New Year's Eve

IC scooping away.

Miss A scootering around.

E bunny triking through the snow.

Well, we didn't get the snow they were forecasting-awesome, in my opinion. We did get some sleet and a little bit of snow-just enough to postpone my back appointment until next week.

Instead, we worked on picking up the kids' rooms (especially IC's, WOW, was that bad!) and vacuuming upstairs. Also, I finished up a mountain of laundry before we headed outside to play for a little. IC did some shoveling and the girls played a little before catching sight of Daddy. After that, we hung in the barn with Daddy while he worked on cleaning out a couple of stalls he's going to start working on for future 4-H calves.

After the girls played in the cattle tank and froze their gloves (by accident) to the metal fencing (no, I'm really not kidding), I took them in (after I freed the gloves). They warmed up in the bath while IC spent a little more time with Daddy.

Now, I am looking at some pictures I have of Miss A, deciding what next scrapping layouts I want to do.

The kids are now settled into watching the veggietales Jonah movie. After getting the older 2 to bed, JJ and I will be waiting for E to crash before going to bed ourselves. Most likely, the new year will ring in without us being up for it.

Such is the case of when you are too tired to stay up and would rather sleep!

Miss A's First Birthday

We're sliding back in time to January 20-21, 2007. Miss A's first birthday, I believe, was cold and snowy, but we managed to have a good time with presents and cake anyway :)

What Tomorrow May Bring

It's been kind of a not-so-great-day. While the kids didn't fight as much today, they certainly got into the naughties in other ways. Definately no fun for Mommy today.

I did hear from my SIL, and my nephew yesterday won all his wrestling matches! I'm so proud of him!

Yesterday was also good as we had our first baby calf of the season-we are now officially calving. It's a boy and is doing well! Only about 59 more to go!

So, back to today. We got the house cleaned and ran into town this afternoon for groceries since it appears that there's a rather icky storm coming upon us between the wee hours of the morning and tomorrow night.

Lovely.

We're talking rain changing to ice then to snow. Blowing snow up to 35 mph, 4-7 inches possible and windchills 20-30 degrees below zero.

It's last Christmas all over again.

Or, we could hope that the weathermen are being over-cautious and it's a little snow that blows some.

I can hope, right?

Only tomorrow can tell. Since I was supposed to go to York for a back appointment, I'm guessing I will probably have to postpone it.

Ah well. We survived last year, we can do anything!

Wrestling Meet

The kids were NOT good today.

There's not really any way to get around it.

To relieve some of the fighting, we went to the high school where my nephew was wrestling in a holiday invitational. We saw him wrestle once, but didn't stay for the whole day, as it was too boring for the girls to take.

He did well, and I will find out later how he finished.

We went outside after getting home and the fighting had resumed.

Now, I am basically counting down the minutes until bed, hoping that the kids will TRY to get along at least for a little bit today.

One can only hope.

Up-And-Down Day

It was an up-and-down day today.

First, dragging the kids to town was ok, getting them up and going was the pits.

Then, they were wild when we got home, so I let them watch TV.

After dinner, the older fought while I was getting E down for a nap.

To get them distracted, we took down the Christmas tree, and they actually got along better.

After that, they were back to fighting, so we had a quick snack and them I shooed them outside.

The weather was great today, so that helped.

I did 1/2 of JJ's chores since he was busy moving cows and pulling fence.

Now, the older 2 are getting along beautifully-if it would only last.

The Unofficial Day-Off

The kids and I unofficially decided to take today off-minimal chores, no laundry, no cleaning (unless it's something spilled that HAS to be cleaned up), etc.

This am, Miss A was the first up and saw that her baby doll crib was FINALLY fixed-she was thrilled! She got this for Christmas when she was about E's age and this past year, the thing started falling apart. It's been on JJ's to-do list for quite some time.

Yesterday, after we got home from town, JJ decided to get the thing finally fixed. So, this am, I decided to quick make it a mattress and pillow for the doll, since the original thing didn't work very well. I was able to use a pillowcase I used to have the on the toddler bed (that I'd made myself) for both things.

After that, it was time to motivate the kids to get ready for the day before IC and I got into cleaning up and arranging the craft supply shelf. I also got out my handy-dandy labeler to do some labeling.

Then, the kids were ready to do some painting before dinner.

While E took a nap, then Miss A wanted to try out her new paint brushes she got yesterday-they are supposed to be mess-free (yeah, right). Then, I let IC watch a little TV.

Later, I will have to work to get the kids outside for a little fresh air before dark.

Maybe, I can sneak in a little scrapping today-after all, it's a fun day :)

The Final Christmas Gathering

Well, the final Christmas gathering is done. I can now breathe a sigh of relief.

It was actually uneventful. First, the kids watched their 3rd movie this am before we went to the in-laws. There was soup and sandwiches for dinner before opening presents.

Then, sitting around for a couple of hours. We were home by 4-excellent, in my opinion. Then, it was work on getting things put away, of which I am not done yet, but that's ok.

I am just glad we are done with things and can relax for awhile-until the next family thing, which will be Miss A's birthday in January.

Christmas at Grandma K's

Dinner was excellent at mom's today-ham, mashed potatoes, creamed peas, rolls, corn, salad and choc. cake for dessert. Umm!

Afterward, was presents. The kids each got a movie, a pillow and a piece of clothing. IC got a nice shirt, Miss A got a nice shirt with a horse on it and E got something she's just been asking for months-a cowboy hat!

JJ got money (his favorite kind of gift) and I got an electric skillet (I pretty much told mom she could get me one-mine is wore out).

After presents, we watched 2 of the kids' movies-Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue and Toy Story 3-they were both really good. E did have a good nap and then it was time to have supper-simple meat, cheese, etc.

After that, it was time to go home. The kids each had showers before getting to play a couple of new Wii games.

It was a pretty good day. Just one more Christmas celebration to go!

Merry Christmas!

Last night's fun:E's Barbie car,

Miss A's thrill about the million little pieces that came with the Barbie nursery set,

and IC's new drawing book (along with Star Wars bed sheets-a request from him directly!)

IC decided to use the box I wrapped E's Barbie car in to make a garage for the car-E was pretty happy with it!

Christmas Morning: It was a late night for Santa-and an early morning for mom and dad! IC was up at 6, and I let him watch TV for awhile. At 6:45, he couldn't wait any longer, so I got up and by 7 am, I sent IC to wake the girls up.

We all did well this year for gifts and the kids seemed to be pretty happy with what they got. We let each of them open a gift last night after supper-the ones that they gave to each other-so this morning there was Santa's gift, a gift from Mom and Dad and the stockings.

This is the snowman Miss A made for me at preschool.

IC's thrilled with his snap-electric circuit set and DSi, Miss A is happy with her Squikees and Pet Shop, and E, well, E loves EVERYONE's gifts, besides her Barbie stuff and Zhu Zhu pets.

And it's 10 am, and already the fights have begun (between the girls). Ugh.

For dinner, we are going to my parent's house, so it will be a nice, relaxed afternoon (barring any major fights).

Christmas Eve

Yesterday, the kids and I did the house cleaning and laundry, etc, so that I wouldn't have to work today. Well, I'm still working today-somehow the laundry just keeps adding everyday, so I am trying to keep from getting behind.

Other than that, the kids and I did some scrapbooking this am. Well, ok, THEY got to scrap and I had to help them!

This afternoon, the big kids did a little painting while E napped. It didn't go particularly well just because of the mess factor and they started getting testy with each other as time went on.

Next, I told the kids to get a few things together to take to church tonight and they are trying to take their entire collection of littlest pet shop animals and hot wheels cars. UGH! It's not THAT long of a service, guys!

I can only hope to get through the rest of the day without too much conflict happening and hoping to keep them occupied during service.

The choir (measely as it may be tonight) is singing for Christmas eve service, which means we'll have to be there at 4:30 (for 5 pm service). After that, it will be home to eat and Santa prep before bed.

Fun! Fun!

Grandchildren LO

This is the LO I did for my mom for Christmas this year. I think she will enjoy it.

Hi-Ho, It's Off To Work We Go!

So, for most of this week, we've been home in the evenings.

Super-nice. I have really enjoyed not having to rush somewhere and having breaks from the kids' many activities.

Since we've actually been around and the weather's not been miserable, we've been able to go outside in the afternoons and play.

Mostly, the kids have been able to go outside and bug, I mean, hang with Daddy.

The past couple of days, we helped Daddy pick up numerous sticks and branches that he's been cutting down in an attempt to clean up the trees around the yard.

We've also been helping chore, which translates into me helping and the kids tagging along! The kids have been learning about how to open the gate to the feedlot and to watch it while Daddy feeds the heifer's silage with the tractor and silage wagon. We've been feeding the calves buckets of corn and the bulls silage and corn mixed together.

Let's just say, Mom's back and arms are getting quite the workout (and sore, too!)

Today, there's a chance of ice, so we may not be helping much today-we'll have to see what the weather does.

IC got up this am and wondered what we were doing today-my response? "Cleaning the house."
His: "We did that last week!" Mine: "I usually clean the house every week." His: "Oh, I thought you did that every other week."

Sometimes it is every other week, but that's usually due to the fact that I didn't get to it that week!

We MAY have to run into town quick this am, but I am hoping not. It's a lot of work to drag all three to town sometimes, but that's how this week has gone. I've forgotten something at the grocery store every day so far this week!

Well, the laundry is NOT getting itself done, so it's time to get to work!

IC's Christmas Party

Yesterday morning was IC's Christmas party at school. Since Miss A was all done with school, Mom came over and was able to watch the girls while I was gone. Apparently, JJ got her to "help" the girls wrap my Christmas gifts, also.

Anyway, the kids had fun with a couple of games-pin the star on the Christmas tree, and pass the present, before they played a final game of passing their school presents around before opening them.

It got a little loud a few times, but it was a good time.

Gingerbread houses

Miss A's.

IC's.

This week, the kids made gingerbread houses in each of their classes. Miss A was able to bring hers home on the bus, while I had to pick IC's up from school. Both are pretty proud of their creations. I think they did a great job!

A Song Delimma

Do you ever have that thing where you like a song, but don't know the artist and can only remember a couple of words to it?

Ugh. And of course, the only time you hear it on the radio is when you're driving and can't stop to write down the words.

I've had this delimma for a month and today, I was trying to find the song by lyrics on a website, which worked for me one time, but not this time, and then I tried searching on iTunes.

No luck.

Total bummer.

I'm going to have to keep listening to the radio and hope they play it again SOON.

A Look Back

It was just 4 years ago, but it seems like a long time ago-IC just turned 3 and Miss A was getting ready to turn 1. Christmas 2006. Back then, I was looking for Thomas the Train, and Geo Trax toys for IC, and baby toys for Miss A. I actually just got done scrapping this very Christmas a month ago.

Now, by the way, it was Nintendo DS and an electrical circuit thing for IC and Littlest Pet Shop and Barbie stuff for Miss A.

E bunny wasn't even close to being around yet. For her, we're looking at Zhu Zhu pets and Barbie stuff.

I got all nostalgic today when I looked at my next pictures I have on my pile to scrap-Miss A's first birthday. And to think, she's turning 5 in a little less than 1 month.

Scary sometimes, to think about how quickly life changes.

An Early Riser?

This morning, the child who normally can barely get out of bed was up before 6 am this morning-watching cartoons!

I couldn't believe when I woke up at 6 am that Miss A was up. By herself. Watching TV.

Go figure.

I'm sure I'll have to drag her out of bed tomorrow, but at least I didn't have to do it one day this week. I still had to push her, though, to get ready for the day.

She did take a short nap on the way home from running errands in town. Hopefully, that will be enough to get her through the day today. She is excited to have show-n-tell on her last day of the year. She will be getting a van ride with Judy for the last time tomorrow, as we no longer qualify for free transportation since Miss A graduated to peer status. It will be different in January, but a good different.

Last-Minute Shopping and Christmas Cards

It wasn't a terribly restful Sunday as we headed to S.S. this am. There were pancakes in S.S., then it was church, then we headed to York to eat before hitting Wal-mart. IC exchanged his game from yesterday and got a Build Battleship game. It was the closest thing to the "regular" battleship, except you build your ship with the lego pieces and the board, pegs, etc are different. The rules are a little different, but you can play it basically the same way.

After a rather lengthy decision-making discussion at the game aisle, we split up with me somehow having E and JJ taking the other 2 to shop for me. Halfway through that encounter, JJ came back for a size check and somehow, Miss A stayed with me. So, I had to wrestle with the girls while attempting to get some supplies.

Let's just say, I was rather tired by the time I called it quits. So, JJ has to do chores for awhile, so the kids are watching cartoons and I am staring at my Christmas cards, wishing that they would do themselves (but they aren't!). For some reason, I am struggling to get them started-I've never had that problem before. I'm not down about Christmas at all or anything, but I am dragging my feet for this.

It will get done, eventually, I hope.

Snow Much Fun

After the aunt and uncle left, I sent the kids outside to play. Today was the first real snowfall we had and the kids were thrilled. The first thing IC did was to scoop snow-he's always been big on scooping. Of course, the girls wanted to also, so I got out the other scoop and a broom for the kids to use.

Some of the kittens have started coming up to the house, especially when the dog isn't around, and they think they can get free food, so Miss A got to play some with a couple of them today. E picked one up and promptly carried it upside down a couple of feet before letting it go. She was afraid it was going to get into the garage. It was hilarious-of course, I didn't have the camera then!

The kids played outside almost an hour-they had a pretty good time. It still didn't get all of the naughties out of them, though!

The First Set of Christmas Gifts

It was quite a day today with piles of laundry, finish cleaning the house, putting piles of laundry away, helping the kids de-clutter their rooms, etc. The kids were naughty today-fighting, mouthing off, calling each other names, etc, so it was a break when we had visitors this afternoon.

Today, my husband's aunt and uncle came to visit for Christmas. Miss A got a puzzle, IC got Yahtzee (which we will exchange tomorrow at Wal-mart since we already have the game), and E got a doll.

After they left, the kids resumed their awful antics. E bunny did NOT have a nap at all today. She just about gave in to sleep at the supper table, so we let her have a little root beer, which perked her up for awhile. She crashed by 7:45, so I am hoping she'll still sleep the rest of the night.

Only time will tell.

Gingerbread house

Miss A was very proud of her gingerbread house that she brought home on Thursday from preschool.

1 Tooth Less

IC came home from school on Thursday sporting a new space in his mouth. He's been working on a loose tooth up front for awhile and it finally came out. He was pretty happy.

Dirt and Grease

Yesterday was the first day in quite some time the kids and I actually got to spend some quality time outside playing.

We've been so busy this month, either having something in the evening to go to, or it was totally miserable outside that we haven't been out much.

I bundled the kids in their heavy coveralls, hats. gloves and heavy coats and we went out and got dirty.

And I DO MEAN DIRTY!

The girls spent some time following Daddy, helping with chores, and IC worked on taking a small engine apart that Grandpa J let him have. So, the grease and dirt were prevalent when we were done, but the kids burned off energy and got some fresh air.

It was a pretty good end to the day.

Computers, Cleaning, and Gifts

I'm not sure what happened, but now the main computer won't show pictures from the internet.

Ugh! I just know when I tell JJ he'll tell me he doesn't know what to do. And I don't know why it's not working, it was yesterday afternoon.

I guess I will have to use my laptop if I need to (I hppe it's working ok!) or maybe I'm not supposed to use the computer today.

I DO need to do laundry, clean the sinks, bathroom and vacuum, AND help the kids clean up their rooms (part of the mess is the laundry baskets full of CLEAN laundry that need to be put away).

I need to do a search through Miss A's clothes for some stuff for E. That girl continues to just grow! She's into 5T and some little girls' 4's. Size 4's already! She did pretty good potty training this week until yesterday, then she decided she'd rather wear a diaper again instead of sitting on the potty.

Did I mention I absolutely do not enjoy potty training? I wish there was some magic pill to give and we'd just be done! I think it's harder this time for me because it's my last one, and Miss A was an awful pill during hers. We will both survive and E WILL come out potty-trained in the end, but we are having a celebration when we are done, that's for sure! AND I am burning the diaper pail! (No kidding, I really will do it!)

Anyway, E's final present came in the mail yesterday, so now I have all the gifts. JJ still has to get one for me with the kids, but we plan to do that tomorrow after church, when we head to the Iron Skillet to eat in York and then yep, you guessed it, swing through Wal-mart afterwards.

The other day, during gymnastics, I took IC around Wal-mart and pointed out a couple of things he and Daddy could decide from for a a gift. He's actually excited about it. He's pretty good, really, about gift-giving. This is good, it gives me hope that I haven't totally messed him up! (Unless it's because he is spending Mom and Dad's money and not his own!)

Yuck

No call to work, so I spent the day trying to get things done, but not getting as far as I'd hoped.

When it was all said and done, I have the teacher's gifts done, the floors cleaned and the furnace register hopefully all de-molded.

Yeah, the register that is located under the china hutch in the kitchen decided to grow mold. Ugh. Yuck. Yuck.

Apparently, food particles decided to take a life of their own.

At least, we caught it before the growing moved out too far from the register!

Let's just say I used a lot of Chlorox wipes tonight.

And I repeat, Yuck.

Just Another Busy Day

I am looking forward to not having to go anywhere tomorrow (watch, I'll get called to work, I just know it).

Today, it was making 2 batches of ranch chex mix, 1 batch of sweet chex mix, accidentally knocking the vase of 3/4 dead flowers over onto the floor and onto the cup box (I have a big tote box with straw cups and water bottles for the kids). So, in between making dinner, I was cleaning up a mess and basically cussing about it, since I was ticked at myself.

This afternoon, I got most of the gifts wrapped, laundry folded and dishes put away.

THEN, after the big kids came home it was head to York for the final gymnastics class for a couple of months.

Now, after my shower, it's call one of IC's classmates regarding the class Christmas party next week.

Yippee.

Just Not Ready This Year

It's hard to believe that Christmas is only 10 days away-this year, I feel not even close to being ready. I have the gifts, but they're not wrapped. I have the Christmas cards, but they're not sent. I have the supplies to make chex mix for the teachers this year, but it's not made. I have the Christmas music out, but haven't played any. I have the tree up, but half of the time I forget to turn it on in the evening. I am supposed to help w/IC's class party a week from today, but haven't called anyone nor has anyone called me to get plans together.

I'm not sure what's with me this year, but for some reason, I just can't seem to get the final things done in order to be ready.

At least, after today at Creations and choir practice and tomorrow at gymnastics, my Friday and Saturday have NOTHING scheduled on them. Surely, I can get things done those days.

Right!?

Potty-Training

Quite suddenly Monday night, E bunny decided she wanted to wear underwear instead of diapers and pull-ups. So, for now, at least, we are on the potty-training track, again. I am pretty glad this is the last child for that task-ugh. Potty-training is NOT the high-light of my life. Since E is not great at telling me when to go, I am cheating some. She's got underwear on, but a pull-up over it. She's not great at telling me when she needs to have a BM, but isn't too bad with the wetting part. Skeptic that I am, I am waiting to see if she'll stick to actually training or if she will get bored by Christmas. I hope that she will train over Christmas vacation-it sure would make things a lot easier, but after the struggles w/Miss A, I am not holding my breath!

Dancing

The girls in dance had a performance last night (except for the tap dancers-they can't tap on the gym floor). Four of the dance groups performed during the halftime of the JV girls game and 2 groups (the older girls) performed during the varsity girls game.

So, Miss A's group was first and she did great! All the groups did well, especially since they've only been practicing since September. After Miss A's group performed, the girls sat on the floor on the end of the gym while the rest of the groups performed (Miss A got a little bored, but she hung in there until the end).

After the performances, I went to go get Miss A. She wanted to watch some basketball, so we stayed a little while.

Christmas Program #3

Miss A performed in her final TYKE preschool Christmas program last night. It was cute. There were 64 children in preschool performing, which made the risers quite full. Miss A did great, singing her heart out and doing the actions for the songs. Bonus:the program was only 15 minutes long, so it was short, but sweet. I am proud of my girl.