Needing a long winter's nap

My day started this morning at 3:30- when I got up to scope out the weather. Nahhhhh, doesn't look too bad yet, actually it wasn't doing a thing out. I went and watched the news...no closings. Harlem Schools finally came on about 4:30 -- No School. I remember the days when I would breathe a sigh of relief when my kids were little that they could stay in bed all snuggled up and have no school. We'd seek out Gramma or Grammie to stay home with them, or sometimes they'd go to Michelle's house, but it was always nice to have an unscheduled day to relax :) Now that we're older, the former is not true. My kids have ambitions today. As I woke them at 4:45 to tell them there was no school, I quietly asked, you want to stay in bed, or go to work with me. Both Stephanie and Kristina didn't open their eyes or say a word, but pointed to me to indicate their preference. Brennan opened one sleepy eye and said, I need more sleep. The girls were up and ready in no time and we were off. The subdivision roads were a little slippery, but nothing bad, and the roads to work were just wet pavement, no ice to be found. I made muffins for the staff and for the parents as they dropped their children off this morning. We got through the day. I enjoy these days when we don't have a lot of children, and I can let a lot of staff go home early. The only bummer is the check they get 3 days before Christmas will be short hours for today :( But, it's always a choice if they want to go home, and most people opt to do just that. After work, I ran the kids home, and then had a therapy appointment with one of my most wonderful clients. I hit one patch of ice on the way home (@ 5:30) and other than that....still clear roads. Whew. I am grateful for safe travel today, and that things didn't turn out nearly as bad as the predicted:) Glad to be home with my family tonight. I have some laundry on my list, some Christmas presents to wrap, and cards to start writing. The kids always get excited when the presents start appearing under the tree. I can't wait for Christmas to see their excitement at their new treasures. The Ruch trio requested a Nintendo Wii this year, which I explained to them is not in the budget, but I do believe they'll be equally happy with what I picked out instead :) So, wishing you all a safe and cozy night inside...until next time.

No More Robert Wednesday :(

My husband's niece's new baby came home from the hospital Saturday. So, of course Tracey decided she no longer wants to work...long story short...she didn't show up for work today, which got her fired, and hence the boys can no longer attend my work. (Unless someone wants to cough up $410 a week for them to go) Really, it broke my heart, and it makes me wonder, why I let such untrustworthy people into my heart. Further, I wonder, why I let my kids be exposed to them as well. Kristina cried so hard tonight when she realized our treasured Robert Wednesdays are a thing of the past. But Mommy, can't you wait? She cried, well no, honey, I can't, and no, actually it's not my fault...and on and on. I know that Kevin's nieces and nephew all have huge attachment issues, and it just so saddens me that the cycle hasn't been broken for the next generation. And, that once again, there are innocent children at the brunt of the craziness. Hmmmm....I'm at a loss for words.

a little game of catch up!

Sunday night seems to be "catch up" night for me! I was REALLY looking forward to not cooking tomorrow, but my mother-n-law can't start til Tues, so that was a bit of a bummer, but I'll get through it. I really should take a picture of my office to put on here, because it's really nothing like I've ever seen before. Only working a few hours a day in my office for 7 weeks is a sure recipe for disaster and my office is REALLY a disaster in ever sense of the word. So, Wednesday will begin a little bit of catch up for me at work! This week we had our Polar Express night at my school. We had about 130 people show up for story time, reindeer antler making, sensory bottle making, cookie decorating, and visits with Santa. This is such a neat event with lots of family together time. Santa brought a big bag of knitted hats, from a church group knows as the knit wits :) for the children. The families really seemed to enjoy themselves. Zoe, Jason, and Ethan had a good time decorating cookies...I mean really sugar cookies, frosting, and sugar sprinkles :) Emma got a new hat :) AND was brave enough to give Santa "Five" While big brother Ethan told Santa everything that was on his wish list...Zoe explained to Santa how she really needed some Barbies for ChristmasAnd then we finished the night by trying to get a cute picture of them together. This one in front of the super cute entry way bulletin board...well let's just say I don't know who this boy is, but he seemed to have felt the need to be in my picture. The look on Jason's face is terrific, as for some reason he could not "unbecome" spider man :) We tried a shot in the office, but evidently Spiderman appeared again instead of my little friend Jason. So, those are the best shots I could get for that night.

Friday night I had a test at school and then a bonfire to celebrate the fact that I am half way done...can you believe it? It is quite exciting for me and especially for my family I'm sure! I have mostly electives from here on out, except for another research class (ugh) so I am looking forward to it. This next class will be the first class that my cohort splits up to go our different tracts, so it will definitely be a little bit different for me! Saturday morning, more class, then I hurried home to get a much needed haircut. I headed to the mall after that and completed ALL of my mall shopping. I foresee no reason to go there again this holiday season (gratefully) -- but while I was there I had some yummy terayaki chicken. After that I headed to Kristina's cheer leading practice...she is really coming along and looking great with her squad. We stopped at the dollar store on the way home to pick up the rest of the stuff I needed for teacher gifts, and then I tried to catch up on some Tivo. I watched Y&R, 3 weeks of Greys, 2 weeks of Brothers & Sisters, and then found myself asleep on the couch at 12:30 AM....YucK! Off to bed I went. I surely wasn't remembering that Aubrey was coming today, until the dogs woke me barking at 7AM. The precious one was a bit sleepy upon arrival so she quickly took a morning nap. We enjoyed some scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon and read the paper today. (This has become our Sunday morning tradition) She mostly enjoys eating and crinkling up the paper. She is getting so big! She played a bit with Kristina while I ran Brennan to his tournament at Robin's Nest. I stopped at Walgreen's on the way home for some milk for the baby girl and some treat bags for Kristina's friend gifts. Aubrey and I played a bit more, but then she got F-U-S-S-Y :( Poor Beeba, has some trouble with constipation you know...I'm sure she'll appreciate me saying things like that on the blog when she's older :) Anyway, she tried to nap a bit, but was pretty restless until her Mommy arrived. I felt a bit bad, that Shana arrived to a fussy baby, but...what could I do? Shana & Aubrey went home to finish Aubrey's nap, and I finished the paper...I must inventory my Christmas gifts to determine what I have left to buy. Tonight the girls and I will finally put up the "Big" tree...so hopefully pics of that will end up on the blog tonight as well. I must run to pick up Brennan from his tournament, and get some ingredients for something yummy for dinner. Just wanted to share one cute photo of Robert, from "Robert Wednesday" "BAFF?!?"

Grateful for my gifts

Today, I am grateful for gifts...

Gifts like these...These are the gifts I received from my little friends Zoe and Jason. They are proudly displayed on my office door. I love that drawings like these speak so much more than the little stick figures they appear to be. I love that Zoe's person has feet :) and 2 fingers on each hand...

I love that Jason's guy has eyes, a nose AND a mouth :) These little ones are coming right along and are very busy getting ready for kindergarten. (Their mom will be found in the fetal position that day) but I believe Zoe and Jason will be ecstatic at all the new found opportunities as they are very eager learners...

Today...grateful for my gifts, and for my Cassie being safe, with those crazy shootings in Omaha.

Robert Wednesday

Today has become affectionately known as Robert Wednesday in our house. You know how Burger King has Whopper Wednesday? Same thing, only Robert, and he's not a dollar! It's become a regular habit that we have Robert over on Wednesday night. I was especially excited to have him tonight, since I don't have anything on the agenda. Even my internship meeting was canceled today cuz my supervisor is sick. Consequently, I got off work at 3:30...talk about a fish out of water! What to do with all this free time?

Well, the middle school nurse thought she'd use a chunk when she called to say that Brennan's ear looked really red and perhaps he should be seen by the Dr. (He's been home 2 days with a cold) So, I left work, took Tracey and Ryan home, picked Stephanie up at schoo, took Brennan to the Dr. & finally crashed at home at 6:30 to find Stephanie with her coat on waiting to go shopping! Wow, said I, mind if I make some dinner? (I mean really, I left the house 13 hours ago, maybe I'd like to sit down) Dinner she said? Sure! So, I made some yummy stovetop stuffing with chicken and cheese on top and green beans...TASTY!! {Pause here for super cute little boy saying up, up, up, up complete with blanket and book!} He just couldn't be any cuter. Had to stop blogging a minute to snuggle and read a quick book of cars (His favorite) --All done, now where was I? Oh yeah, Brennan has two ear infections, bummer...but we did go the the Logli to get free antibiotics. Yes Free....I'm not quite sure how that program works, but I like it! So hopefully, that'll help him to be feeling better in no time. Kevin was really pleased when I brought home change from the pharmacy and Dr. (What a pleasant surprise!)

Today, I placed all my orders for my Upper Case Living Party...thanks to all my friends that ordered.I got a few things for free and a few things for half price. It was quite a successful party. Especially since I only had a book party, so I didn't even have to hostess! That's my kind of party! I got quite a few Christmas presents and a few things for me...can't wait til they get here! It's just about 8:00 and time to get Robert in the tub. (or baff, as he calls it :) Then I hope to take a peek at the CKU site and finish some homework. Tomorrow I have to write our United Way grant at work. I'm not really looking forward to it, but will be glad if we get it! We're expecting more snow here tomorrow...if it doesn't melt, we hope to get on the sledding hill this weekend, as Kristina's game got rescheduled. We should have a little bit of free time, and it's my last weekend of school for a month!!!! Wooopppeeeeee!

So Proud of making my list and checking it twice!

This is a busy week for us, but then again what week isn't? Both of my daughter's called me this morning to find out where the schedule is and why isn't is posted on the handy chalkboard I bought for that specific reason? Ummmm, well, just too busy I guess! Yesterday I did 9 hours at Circles, 3 hours at Chasi, hurried home to get Kristina to her Christmas Program and Orff Ensemble at HHS, hurried home for her to change into her cheer leading outfit, and then headed to Hilltop Ministries where her game was to start at 7:45. When we pulled into the parking lot it seemed suspicious that there were only 5 cars in the lot. Got out my calendar and checked...Yup, Kristina cheer leading at Hilltop...7:45. Hmmmph. Called the coach? Ummmm...the game is at hill top right? Oh, she replied, you're the only mom I couldn't get a hold of. The game for tonight is canceled. Well, pray tell, what was the reason you were unable to get a hold of me? Well, I called the home #, there was no answer. Yes, that would be because I leave the house AT 5:00 IN THE MORNING!!!!!! (The word moron is viciously running through my head at this point, but I put on a smile and try to be nice) Ummmmm, say....do you have my cell phone #? Why yes, is the reply, it's right here. Great! Super! Wonderful! PERHAPS NEXT TIME YOU COULD CALL MY CELL PHONE!!!!!!! She agreed that perhaps that would be a better idea. Deep cleansing breath! I always say you don't take Lamaze classes for child birth, you take them for all the deep breaths you'll need to take over the course of your child's life. Well....it's now 8:00 pm...going on 15 hours for me...let me take Caroline home (we always have to take friends with you know) AND of course friends that live in Belvidere :) Off we went to take her home. We had a great time catching up and chatting. She is such a neat friend and comes from a great family. Her parents are both music teachers and actually act excited when Kristina brings over her Trombone so she and Caroline can play a trombone/cello duet together :) I got home, did two loads of laundry-- did not get anywhere near the TV (bummer) but did get a minute to help Stephanie with her homework. It was an intelligence exam and we had to look for most of the answers on the Internet (truly a bad sign about our intelligence I'm sure) -- but it was fun. I caught up on blogs-- still praying daily for Sandi Johnson-- and headed up to bed. Kevin was sound asleep and snoring loudly! Brennan is sick with my cold, and Stephanie is getting it.

Last night I had a minute to start my lists....one for the Polar Express night that is coming up at my school in 2 days (picture Sarah having a stroke right now!) I thought it was time to get started! The other list was to try to determine where I am at in my Christmas shopping. Today, I stopped quickly and got Gabe and Cassie done. I'm trying hard to get my out of town gifts bought so they can be on their way and arrive on time. I'm still looking for one more gift for my mom and then mom and Larry's gifts can be on their way. The shopping for the children is coming along quite nicely and they seem exceptionally easy to buy for this year. I already have lots of wrapping to do, but haven't gotten the big tree up yet. I have two clients tonight so won't be home til after 8. Hopefully, we can work on getting Brennan's old bed torn down and out of his room for Garbage day on Friday. Then the game table can go in his room, thus making room for the Christmas tree.

Today, I did sneak in a small gift for me :) A few years ago, Cassie bought me some earrings at Target for Christmas. They were my favorites of all time, and I got so many compliments on them. Unfortunately, I ended up losing one and have held on the the other all this time. Today, I thought, let me stop to see if they have another set and they did! They weren't on sale, but I bought them anyway and promptly put them on. Just as pretty as ever! Merry Christmas to me! Now, too if I lose one, I have spare. Tonight between clients, I am going to finalize my shopping list, and plan my attack. I want to finish with this Friday's payday. Then, on my 21st payday, I will buy the Christmas dinner and stocking stuffers! Whoopee! Sure am looking forward to Christmas! Ho, Ho, Ho!

Getting Caught Up :)

Finally, a chance to catch up and a photo update as promised... This, my crazy brother David. I loaned him this "apron" at Thanksgiving so he didn't ruin his clothes while doing the dishes...Thanks for the help with the dishes...love that! Then, that same weekend, the girls climbed up on the roof to put up the Christmas lights. I love to pick a 'not freezing' weekend, a little bit before Thanksgiving to get them up. It always makes me happy when the house looks so festive!

Thanks girls! and Dad for holding the ladder to avoid any catastrophes. OK, now we're caught up to this weekend. I'm actually caught up in school. I have my paper 1/2 written that isn't even due until Friday. What progress! I put in a request for a voucher to order my school books for my next class. I'm taking the exceptional child and since I already took this class in my undergrad, I'm hoping that it won't be too difficult. After school Saturday, I headed home. Kristina had her first basketball game that she had to cheer at.
Um.....really, is she cute or what?
You might as well agree with me...she's cute :) Their coach couldn't make the first game, so that was a bit challenging, but overall they did a great job.

I hurried home from her game to get ready for my Work Christmas Party. It was a Luau this year complete with a pig roast. I wore a sleeveless flowered dress (yes when it's 30 outside) and flip flops :) Can't beat that! Kevin enjoyed wearing one of his favorite Hawaiian shirts, and the whole event sure made me long for the shores of the beach. Some beach....some where, there's a big umbrella casting shade over an empty chair with my name on it! (I digress to one of my favorite Blake Shelton songs) Anyway, we headed off to our party in the pouring rain, snow, or ice, or whatever it was. The food was so yummy. We had our party at the Venetian club this year and it was so nice in the fact that we didn't have to set up or tear down any tables. They did all of that for us, which was really great! Kevin and I danced a few (even with his sprained ankle) and of course I danced a ton with the girls. One of the highlights of the party is the basket exchange. Each of us makes a theme basket, and then your name goes in a hat to win a basket. Each year I scope out the one I would truly like. Of course my name gets drawn toward the end when the basket I had dreamed of is long gone! Well not this year! This year, I had my eye on this oneand that is the one I won! It is a super cute light up center piece, which I believe Kristina already set up on the sofa table behind my couch...too cute! I finally snapped this picture of my friend Angie and I which I thought I could use in my friends scrapbook, but the darn picture turned out blurry. (Angie is Zoe and Jason's mom) and even though I have a million pictures of them, I have none of us together. So...either the blurry one goes in the scrapbook, or I'll have to take another one when we both look decent! Angie won employee of the year this year. She too is working on her Master's and we both graduate at the same time, and will be moving on from Circles of Learning. She too, will be a lifelong friend for me (as Sarah is) -- It is just too odd how much she and I and our husbands are so alike. We can talk about anything and truly understand each other. Oh, except she is a tight wad and I am a spend thrift. But, other than that....two peas in a pod :) After the party, we ventured outside to see the beauty mother nature had left for us. Very very pretty, but very hard on the electricity. Our was on because we have underground cables, but a big part of the city was out, including my niece--we dropped them to a dark apartment after the party :( We pulled into our driveway and the front of our house was shiny, from being coated in ice Odd, yet lovely. I picked Steph up from her babysitting job at 1AM (after being up since 5) She earned some money for Christmas shopping and is very pleased to be able to buy presents with her own money:) (Big girl) Today, we took Gramma out to breakfast (at 1:00) maybe some people call that lunch, and went condo shopping. It was our first weekend looking, but a good place to start. This spring we hope to list her house and get her somewhere with less upkeep that is less expensive. I want to find her somewhere she will be happy though, and something that is NOT like an old folks high rise. She comes to work for me as my cook in 10 days, and that will really help both her and I :) After condo shopping, I finally got in a restless nap, picked up Brennan (who wore shorts to his tournament today) and picked up taco bell for dinner. It's 8:20 now...I must get a few more loads of laundry done, and hope to catch up on some Tivo...I only got to watch one show last week so it's pretty full I bet. Tomorrow, I have work, internship, Kristina has her Christmas show at the high school and then a game after that! Crazy, yet fun. Until next time...