Our Snow Day!

~~~~~SNOW DAY~~~~~

Today is the first snow day of the year-- well, that'd be of the school year and of the new year I suppose.



We woke up to a winter wonderland of sorts, right here in our own backyard--literally. See



And in our front yard, too, of course. Here's a few good inches of snow covering our mailbox.

We saw it starting to snow around bath time last night (say 7ish), and it hasn't stopped since. We love snow days--mainly because we (I) romanticize them. But still, we love them!

We just don't always love the preparations it takes to get ourselves outdoors.

First, I will say that I am 8 months pregnant and fighting a little chest congestion problem. So the multiple trips up the stairs to search for winter gear was nowhere near fun. I was just hoping it would be worth it.

I was most certainly picturing lots of this action!

It took us 3o minutes to get everyone dressed in snow boots, snow suits, hats, gloves and coats. It is quite the workout to get four littles dressed in all this winter wear--especially since they can't do a lick of it themselves. Again though, I was just hoping it'd be worth it.

I imagined that once we won the battle of (getting) the bulge (on), we'd run into our snowy driveway and play the morning away. I was even more excited than normal because I was taking along my new camera for the ride.

So eventually we made it outdoors and onto the drive. The kids immediately took to the snow.

All but her.

It snowed a ton last winter, but it was always so cold that we never managed to make it out in the snow--plus one of our littles wasn't walking and we all know that complicates things further! So really, this was her first snow experience.

The poor thing could hardly walk. She kept reminding me of the "tic about to pop" from Christmas Story. So I tried pulling her on the sled, but that was a no go!

But my other 3 littles enjoyed a few minutes of snow play, and I more than enjoyed watching them.

They tried to catch snowflakes on their tongues.

They sled down our little hill of a drive.

They smiled when I said look at mama!

And of course there was a (just one) snow angel made.




And then the phone rang. It was the doctor (and we were waiting on her return call) so I had to take it. Of course this is the same time that my eldest runs inside screaming that her hands are stinging they're so cold. I gently ask her to run inside and wrap them in a towel--though I was still dumbfounded on how her hands were cold since she was wearing water-proof mittens.

I continue with the doctor, explaining symptoms and what not until my second-born decides it's potty time. Like, I potty now whether it be in my clothes or in the potty.

Oh, and then my "tic," who can hardly walk has slipped on our garage floor and is now crying.

I wrapped things up as quickly as I could with the doctor; and then I was sent on a mission to conquer the chaos that ensued in the 3 minutes it took for me to speak with our physician.

Seriously! This all happened. And then it was all over.

My one, lone little Bug managed to escape the chaos. Nonetheless, she was ready to come in.

So in we came. Luckily, Brownie made it to the potty and somehow managed to get out of her winter clothes in time.

Peach reported that she had taken her mittens off and that's how her hands got stingy. She was mostly calmed down at this point.

Boushka had no serious damage---nothing a little hug and kiss couldn't fix.

We all managed to make it out of our snow suits, boots, hats, coats and gloves before my floors were too soaked. I guess it helped that they only walked on the tile and not on any carpet. Phew!

I set the wet boots out in the garage, hung our coats and snow suits, and pitched the gloves and hats back into the bins. And then I plopped on the couch and thought, Yeah, never doing that again!

I feel bad about my attitude towards the fun I pictured that turned into chaos, but I can only be hopeful and assume that

1) Had I not been pregnant,

2) Had I not been fighting some chest congestion,

3) Had the phone call not happened,

AND

4) Had there been another adult with me

things just may have gone a bit better. The pregnancy/sickness combo, in case you don't know, makes it a bit tougher to breath and just generally move around. And the phone call... pretty sure it took too much of my attention for those few minutes that in turn allowed the CHAOS to ENSUE-- especially since no other adult was around!

So, lesson learned. Or maybe not. Because I am still picturing the fun times to be had in the snow--but I think I'll wait until Daddy is home to enjoy the fun with us!

Preparations

Here we are in lovely (sarcasm) January about to expect our first real snow of the year. We've had spits of it here and there, but certainly nothing to write home a blog post about. Well, apparently that is all about to change.

Sometime soon, we are supposed to get 7.4 inches (the last I heard); We're not used to large amounts (yes this is a decent size for our area) of snow dropping frequently throughout winter, so around these parts that calls for some planning.

I'm talking trips to the store, winter gear(shovels, sleds, etc.) ready to go in the garage, and plenty of wood for a fire. And I like to throw my own little preparations in there-- a clean house and good food. Because if I'm going to be stuck indoors, I'm going to want peaceful surroundings and yummy food.

So this week I plan on making plenty of
-granola bars (but they're more like hunks) to start our mornings off right

- homemade chicken strips--buffalo style for the adults in the house

- Vermont white cheddar mac 'n cheese soup (which was not tried and true until we tried it today and decided it's true)

- lentil sloppy joes (which we have not tried, but I'm hoping we can add it to our true list)

-turkey meatballs-- though I don't know if we'll pair it with spaghetti and tomato sauce or turn them into a sandwich...

-apple crisp

-Tomato Chicken and veggies over rice---this is a slow cooker recipe that simmers all day

-Jambalaya- for my husband

I think there's more on here than we'll actually get made, but these are all in the plans. The ingredients we needed have been bought and I'm ready to heat up the house tonight with the Chicken strips, mashed potatoes and green beans. Also perfect game day food according to my sweet husband.

I actually need to finish the one half of my personal preparations--clean house. We have finally put all Christmas decor away (tree is officially down), vacuumed, done the dishes (several times, I might add), and emptied trash cans--- so now it's on to continue with the laundry (still about 5 more loads to do) and cleaning of the master bath!

And if I'm lucky, I'll get some more work done on the V-day shirts for the girls.

No Rhyme or Reason...

What happens when you stay up until 3 am and then proceed to rise out of bed at 7am? Well, if you're me you end up with nothing to write about.


My brain seems to be slowing down a bit as my wee ones are sleeping peacefully in their beds. I was full of energy and running around all day today, I decided to sit down and write a post during naps today. Well, I've been sitting here for quite some time, and I ain't got nothin'! Oh, except writers block.


And contractions. They're kind of regular at the present. I think this means I need to go do something else, right? On that note, I'm going to leave you with some cute pictures (I know, you're welcome) while I go about cleaning and drinking water. That oughtta take care of these pesky little contractions.

Crafting

My crafting for the week, or should I say post-Christmas, has been lacking a little. I've made a few bows here and there and 2 bow holders (that I have yet to snap photos of but are hanging in the girls' bathroom), but the only other things I've done are this

and this.

The little dinosaur onezie is for a sweet friend of mine who just had her 4th baby the day after Christmas. He's a cutie and has lots of love from his big sister and brothers--not to mention, I believe his mommy is quite in love!

I was really wanting to make this little guy something, and as soon as I saw that polka-dot fabric I instantly saw a dinosaur. When I got him done, the shirt looked a little plain. So I threw in the tree for a little decoration.

And the tree (the one with heart on it seen below, not the one on the onezie)---well, what can I say? I went out and bought my first fake tree a few days ago. Target had two 4ft, pre-lit trees left after the new year and I purchased one of them. They were 75% off, so I got it well under $20.

Once I got it loaded in the van, I was in no mood to go home and pack it away. Yes, you could say I was a bit excited. So following after the mother of one of my friends, I decided to keep it up and decorate it for different holidays.

You'll see here, that we decorated our first Valentine's tree.

I found a few little things at Joann's to put on it, but I plan to decorate more with items my babes bring home from school. Having three in preschool helps me to keep my house rather...., hmmmm how should I put this.... decorated! So I hope that the tree will hold many of these treasures from my girls.

We'll see if I keep it up for other holidays. I think it will stay up for St. Patrick's Day because I do have one small tub of decorations. And most of it would look great hanging from my new tree! Did I mention that I love this idea because it keeps most of the holiday clutter off of my shelves, tables and mantles and on a tree instead. Still festive, but it doesn't feel like overkill!

I hope to get back into my crafting obsession as soon as I finish up grading. Classes end next Monday, and all of my grades have to be turned in by Thursday. Then, we let the crafting begin.

-I have a few little onezies in mind for my newest babe. The fabric is all picked out, I just need to design it.

-There will be bows to go with them, of course.

-I have one of four "XO"s cut out for the older girls' V-day shirts. They asked for them, so I obliged. It's kinda hard to resist these little faces, don't ya think?

And something that I don't plan on doing myself---

I'm on the hunt for somebody else to do a little quilting for me. I know exactly what I want for my baby's bedding, but I can't find it anywhere. Really, it's pretty simple. A bunch of bright green fabric and just a little black--that's all I want. I can find a sheet somewhere and I'm not really into bumpers, so those don't need to be part of the package. But I would love a skirt to go with the pretty quilt I have pictured. I wish I had that kind of talent!

I also have an entire nursery to put together. I've made a few items for each girl for their rooms, so I can't let this one go without. So I'm sure there will be a few little things I make for her room---I just don't know what they are yet!

Well, I guess I've sent all of these lofty ideas into the universe so I suppose I need to get off of here and get a little head-start to the crafting before the grading commences this weekend!

2010 in Review

Usually, on this day each year I find myself in tears around midnight. There's something about change that has never settled well with me. I don't like to see the old leave and the new come in. I don't really know why. There are lots of areas in life where I welcome the new with open arms (like welcoming a new baby), and there are many areas where I'm happy to say goodbye to the past (like your basic bad days). But saying goodbye to a whole year feels like closing an entire chapter of my life. And when my children are so young, it just reminds me that I'll never have these days back again. So, I guess that it's not the New Year that makes me so sad, it's the saying goodbye to the life we had.

It seems like the babies are constantly changing, and any little moment I can savor--well, I do. The closing of 2010 simply tells me that gone are the days when I'm the (pregnant) mom to a 1 year old, a 2/3 year old, a 3/4 year old and a 4/5 year old. 2010 was the last year that I'll be the mom with all my kids at home. And 2010 could be the last year that I discover the happy news of a new life growing.

I realize that some of those things may excite or thrill others, but they don't really do that for me yet. Yes, being a mom to 4/5 kids who are not in school yet can be stressful, tiring, even mundane every once in a while. But it's not like I'd trade that in for all the fun, love, hugs and kisses I get on a daily basis. And yes of course being pregnant can be a giant pain, literally! But again, ask me if I'd change anything? NOPE!

So to help me savor this past year a little bit, here is a brief review of our 2010:

January-- Well, it's hard to remember this far back, but I remember:
-Snow
-Sickness
-Xmas decorations left up for a few weeks after Xmas
-Starting my new, online teaching job

February--
-My first ear infection in probably 20 years
-I got my iPhone
- Ha! My husband was still having to carry our dog to her crate at night.

March-
-Husband left town for a few days (these are always fun for me)
- We celebrated St. Pat's day at one of our fav local-ish restaurants
-We had awesome weather one day (think picnic at the zoo) and some snow the next. I remember being absolutely sick of the snow by this point.

April
-Boushka turned 1. We celebrated with family and friends at our house.
-I increased workouts and veggie intake! I was making a good start to weight loss (right before becoming pregnant)
-We got a family picture at Easter!
-Hubbs and I finished up our last Love and Logic class. We left feeling like awesome parents!

May
-After her 4th ear infection, Boushka and I ceased all nursing activity
-My pregnancy technically started
-The girls finished up with school
-We planned out our family trip to Colorado
-Finished up teaching my first online class

June-
-We painted our kitchen
- Vacationed in Colorado
-My sister came home for a long stay
-The night we came home from vacation (the day before Father's day), we found out about baby #5
-Soccer camp for 1
-Swimming lessons for 1 & 2

July
-We had a huge garage sale
-Said goodbye to my sis for a whole year :-(
-Morning sickness, UGH!
-Celebrated our 5th anniversary
-New furniture in the basement and bunk beds for big girls!
-Ballet for #1&2
-Hubbs and I celebrated our birthdays

August
-Found out we've received low doses of carbon monoxide poisoning for 2.5 years
- I measured 4 weeks ahead at my first OB check
-Peach started soccer on her first "real" team
-First sonogram (to check why I was measuring big)
-Matt melted my heart when he painted Brownie's toenails

Sept
-First day of school for older three--Bug's first day of school ever!!
-Peach turned 5
-Went to the Pow-wow
-Attended our Peach's first soccer game
- I lost my most favorite job of all time at our history museum
- I fell down the stairs and bumped my bump

October
-Found out we are having a girl (early sono due to my fall, baby was fine)
-Visited the pumpkin patch
-Celebrated Brownie's 4th birthday
-Celebrated Bug's 3rd birthday
-Went Trick or Treating in our old neighborhood

November
-We had yummy Thanksgiving feasts with our families
-Did all of our traditions associated with the holiday--Tree hunt/decorate, pie-making, etc
-I entered the third trimester--woohoo!
- We voted--didn't care much for most of the outcomes
-Finished the majority of my Xmas shopping early this year
-Also finished my cards earl(ier than normal, at least)

December
- By this point I've lost count of how many times I've had the puke bug recently
-Ooops, the whole family got the puke bug
- I really got into bow making and actually made several gifts for Xmas this year
- We toured several lights displays
- Saw our fair share of Santas
- Our three older girls participated in their yearly Christmas program at school
- Uncle John was home for Christmas
- Auntie didn't make it home for Xmas, but we had a nice 1 1/2 hour long chat with her on Xmas day
- Many magical Christmas celebrations with our families
- I failed at writing a brief note everyday for each girl
-Celebrated the end of the year!

Here's to making 2011 a year to remember. I pray it's full of good health, good news and good fortune. I know we'll be starting it off well when we welcome our newest sweet baby girl. May you feel incredibily blessed this year as well!

Happy New Year!

Christmas for my Sis!

Well, I certainly didn't stick with my one post per day routine. But to make up for it, I have tons of Christmas stuff to post!


First, I got a new camera for XMAS. It's awesome and I love it with all my heart. And you, few readers, will not have to endure (many) more iPhone pictures. From now on, you can view my brood in high quality pictures.


And after spending the last 3 hours editing these 600 or so photos, I plan to share a few here. Since I have a hard time deciding which ones to post (because there are so many cute ones now that I have a working camera), I'm going to share the photos I told my sis I would share. Remember, this is my sis who has been serving in World Race for the past six months. Yes, this means that she missed Christmas. And if you're a long-time reader (we're talking 6 months), you'll remember I mentioned that this was our first Christmas apart in all her life (I spent my first two Christmases as an only child)--and really for what counts of mine. Soooooo, I told her I would post some pictures from our mom's house to help her see what we did.


Here ya go sis! I hope you enjoy!

I just took this picture today, but I wanted you to have a recent pic of all 4!

Brownie (and puppers in the background) doing one of her many poses!

Here's Brownie working diligently on her cookie decorating.

This is when Peach decided to play Santa.

My four sleepy children on Christmas morning.

Smiling (with chocolate on her face) while actually trying to open up her new Pillow Pet.

This is how Boushka says "please." It used to be just this hugging motion, but now she adds in the "peece!"


Matt opening something manly--can't remember what that is.

The top of mom's tree. I knew you'd want to see the bear on top (I believe he's still holding the paper star I cut out ohhhh, about 20 years ago).

Remember how I told you she asks for "chot-et" and "tooties," well, she got her wish granted on Christmas morning.

I just thought Brownie looked so grown up (which is funny for some reason) here while waiting on dinner to be served.

I wanted to show you that Boushka ate the mandarin orange salad in your honor!

Bug chillin' at mom's while playing with her newest and most favorite toy--her "pooter." She claims to have school work and email to check. She seriously wants to be exactly like Daddy!

I told you I'd get a belly shot in here. This is me and baby) at 31 weeks--Christmas morning.

Peach decorating cookies on Christmas Eve at mom's.

These are the new Santa boxes. Of course all 6 of us had one waiting on this bench. Not sure where yours and the new baby's will sit next year seeing as how these 6 take up the exact amount of space offered on the bench???? I'm sure we can make room :)

Boushka admiring one of mom's many animated Christmas toys. Bug would not stop playing the dogs (or was it reindeer) this year.

Bouska decorating, actually I believe she was just eating the cookies. But she looks good in her new KU shirt from Peach/Grandma.

Showing off her decorated tree.

Mom's house Christmas morning. The four Santa bags on the fireplace were not there on Christmas Eve, but they suddenly showed up Christmas morning after Santa came. I knew you'd appreciate this picture.

I'll try to get some more Christams posts up, but as you can see in my lack of posting for a week (when I was trying to make daily posts) my word is no good. So, here's to hoping I pop back in before 2011. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, sis!