Merry 6 Days After Christmas!!

(I started this post on the day after Christmas. I managed to finally finish it today - the 31st.)

I hope your holiday was as wonderful as ours was. Christmas is nothing short of chaos in our family. It starts early, and it doesn't end until close to New Year's. Ridiculous if you ask me, but that's the way it's been since we had kids. We break the holiday into rounds...

Round 1: Presents from Gram and Gramps in Florida start arriving the week before Christmas. I make the kids (and myself) wait until the last box arrives, and then Jon and I let the kids dig in. This year, they had to wait until Monday evening.

Round 2: Christmas Eve with Jon's family. Ummmm...insanity is the only word to describe the scene at his parent's house. The kids are allowed to ransack the place. And they do a great job. There is no rhyme or reason to the opening of gifts. Jon's Mom hands out the gifts, and the kids start ripping. I have no idea who gave them what. But they were so happy that I really don't care.

Round 3: Christmas morning with my Mom. We are much more organized here. The kids have to wait turns and show everyone what they got. They were so excited to see if Santa ate the cookies they left out. Everyone got lots of good loot, and the kids were so good that I wondered aloud if they were mine!

Round 4: Christmas afternoon with Zak and Trisha. The kids got to open their presents right before they went up for naps. When they came back downstairs, they were excited all over again to see that their presents were still here.

Round 5: Day after Christmas with Devin, Andrea, and their girls. The kids were once again enraptured by the amount of loot they received. Holy crap...we now have more Barbie, babies, and coloring stuff than any one family needs.

Round 6: Our Christmas at our house. Since we aren't home over Christmas, Santa stops twice - here (to leave the BIG things), and at my Mom's (to leave the semi-big things). All three kids were excited to see the piles of presents...again. Gabe and Elliott ripped open their stuff in record time...again. I think Janna was all presented-out. She wanted nothing to do with opening (at my Mom's she kept opening everyone else's gifts), and after the mess what cleared away she took a nap. The kids were awesomely good for the rest of the day. They played and played. I got a chance to rearrange their rooms to make all of their new stuff fit. I also got them to agree to giving some of their old toys away.

So, Christmas is finally over. And I'm grateful. While it was lots of fun, it was also nothing short of chaos. And chaos and I don't get along well.

I didn't post an actual "Weekly Weigh-In" for the week. Even with all of the cookies and pie that I ate, I didn't gain any weight over the holiday. I also didn't lose any, but I'm thrilled that I'm holding steady at 50.8 pounds lost!

We're Heading Out...

Or down, as the case may be. We're going "home" this afternoon, so if there aren't any posts for a few days, it's because I'm having way too much fun with my family. Or because I'm just lazy.

So, as promised, here is a lovely slideshow of lics from the last week or so. Enjoy! And Happy Holidays!!

Weekly Weigh-In!!

The Week: To be perfectly honest, I remember very little about the week. With the exception of snow. I hate snow, and there doesn't seem to be an end to the stuff. There's about 10 inches of it in my front yard, and every time I look outside, more is being added.

Elliott had her pre-school Christmas pageant, and it was wonderful. She had such a good time, and she looked so cute!! When I get a few extra minutes, I'll add pics. Gabriel also had a Holiday thing at his school on Thursday (Jon went), but since school was canceled on Friday I didn't get to see it. I wonder if it would be wrong to ask the teacher if they could reschedule it for January.

Because we have so much snow, all the kids want to do is play outside. Which is fine. If Jon's here. As I have mentioned before, I'm a lazy mom. I hate playing outside. Especially when it's cold. And there are three kids involved. Even Janna wants to play. Or rather, she wants to put on her coat, Elliott's hat, my gloves, Jon's slippers, and be carried around the yard. Or pulled on a blow-up sled. The older kids want to dig tunnels and look for bears. Again, when I get a second, I'll try to add some pictures. And now I must get back to my crafts. And my bottle of wine.

The Weight: I lost a pound this week, bringing the total to 50.8 pounds!!

Did They Smile?

Elliott and I spent the majority of the morning working on her Christmas gifts for her preschool teachers. She made them chocolate chip cookies in a jar. And they turned out better than I ever would have expected. She was so helpful and patient. And she was thrilled that she could do most of the work herself!!

Elliott ready to make cookies!

After we finished filling the jars, we made cards with the recipe in them. I am so amazed at Elliott's ability to write!! She wrote her teacher's names on the front of the cards, and she wrote her own name on the back. I knew she was able to kind of write her name, but she is awesome at it! She knows how to spell it without asking, and her writing is really clear. She was so proud of herself...and so was I!!

The finished product. Elliott loved making her gifts, and she wants to make more!

Questioning the title of this post? After I took her picture with the jars, I took a close-up picture of the jars . Elliott wanted to know if they smiled for the camera. It was so cute!

Birthday Weigh-In!!

Since we've already discussed how part of my week went (my frustration at the behavior of both Gabriel and his teacher at school), we'll just skip directly to the birthday festivities and weight check!!

I got to "sleep" in this morning!! I wasn't really sleeping. I could very plainly hear all three kids whining and Jon's stern voice telling them to be quiet, so I chose to stay in bed. And since I can't see the clock from my side of the bed (it's on the other side of the room and my glasses weren't anywhere near my bed), I just cozied myself in. It was awesome! When I came downstairs, the kids bombarded me with lovely drawings and birthday hugs and kisses. Jon gave me a hug and handed me a present. Running gloves and ear warmers!! YAY! I needed both, and I was thrilled that he actually bought me something.

Right now he's picking up a cake (I didn't want one, but the kids said it couldn't be a birthday party without cake). Miss Courtney will be here around 4:30 so Jon and I can go out on a real date!! I'm very excited. We're going to do some shopping and then we're going to the Olive Garden. I really don't like the OG, but we have a gift card that needs to be used, so that's where we're going. Again, I'm very excited to go out with no kids. I'm even going to wear heels!! Ok, semi-high-heeled boots - but at least they aren't sneakers or Crocs.

The Weight: My insides are starting to regulate themselves (a low fat diet and I just don't seem to get along well), and I managed to lose a little weight this week - 0.6 pounds - bringing the total to 49.8 pounds. I am not going to really pay attention to my WW points today, so I know I am going to gain weight today...and I just don't care. It's my birthday, and I am going to eat CAKE! And tiramisu. And I'm going to drink a bunch of wine!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

Frustration

I spend a lot of my time frustrated. It's just the way it is. When you have no patience, just about everything is frustrating.

Currently, my largest frustration is Gabriel's behavior in school - and the way the teacher is dealing with it. Apparently my Boy just doesn't like to behave. Duh. At the end of October I was asked to stay after class to chat about Gabe's behavior - apparently he's excessively silly during Circle Time, and Mrs. E. was annoyed. Ok. He was starting to act up at home, too, so Jon and I started sitting down with him every night and morning to talk about the acceptable way to behave in school. Things were fine for a week. During the second week of November, I was pulled aside again. Since then, I have had to stay after school almost every day. His silliness and refusal to listen/sit still/pay attention are becoming a problem.

My frustration with the Boy: Every day Jon and I sit down with Gabriel and talk to him on his level - meaning we use our nice voices and we get face-to-face with him. We explain what kind of behavior is acceptable, what's not, and when silliness can be a good thing. We tell him that no matter what he does, we love him and always will. Everyone goes to bed or school/work happy. And then all hell breaks loose when Gabriel is in school. He just doesn't listen. His answer as to why he doesn't listen? He doesn't want to. Argh. I don't have to list my frustrations like I will below...Gabriel, in and of himself, is a frustration!!

My frustration with the teacher: Bear with me...I have a lot to say here.

1) There are 18 kids in Gabe's class - 18 4-year old kids. For the last week, I have been the only parent that has had to stay after. Did I mention that the class is made up of 18 4-year olds? From what I have learned, 4-year olds don't behave most of the time. So while it's possible that my son is the only child acting up, it's not likely.

2) The way I am asked to stay is downright embarrassing. There are at least 20 other parents standing in the hallway and I am asked, in front of everyone, to "please stay - Gabriel has had a bad day". She also calls me by my husband's name (I didn't change my name when we got married. So we don't have the same last name. She has been told that at least 3 times.).

3) Her frustration with Gabriel is appearing to turn into a dislike of the Boy. She doesn't greet him in the morning when I drop him off (she does greet most of the other kids) or tell him good-bye when he leaves. She never has anything positive to say about him at all. Everything is negative. And my kid thrives on negativity.

4) She mentions my son's inability to listen to other parents. I heard her talking about Gabe to another Mom, and I have noticed a change of attitude towards me...and Gabe. He isn't allowed to hold hands with 2 of his friends anymore. When they see us coming, parents pull their kids away from us. A few of the Moms and I had started talking about getting together for play-dates. That talk has ceased.

When I picked Gabe up on Wednesday, I was already annoyed (the Girls were being turds, and I had a feeling that I was probably going to be asked to stay after with Gabriel), so when Mrs. E. shook her head at me, I was ready to scream. Silliness ruled the day, and Gabriel had to be talked to more than once. He even had to go to time-out. I threw my hands up in the air and asked her what she thought I should do. I explained that he doesn't listen to me or to Jon, and it doesn't matter what we do. We punish, we talk, we take away toys...nothing works. "He's 4. What are ya gonna do?" And then I walked away.

I think Mrs. E. realized that I was at the end of my rope. When I picked him up on Thursday, she patted his head and actually spoke to him. She told me he was better - not great, "but he's getting there." Much more positive. When I dropped him off this morning, she greeted him with a smile and told him they were going to have a great day. He told her that he was going to tell his sillies to take a nap. I was thrilled! When I picked him up, she said he had a great day. Yay!

The week ended much better than I thought it was going to. For whatever reason, Gabriel and Mrs. E. just don't really get along. They rub each other the wrong way. And that's ok. As long as she, the adult teacher, realizes it and doesn't take it out on him, the 4-year old silly kid. I also think part of the reason Gabe had such a great day was because Mrs. E. actually spoke to him. Gabey thrives on negativity...he loves it. And he lives to bother people who seem to not like him. When he feels disliked, he acts out. Intentionally.

Here's my Special and Silly Sea-Star Helper. As frustrating as he is, I adore him. And I wouldn't change him. Much.

Gabe and all of his UPK books. He was so proud to show them to me, and he can't wait to show them to Daddy!

Weekly Weigh-In!!

The Week: Was pretty much puke-filled. The only person who didn't puke (or poop themselves silly) was Gabriel. Jon and I are completely over whatever stomach ailment we had, and Elliott seems to be doing better, too. Janna is still exercising her right to very happily poop through at least 3 outfits a day.

Aside from cleaning up vomit and organizing my Vera stash, I also managed to decorate my house for Christmas. The stockings are hung by the staircase with care, and the advent calendars are out. I took a break from my house on Friday night go buy our tree. It was the fastest tree-picking-out I have ever done. It usually takes me at least a half hour to look through the trees, and then an additional 15 minutes to pick the one I like best. It took me maybe 10 minutes this year. The tree was sitting all alone, propped up against a fence. And it was perfect. It took Jon almost no time at all to get it in the stand. It's tall and skinny, and I think it looks beautiful!

Yesterday was spent preparing for my very first TupperWare party! I've hosted Pampered Chef and Pure Romance parties, but I thought TW would be a nice change of pace. The ladies at the party had a great time, and I won some seriously cool gifts. And I get a bunch of free stuff!!

Today's been kind of quiet - and cold. It's absolutely freezing out. Tomorrow isn't going to be much better, either. But, I'm going to spend the rest of my afternoon baking - casseroles, muffins, rolls, and maybe some cookies (though I highly doubt it).

The Weight: Another 1.8 pounds lost, bringing the total to 49.2 pounds!!

Addicted

As I was watching missed episodes of "The Office" this afternoon, I started thinking about what I want to crochet next. How drooling over John Krasinski manifested itself into a weird need to crochet is waaaaaaay beyond me. I'm finishing up an afghan (a Christmas gift) and I'm getting sick of it. So I want to make something for myself. Probably a scarf and cute hat. Patterns and colors started whirling through my little head, and that got me to thinking about what to match the scarf/hat to. Do I match it to my "new" coat? By "new" I mean better than new...my Dad bought me said coat 7 years ago for my birthday. And it was rather snug. Now? It's on the loose side!! And, and, and...it's 3+ sizes smaller than the coat I was wearing!! YAY! Or do I match it to a Vera Bradley purse - and if I choose Vera, what pattern do I match the yarn to? Do I match the hat and scarf to my favorite mittens (lavender GAP mittens complete with around-the-neck-string)? Decisions, decisions, decisions......

The quandary over what to match a scarf/hat to, combined with sheer boredom (no one's puking at the moment so there's no laundry to do or vomit to clean up), led to a pondering of my addictions - The Office especially John Krasinski, crochet, yarn, and Vera Bradley. That of course got me to thinking about my birthday and Christmas...because I asked for more Vera and craft items (I don't think Jon will buy me John K. as a gift). That then led to a need to organize my collection - of both yarn and bags. Which then led to this - the meticulous (kind of) sorting and separating of my bags (Who cares about yarn?? Which I did separate and sort, too.):

This is the downstairs bathroom door. These are the smaller bags that get used on a regular basis. Yes, I do realize that this set up does hinder the ability of the door to open and close.

These are my "official" MOMS Club Vera bags. They're a little too big for everyday use.

These are all of my totes. There are 6 hanging there. And Jon hates them all.

This is the back of our bedroom door. The door no longer opens or shuts well due to the weight of the bags. There are easily over 20 bags hanging. I hung the lighter bags that don't get used much here.

These are my too-small-for-everyday-use bags, wallets, and glasses cases.

My "Lindsey" collection (aside from the Handbag and Tote, the Lindsey is my favorite style of bag).

My collection of swing-style bags. And see the pretty blue silk with polka dots? That's a "Courtney" bag!

And here is the bag I switched over to while cleaning - a Handbag in the Holiday '95 pattern. Since the holidays are here, my bag needs to match the season!

Missing from the pictures are my diaper bags, my travel stuff, the Girls' bags, and the Girls' rugs. I know - rugs?? Yep. In the spring when we spruce up the girls' room, everything will be purchased/made to match the VB throw rugs (adorable braided rugs in the Katherine pattern) my Mom bought for their room.

Oh. My. God. The above ridiculousness has fed into one of my other addictions...being defensive. I know I have a gazillion bags that I will probably never use (or get rid of), but they were either purchased used on eBay (or, if new, at least 50% off), by someone other than myself, or some combination of the above. Defensive as I am about my love of bags, I do realize that I have a slight problem. I think I need some help!

So, I beseech you loyal internet (and real-life) friends...exactly what do I match the hat and scarf to?

Healthy...

...for now. The stomach bug made it's way through the house this week. I think it's finally gone, but I'm sure it will rear it's ugly head again before the cold/flu season is over. Since Gabriel and Janna had some sort of tummy ailment over Thanksgiving, Jon and I figured that we would all get it at some point this week. And we all did. Jon was sick Monday night and Tuesday. And since he was so miserable, we thought we would plan ahead - meaning that we would get out extra sheets, jammies, puke buckets, etc. so in the event that the kids got sick we were ready. Good thing we're so smart.

On Tuesday night, Jon and I did three loads of laundry...all from Elliott's bedroom. She was sick all night. She exhausted all of the mattress pads for her bed (and Janna's), her pillows, and 4 sets of jammies. Poor Girly. Janna faired a little better. She only threw up once, but the diaper blow outs were disgusting.

And then I got it, too. Tuesday night was miserable, and I slept all day on Wednesday. The only good thing about being sick is that Jon stays home from work and deals with the kids. Thank goodness I have an understanding husband.

Today everyone is feeling better. I think Janna is still a little under the weather...she's sleeping right now. But no one has a fever, or tummy aches, or snot. I hope it stays this way for a while!