Cabin Fever

Well, other than going to the doctor, we have been stuck inside the house for two days. Lake is feeling better and the others don't appear to have strep - we'll know for sure tomorrow morning.
One benefit of being at home is that I've been able to focus a little more on potty training Daisy. I would love to be out of pull-ups by spring! We've had some sort of diaper/pull-up in our house for over 7 years. We are also looking at getting a new bed for Daisy and putting the crib up until the first grandchild (which better be ATLEAST 15 years away.) It makes me a little sad to know that the 'baby' part of our family is over but I'm also looking forward to what we can do as everyone gets older. Maybe it has something to do with the end of the year approaching....

Strep throat strikes...

Well, Lake has been complaining off and on for the past week of a headache. Last night his throat was hurting and then this morning he said it was hurting really bad. He couldn't eat or drink anything. He's not had any fever so I was surprised when the strep test came back positive. Of course, when I got home from the doctor, Tate and Rosie started complaining of sore throats....Atleast everyone is out of school anyway.

Merry Christmas!

The adults at our house didn't get to sleep until after 2:00 this morning...Rosie got up at 5:30. We were sleeping in the living room since Grandma was in our bed. Rosie had to use the bathroom and then came into the living room: she came to a complete stop when she realized there were some things under the tree that weren't there last night. She turned to me and asked, "Is anyone here?" She wanted to make sure that man was gone before she looked to see what he left! I helped her into the Cinderella wedding dress, veil and shoes all before 6:00am.
Lake was the next one up. He came running into the living room and sat down by the tree. Then he jumped up, ran back into the bedroom and told his brother to get up quick! They were very excited about the accordions, hot wheel stuff, clothes and stocking things. I think Tate was most excited about his camera - he's been making his sisters pose in their dresses.
It was another hour before Daisy woke up. When she saw her Princess dress she squealed! I wish you could of heard her - it was so sweet! Then she saw the kitchen set...Just as I suspected, she loves it. She has played with it for hours! Probably the sweetest thing (besides the tea party with Dad and the boys playing 'family' with her) is that she is so polite even in her pretend world. She tells her pretend friends to be careful, it's hot - don't get burned, please and thank you. She is only two years old!!
Nano and Muck came out this morning and we all had pancakes and bacon and just enjoyed being together. I think we took some of that forgranted last year and now we are missing one very important member of the family. It has definitely made me think harder about how much I love my family!

Christmas past

We've had to reminisce about our earlier Christmases today. Evidently Lake 'thinks' he found a Christmas present. When I started asking him about it he started to cry (I guess he thought he'd be in trouble.) So, I told him about when I was 13 and found my presents in my mom's closet. I tried on the jeans, shirt and even had the purse over my shoulder when my mom called from work to check on me and my sister! Talk about eyes in the back of her head - I think she had spy cameras, too! I don't know if I ever told my mom about this so: Sorry Mom! I still tried to act surprised on Christmas morning! Then Dad told about the year he had looked and found a remote control car and then on Christmas morning it wasn't under the tree. When his parents finally brought it out (from hiding) it didn't work!
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Anyone have any funny stories from Christmas past that you'd like to share?

Christmas visiting

We went to visit a very sweet lady from our church last night after dinner. Ms. V's Christmas cards were all personalized with a note inviting folks over for mulled cider. Well, there is just something about her that draws me to her. I can't put my finger on what it is other than that she's just a really sweet, sincere person. Anyway, we took homemade chocoloate chip cookies and brownies to her and had mulled cider with peppermint sticks. The kids really seem to enjoy being with her, too.

Only two more sleeps until Christmas....the kids are anxiously (NOT patiently!) waiting!

My Grandmother

Today is my Grandmother's birthday. She would be 75 if she were still alive. I went with my mom to the cemetery. My aunt, uncle, cousin, his wife, their five children and my four children were also at the cemetery. It was very cold so we didn't stay very long. But atleast I was able to finally realize why I've been a grump for the past few days. I love Grandmother. I miss her so much and she's been gone for 18 months. I see so much of her in Rosie. It's so strange at times when I least expect it I will get 'whiff' of her - unmistakably her. It's that mix of soap and perfume and her soft skin that couldn't be the same on anyone else. When that comes over me I have to just stop until it passes. While I was at the cemetery I noticed grave markers with dates of death several years ago (30 or more years ago) and I have to wonder do any of their survivors still have that physical pain when they think of that loved one?

First Manicure

Well, Rosie had her first manicure today. All four kids had appointments to get their hair trimmed. First Rosie, then Daisy, Tate and Lake: the order is very important as they all get a turn at being first. They love to get their hair cut, even the boys! Anyway, after the girls were finished the manicurist asked Rosie if she wanted to have her nails done. She asked me if it was OK and when I said yes, she had this smile in her eyes....(beware Trixie - I think she's hooked!) The manicurist was really impressed at how well she behaved. Of course I didn't have the camera...Aaargh!

Company

Tonight after our candlelight service at church, Genius came over to our house (with his nieces and a few of their friends.) Well, one of the friends is a former roommate of one of the nieces and is also originally from Japan. The kids didn't quite catch all of the introductions at church. When I told the kids the nieces and Genius were coming for pizza, Tate said,"Mommy, Mr. Genius has a new niece. I think she's adopted." Tate knows about Trixie and the quest for adoption. I just didn't realize he would apply that to other situations. Lake didn't question how the friend fit into the equation so I don't know if he caught the intros or is not as sensitive to these things.

Wedding dress-up

A few days ago Rosie wanted to see my wedding dress. Well, I showed her and of course she wanted to see it on me. You know what came next....she wanted to try it on herself. Very sweet picture moment. I need to call you, Trixie, this week and try to figure this out.
Anyway, on Friday night Rosie asked me if she could marry Daddy. I tried to explain that to her but she didn't quite understand. She thought on it a few minutes and then said, "Mommy, I can marry Daddy and you can be his friend." Too funny!

Wonderful date weekend!

We had a terrific day yesterday. We left the house around 2:00pm and drove about an hour south of home. We had an early dinner at PF Changs which was very good. We then window shopped for a couple of hours. After that we checked into the very nice Crown Plaza and then met the 'gifting' couple and went to the Steven Curtis Chapman/Mercy Me concert. The couple that gave us the tickets didn't tell us that we had third row seats until we were in the arena! I have never sat that close at a concert before - it was very cool. This was the first overnight date we have had since Lake was born. It was a very welcome break to just be adults and just to be together as a couple! We even got to hold hands with each other!!

This morning we did some Christmas shopping and were actually able to make a dent in the list! I hope to finish on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Still no pictures

I've tried for almost an hour to download pictures for you but have yet to succeed. If anyone has any tips, please share them!

Today the boys only had a half day of school. Tonight they have gone with Dad to see Narnia. I expect them back any minute now with a full report. I guess it goes without saying that they are all very excited to be out of school for several days.

I may not be posting again until Monday because my husband and I are going on an overnight date tomorrow! Yippee! We are going to a concert and spending the night at a hotel about 1.5 hours away. This is a gift from some very kind friends and I am very much looking forward to it. Maybe it will prepare me for the busy next few weeks!

All he wants for Christmas...

is his front tooth! Yes, Lake lost one of his top teeth today while on a field trip. This tooth has just been hanging on for about a week now and we are all happy it's finally out! I've taken a picture of him and will post it as soon as I take the time to figure out how...I know he's mine, but this is too cute!

First of the Christmas parties

Lake's was the first class to celebrate yesterday. Parents brought or sent lots of good snacks for the class. The kids really enjoyed watching the teacher open her gift: a large plate with each child's thumb print around the edge and then 'strung together' like Christmas tree lights. The teacher really seemed to like it and commented that she'd never received anything like it.

Today is Rosie's party and then Tate's party. Both are very excited and were not any trouble to get ready for school this morning! Daisy gets to go to all the parties with me. Right now she's looking through a kids clothing catalog and pointing out what she thinks is pretty (which is just about everything 'girly' in the book!)

I was able to get the particular Cinderalla wedding dress that Rosie specifically asked Santa for. Daisy was with me but I've hidden the dress and I think that she's forgotten about it. Next year I won't be able to take any of them with me when Christmas shopping!

She did it!

Rosie actually participated in the program. I couldn't tell that she was singing but she was doing the hand motions and even smiling!

After the program Nano took us (girls only) to eat and then shopping. Daisy and Rosie behaved very well and we all had a nice afternoon.

Last night Rosie informed me that she doesn't like the chocolate milk that I make with white milk and chocolate syrup - she only likes the kind that we buy from the store. Why is this? I know it tastes different, but why? Is there some secret that I don't know about when it comes to mixing the milk and syrup?

So, how do you like the blog so far? In case you haven't noticed, you can leave comments (Thanks, Trixie!) If you don't want to publish you name, use an alias I can figure out. If I write about you I'll need an alias anyway, this way you can atleast choose your own!

A Day of Christmas Programs

The Christmas programs started at 1:30 today at Lake's school. He didn't want a speaking part but he did very well with the songs and choreography. The funniest thing about his program was this morning before I took him to school when he informed me that he could not wave to me when he was on the risers. He would, however, smile at me. Well, shortly after he spotted me, his dad, Rosie and Daisy he quickly waved. There was a tug on my heart because although he THINKS he's grown he is still a little boy.

Tate's Christmas program began at 6:00pm. The program was about a hound dog that wasn't allowed to join the choir of elves, dogs and cats. All of the kindergarteners dressed as cats. Tate was one of about 8 'Christmas Cats' and he had a short speaking part which he delivered perfectly. I could tell he was looking for his family from the stage but the crowd was so large that he couldn't spot us.

The girls seemed to enjoy the programs - especially the music. Daisy was so excited each time she spotted a brother on the stage!

After we got home and everyone had a bath I sat down with Tate to read a book he received this weekend. I'm amazed every time we read of how well he can read.

Tomorrow Rosie has her preschool Christmas program. I think she will probably stand on the stage but that's about it. I won't be disappointed if she doesn't sing. After all this is her very first year of preschool.

what a great day

Well, it actually started last night when Trixie called and said she and Wa Wa wanted to come for lunch today. It's about a four hour drive for them. It was a very welcome surprise. When we arrived at lunch Tate and Lake were ready to give big hugs. Rosie didn't even hesitate to give a hug. Different story for Daisy. Since she hadn't seen them in a few months they qualified for strangers. It didn't take long though for her to climb into Trixie's lap.

They came bearing gifts which caused even more excitement. Lake received several books which I'm sure will go into his 'very special book place.' Tate also received books and Color Wonder books and markers which he'll share with the others I'm sure. Rosie received Princess stuff: rings, necklaces and a tiara. I'll try to post that picture soon to give you the full effect. She also received a Little Mermaid cup which was a big hit. Daisy received a baby with a pacifier which she soon named for Trixie.

Now they have started their four hour trip back to their home and all is fairly quiet here. Yes, all four children are here plus a neighborhood child and no one is asleep. It's just how I like it at my house and this is one of those rare moments when all is well.