Today it snowed... and snowed... and snowed... and it hasn't stopped since around 11:30 this morning. The ground is covered in a thick white blanket, and the roads underneath are pretty slick. We got around 4 inches, and thankfully it appears to be letting up.
Normally I'd be thrilled about this. A cozy night at home with the kids.... some yummy take-out for dinner.... jammies on early.... popcorn and a movie... snuggled under a blanket or two... drinking hot chocolate...
But tonight??? Not so much! Matt had to take an early flight to Chicago this morning for work, and is "scheduled" to be home around 7:30 or so.... It doesn't look like he'll make it. Pretty much everything (schools, churches, holiday programs, etc...) are cancelled for tonight. UUUUGH!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Proud Momma moment
I had such a proud momma moment today and have to share!!
Today while Katherine was in her gymnastics class I was chatting with some of the other moms while watching her from the "parent viewing area". The class that she's currently enrolled in is for kids aged 4.5 - 7. After she "graduates" from this class, she will get to have class in the "big gym" with regular size equipment. ** The class she's in now has miniature equipment for the little kids to learn on. Anyway, one of the moms I was talking to, mentioned that she didn't know if her little girl would ever make it out of this class. As I found out, 7 is not a magical age. They don't automatically get to go to the more advanced class as soon as they turn 7, nor are they held back in the kid gym if the instructor feels they are ready to move up.
Also, two of the moms I was talking to thought that their girls were the youngest in the class. They both will turn 5 in January. Katherine doesn't turn 5 until March, so she was barely 4.5 when I enrolled her. Remember my over scheduling issue??? She wasn't in this class from the beginning of year, so not only was I worried about her being on the "young" side, but also she missed the first 2 months of class, so I was worried that she'd be behind the other girls.
With that being said....
After class today Mr. Terry, her instructor, came up to me and said, "Has she always been this good? It seems like she's really progressed in the past couple of weeks." I was dumbfounded. How do you answer a question like that?? I told him that Katherine loves gymnastics and is always practicing in the living room. (Truer words were never spoken)!!
We then had this conversation --
Terry: Did you notice that I stopped the class and had all the kids watch Katherine's cartwheels?
Me: Wow. No, I didn't realize what was going on.
Terry: Her cartwheel on the one side is PERFECT. It's spot on. She still needs a little work on the other side, but I'm amazed at how good her cartwheels are. I had her show the other kids how to do them. She's by far and away the best in the class.
Me: Oh, thank you. That's so nice of you to say and so good to hear.
Terry: I'm not being nice. I've got my eye on her and I don't think it'll be long until I move her up to the next class.
Me: Really???
Terry: Absolutely. She's one of the best 4 year olds I've ever worked worth. She's got a lot of potential.
Katherine at this point is beaming. Inside she wants to jump up and down, but she just stood there like a little lady smiling. So yea!! Good for her!
I've got to tell ya.... There is nothing more wonderful than watching your child excel at something that they truly love. Seeing their success is so much sweeter than ever experiencing it yourself. I'm so proud of her!! WOO-HOO for my little girl!
Today while Katherine was in her gymnastics class I was chatting with some of the other moms while watching her from the "parent viewing area". The class that she's currently enrolled in is for kids aged 4.5 - 7. After she "graduates" from this class, she will get to have class in the "big gym" with regular size equipment. ** The class she's in now has miniature equipment for the little kids to learn on. Anyway, one of the moms I was talking to, mentioned that she didn't know if her little girl would ever make it out of this class. As I found out, 7 is not a magical age. They don't automatically get to go to the more advanced class as soon as they turn 7, nor are they held back in the kid gym if the instructor feels they are ready to move up.
Also, two of the moms I was talking to thought that their girls were the youngest in the class. They both will turn 5 in January. Katherine doesn't turn 5 until March, so she was barely 4.5 when I enrolled her. Remember my over scheduling issue??? She wasn't in this class from the beginning of year, so not only was I worried about her being on the "young" side, but also she missed the first 2 months of class, so I was worried that she'd be behind the other girls.
With that being said....
After class today Mr. Terry, her instructor, came up to me and said, "Has she always been this good? It seems like she's really progressed in the past couple of weeks." I was dumbfounded. How do you answer a question like that?? I told him that Katherine loves gymnastics and is always practicing in the living room. (Truer words were never spoken)!!
We then had this conversation --
Terry: Did you notice that I stopped the class and had all the kids watch Katherine's cartwheels?
Me: Wow. No, I didn't realize what was going on.
Terry: Her cartwheel on the one side is PERFECT. It's spot on. She still needs a little work on the other side, but I'm amazed at how good her cartwheels are. I had her show the other kids how to do them. She's by far and away the best in the class.
Me: Oh, thank you. That's so nice of you to say and so good to hear.
Terry: I'm not being nice. I've got my eye on her and I don't think it'll be long until I move her up to the next class.
Me: Really???
Terry: Absolutely. She's one of the best 4 year olds I've ever worked worth. She's got a lot of potential.
Katherine at this point is beaming. Inside she wants to jump up and down, but she just stood there like a little lady smiling. So yea!! Good for her!
I've got to tell ya.... There is nothing more wonderful than watching your child excel at something that they truly love. Seeing their success is so much sweeter than ever experiencing it yourself. I'm so proud of her!! WOO-HOO for my little girl!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Photo Success!!
Today I took the kids to get their Christmas pictures taken, and it was GREAT! Truly wonderful. The set up was relaxing. They had balloons, suckers and a movie playing for the kids and I could pick out the pictures in peace. Oh, and my mom came along to help entertain the munchkins and brought her bag of tricks along. How sweet it is!!
On the way to the studio, Katherine kept asking how things would play out... what color would the background be, would she be standing or sitting, could she twirl around in her new dress, should she smile big or just a little, would Caleb be in with her, or would she be alone??? It was a typical 20 question conversation with Katherine. As we continued to talk, I figured out that although she wanted pictures with Caleb, she also wanted some alone... Evidently she claims that she hasn't had her picture taken in a while and really wanted some of just her... What is that??? To say that my kids aren't well photographed, is fiction... pure fiction I tell ya!! LOL.
Both kids were wearing red and black clothes, but I couldn't really find any black shoes for Caleb. As a last ditch effort, I stopped at Target on my way to hospice last night and picked up a pair. But I have to confess... they were hideous. Just awful. But, in pictures, they'd look better than brown.... So I bought them. I kept stewing about the shoes -- I hated them.... I couldn't really put them on him... What on earth would I do with them after pictures? He certainly would NEVER wear them again! I decided to call Danyel to see if Walker had any old ones that Caleb could wear in pictures. Sure enough, she had the perfect pair. The only problem was that they were AT LEAST 2 or 3 sizes too big, but for pictures, would it really matter??? NOPE!! Oh, I swear, we couldn't keep them on him. He'd walk a few steps and they'd fall off. Finally, I took them off and carried that poor kid out of the mall!! But man, they looked good in pictures! LOL!
I've got to tell ya.... it seems like Caleb has grown up overnight. The last time I got his pictures taken, I was dripping with sweat, cussing under my breath, and beyond frustrated. It didn't seem worth the effort. For some reason today he got it. He sat and smiled. He interacted with Katherine. He actually smiled for the camera (gasp, shock, horror). Oh, and when all else failed... he could be bribed -- and no, I'm not above bribing for something as important at Christmas pictures!! I told him that if he sat still, I'd give him a sucker. Let's just say that his little rear end was planted! LOL. Worked like a charm!! It was actually enjoyable -- and I haven't thought that in quite a while!!
Now I'm just hoping that I can sweet talk Danyel into scanning the Christmas pictures so you all can see them. They turned out sooooo well!!
After the pictures were taken, we decided to grab a bite for lunch. I had to stop at the ATM, and Caleb kept walking. Little ol' mother hen (Katherine) caught sight of this, and put her arm around him and said "Come here sweetie". Oh my goodness... They were adorable. Walking hand in hand, talking in sweet little voices, watching out for one another. Let's just say this... I got so many comments from complete strangers...
OK -- I'm off to scrap. I haven't scrapped in ages, and after today, I'm totally in the mood!!
On the way to the studio, Katherine kept asking how things would play out... what color would the background be, would she be standing or sitting, could she twirl around in her new dress, should she smile big or just a little, would Caleb be in with her, or would she be alone??? It was a typical 20 question conversation with Katherine. As we continued to talk, I figured out that although she wanted pictures with Caleb, she also wanted some alone... Evidently she claims that she hasn't had her picture taken in a while and really wanted some of just her... What is that??? To say that my kids aren't well photographed, is fiction... pure fiction I tell ya!! LOL.
Both kids were wearing red and black clothes, but I couldn't really find any black shoes for Caleb. As a last ditch effort, I stopped at Target on my way to hospice last night and picked up a pair. But I have to confess... they were hideous. Just awful. But, in pictures, they'd look better than brown.... So I bought them. I kept stewing about the shoes -- I hated them.... I couldn't really put them on him... What on earth would I do with them after pictures? He certainly would NEVER wear them again! I decided to call Danyel to see if Walker had any old ones that Caleb could wear in pictures. Sure enough, she had the perfect pair. The only problem was that they were AT LEAST 2 or 3 sizes too big, but for pictures, would it really matter??? NOPE!! Oh, I swear, we couldn't keep them on him. He'd walk a few steps and they'd fall off. Finally, I took them off and carried that poor kid out of the mall!! But man, they looked good in pictures! LOL!
I've got to tell ya.... it seems like Caleb has grown up overnight. The last time I got his pictures taken, I was dripping with sweat, cussing under my breath, and beyond frustrated. It didn't seem worth the effort. For some reason today he got it. He sat and smiled. He interacted with Katherine. He actually smiled for the camera (gasp, shock, horror). Oh, and when all else failed... he could be bribed -- and no, I'm not above bribing for something as important at Christmas pictures!! I told him that if he sat still, I'd give him a sucker. Let's just say that his little rear end was planted! LOL. Worked like a charm!! It was actually enjoyable -- and I haven't thought that in quite a while!!
Now I'm just hoping that I can sweet talk Danyel into scanning the Christmas pictures so you all can see them. They turned out sooooo well!!
After the pictures were taken, we decided to grab a bite for lunch. I had to stop at the ATM, and Caleb kept walking. Little ol' mother hen (Katherine) caught sight of this, and put her arm around him and said "Come here sweetie". Oh my goodness... They were adorable. Walking hand in hand, talking in sweet little voices, watching out for one another. Let's just say this... I got so many comments from complete strangers...
OK -- I'm off to scrap. I haven't scrapped in ages, and after today, I'm totally in the mood!!
Disney -- final day
At long last ... I'm to the final day of our Disney trip! Never thought it'd take me this long to finally get around to posting these.... I'm going to get these pictures out here, and will add in more stories tomorrow. It's getting late!
Of all the days, this had to be the most exhausting! We ran non-stop on the final day, went to three different parks, rode countless rides, and met several characters. It was a great day! On a side note, take a good look at the pictures. None of them have been retouched to delete "strangers" in the background. Compared to summertime, the parks were vacant. LOVE THAT!!
My parents love the French restaurant in the International Showcase part of Epcot, so we decided to all go over there for lunch. We got reservations for noon, and decided to walk around the some of the countries before we ate. It was a gorgeous morning!
Caleb holding hands with Grammy and Pop-pops crossing the bridge into the French area.
Katherine and Morgan.
Matt, me and the kids....
Morgan, Caleb and Katherine ....
These next pictures were taken in Norway. Caleb fell in love with the model train and city that runs along the main street. It was pretty cool -- you could walk along a path right in the middle of the display and the village was on either side of you. Caleb was running around, trying to follow the train... totally in awe. He could have stayed there and watched that thing for hours. Of course Matt loved pointing out all of the little things to him!! It's totally a boy thing!
Of all the days, this had to be the most exhausting! We ran non-stop on the final day, went to three different parks, rode countless rides, and met several characters. It was a great day! On a side note, take a good look at the pictures. None of them have been retouched to delete "strangers" in the background. Compared to summertime, the parks were vacant. LOVE THAT!!
My parents love the French restaurant in the International Showcase part of Epcot, so we decided to all go over there for lunch. We got reservations for noon, and decided to walk around the some of the countries before we ate. It was a gorgeous morning!
Caleb holding hands with Grammy and Pop-pops crossing the bridge into the French area.
Katherine and Morgan.
Matt, me and the kids....
Morgan, Caleb and Katherine ....
These next pictures were taken in Japanese "world".
Matt and the kids taking a quiet moment to enjoy the day...
Katherine and I in one of the Japanese gardens...
These next pictures were taken in Norway. Caleb fell in love with the model train and city that runs along the main street. It was pretty cool -- you could walk along a path right in the middle of the display and the village was on either side of you. Caleb was running around, trying to follow the train... totally in awe. He could have stayed there and watched that thing for hours. Of course Matt loved pointing out all of the little things to him!! It's totally a boy thing!
Here's my little princess enjoying the sun. She asked me to take a couple pictures of just her, and this is what we got!
Katherine and I in Italy. The architecture was just gorgeous! It made me want to hop on a plane and cross the ocean!
This little fountain structure is right outside the French restaurant. The food was great, but the service couldn't have been slower. Since the kids were getting antsy, I took them outside while Matt paid the bill. Caleb was enamoured with the fountain. He would have jumped right in if I'd have let him!
Finally, after about 20 minutes (literally) Matt catches up with us! Caleb is still by that fountain!
All of a sudden Sleeping Beauty appeared and walked right up to Katherine. Since no one else was around they chatted for about 5 minutes. Sleeping Beauty told Katherine that she was such a little princess, and had blue eyes just like her. Oh. My. Heavens. She ate that right up! It's all she could talk about! She and Sleeping Beauty were the newest BFF's!!
We all decided to split up .... My parents wanted to stay at Epcot and do some shopping, Laurie & Clyde wanted to take their girls to the Magic Kingdom and we were off to MGM in hopes of meeting the Little Einsteins.
This little fountain structure is right outside the French restaurant. The food was great, but the service couldn't have been slower. Since the kids were getting antsy, I took them outside while Matt paid the bill. Caleb was enamoured with the fountain. He would have jumped right in if I'd have let him!
Finally, after about 20 minutes (literally) Matt catches up with us! Caleb is still by that fountain! 
All of a sudden Sleeping Beauty appeared and walked right up to Katherine. Since no one else was around they chatted for about 5 minutes. Sleeping Beauty told Katherine that she was such a little princess, and had blue eyes just like her. Oh. My. Heavens. She ate that right up! It's all she could talk about! She and Sleeping Beauty were the newest BFF's!!
We all decided to split up .... My parents wanted to stay at Epcot and do some shopping, Laurie & Clyde wanted to take their girls to the Magic Kingdom and we were off to MGM in hopes of meeting the Little Einsteins.
On our way to the boat, we ran into Chip and Dale. I'm not sure which one Katherine is with in these pictures, but she was so happy to run into them. Such a nice surprise! Caleb wasn't about to get out of his stroller for a fuzzy chipmunk he didn't know, so no pictures of him...
At long last.... we arrived at MGM and met one of Katherine's hero's -- June from Little Einsteins. June is a "dancer just like me" so Katherine was in Heaven. Literally she was beaming from ear to ear. She's one happy little girl! Forget Sleeping Beauty... now this is a BFF!! LOL!
After we watched a parade, saw the Indiana Jones stunt show, and took the kids on a few rides, we raced over to the Magic Kingdom and caught up with everyone. We took the kids on a few of their favorite rides, and ate dinner. Since Epcot was open late, we ran back over there and went on Soarin' one last time along with a few other rides. 
The girls inside the Nemo ride.
It was an exhausting day. We ran from early in the morning, until late at night. When we got home, Katherine slept for 17 (nope, not a typo) straight hours. It was an amazing trip. We have so many great memories and the kids are anxiously looking forward to the next time we go. We're shooting for 2 years, but we'll have to see how tall Caleb is. One thing is for sure.... we won't be going until he reaches the magical height of 40 inches!!
At long last.... we arrived at MGM and met one of Katherine's hero's -- June from Little Einsteins. June is a "dancer just like me" so Katherine was in Heaven. Literally she was beaming from ear to ear. She's one happy little girl! Forget Sleeping Beauty... now this is a BFF!! LOL!
After we watched a parade, saw the Indiana Jones stunt show, and took the kids on a few rides, we raced over to the Magic Kingdom and caught up with everyone. We took the kids on a few of their favorite rides, and ate dinner. Since Epcot was open late, we ran back over there and went on Soarin' one last time along with a few other rides.
My dad and Caleb outside of Figment.
The girls inside the Nemo ride.
It was an exhausting day. We ran from early in the morning, until late at night. When we got home, Katherine slept for 17 (nope, not a typo) straight hours. It was an amazing trip. We have so many great memories and the kids are anxiously looking forward to the next time we go. We're shooting for 2 years, but we'll have to see how tall Caleb is. One thing is for sure.... we won't be going until he reaches the magical height of 40 inches!!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Oh Christmas Tree....
Yesterday was the big decorating day in the Hanson house! We finally got around to putting up the Christmas tree, and spent the better part of yesterday decorating it. It was quite the production, but well worth the effort. The kids are amazed at all the lights in the house and Caleb can't stop starting. He's said, "It's prrrdddy Mommy" probably a million times in the last 24 hours.
Typically, I'm a white light kind of girl, but Katherine... not a chance! For her, it's all about the color, and the more the better. So right after Matt and I got the tree in the stand, I took off for Target to get colored lights. On the way out the door (as I always do) I asked Matt if he needed anything. This time, however, I didn't direct the question directly to Matt and just said, "I'm leaving now, do you need anything from Target?" Katherine looks at me in a very serious 4 year old kind of way, and says, "You know, Mommy, I could really use a new Barbie". LOL. Ya think????
We decided to put the lights on the tree and then put the kids down for their naps before digging out the ornaments. Since we were out with the neighbors until 1 am the night before, Matt and I decided to take a little nap too... Oh. My. Heavens. It was one of the little luxuries of life. It was like a dream come true! Matt and I slept for two hours and the kids slept for three. It was such a treat!!
Later that night, we grabbed dinner and decorated the tree. Caleb was so cute. He kept walking around saying, "I help you, Mommy.... I help you, Daddy". It was so sweet. When he saw Matt laying down on the floor tightening the tree stand, he belly flopped on the floor as fast as he could. When I was untangling the strands of lights, he would have stood there and held them for hours if I asked him too. And, oh what a help he was unwrapping the ornaments!! He'd take them from me and run to the tree as fast as his little legs would carry him. Christmas is so much more fun for him this year. He totally gets it!!
I'm getting the kids' Christmas pictures taken tomorrow, so here's to hoping they turn out well. Keep your fingers crossed!! Remember the night I went out shopping with the neighbor girls? I found Katherine a dress that night and not only does it match Caleb's shirt, but it fits perfectly! Sooo glad about that, and can't wait to take that bag of expensive stuff back to Gymboree! Won't even tell you how much I spent there, as I'm sure it'd send you into cardiac arrest, and if I type that number I'll actually have to acknowledge it, which I refuse to do!! LOL. Oh, and the best part... I've shown the two dresses to several people and everyone likes the cheaper one better. BONUS!!
On a side note... After we got home from dance tonight, I gave the kids a quick bath and headed up to hospice. The parking lot was unusually full. When the nurse came in to check on my Grandma, we got talking and she told us that two "young" patients we recently admitted. One was a 56 year old husband/father, and the other was a 30 year old wife and mother of four. Both have cancer and aren't expected to make it until the end of the week...
Hug your babies tonight.... Thank God for your good health.... Count your blessings.... Remember those less fortunate..... Look for the good in all people.... Find joy in all you do... Celebrate life, love and happiness...
Typically, I'm a white light kind of girl, but Katherine... not a chance! For her, it's all about the color, and the more the better. So right after Matt and I got the tree in the stand, I took off for Target to get colored lights. On the way out the door (as I always do) I asked Matt if he needed anything. This time, however, I didn't direct the question directly to Matt and just said, "I'm leaving now, do you need anything from Target?" Katherine looks at me in a very serious 4 year old kind of way, and says, "You know, Mommy, I could really use a new Barbie". LOL. Ya think????
We decided to put the lights on the tree and then put the kids down for their naps before digging out the ornaments. Since we were out with the neighbors until 1 am the night before, Matt and I decided to take a little nap too... Oh. My. Heavens. It was one of the little luxuries of life. It was like a dream come true! Matt and I slept for two hours and the kids slept for three. It was such a treat!!
Later that night, we grabbed dinner and decorated the tree. Caleb was so cute. He kept walking around saying, "I help you, Mommy.... I help you, Daddy". It was so sweet. When he saw Matt laying down on the floor tightening the tree stand, he belly flopped on the floor as fast as he could. When I was untangling the strands of lights, he would have stood there and held them for hours if I asked him too. And, oh what a help he was unwrapping the ornaments!! He'd take them from me and run to the tree as fast as his little legs would carry him. Christmas is so much more fun for him this year. He totally gets it!!
I'm getting the kids' Christmas pictures taken tomorrow, so here's to hoping they turn out well. Keep your fingers crossed!! Remember the night I went out shopping with the neighbor girls? I found Katherine a dress that night and not only does it match Caleb's shirt, but it fits perfectly! Sooo glad about that, and can't wait to take that bag of expensive stuff back to Gymboree! Won't even tell you how much I spent there, as I'm sure it'd send you into cardiac arrest, and if I type that number I'll actually have to acknowledge it, which I refuse to do!! LOL. Oh, and the best part... I've shown the two dresses to several people and everyone likes the cheaper one better. BONUS!!
On a side note... After we got home from dance tonight, I gave the kids a quick bath and headed up to hospice. The parking lot was unusually full. When the nurse came in to check on my Grandma, we got talking and she told us that two "young" patients we recently admitted. One was a 56 year old husband/father, and the other was a 30 year old wife and mother of four. Both have cancer and aren't expected to make it until the end of the week...
Hug your babies tonight.... Thank God for your good health.... Count your blessings.... Remember those less fortunate..... Look for the good in all people.... Find joy in all you do... Celebrate life, love and happiness...
Sunday, December 2, 2007
A first...
Last night we had major milestone in the Hanson household. We got our first "third party" babysitter. We've had my niece, Stephanie, watch the kids twice, but she used to work in a daycare, and is in college. Besides, she's hardly "third party". She's their cousin for goodness sake! Oh, and I've had Andrea watch the kids for an hour or two in a jam, but the kids see her every day in the summer and at least weekly in the winter. Again, not exactly my definition of "third party".
So last night Rick and Danyel had a neighborhood party so everyone decided to get a sitter. I thought it was a good night to "test drive" one of the neighbor girls. I had never met her personally, but I've known her mom from neighborhood functions like Bunco and such. Also, Rachel has baby sat for several of the neighbors, and taken babysitting and CPR classes. I thought it'd be perfect since we'd only be two doors down.
As you can imagine, time got away from me -- it was the combination of good wine and great friends. The boys were in the basement watching football on Rick's new flat screens above the bar and shooting pool. The girls were chatting upstairs. It was a great time. Anyway, I looked up at the clock and noticed it was 12:40! UUUUHHHH... time to go!! So Matt and I ran home.
I felt horrible!! Rachel was sleeping on the couch, and when I woke her, we chatted about the night and she said that she almost had to call me. Evidently, Katherine decided that she wanted to wait for me to come home before she she went to bed. From all accounts (including Katherine's this morning) it was a struggle! Finally, Rachel got the kids in bed around 10. I'm sure the poor girl was fit to be tied. Other than bedtime, I think it went OK though....
I'd like to use her again, so hopefully after Katherine's antics, she'll come back!! I'll never forget the time Matt's mom was watching Katherine while we went to Matt's class reunion. When I got back to the house, I found her doing laps around the dining room table at 11 PM waiting for me to return. She's a stubborn one, so I fully believe all Rachel told me......
So last night Rick and Danyel had a neighborhood party so everyone decided to get a sitter. I thought it was a good night to "test drive" one of the neighbor girls. I had never met her personally, but I've known her mom from neighborhood functions like Bunco and such. Also, Rachel has baby sat for several of the neighbors, and taken babysitting and CPR classes. I thought it'd be perfect since we'd only be two doors down.
As you can imagine, time got away from me -- it was the combination of good wine and great friends. The boys were in the basement watching football on Rick's new flat screens above the bar and shooting pool. The girls were chatting upstairs. It was a great time. Anyway, I looked up at the clock and noticed it was 12:40! UUUUHHHH... time to go!! So Matt and I ran home.
I felt horrible!! Rachel was sleeping on the couch, and when I woke her, we chatted about the night and she said that she almost had to call me. Evidently, Katherine decided that she wanted to wait for me to come home before she she went to bed. From all accounts (including Katherine's this morning) it was a struggle! Finally, Rachel got the kids in bed around 10. I'm sure the poor girl was fit to be tied. Other than bedtime, I think it went OK though....
I'd like to use her again, so hopefully after Katherine's antics, she'll come back!! I'll never forget the time Matt's mom was watching Katherine while we went to Matt's class reunion. When I got back to the house, I found her doing laps around the dining room table at 11 PM waiting for me to return. She's a stubborn one, so I fully believe all Rachel told me......
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Happy Friday!
Today was a GREAT day.... filled with ordinary things, familiar places, and old friends. It was filled with all the people and things I love about Fridays, but had some wonderful and unexpected surprises. I guess that's what a truly great day is.... Making the most of the everyday, spending time with the people you love, and living in the moment. That's what we had today -- a totally ordinary daythat turned extraordinary.
After I dropped Katherine off at school, Caleb and I ran a few errands, and then headed to playgroup over at Andrea's house. The kids had so much fun today. They played cars/trucks/trains for the first hour and then Andrea pulled out an adorable craft she got for them. They made their very own beaded Christmas ornaments!! Soooo cute!! Caleb can't wait to hang it on the tree.
When it was time for me to leave and pick up Katherine, Caleb didn't want to come. All he could think about was getting back to the toys, so he stayed behind to play with the kids. I returned to a sobbing, heartbroken little boy. Andrea said he was uncontrollable. Caleb and I had this conversation:
Me: Honey, what happened?
Caleb: I sad Mommy.
Me: Why are you so sad? I came right back for you...
Caleb: 'Cause I cry for you.
Me: Why were you crying? You were playing with your friends and having a great time.
Caleb: 'Cause I miss you Mommy...
AAWWWW... How sweet is that?
About this time, I found out Matt was coming home for the day. He was "sick" and needed to sleep for a while. OK -- he wasn't really sick. He went out to 801 Steak and Chop with a client and had a little too much wine. He didn't get home until about 11 last night, so he was probably pretty tired on top of it all. But -- good for him. I'm glad he went out and had fun. And it doesn't hurt that someone else picked up the tab!!
So when the kids and I got home from playgroup, Matt was already camped out and sleeping in the basement, so we ate lunch and the busted out the play-doh. We were chatting and listening to Christmas music, and I got thinking about the pending snow and ice storm and decided to call Howell Tree Farm and have them cut the tree. I packed up the kids and off we went to get the tree. Katherine was just giddy. She's so excited to get that tree up and decorated that she can hardly stand it.
When I got home, the kids wanted to watch a movie and have a snack, so I decided to check my email and got the surprise of my life... That's right, if you're still reading, this is what made today extraordinary....
I've got some *GREAT* news and I want to shout it from the rooftops!!
Before Matt left work today he forwarded me an email, which I read while the kids were watching a movie. It was an announcement from HR stating that Matt was promoted to the Senior Officer level. In addition to the promotion, they reorganized the reporting structure and Matt now manages his own team of analysts. It's a wonderful accomplishment, and I couldn't be more proud of him. He's worked so hard for this, and deserves the promotion and increase in responsibility more than anyone I know. So a big congrats to my hubby!!
I was so thrilled, that I ran downstairs and woke his hung-over bum up. We chatted about it for a while and then took the kids out for dinner.
After dinner, we went up to hospice to visit my Grandma. One of the malls was open late tonight, so I left hospice in time to go shopping with Andrea, Carolyn and Julie. It was so nice to have a girls night out. We shopped, drank Starbucks, and chatted. I love these kind of nights!
The big find of the night was the kids' Christmas pj's. When I saw these I fell in love with immediately. Caleb is going to love them!! He's obsessed with frogs, and thinks that the frog at the Science Center "talks" him. They "ribbit" back and forth! LOL!! The color is slightly off in the picture. They're much more green, and the frogs are absolutely adorable.
The set I got Katherine is similar to these, except that hers are of all the Disney Princesses, red with glittery sparkles all over and come with slippers. She's going to love them! I can't wait to give them their new jammies and put them to bed on Christmas Eve all snuggled up and dreaming of Santa. Let the holidays begin!!
After I dropped Katherine off at school, Caleb and I ran a few errands, and then headed to playgroup over at Andrea's house. The kids had so much fun today. They played cars/trucks/trains for the first hour and then Andrea pulled out an adorable craft she got for them. They made their very own beaded Christmas ornaments!! Soooo cute!! Caleb can't wait to hang it on the tree.
When it was time for me to leave and pick up Katherine, Caleb didn't want to come. All he could think about was getting back to the toys, so he stayed behind to play with the kids. I returned to a sobbing, heartbroken little boy. Andrea said he was uncontrollable. Caleb and I had this conversation:
Me: Honey, what happened?
Caleb: I sad Mommy.
Me: Why are you so sad? I came right back for you...
Caleb: 'Cause I cry for you.
Me: Why were you crying? You were playing with your friends and having a great time.
Caleb: 'Cause I miss you Mommy...
AAWWWW... How sweet is that?
About this time, I found out Matt was coming home for the day. He was "sick" and needed to sleep for a while. OK -- he wasn't really sick. He went out to 801 Steak and Chop with a client and had a little too much wine. He didn't get home until about 11 last night, so he was probably pretty tired on top of it all. But -- good for him. I'm glad he went out and had fun. And it doesn't hurt that someone else picked up the tab!!
So when the kids and I got home from playgroup, Matt was already camped out and sleeping in the basement, so we ate lunch and the busted out the play-doh. We were chatting and listening to Christmas music, and I got thinking about the pending snow and ice storm and decided to call Howell Tree Farm and have them cut the tree. I packed up the kids and off we went to get the tree. Katherine was just giddy. She's so excited to get that tree up and decorated that she can hardly stand it.
When I got home, the kids wanted to watch a movie and have a snack, so I decided to check my email and got the surprise of my life... That's right, if you're still reading, this is what made today extraordinary....
I've got some *GREAT* news and I want to shout it from the rooftops!!
Before Matt left work today he forwarded me an email, which I read while the kids were watching a movie. It was an announcement from HR stating that Matt was promoted to the Senior Officer level. In addition to the promotion, they reorganized the reporting structure and Matt now manages his own team of analysts. It's a wonderful accomplishment, and I couldn't be more proud of him. He's worked so hard for this, and deserves the promotion and increase in responsibility more than anyone I know. So a big congrats to my hubby!!
I was so thrilled, that I ran downstairs and woke his hung-over bum up. We chatted about it for a while and then took the kids out for dinner.
After dinner, we went up to hospice to visit my Grandma. One of the malls was open late tonight, so I left hospice in time to go shopping with Andrea, Carolyn and Julie. It was so nice to have a girls night out. We shopped, drank Starbucks, and chatted. I love these kind of nights!
The big find of the night was the kids' Christmas pj's. When I saw these I fell in love with immediately. Caleb is going to love them!! He's obsessed with frogs, and thinks that the frog at the Science Center "talks" him. They "ribbit" back and forth! LOL!! The color is slightly off in the picture. They're much more green, and the frogs are absolutely adorable.
The set I got Katherine is similar to these, except that hers are of all the Disney Princesses, red with glittery sparkles all over and come with slippers. She's going to love them! I can't wait to give them their new jammies and put them to bed on Christmas Eve all snuggled up and dreaming of Santa. Let the holidays begin!!
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