Four Little Ones

Spring!

2014-03-20T14:53:00.001-05:00

I am so ready for Spring! Between all the surgeries we've had this winter and the never ending cold, we are all stir crazy. Evan and Nicholas are feeling pretty good now and are back at school. Evan has actually had very minimal pain, and we have to convince him he can't eat crunchy foods yet. Nicholas has had quite a bit of pain though. He wakes up at night in out of control pain if we don't wake him up for meds on a schedule. It looks like the scabs are coming off now, so he should be back to normal shortly. I also think he gets a little hyper from Vicodin, as in bouncing off the walls not sleeping...so no more of that.

He's been lounging around mostly, then complains that he is bored :)

He is happy to be back at school with his friends.

The Sweet Things They Do

2014-03-14T11:23:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I feel like the kids are just constantly fighting with each other. They really know how to push each other's buttons to get a reaction. So it's nice to acknowledge the sweet things they do for each other. I know deep down they love each other, we are just learning how to express our feelings.

Some recent examples:

Nicholas had a cold and wanted to rest on the couch, so Collin brings over his dinosaur book and "reads" it to Nicholas.

Evan had been nervous about starting kindergarten and being able to find his classroom and the KidKare room. Both Becca and Collin have walked him to his class and picked him up from KidKare until he got the hang of it.

Becca and Collin are generally becoming friends and like to hang out together. After the little boys go to bed, they get together to watch their TV show and talk about stuff.

Whenever Collin falls asleep on the couch, Nicholas makes sure to cover him up with a blanket.

He wasn't tired...

Becca spent a lot of time telling Evan and Nicholas about getting their tonsils out. She has tried so hard to give them advice to make it easier on them, unfortunately they are not old enough to know they should listen to her.

Recovering

2014-03-13T09:28:00.000-05:00

The boys have been recovering very well. They felt great yesterday and I had to keep reminding them not to run around all day. I also think Nicholas is enjoying having a playmate at home again, it's neat to see them playing together. They haven't been taking much for pain meds and are both eating constantly (back to normal). Last night was a bit rough for Nicholas though, we got off our Ibuprofen schedule and he had a momentary freak out, but calmed down quickly with some "yucky" medicine.

The boys in Evan's cub scout den made him these get well cards. He had the cutest little grin on his face when his friend Ben brought them over. He and Nicholas have been reading them to each other.

Grandma Jeanie brought them each a little bag of activities, this is the aftermath. They are going through them at an alarming rate. Grandma Cathy also stopped by and brought more Popsicles, much needed since we have gone through two boxes already.

Cards that Grandma Jeanie brought them. I just like to point out the cute, crafty things, since that gene has skipped me.

Out cold last night, they like to be touching each other while they sleep.

More subdued today, coloring lots of pictures.

The plan is for Evan to go back to school on Monday and Nicholas on Tuesday. Hopefully they will continue to do this well and have a smooth transition back to normal activities. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers!

Orchestra Performance

2014-03-12T09:36:00.002-05:00

Becca and Collin have had two performances in the past two weekends. The first was the annual staff showcase, which I wasn't able to make due to work. The kids really enjoy that one and Sean sent me a great video of them playing.

This past weekend they performed with the Buffalo Community Orchestra. This is always a fun one to watch. They look so grown up and professional, it's like getting a little glimpse into the future. I'm hoping they will stick with this orchestra thing as they grow.

Collin was really excited to play with the other cellos. The little blonde hair behind the stand in the middle is Becca.

As much as I sometimes complain about getting them to all these events, it's really neat to see how far they have come.

Tonsils Times Two

2014-03-11T15:56:00.001-05:00

We had both Evan and Nicholas get their tonsils out today. Nicholas also got his adenoids out. We are hopeful that this will help with their sleep at night, with less waking up from snoring. We are also hoping to put an end to Nicholas' strep infections. Becca and Collin have been prepping them on what to expect, and they were pretty excited to pick out ice cream and Popsicles for afterwards.

Nicholas went first and all went fine. He woke up pretty grumpy though and was crying that his tonsils hurt. I told him he didn't have them anymore and he said he wanted them back. After a nap he woke up in a much better mood. He is downing Popsicles like a champ and hasn't stopped moving since we got home. I had the same problem when Collin had his out with trying to keep him resting.

Evan was up next and we had talked with the anesthesiologist about his airway swelling after past surgeries, and him needing racemic epi (epi neb). Afterwards he came out and told us that Evan has some tracheomalacia (narrowing of his trachea due to some strictures). This might be from being intubated for awhile when he was in the NICU, or from his frequent intubations, or he may have been born with it. It's more important to be aware of it for future surgeries. For my nurse friends, they used a 4.0 tube on him and that was tight. He may outgrow this or he may develop some shortness of breath as he gets older from it. This is also sometimes mistaken for asthma, so now we are thinking he may not have asthma, but just has more symptoms from it when he is sick. So today he got some steroids and an epi neb, and came out of surgery sounding great!

Nicholas sleeping it off.

Evan resting with daddy, he's complaining that his IV hurts.

We came home early this afternoon and everyone is doing well.

Getting Ready for Lent

2014-03-03T08:01:00.002-06:00

Lent is coming, it seems like it really snuck up on us this year. Maybe that has something to do with the cold...So this week I've been talking to the kids again about Lent and it's meaning. We try to follow a plan that includes Prayer, Almsgiving, and Fasting.

The kids have been more committed to going to church on Sunday's (meaning less arguments). We've also started going out to dinner or brunch after Mass to make it more of a relaxing, fun time. Collin also made his First Reconciliation this month, and has been more interested in what is going on around him during church as he prepares for his First Communion. Nicholas also wants to start saying prayers before all his meals.

At school the kids have Pennies for Patient's that usually overlaps some part of Lent, along with Operation Rice Bowl that we participate in at church. The kids are also going to try helping more around the house with various chores.

I have decided to take a break from Facebook. It is just such a time suck lately, and I'm starting to be concerned about privacy. I'm also going to try to give up yelling (the kids laughed at that one, which just means yelling is not effective anyway...). Becca has decided to give up talking back to myself and Sean, here's to hoping there is less whining and arguing! Collin will be trying not fight with his brothers, Evan will try to stop yelling when he is frustrated and Nicholas will give up not listening to mom and dad.

Valentine's Day

2014-02-23T13:02:00.001-06:00

We normally don't do much for Valentine's Day, I don't like to spend money on flowers and things that don't last. Sean likes to do special things all the time, not just on holidays. Sean was going to be out of town this year too, at Cub Scout camp with the boys. But he came home a few days before with the perfect card for me, and an iPad mini which I had just talked about wanting. I really appreciate that he gets me things that I would never buy for myself.

On Valentines Day we ordered and early dinner and had some family time at home. The kids got me some gifts too. It is always so sweet when they make things, I love it!

Becca and Grandma Cathy worked on this for me, it has some great pictures on it. I love coming in the room and seeing all those smiling faces.

Nicholas made this for me at preschool, he was so proud!

Pinewood Derby Fun

2014-02-03T12:10:00.003-06:00

This past weekend Collin and Evan participated in the Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby. Nicholas and I stayed home since we were not feeling the best, but Becca went along and took tons of pictures for me.

Collin has the red car, and Evan has the Batman car. There was a lot of time spent at Grandpa Mitch's with Dad working on them.

Showing off their cars.

Waiting their turn.

Watching the races.

His prediction.

Collin cheered so hard for his brother. He showed great sportsmanship!

I think Evan was shocked that he won a trophy :)

They came home and were already talking about what they could do differently next year to get more trophy's. Nicholas can't wait until he's in Cub Scouts so he can make a care too.

Birthday Fun

2014-01-27T10:02:00.002-06:00

This weekend we celebrated my birthday. Every year I get a little sad on my birthday because of this. This year the annual fishing contest that Sean and Collin go on landed on my birthday. So they loaded up at lunch time and left. The kids and I lounged around the house, did some cleaning, and watched some movies.

Becca called the kids in the basement and they made me some cards :).

From Evan

From Nicholas

From Becca

Sean came home from fishing and brought some pizzas and a cake.

He then surprised me by inviting some friends over for dinner. The kids ran around like wild animals and we played some cards. I stayed up way too late, but had a lot of fun.

Report Card Rewards

2014-01-27T09:24:00.000-06:00

Back when school started Sean and I sat down with the kids and had a conversation about report cards. We wanted to encourage them to try their best at school, but not necessarily reward good grades. I don't want them becoming crazy obsessive about a number or letter (like I was...). We just wanted them to try their best and learn. So we explained to them that school is about learning and putting in the effort, not about the report card. We explained that we would have a family reward if we saw improvement on their report cards. It didn't necessarily have to be a grade, it could be behavior also.

We got their report cards last week, and I was impressed. They have all improved, even in behaviors. For our reward we decided to take them to Cosmic, glow in the dark bowling, and eat supper there.

Sean helping Nicholas bowl.

Cheering each other on.

Evan bowling.

Becca bowling.

It was nice to get out of the house and do something together. I'm looking forward to some warmer days and being able to play outside. I also wouldn't object to us all being healthy!

Theme Thursday: Catching People Unawares

2014-01-23T20:52:00.001-06:00

Linking up at Clan Donaldson for Theme Thursday.

It seems like the only time I can catch the children unaware is with sleeping pictures. Here's Evan enjoying a rest. He came up on my lap for some cozy time, and fell fast asleep.

Here's my big boy Nicholas taking a nap during his latest cold. Maybe Beary had a cold too and that's why he's holding his nose?

We have all recovered from our surgeries around here, I even made it through my first week back at work.

Updates

2014-01-15T15:21:00.003-06:00

Becca has mostly recovered from her surgery. We are no longer giving constant pain meds, just when she asks. She has gone back to school and is enjoying being out of the house. She is getting sick big the soft diet though, and can't wait to eat regular food.

I had some scar tissue fixed on Monday, and all went well. When I was coming our though, Sean informed me that Nicholas had strep. Thankfully my dad had him that day, and my mom kept an eye in him on Tuesday.

Becca and Collin had their winter concert Tuesday night, and we all managed to go. I'm sure I didn't look my best though. Becca had a solo part for choir, and when her throat got sore she was just going to lip sing. Collin also had some monkey vocals during an orchestra piece that he was pretty proud of.

Collin getting ready to play.

Becca practicing.

This morning Sean took Nicholas to preschool, and I managed to get the other kids off to school. I was hoping to do a little cleaning, but I just get way too tired. I'm hoping to get up and move more by the weekend. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

Becca Update

2014-01-08T13:48:00.001-06:00

Becca had her tonsils out yesterday, along with ear tubes and removal of an adenoid that had grown back. She was very nervous about it beforehand. Most concerning to her was being in pain. I assured her that we would make sure she wasn't in too much pain. We arrived at the hospital at 7:45 and by the time of her surgery at 9:15 she was ready to get it over with because she was hungry and wanted to eat.

Mom enjoyed some nerve wracking time in the waiting room, thanks to Katie for the visit. Becca came out of PACU asking for mom so I got to see her right after talking to the surgeon. All went well and she was wanting to drink something right away. Once her anesthesia wore off she was sitting up asking for a Popsicle. Then she asked for some pain meds and wanted to go home (Sean says that sounds like me). After her pain meds she got pretty loopy, or dizzy as Becca called it. She kept insisting on going home though, so I got her dressed, then she was nauseous (sounds like me alright). So we got her an emesis bag and wheeled her to the car, where she slept the whole way home.

She rested for the afternoon with lots of tv and Popsicles. When the boys got home they all checked on her and were fighting about who could get her something. They all played quietly next to her for the evening. She also enjoyed a little visit from Grandma Jeanie, who brought her some goodies to keep her occupied. She went to bed early and we had only one episode of bad pain overnight.

Today has been pretty good, I'm a little obsessive about her taking her pain meds, because she won't eat or drink without them. She has been doing a little too much today though, and threw up once. Now she is in a forced nap, and we will try to switch to Tylenol today to avoid the nausea.

Tomorrow I have to go back to work and am a little nervous about leaving her. Auntie Katie will be with her tomorrow and Dad and Grandma Cathy will split the day on Friday. I'm hoping she will feel well enough on Saturday to go to our last Christmas party, and enjoy sitting on the couch.

Plans for the New Year

2014-01-05T14:09:00.002-06:00

It seems like everyone makes New Year's Resolutions. We make Family Goals for the year. I say we make good progress if we achieve half of the goals. In the last year we have managed to decrease our spending and the kids are generally more kind to each other.This last year has brought us many financial challenges, but I've learned to not worry about things I can't change at the moment (or at least try not to worry).

Family Goals 2014

1. Be patient with each other.

We will be talking more about not losing our tempers and waiting for our own turns.

2. Continue to save for family activities.

We have a large piggy bank in the kitchen and we put all of our spare change in it. Since we are not going on a vacation this year, we will save for a fun family day. I also got each of the kids their own container to save some of their birthday money for items they want to buy themselves, the other portion goes into their college savings accounts.

3. Work on sleeping in our own beds.

Evan and Nicholas seem to always creep back into my bed in the middle of the night. I eventually wake up to somebody hitting me or laying on me. We are going to go back to a reward system for staying in our own beds.

What are your family goals for the New Year?

Details of a Day (Jan. 3, 2014)

2014-01-04T08:05:00.002-06:00

Another details of a day post. I love looking back on these.

5:46: Woken up by one of the children, I don't know which one. I look around the room and Sean is getting ready for work and there are four children in bed with me. Hand Collin the remote and go back to sleep.

6:30: Give up and tell the children to get dressed. Now that I am up, none of them are moving...

7: Becca is in the bathtub and finally get the boys downstairs with clothes on. Remind them they need breakfast before school. They get themselves cereal while I do inhalers. Notice Nicholas' is empty, remember Sean telling me that. Call in refill to pharmacy.

7:30: Boys have disappeared into the office while I pay some bills on the computer. Try to renew my nursing license, takes 30 minutes since I have to reset all my passwords and call IT twice.

8: Ask boys if they packed their backpacks, they have not. Physically stand next to them while they do so.

8:15: Collin and Evan to bus stop. Becca watches for bus while I make my breakfast quick.

8:30: Frantically load dishwasher while telling Becca and Nicholas to get ready to go. Remind Nicholas to check his backpack.

8:45: Drop Nicholas off at preschool. Becca wants to come in and see his classroom.

9: Head to first doctor appointment of the day. Becca has pre-op for her surgery on Tuesday (getting tonsils out). Must reassure her the entire time, she does not want them out.

10: Head to Walmart for some quick groceries, including lots of soft foods. Also pick up some carpet cleaner to tackle the mess Riley left overnight. Impressed at how little money I spent.

11:15: At second doctor appointment of the day, eye doctor for Becca. She needs new glasses, picks them out in 5 minutes! Wants them today... Get message that school is cancelled on Monday per the governer, wonder if daycare will be open.

12: Head to Target to get Nicholas' inhaler. Run into Grandma Cathy and stop to chat, she found an awesome table on clearance. Pick out baby gift and grab some lunch to eat in the car.

12:30: Drop off Becca at school. Confirm that there is not daycare. Leave frantic message for Katie, she must be working. Talk to Sean, he will stay home unless I get cancelled.

12:45: Home, unload all the groceries, hate the cold.

1: Finish cleaning kitchen, tackle stains on carpet. Vacuum main floor and do some laundry.

2: Head to third and final doctor appointment of the day.

4: Puck up Nicholas from school after doctor appointment. Sean calls, plan to go to Applebee's for dinner. Get home and load everyone into van.

4:30: Attempt to eat dinner, children behave like wild animals...

6: Home, Becca asks again if she can have her friend sleep over. Give in and tell her yes since she'll be stuck in the couch for the next week. Switch laundry and go through backpacks, do quick lessons with each child.

7: Beccas friend arrives, they set up bed in the living room. Wrangle boys upstairs for teeth brushing and pajamas. Remind Evan and Nicholas that they can't sleep in their underwear when we have guests over.

7:45: Cozy with Nicholas in my bed, watch Jake and the Neverland Pirates. Collin crawls in next to me and falls asleep. Evan wanders in wanting to lay with me, goes down with Sean instead.

8: Nicholas sleeping, put him and Collin in bed. Remind Becca to have quiet voices now. Evan wanders in and falls asleep in my bed.

9:30: Wake up to phone call, have fallen asleep, three boys are in my bed now. Lay them all down in their own beds. Girls are sleeping downstairs already. Stumble back to bed and sleep.

6:00am: Boys wake me up asking if it's time to get up yet...

Christmas Day

2013-12-26T16:08:00.003-06:00

On Christmas morning I was awakened at 5:46 am by Becca, asking if we could go see if Santa came. We made them wait until 6:30 and gave up and went downstairs.

The kids checking their stockings from Santa

Collin with his helicopter.

Nicholas with his race track.

Becca with her Rainbow Loom.

Evan with his car track.

After presents we got dressed and went to Mass, it was not too crowded at 8. Afterwards we came home to open all the boxes and got ready to go to my Mom and Dad's.

Grandpa playing with Levi.

Collin and Nicholas tearing into some presents.

Another family photo.

Collin was very attentive to the little ones this year.

Grandpa and Grandma opening their gifts.

Dixie, Miya (in her car seat), Tom, Katie, Keith, Levi (behind Keith,) and Collin

Becca and Taylor opening some presents.

We headed home after another round of eating and all the kids were in bed sleeping by 7. Christmas is just too exciting for them. Love the season!

Christmas Eve

2013-12-26T14:35:00.000-06:00

We have had a wonderful Christmas this year, and I love all the time spent with family. It makes me want to plan more family get togethers. I love rooms full of adults talking and laughing, and kids running around playing.
Christmas Eve is usually spent with Sean’s family, and this year was no different.

Evan checking out the presents right when we got to Grandma's.

The kids playing Bingo with Grandma.

Nicholas and Daddy.

The family.

Becca getting her Furby.

Collin getting his helicopter.

Evan got a helicopter too.

Nicholas getting monster trucks.

The kids all in their Christmas pajamas.

We also got in some sledding and snowmobiling outside. We headed home in the pretty snow and tucked them all in so Santa could come.

Best Laid Plans...

2013-12-22T12:36:00.001-06:00

So we've been enjoying some great stomach illnesses around here. A new child got it every two days. I think they have all had it now, along with yet another cold. This did cause us to miss a Christmas with my extended family, which really bummed me out because we haven't been able to attend for a couple years. I love getting together with lots of family.

This also caused me to miss a fair chunk of work, which threw a wrench in the plans for Becca to get her tonsils out next month. I think we have it all figured out now, but Becca is not looking forward to it. It also doesn't help the already tight holiday finances, but I can't always plan things...

We were all feeling well enough to attend church this morning, and even had a nice brunch afterwards. I'm looking forward to some quality family time at various Christmas' this week.

The kids before church, Collin and Evan wanted to show off their ties.

Christmas Activities

2013-12-16T09:44:00.000-06:00

We've been enjoying the Advent season this year, and are enjoying our family Christmas traditions. Katie and I took the little ones to Macy's again this year to see the "elves" (as Nicholas says).

Levi and Nicholas at the entrance.

Nicholas running through, he was excited.

Sitting with the presents.

As always, getting a cookie from the bakery. Nicholas was worried that Levi couldn't have one yet.

We took the kids to the annual breakfast with Santa. Becca didn't want to get in the picture this year, but surrendered to my pleading. The kids also bought their buddy presents after, and are all trying really hard not to tell each other what they got.

Santa pic 2013

Presents they picked for each other. We are also enjoying our Christmas books. Nicholas especially loves the stories of St Nicholas.

We even managed to go sledding this weekend in a break of the stomach bug going through our house. Hopefully all will be well soon, and will do it on my days off.

Details of a Day Monday 12/2.

2013-12-03T11:09:00.000-06:00

I decided to try to do a post like this once a month or so. It's fun for me to look back and see how my days have changed over time.

This week was a Monday when we headed back to school after Thanksgiving break, and I forgot to take any pictures...

5-Wake up to Sean's alarm, ask him what time he has to leave, then go back to sleep.

6:30-The kids are all awake (except Becca, hello loves to sleep years!), drag myself out of bed and throw on some sweats. I am planning to come home and shower after music. Wake up Becca and get all children dressed with clean teeth.

7-Make it downstairs for breakfast. Encourage children to feed themselves breakfast of cereal. Go through lunch menu, all the kids decide to pack their own lunch today, supervise appropriateness. Remind them to pack snacks.

7:30-Gather all the snow gear together (it's snowing!) and backpacks. Load children into van for morning music group. Haul instruments to van and ensure all are buckled.

7:45-Get into music room, looks like we are moving in with the amount of stuff we are hauling. Get little boys settled at table to color with the other boys who come. Help set up music stands and chairs. Remind Becca and Collin to get in line to be tuned.

8-Kids start playing, alternate helping Collin and chasing Nicholas around the room. Discover Collin's bow is broken and he is borrowing one. Gather that and worm for Becca's viola to return.

8:30-Walk Evan to class, he is much more excited to go to school these days :). Say bye to Becca and Collin, have Nicholas help put away music stands.

8:45-Decide I need to run to music store today, must shower quickly. Nicholas decides he needs to shower also, argue over the need for him to wear clean underwear (is this a boy thing??).

10-Dressed and ready, herd Nicholas back into van, drive to music store.

11-Arrive at music store, Nicholas has fallen asleep, he wakes up grumpy as I carry him inside. Exchange items, get a funny look when they see how broken the bow is...have to hold Nicholas the whole time because all the instruments are too tempting for him.

11:15-Leave music store, decide I must feed Nicholas lunch. Stop at McDonald's (which we don't eat at anymore, but was my only option, reminded by Nicholas that we aren't supposed to eat there). Continue driving.

12-Arrive at my Aunt Bonnie's house, she will watch Nicholas while I go to a doctor appointment. Nicholas is very excited, runs right in to play.

12:45-Arrive at clinic, check in and read two magazines while waiting.

1:15-Have appointment for "girly" things, now not feeling well.

2:30-Pick up Nicholas from Bonnie's. He doesn't want to go, chat with Bonnie for a few minutes.

3-Home, decide to lay on couch but laundry beckons me. Switch loads and fold two loads.

3:30-Now on couch but Nicholas wants to play outside (snowing again!). Put all his snow stuff on and remind him to stay in the yard.

3:45-Children off the bus, I tell them to put snow stuff on and go outside while it's light. Collin gets upset because he left his stuff on the bus, have Becca chase down the bus and get Collin's bag. Lay on couch.

4:30-Evan comes in because he's cold. Cuddles with me on the couch and we go through his backpack, he reads his library book to me. Call other kids in, let them have quick snack and go through homework and backpacks.

5-Sean's home, ask him to make dinner. Feed the children and fight with Collin to go take his bath (is this a boy thing??).

5:45-Have Becca gather Girl Scout items, remind her to dress warm because they are walking to the Fire Station to learn CPR.

6-Drop off Becca, gather receipts and bank statements to enter into Girl Scout spreadsheet at home. Ask one of the other mom's to bring Becca home afterwards, she agrees :).

6:30-Back home, give Evan his bath.

7-Get Nicholas for bedtime, he argues with me, but eventually settles down, sleeping by 7:30. Next Evan's turn, he does not fight it.

7:45-Collin comes in to lay with me, falls asleep within minutes.

8-Becca home, ask about what she learned. Remind her bedtime is 8:30 and she's allowed one television show. Call Sean to lay down boys for me.

I think I fell asleep around 8:30 or so...Becca put herself to bed and I woke up around 11 and everyone was in their own beds and sleeping.

Collin's 8th Birthday

2013-11-30T18:11:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Collin's birthday last weekend. I cannot believe he is 8 already! Collin, you are growing into such a caring, sensitive young man. I love how you look out for others and are always willing to play. We moved into this house when you were a baby, and I've loved watching you grow here.

Collin wanted a football party this year.

Collin playing football with Levi before the party.

The cake.

Becca made his birthday sign for him.

He hung up footballs on the wall.

Snacks.

The kids decorated cookies and then ate them.

Becca and Cecelia stacking the cups.

Tearing into his presents.

Cracking open the pinata.

And them mad dash for candy.

Singing happy birthday, Taylor wanted her cake :)

Overall we had a great time and I'm excited to see what Collin does this next year.

Christmas is Coming

2013-11-30T13:15:00.001-06:00

After Thanksgiving, I get really excited for Christmas. We consciously try to spend more time with each other and our families. I love it!

After Thanksgiving I get to turn on the Christmas lights. We love to drive around at night with all the kids in the car looking at the lights. We also put up the tree this weekend.

The kids were taking out each ornament and talking about it. They were each trying to find all of "their" ornaments and show them to each other. So many memories.

We put up our nativity and wooden Santa's and talked about who made them. They are realizing how special these items are now that some of our loved ones are no longer here.

We got out our Advent Calenders. One my mom made that I need to fill with little treats. And one that we made, each day tells part of the Christmas story. And the Christmas movies are starting, our DVR will be full.

Christmas cards are ordered and Becca will help me address them this year. My favorite season is here, amid all the stress, I will enjoy it.

Happy Thanksgiving

2013-11-28T18:07:00.001-06:00

We enjoyed a very nice Thanksgiving with Sean's side of the family. A relaxing day, good food, kids enjoying each other's company, and giving thanks for our many blessings. I hope everybody is enjoying their day.

And a little side rant. There has been a lot of news coverage this week of people having to work on Thanksgiving. As a healthcare worker, I work all holidays. And while I agree that holidays are times to be spent with family, we also agreed to work when others need us and give our time. Working holidays is not new for most people, it is a part of life.

30 Days of Thanksgiving (Day 21, 22, & 23)

2013-11-20T09:54:00.001-06:00

I am thankful for a husband who cooks. I just don't have that talent or desire. I can make basic things, but I think the kids would get pretty sick of PB&J.

I am thankful for family who live close by and will help out in a pinch. Just last night I had to call my mom and have her run to the house to pick up Becca. I'm so glad to have those options, and for my kids to have a close relationship with our parents and their cousins.

I am thankful for my dad's body shop. I can always get my car fixed, and don't have to worry about paying too much. I take these things for granted, but I know I'm lucky.

30 Days of Thanksgiving (Day 18, 19, & 20)

2013-11-17T20:35:00.001-06:00

I'm thankful for my new niece and my growing family!!

I'm thankful for brothers who find comfort in each other. Even though I had a great moment of panic when I couldn't find Nicholas in his bed this morning.

I'm also thankful for my wonderful hubby who knows how much I like Christmas lights. He put them up while I was at work and I came home to a lighted house. Now they'll go off til after Thanksgiving, but I love this season. Now all we need is snow.