankful for them.  You should see my counter!  Maybe I should have taken that picture.  Most of the gifts look the same so I have them rationed into groups depending on where they get delivered in the next couple days.  Confusion!

Spanish Club kids participated in Secret Santa this year.  Caleb passed but Andrew was gung ho! {that's sooo funny.  never spelled it before...?? maybe that's not really how you even say it!  maybe I'm the only one.}  The kids gave clues {weekly I think} about themselves.  Andrew's friend never guessed him.  Andrew was the recipient of some Lego people and candy, which he pointed out to me in the car that he ate so no longer could show me.  Silly kid.  Thanks, Andie {and Kirsten} for making his day!

We're only weeks into the regular ball season and already Caleb has signed up for winter ball through youth sports.  Sigh.  He's excited so I guess that's all that matters.

Today I am finally registering the boys for NUMATS. I drug my feet because Caleb wasn't sure if he wanted to take the ACT again or try the SAT.  The deadlines are different and today is the day for the SAT.  I wanted to first make sure another friend was taking the SAT in the same location I planned to take Caleb to because I have a sneaking suspicion that the test is the same day as the Spelling Bee in Remus.  I'm already supposed to be somewhere ALL day so I know I cannot possibly be three places at once!

Elf tonight.  Edukators tomorrow night.  So excited for that because the bigs miss it every year since they are with their dad.  This year, as luck would have it, he is out of town and I get to take them to the concert.  Sweet!

Looking ahead to a fun-filled next couple of days...

December 13th...

The day of the sickies.  No work today.  No school today.  No way to go to Caleb's ball game in Ravenna today.  Just layin' around, hangin' out.  Laundry.  Andrew's bus ride home.  Lots of Criminal Minds.  And Enchillada casserole. ☺{and the team won!!}

December 11th and 12th...

I think I may be cheating a bit but it's hard for me to blog at home during weekends.  We are so busy, not to mention I cannot get my photos to load from here.  I am home {not well myself} with a sick kindergartner.  Blah.

Friday night the boys and I went to the ball game.  Made plans to go out for Christine's birthday afterward.  Hit the Chamber and had a great time.  I hit the wall, however, around 7 or so.  I was focusing on the game...until I wasn't.  One slight distraction and I was toast.  I was watching a player, then I was watching a head move in the crowd.  From there, I was just staring at random nothing.  Tired.  The boys stayed at friends' house.  They were pooped when we picked them up.  All sleeping on the couch.  Rick held up a pair of jeans and asked, "Who's pants are these?"  It was rather strange that Caleb had taken off his pants.  I was worried about what we may find.  I thought he got a little too comfy.  He was in shorts.  Apparently he put them on under his jeans.  ??  We woke him up, he put his jeans over his shoulder, barely walked to the door and just stared at me, in a zombie like state, when I talked to him.  He didn't get the concept of putting on his shoes.  And when I told him to put his jeans on, he said he didn't know where they were. {over his shoulder}  Rough night.

Saturday morning was Andrew's official start of second session soccer.  He was geeked!  He went out screamin' but tuckered out in the 2nd half.  He blamed it on dehydration {even at 5pm that evening} and I told him I thought it had more to do with his lack of activity on a daily basis.  He just smirked at me.

We all agreed to change up our advent activity for the day.  K and I were B.E.A.T. and I could barely keep my eyes open so we took naps and the boys played for about an hour and a half.  We got up, the boys and I cleaned, {to earn present money} had pizza and watched The Santa Claus and How The Grinch Stole Christmas.  We all {5} cuddled up in blankets on the floor and watched TV.  Ahh...perfect night!

Sunday we dropped the boys off at Sunday School then headed to breakfast with some fabulous folks.  Afterward, we attended the Cantata at church.  Glorious, as always.  I wanted to sing along, and sometimes I did, because it was just a contagious feeling!

Later last night the boys made Christmas cards for the shut-ins at church.  It was originally our Saturday project, but boy did we just feel like chillin' with movies instead.  The boys had a lot of fun designing the cards.  Okay, no they didn't.  It was much easier for both Caleb and Kyle to use stickers instead.  I pulled out a stash of scrapbook supplies I don't use anymore and they went to town.  {I will update with pics when I get back to work.}

All in all a fun weekend with my kids. {and Andrew got to hit the slopes with the TenBrinkmans as well}  The days are going so fast.  Hope I fit everything in on time.

December 10th...

...and December 9th part B all wrapped into one!

Last night while I was getting all the party logistics set in my mind, Kyle decided to double up the tape on his wrapped gifts.  I wonder if he thought someone might peek. ☻  Things came together pretty well for me last night.  I baked, shopped, decorated and planned for the teacher's brunch this morning.  The only thing I didn't plan for was that Brooklyn Bagel people didn't want me picking up bagels yesterday...because they'd be day old bagels today.  I never really thought about it.  They baked me up some super fresh ones this morning...to be picked up at 5:45 a.m.  Um, I get up at 6:30 every morning.  Not 4:30.  The only hard part {so far} was going to bed early.  I had too much to do and am not ever ready for bed too early.  I was nervous.  I've been pretty full of energy all morning.  I expect two o'clock to change that feeling.  The boys got ready early to come along so I drove back to the house to pick them up before heading to school.  I had less than a half hour to set up {another story...but, yes, I was on time} but with extra hands, pulled it off before the first teacher came in.  SUCCESS! {too bad the coupon I presented to Brooklyn Bagel to get one of my three dozen bagels for free was actually from Big Apple Bagel!!}  I think the staff was very thankful for the thought put into the brunch.  I am thankful for friends who also believe these teachers deserve so much more than we ever give them.  They help raise and mold our children.  They deserve the world.  I enjoy raising my own children.  Other people's children?  Not so much.  Merry Christmas, middle school staff!!
                                                  {front of card...didn't the kids do GREAT?}

                                                                      {inside card}

                                                    {a really bad pic of really good food}

                                                                   {pretty foil snowflakes}

And Kyle waiting for Aunt Kristin to pick him up for school Tuesday...

Ball game with the fam tonight.  That is, after a little snooze on the comfy couch for the bigs, a cheater dinner at Caesar's, basketball practice and court for K.  I wonder if I'll last until Chamber time...

December 9th {part A}...

It's early morning so quite obviously I haven't much to say for the day.  Thought I'd share some stuff from the previous few days...

Kyle was sooo excited to shop for us at the school store yesterday.  He was the sweetest because, as he says, he totally had Andrew in mind when picking out his gift.  I hope I can make Andrew understand how big of a deal this is for Kyle.  He was so sincere about it.  He took charge and started wrapping on his own while I was away and Keith was outside.
                                      
 Kyle called me to ask where more tape was.  He used up my roll on Keith's gift...
                                            
 While giving me a kiss goodnight, I said to Andrew, "your shirt is on backwards."  His reply?  "I know."  It didn't take me long to realize he was doing the white man's Indian dance.  He has been so determined to stay home from school due to a snow day that he studied up on superstitions and tried his hand at a few last night.  He wore his shirt backwards to bed and flushed an ice cube down the toilet.  Duh.

 Tuesday, while out shopping with the girls, K took Caleb and Kyle to the basketball game at Shores.  Andrew didn't want to go so he went sledding with the TenBrinkmans. {i think i already shared this}  He had a fabulous time.  He thoroughly enjoys being a kid.  I love that about him.  He asked me this morning if he can go over there every Tuesday to sled.  Sweetie. ♥ 

God Bless America!  These here are some handsome boys...

To be continued...

December 8th...

Alyse Na Thee Da!! Kyle Stratton age 5.

I am totally thankful for that!  He makes me crazy on an hourly basis, but I love him to pieces!

Today is another pretty uneventful day {except for Caleb's game, confirmation and Advent service} so I'll list, in honor of the 31 days of December, 31 random things I ♥. {in no particular order}

• libraries
• slumber parties
• string lights
• crushed ice
• bare feet
• magazines
• bonfires
• makeup
• yard sales
• fortune cookies
• good & plenty candies
• guacamole
• drive-ins
• sparklers
• summer dresses
• K singing
• thrift stores
• lipstick {apparently i see it exclusive of makeup}
• 80's music
• spray paint!
• high heels
• old farmhouses
• having boys!!
• country kitchens
• repurposing
• Breyers vanilla bean ice cream
• daydreaming
• pretty scarves
• BLING!
• painted furniture
• pictures

Hope you all have a fantastic hump day.  Friday's-a-comin'!

December 7th...

Is today the 7th?  When I'm not working, I seem to be lost.  Today was another big day.  Spent the afternoon and most of the evening holiday shopping with friends.  We've decided to do a staff brunch for the middle school instead of trying to do individual gifts.  This year, in any grade level, kids can have any number of teachers in the middle school.  The teachers aren't necessarily grade level teachers this year.  Last year Caleb was on the big team and it was a bit easier to do a gift.  I collected money {like in years past} to put together a big box of classroom stuff for all the teachers to use.  It isn't so easy this year and then throw in a second middle schooler...chaos!  Today I figured out how much money I can collect from the parents and put together a budget in my head an we went shopping.  Bought some cute things, mixed in with practical, for the table and paper goods and came up with a semi makeshift menu.  Now to collect the money and put it all together for Friday.  Cannot wait.  Andrew and friends {sounds like a show} met up at the Bolles' house to make a gigantic card for the staff.  I cannot wait to see it.  I'll share it on here when I can.  I did get a small glimpse of it {thank you, Drew} and cannot wait to see it LIVE.

I totally ran out of money and my van goes in for time #3 tomorrow so I am forced to be done with gifts.  Actually, I am 95% done anyway so YAY me!  Kyle has five gifts, most of them small, but K always goes out on a shopping extravaganza two weeks before Christmas so I'm totally not worried.  The one thing I still have to do for him is get a piece of indoor/outdoor carpet, spray paint and number stencils.  I am going to make him a football field for all his football guys.  Maybe then he will leave them in his room!  Maybe.

The boys {minus Andrew} went to Shores tonight to watch the ball game.  Andrew hung out at the TenBrinkman's sledding and playing.  Much more his cup o' tea.  I hope to slow down once or twice this month to actually do something with my kids...not just drive them somewhere.  I have a few things planned in the advent boxes and I think they are kind of enjoying the random {silly} scavenger hunts in the morning.  Truth be told, I had to do something because some of the candy didn't fit into those tiny boxes.  This weekend coming up I have jammed a bunch of stuff into each day since it's the only weekend I'll have the bigs before Christmas and I haven't really had them for most of the last 4 weeks. Sigh.  I've missed them terribly!!!

17 more days until Christmas Eve...

December 6th...

The snow looks so pretty outside. The flakes are falling and they are so fat. And I'm clearly putting a spin on the story because it's holiday time. In fact, I loathe snow. And I'm not totally ready for snow yet. Yes, it has been snowing for a week now. No, I'm still not prepared. I walk out every day without gloves and a scarf. I'd like to get Kyle clips for his gloves because we are already on pair number 4.

I forgot to mention anything about Caleb's Friday night.  The Spanish Club dinner was Friday.  Andrew missed it because of a birthday sleepover.  I sat with some crazy friends while the kids all ordered in Spanish.  Caleb told me he'd teach me how to order and generally speak in Spanish and I am a German girl so I was panic-stricken.  Needless to say I dodged the bullet and sat in my own corner and all was well in my English speaking world.

After dinner, I drove Caleb and a friend to the dance.  There was a photo booth set up as a fundraiser and it was such a great idea.  The kids all had fun.

After work, I attended the women's potluck at church.  I was hesitant to sign up at first.  I was intrigued, but thought it would be me and most of the older population of women.  For whatever reason I couldn't stop thinking about it.  I decided to check out the sign up sheet and noticed a small group of younger women and decided to go for it.  Inadvertently I talked Christine into going as well.  Bonus.  I had to bring Kyle with me and he stayed about 15 minutes while waiting for K to get back from work. {dang job}  It was a nice time of food, fellowship and fun.  After dinner we sang a bunch of Christmas carols {my fave} and went home.  A nice evening indeed.  So glad I went.

December 5th...

Playing a little catch up today and pretending today is really the 5th.

Ha!  I figured out my tree lights!  I plugged A into A, B into B and C into C but only my middle section was lit.  This morning I decided to crawl under the tree {felt kind of like a car mechanic} to figure things out.  I found 4 extra plugs on the bottom and then another 2 in and around the tree.  I just started plugging one into another and BAM! an entirely lit tree!!  WOOT!!

Our annual family Christmas party was today.  Smallish in numbers but still a nice time.  Plenty of food, plenty of conversing, plenty of laughter.  Everyone brings a dish to pass and 2 dozen cookies for an exchange.  My mom decorated little houses.  Cute.

After the party, I so planned on helping set up the holiday store at the school but we were having issues with our boiler {NO hot water!} so I went home instead to take care of business. {aka...clean my house}  After an hour, we had hot water.  Hotter than we've had in some time.  Sigh.  It was nice not to have to pack a bag and trek to my neighbor's house to use her shower. {but thanks a ton, Kristin} Wink.

After picking up the boys {not my weekend, but had them for the party, then I didn't, then I did} we made a mad dash to Meijer to major power shop.  I told the boys I just needed to pick up stuff in the produce aisle for a salad I'm making for tomorrow and milk.  Oh and detergent.  And dishwasher liquid.  Needless to say, we started in the back and raced through every aisle to do a full on shopping trip.  It was done, however, in record time.  And all in a small cart.  Who knew?

Home in time to finish watching the Big Time Rush Christmas special, have a snack and head to bed.  All in a day's work.

December 4th...

I like tradition.  And traditional.  And classic.  Christmas cards {we've been over this}.  Christmas carols. {the ones you can sing along to.}   Board games. {the oldies. nothing newfangled}  Meals. {Thanksgiving. Christmas. Everyday stuff...meat, veggie, starch.  nothing Richard Simmons or funked up}  Cookies recipes.

I realized this noon that I needed 2 dozen cookies for the Christmas church program tonight.  Sigh.  Planned to make snickerdoodles but instead found an embellished version.  Since I adore embellishments and I always have these extra ingredients on hand, I wondered why not?  Instead of hardening in the fridge, the dough stayed rather sticky.  The cookies turned out fat and light.  Must've been the cream cheese.  And they were a tad festive.  Dried cranberries.

I look forward to today every year.  The first Saturday in December.  The day the old newsies are standing at stop signs, stop lights and street corners to hand over a special edition of the Chronicle for a donation, smiling warmly and wishing everyone a very merry Christmas.  I wonder if my tears start before I ever even drive away.  All I have to read is the annual "Let No Child Be Forgotten" title and I turn to jello.  Every. Single. Time.  Tradition.  I want to be a newsie.  Most are old carriers.  Some have been the children who have received gifts thanks to the Goodfellows.  In Muskegon County, one man has been volunteering since 1950.  Another since '54, two since '56, three since '57 and one since '59.  In Oceana County,one man has been volunteering since 1946, three since '47, one since '48, and one since '49.  These men are all truly amazing human beings.  I just know it. {David Archuleta sings a good Joy To The World, in case you're wondering.}  I cannot even imagine the sense of worth these people feel for doing such a thing.  WOW.

We've been back from the church program for awhile now.  Kyle definitely had a moment.  He didn't know any of the songs, acted pretty foolish and ended the evening holding his belly, sad faced, with his head hung low.  He has a belly ache.  I hope it isn't something more serious.  Lordy be.  At first I thought he was cute, the I was super annoyed and then I just felt bad for him.  Thankfully, the next program is a whole year away!!

Good night.

December 3rd...

Friday.  Today I am thankful for that. ☺  Looking forward to chaperoning both the Spanish Club dinner and the dance tonight.  I feel bad that Caleb is missing practice to go to the dinner but he signed up for it before basketball started.  If  he was required to go to practice, he definitely would.  I was happy his coach told him no penalties since he cleared it ahead of time.  I think 5 boys are in this situation.  Life.

Another thing I am thankful for is Warren Zweigle's Christmas tree.  My fascination started last year at holiday time.  I love to drive by every dark evening and see his beautiful twinkling tree standing front and center in the window.  It gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Oooh...how could I let this slip my mind?  Andrew's Spanish Club design was chosen as one of two winning designs to be used as a logo on their club tees.  His design will be on the back of the shirt.  Way to go, Andrew! {and miss Andie, too!}  What have I done to deserve these kids?  Whatever it is, yippee me!!!

My post could not be complete without me telling about my random bad luck.  I took my van in to get new brakes yesterday. {I need both new brakes and new tires before my next oil change.} I hadn't heard anything all day so I called over there in the late afternoon.  Maybe I shouldn't have called.  Ray asked me what I hit.  When I told him nothing, he told me I was lying to him.  I started getting mad.  Not because he called me a liar but because as of morning, there were no dents on my front passenger side.  When he asked me again and I said nothing, he asked why my rim was bent and my wheel bearing was bent and my axle was broke.  Hmmm... I'm laughing right now because now the conversation seems pretty funny, but last night...not so funny.  The night before, on my way to church, I lost control of my van while turning to pick Caleb up after practice.  I hit the curb.  That's it.  I remember telling Andrew that I really hoped it was just my tire and not my wheel.  That's because it sounded bad.  But the roads were bad and I was busy and I forgot all about it.  Wondering why I didn't notice the van driving funny?  Yeah, so did Ray.  And my boss.  And my mom.  The roads were bad both Wednesday night and Thursday morning so I was driving slow, fishtailing and all that jazz anyway.  I was already driving funny.  Needless to say, I am now buying tires, a rim and an axle Monday and I walked out of my "brake" appointment paying 447.29. {not including Monday's premium}  Ah, I was also leaking brake fluid and needed new cylinders and pads.  Really?  Okay, I'm not surprised.  Nobody should be.

December 2nd...

Last night, while waiting for the bigs to finish confirmation class, I scoured the books in the church library for something to take home.  I found a book written by James Dobson called Family Christmas {I think} and I opened it to see what was inside.  I was immediately pulled in by the stories.  I snatched it up to take it home.  A good cry on the couch, snuggling in the late hours of night, is always good for the soul.  I also picked up a few other books and hope to share them with the boys soon.

The Advent service was nice. We sang carols before the service started.  Loved it!  The only negative last night was poor Caleb had to wait until almost 8:30 for dinner.  After school he had to attend the Environmentalist Club meeting, then he had practice followed by class and church.  Whew!

I'm on day 4 of 10 of taking better care of myself.  I can already feel a difference.  My body feels different and so does my mood.  I like it a ton. ☺

I'm just maybe a bit anal about my Christmas cards and I have to get them out.  I always like Christmasy or wintry themes for my cards {except one time} with Christmasy colors.  I don't sway.  For whatever reason I was easily swayed the other night by my kids...all 3 took a vote.  They decided to request a fall pic I took of them as our card this year.  I only thought about it for a second or so.  Why not?  Settled.  Yesterday I was even playing around with {gasp} trendy, not traditional, Christmas colors.  I wonder what this means??  The leaf is turning...

The tree is finally up so I will get that decorated tonight and wrap more gifts.  A truly lovely evening...

December 1st...

And so it begins.  Went to bed ready for today. {despite the snow}  Was a little giddy in anticipation.

Today is the start of the Advent season and in it's honor, I have put together a new advent calendar for my boys.  I had fun filling it with treats, mini scavenger hunts and fun stuff to do.

                                                            *My current holiday faves...*

                                                           this one goes without saying...

                           yummm...also super great as a punch with sherbert I found out recently. 

 sheet music and candles...new favorite Christmas obsession!! {as you can tell by our storefront window}

santas always!!  this little guy is 3D but you really cannot tell.  he pops out of the chimney.

soft, cuddly stockings.  i bought new ones at the end of the season from pottery barn last year.

gingerbread houses...see mr. gummy bear walking up the steps to the front door?

Oh, and I have to share something I bought myself recently.  Used it last night for the first time.  Kids certainly say the darnedest things and for the life of me cannot remember most of them without writing them down.  This book has a page for every day of the year for 5 years.  It was originally intended for Kyle but it was Caleb who deserved the first entry last night...{the gist...}asking me to set a new standard for myself by being a better mom than the best {because I already am in his words}...by getting him a water.  DOOF!  I really do have the best kids ever. ♥

What are your holiday faves??

HoHoHo And FaLaLaLaLa....

Okay, I'm totally getting my Christmas spirit vibe on...two posts in one day!  Came home from Caleb's game {great job, Vikes!} to a sweet surprise...our first Christmas card of the season.  I've been looking forward to it for so long.  I always anticipate the first card and always know exactly who it will be from.  I guess it marks the official holiday card season.  Much love to the Lohman fam, well actually Stacey, for being so on it Every. Single. Year.

Christmas shopping started out fast and furious this year.  I always have to wait to supplement my gift giving fund until K gets his school money and his comp check...usually to weeks before Christmas.  I end up dreading shopping because I'm in such a mad rush that I don't find what I really want to buy and end up sometimes settling just to have a gift.  My coaching check was split in half, but the first half always seemed to come after Christmas.  This year K gave me most of his coaching check for presents. {and will bank his other cash later}  This is a bonus since he's never been paid for his time before. ☺ Once the initial gifts were purchased, though, I hit a slump.  There's always a few perfect gifts.  But not for everyone.  This year I hit it big at TJ.  Tomorrow I'm planning another big trip to Muskegon.  The trip isn't big...my loot shall be.  I have taken trips to GR, Howell, Traverse City and small trips on my own and I am still fishin'...I have a renewed sense of hope today.  Tomorrow will be grand!

Larry from work does a different kind of gift exchange it seems like every year.  This year the gift {I think} has a limit on the $$ and has to be handmade.  I've heard some great ideas from the past and really want to do that.  I am in the midst of a few handmades myself.  I love it.  Just need more time.  I have to get my advent "calendar" finished first.  I guess I only have tomorrow.  Ha!  I picked up a book today and as I put it on the counter I remember thinking to myself, "I should check the price in case it's one of those..."  Ah, yes...it was one of those!  I decided to keep it anyway because I really think I'll be pleased with some ideas inside...

I came home to the smell of paint tonight.  I had actually forgotten about the bedroom.  Um, hellllloooo...I may be mistaken but I think it's done!  I left Joe a to-do list which entailed filling nail holes, sanding,{both the spackle and other spots} taking down the wallpaper solar system thingies, priming the navy wall and painting two coats of paint.  Amazing!!  I'll show a pic soon. {memory card is still full}  I also gave the O.K today to finish my buffet.  HGTV's Sarah's House gave a great idea about how to make my "plumbing drawers" usable.  Cannot wait to pick out a sink and faucet.  Huh?  An end in sight for the bath?  What will I do with all my extra time?  Fuhgeddabouddit.

Okay, so I'm giving myself the gift of 10 days.  Starting today, for 10 days, I am totally taking care of myself.  I figure I'd hate to fail while I'm so filled with joy so I set myself up to not fail.  10 days shouldn't be hard, right?  Riiiiiiightttt...It's so foolproof that I imagine I've been here before.  This time is different.  I can tell.  10 days, right?  Wish me luck.

Happy eve of the day before the first day of December. ♥

Woooooosh...

When the phrase "when it rains it pours" was coined, I wonder if it's author was speaking of the monsoons, because, really??

Today the boys' room is being repainted.  I can hear the angels singing.  I imagine its high time to get rid of the solar system that wasn't.  Caleb was never fond of it, even at 7.  I figure 13 is a good enough age to send it packin'.  I've had the paint chip for weeks and even in my hot little hands the other day.  Knowing the painter was showing up at 9 to pick up the swatch, I ripped my house apart last night but never found it.  I frantically ripped through Every. Single. Paint. Chip. I own and came up with 3 randoms...none too close to my own first choice.  Luckily, when Joe got here this morning, he had his paint book as well.  Although the brand was the same, my sample was not there.  Oh well.  We settled on another and all is well.

The current church situation isn't faring well.  I am really torn with my feelings and I really don't know what to do from here.  I really feel like I'm being pulled in a few different directions and it hurts my heart.  Seems to be a lot of that going around lately.

I was totally L. A. Z. Y. this weekend.  Thursday was busy but then I never left the house again until yesterday morning for church.  I put up more holiday stuff and watched tons of holiday stuff on tv.  I was hoping to get my garage door fixed and my tree up, but...another shooting took place in Muskegon yesterday so none of it happened.

The boys spent the afternoon with gramma yesterday making gingerbread houses and decorating cookies.  Super great memories they will always treasure.  The house looked like a tornado had struck, but 7 kids {mine, the Tenbrinkmans and cousin Cody} had hand made gifts, gingerbread houses, decorated cookies, full bellies and irreplaceable smiles on their faces. {not to mention frosting and goo}  Priceless.  I wouldn't trade that for anything, even considering I didn't see my kids all weekend.

I did manage to spend a little QT with Caleb last night, however.  We tried like mad to get him situated with clothes for game days last Wednesday but ran out of time {with only a shirt and tie} and I haven't seen him since then so out we went.  We bought a pair of black pants, another shirt and tie, black dress socks and, last but not least, black shoes!!!  SCORE!!  He was looking mighty fine this mornin'.

{ooooh...bad color.  My little point 'n shoot is broken and my memory card is full on my canon}

Shopping was a hit.  Wish we weren't still trying to figure out Christmas and what our plans are because I could go HOG WILD shopping for him.  I kind of already did.  He's sooo easy to buy for.  Love it.  Andrew is fun too but I see a change in him.  I think it's middle school.  He has kind of put Alex P. Keaton on the backburner.  That makes me a little sad.  I think he's just trying out some new things and trying to figure out what's what and who he is and where he fits into the big equation.  He's gone from Alex P. to converse for all seasons to a semi-preppy pair of slip on mocs.  That and Hollister or Abercrombie tees.  Just getting comfy in his own skin, I guess.  I've said it before and it's worth repeating...I always tell the kids two things.  First, I will never steer them wrong and, second, I will do every possible thing I can for them...until I cannot.  So my point is this... if they need to try on a few different hats to figure things out, I'll just make sure to have coats to match. ☺

Happy Monday.

Gangsta...

Really, you don't wanna ask.  I've had a tough couple of weeks religiously and I don't really know if there is an end in sight to the frustration, anger, hurt and overall feeling of nonacceptance and letdown.  My kids are my world and I'll do my best to protect them, love them and raise them to be the men they are meant to be.  I will not struggle with my choices or why I feel the way I do.  However, the big fat question mark over my head right now is keeping me from wearing my hats.  And, baby, it's cold outside.

Ha, speaking of Christmas, Kristin and I decorated the windows at Northland today. {complete with tunes from the Glee cast}  The Holiday Walk starts tomorrow and we needed our windows decorated in time.  Technically we don't at all since we are not part of the retail gig, but we make every effort to fit in. ☺  In case you drive by tonight or early morn, we are not done yet.  It's pretty cool, though.  Kristin wanted a fireplace in the worst way.  We could not track one down so I pulled one out of my sleeve. {or the utility room in my basement} I think it turned out pretty cute.  Will post a pic.

UPDATE:  I purchased the buffet the other day.  You know, the perfect one. Today I spoke to the lady who will pick it up, take it to her home in Coopersville, paint and finish it and bring it back to me.  Super excited!!!!

Andrew competed in a Spelling Bee tonight.  I believe he ended up 4th so he made his goal of getting a Book Nook gift card and making it to regionals.  I believe he was 4th.  I know he made his goal.  Next stop is Remus, Mi.  I've heard of it.  Where??  Jen said 1 1/2 hours away?  Dang.  He was sooo excited.  He's planning for nationals now.  Dream big, buddy.

In today's mail were two letters addressed to the parent/guardian of.  One for Andrew.  One for Caleb.  They were both chosen to participate in the Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search based on their MEAP scores.  Caleb took the ACT last year.  He can either choose to take it again or try the SAT.  I see good in both.  The only negative is the closest SAT test center is in GR and the ACT test center is at Reeths Puffer...5 miles or so from here.  We'll chat.  This is so fabulous for the boys and I am doubly proud.

Christmas is around the corner.  Caleb's first ball game is the Monday after turkey day and Andrew's first soccer game could be as early as that following Saturday.  2nd season will be in full swing.

Hitting the outlets with girl fam Saturday morning.  Hoping I get much of the shopping list taken care of.  Do you know how hard it is to find Justin Dwieber loot?  Ash has 2 shirts, a calendar and the doll I believe. {shhh...gifts}  I thought I'd score at Walmart.  Nope.  What's an aunt to do?

The boys are all having a smallish Chrstmas this year... because we are heading to Chicago the day after, baby!!  That's right.  My big girl travel pants are coming out of the cellar and we're heading to the city with the 10% sales tax.  Truly have never been there.  We are all so excited.  The boys are already giddy because their Aunt Michelle will be here to visit next week and they are headed to Chicago with the Tallquist clan. Never before, then twice in one month.  Spoiled brats I tell ya. ☺

Peace out.

Could This Be More Random...?

I was helping Kyle with his homework last night and told him he needed to write his name on his paper.  He asked me if he could just write his ficials...

I asked Kyle this morning what he wanted off his Christmas list from Santa.  He told me he'd have to think about it.  I told him we'd be writing a letter to Santa soon.  His response was, "Why?  Doesn't he live on the moon oh somethin'?"

Caleb got back from 5 days at camp yesterday and will be presenting the group's idea to better the school tonight at the school board meeting.  Since he was gone during basketball tryouts, he will get to finish his tryout tonight at the first regular practice.  My fingers and toes are all crossed.

Andrew has signed up to compete in a spelling bee Thursday night.  He is so stoked.  He's been waiting a few years for this...ever since Caleb competed.  Cannot wait.

My bathroom reno has stalled {go figure} and I have an agenda in my head that needs to be followed.  Priorities, people!  Currently on the list is a vanity and sink.  Been looking for just the right something.  This is my want...

I found it online and haven't looked back.  I've been planning a trip to Grand Haven for last the last few weeks but have been stalled every time. 

Today, after our lunch walk, Kristin and I stopped into the Hokey Pokey to see what was new.  I found this beaut...

Okay, call it uncanny or what you will, but HELLLL-OOOO...other than the color and hardware. these are, dare I say, identical!!  I am the happiest little dog on the planet right now!  Tomorrow just may be the best day of my week!  I'm saving money on the cost {what I budgeted} plus I don't have to make a trip south.  Hooray!!  {and Warren, you will be so happy.} A little paint, tons of poly, pulls and knobs, a sink and faucet and my world is a happy, happy place.  Swoon♥