Christmas Festivities

This week has been super busy as we countdown the days to Christmas. On Sunday the kids made some Christmas cards for their Grandparents- I was really happy with how fun they turned out. They are definitely homemade :)

On Monday we went on our traditional outing to Wayne County Light Fest. The kids love going here every year. This year the car line in was probably the longest we've been in but it moved quickly and I gave the kids their traditional doughnuts and juice to help the time pass more quickly.The lights were fun as always and the kids all had fun getting to drive for a bit. Tyler decided that this was the boys last year driving though- they are getting way to big to sit on his lap.

Tuesday morning I picked up groceries, volunteered and watched my friend's two kids. Her youngest is 11 months and when I turned my back to her, she pulled down the girl's Christmas tree on herself. I felt like the most negligent babysitter ever. But thankfully it was just a small tree and she was totally fine (as was the tree). That evening I babysat for another friend so her and her hubby could go out on their anniversary date. It was kind of fun hanging with someone else's two little ones for the night- way more chill than my four ;)

Wednesday morning I had the fun of trying to get supplies for Lucy's party. I ended up spending way too much money on craft supplies because it just seemed like a really cute craft that parents would actually save(snowman fingerprint magnet). 

After those errands I had to take Penny to her official speech eval with the school district. On my way there my mind was lost in thoughts over if I should stick with the craft or not and I honestly was not paying a bit of attention to speed limits and my lead foot. Not paying a bit of attention UNTIL I saw the officer sneakily parked at the side of the road. I looked down at my speed and knew I was a goner. Penny very cheerfully alerted me of the police lights behind me. I was very apologetic because I felt extremely bad. I was going a ridiculous 22 over and I told him I was grateful that he pulled me over because I was lost in my thoughts and needed that wake up call. Thankfully he took pity on this hot mess mom and I didn't get a ticket. T am so grateful for that tender, undeserved, mercy.

The Speech Eval itself went smoothly. Penny was very cooperative and I am 99% sure she'll qualify for services. That means that she will probably be going to the Early Childhood Center a couple times a week to work on her speech with a small group and a teacher. Hopefully that will help her to speak more clearly.

Thursday Tyler was off work and since we had nothing going on that morning we took Penny to the Hands On Museum in Ann Arbor. We hit a lot of traffic on the way there (apparently driving in rain is challenging) but Penny had a good time once we got there. Because it was just her for once, she finally got to go into the room that was for kids ages 4 and under. It was fun because it was not as super crowded as the rest of the museum tends to get. 

Thursday afternoon I hung out at my friend's house for a bit. She was feeling kind of down and overwhelmed so I went to give her some emotional support and also helped her with folding laundry. I was glad to be able to help her and grateful for her friendship.

That evening we surprised the kids by taking them out to Chili's for dinner as part of the countdown. It was nice to not have to worry about cooking, dishes and messes and it's always good to have family time. Usually I love the food there but this time around it didn't taste so good. Maybe it was the cook that night?

Friday was a long, busy day. I ran Lucy's class party that morning and that felt very chaotic and exhausting. My cute craft did not work out quite as planned- mostly because the fact that their was only one of me so I couldn't help quite as much as needed. Some kids gloped on the paint a bit too much so it took too long to dry. Unfortunately kids tried to use Sharpie's on the wet paint and all the new Sharpies I bought ended up being ruined. I would say about half the magnets turned out cute- thankfully Lucy's was one of them. 

There were 4 other stations and I think the snowman doughnut hole kabob/snack station was an obvious hit. The snowball toss one seemed to go well too. Pin the nose on the snowman seemed chaotic every time I looked over and the lady who ran "Don't Eat Pete" had obviously never played it before and did not play it quite right. She kept the kids blindfolded the entire time. She was supposed to blindfold the kid while the rest of the group picked which square was Pete and then she needed to take the blindfold off and they would try not to "eat Pete". She left the blindfold on the entire time so the kids were picking m&m's off squares blind- it was real weird, ha ha! Honestly I am just so relieved to have the party over. It was a fiasco setting up with Lucy's teacher gone the entire week (her teacher's dad had passed away) and I think it was such a fiasco because the teacher wasn't there. Now I have a whole month break until the Valentine's Day Party.

Friday night we had our annual Graham Cracker House Party. This year we invited our old Milford neighbors (the Farquharson's) and some new neighbors (the Deaplonty's). It was a lot of fun! Tyler spent the morning building houses for all the kids and even built a replica of our own house. Everyone had a lot of fun decorating and hanging out together. We even played "Don't Eat Pete" - the correct way- and some Pin the Nose on the Snowman. It was seriously a great night all around and I am so grateful for new and old friends. The only not great thing was the Ben and Beck ate way too much candy and then proceeded to run around so neither kid felt too great by the end of the night. 

Saturday morning I overheard Lucy tell Penny that it was not morning yet and Penny replied with "I know- I didn't hear the cock-a-doodle." I wasn't aware that we've ever had a rooster nearby , ha ha! We had tickets to go see the new Grinch movie that morning and the kids were still a hot mess from their sugar overload. We were really regretting buying tickets ahead of time but it ended up being a good time. I love that all our kids are able to sit through movies now.

And now believe it or not we only have 3 more sleeps until Christmas!

Hot Cocoa, PT Conference, Ward Christmas Party

On Sunday Tyler got to participate in a nonet (a group of nine singers) and they sang "O Holy Night" for our Ward, for the Ward that meets after ours and for a Stake Christmas Party. They did really good but it made for a long Sunday because we had to get to church early (the joys of having only one vehicle) and we got stay late after church. I opted out on letting him go to the party alone. I really like my lazy Sundays.

Tuesday I volunteered in Ben's classroom. It's gotten better- I feel less critiqued and more helpful. He usually has me sit at the back table with the kids who struggle with focus or writing and I usually can't be super helpful to all of them because I am outnumbered but I do enough that I feel good about myself. Or maybe I am just learning to worry less, ha ha.

Tuesday night I had my annual Christmas Bunco. For Christmas Bunco we actually don't play Bunco but we do other games. We did a Saran Wrap ball that is always funny- people get so intense about trying to unwrap the gifts inside. I decided to be the opposite of everyone and I rolled the dice really slowly when it was my turn (you roll for doubles and then it's your turn to unwrap the ball). This really irked my one friend- she said she couldn't watch my slowness. I apparently enjoy annoying people because that was the best part of the saran wrap ball- especially seeing how I only got a pack of gum out of it. Maybe I should've rolled faster 😉

After the Saran Wrap ball we had a gift exchange. Everyone was given a present and then we rolled dice and the numbers determined if we got to unwrap, if we had to pass it left or right or if we could steal someone else's gift. That was a ton of fun! I did not end up with the gift I wanted due to a poor decision but I did get a cute "Merry Christmas" sign. Only problem is it is a door sign and both my doors already have things- I might re-gift it.

Wednesday I had a sub job and it was chaotic. That seemed to be the theme of my sub jobs this week. I got there and she was missing her sub plans- thankfully another teacher called her and got them for me. But then we had the Holiday Shop and I had no idea what I was supposed to do. I ended up bringing the whole class there, only to find out that I was only supposed to send a couple students there at a time. Then there was teaching math and class rotations- neither things are my favorite. It was a LONG day.

Wednesday night I got to take the boys to Cub Scouts since Tyler was having Scouts at our house. It turns out that a lot of my friends take their kids to Wednesday night activities too so it was a nice social hour...I suppose. I ended up watching one friends baby so she could socialize with her friends who were cleaning out the Primary Closet. Her baby is ridiculously heavy and I thought my arms were going to die but I did end up getting him to fall asleep and then there were the nice baby snuggles.

Thursday the kids had a half day and Thursday also marked the first of our 12 days to Christmas Countdown. For our first day of the Countdown we had hot cocoa. I went all out with Candy Canes, Whipped Cream, and even Sprinkles. They were totally sugared out and happy. Afterwards we watched "Arthur Christmas." It was a good afternoon.

That night we had PT Conferences. I had scheduled them at night so Tyler could come but he ended up needing to help someone in the Ward so I got to take all the kids. Steven's went well. He seems to be doing great in Math, Science and Social Studies but needs a little work in Reading and Writing- which is weird because his state tests showed opposite results. I think maybe his struggle with Reading and Writing in class is a lack of focus. According to his teacher he is chatty but a really good kid- feels very conflicting. Ben's conference also went well. He seems to be doing really well in everything and finally adjusting to the new school- phew. Lucy didn't have a conference because her teacher had an emergency. She was pretty upset that she didn't get a conference like everyone else *sigh*

After Conferences the kids had to all take a picture with these awesome wings that are made of feathers created by everyone in the school. 

Friday was my other chaotic sub day. It was popcorn day, hat day and just plain crazy. Everyone came in trying to give me money and show me their hats and then I had one student who was particularly sad that he forgot his hat. Then the day was just long and antsy since the kids only had one half an hour special and lots of math worksheets to do. By the time we reached the end of the day they were all through paying attention and free time was needed. So the last 30 minutes I gave it to them. I really feel like these kids need more recess- I hope someday soon schools start realizing what a disservice they are doing to kids by taking away that.

Friday night we had our Ward Christmas Party. I started off trying to help out and at one point was pouring water and accidentally left a trail of water in my wake- I was super helpful, ha ha! The party itself was really good. I ended up sitting with my friend Chalsea for a lot of it and catching up with her. Then during the show Steven did an awesome lip sync with some buddies to "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas." He was reluctant at first but ended up getting really into and doing a good job. I think he actually really ended up loving the attention too. Maybe there is a future for him in drama after all?? 

Saturday morning I went to a birthday breakfast for some of my friends. I had some strawberry waffles that were super delicious and was literally not hungry again until dinner time. That afternoon we took the kids to 5 & Below as part of our Countdown. Originally we were going to have them pick out presents for each other but we decided to have them pick out presents for a family in our Ward instead. Later we are going to drop them off secretly. I am excited for the opportunity this will give them to give without someone else knowing- selfless giving.

Also this week we got the bill for Penny's Speech Eval through the hospital. I cannot believe how much they want us to pay them for 30 minutes of their time. It is ridiculous and I wish the pediatrician had never sent us there. It was such a waste of money. And on top of that Tyler still can't find the part for his truck at the right price point. I know Heavenly Father is really testing my faith in having another baby because our finances look pretty sad but I am trying to be faithful.

Ice Cream Dates, Santa and Yeti Hunt

Last week, on Saturday night, I took Ben out on a ice cream date. The kids are all earning jewels for good behavior and when they fill up the jar they get a date or prize of their choice. I like being able to reward the kids for good behavior- it helps keep things for getting too negative in our house. Anyways it was a nice ice cream date with Ben- even if it was freezing outside and we were like the only people there. Ben loved being able to pick out his own toppings and we had fun chatting. I looked up some family table questions and asked him a bunch of those. I learned that if he was invisible for a day he would pester Steven, if he could be any animal he would be a penguin and if he could go anywhere in the world he would love to go to Arizona. My kids miss their Arizona family.

This week was super busy and rushed on by- nothing like last week. I subbed all day Monday. When I went to pick up Penny after work from her friend Eliza's house, I heard her shout "no!". Eliza's older brothers were there and she just adores them. She did not want to go home! That night I attempted to have the kids watch the Christmas Devotional from Sunday for FHE. It felt too much like General Conference (the kids did not want to sit still and listen) so we ended up just watching the prophet's talk and calling it good.

Tuesday morning I volunteered in Ben's class. While I was working with students Penny was a bit of a distraction with Ben's friend, Jacob. Afterwards she informed me that she like Jacob and he was her friend now too, ha ha! She really has a thing for older boys. After volunteering she whined to me that I never take her out to lunch. While that is untrue I also didn't really feel like having her mess up the kitchen (it was cleaning day) so we went to Wendy's. The chocolate milk and toy were really her favorite part as per usual.

Tuesday night I went to a movie with my friend, Stefanie. We saw "Instant Family." It was one of those movies that makes you laugh and cry- pretty good story about the struggles of adoption. It takes a special person to do that. I think sometimes I would like to foster or adopt but I don't know if emotionally I could handle it. Anyways, it is always nice to hang out with Stefanie and I always feel so grateful that we moved next door to her almost 5 years ago.

Wednesday morning I subbed for kindergarten teacher. This was a a sub job that I knew about ahead of time so Tyler had taken off to watch Penny. It's so nice when he does that so I don't have to worry about getting him to work and back and also getting Penny to a friend's house. The kinder job was exhausting- the kids were so hard to keep focused and it was a huge reminder to me why I don't typically sub for kinder. Afterwards I stopped by the kids school (since this was at their old school) and picked them up early so we could avoid lines and go visit Santa. I figured since Tyler was off this was the perfect opportunity. They were all very surprised when I picked them up. Lucy thought I was taking her on her special date, Steven thought he must have an orthodontist appt and Ben thought somebody was in the hospital or something- really shows off their different personalities. 

Before we left the kids came home to eat some lunch and change. Lucy decided she wanted to dress fancy but when we got in the car I noticed she had put tennis shoes on with her tights and dress. When I asked her why she was wearing non fancy shoes she got super defensive- I guess footwear doesn't count in the grand scheme of a Lucy outfit?

It was a very successful outing to see Santa. There were only two families in front of us so we didn't have to wait too long and Santa took his time chatting with the kids. Also, for the first time ever, Penny was NOT scared of Santa so we got a nice kid picture. I was glad to not have to be in it for once. Funny story is that I convinced both Lucy and Ben that they want Magformers from Santa but neither one of them could remember what they were called. They had to ask for several reminders before telling Santa. I'm sure they'll love them- too bad they can't remember the name of them.

Afterwards the kids wrote and mailed their letters to the REAL Santa (they all know this one is just a helper that reports to the real Santa). They also had fun playing with the various things Bass Pro Shop had out- lazer guns, remote controlled monster cars, coloring pages, large legos and Lincoln Logs.

When they were done playing I made the poor choice of trying to take them to another store in the mall so that we could pick out a Winter Hat for the Giving Tree at our church. Tyler was off getting lunch so I was trying to tote my 4 kids through the mall and they were all apparently hungry and had to pee- not to mention Ben lost his jacket somewhere. It was the longest walk of my life but thankfully we made it to the store, found an awesome Unicorn hat and then Tyler caught up with us and I made him walk them to our car while I bought the hat. 

Thursday I had another sub job at the kids old school. After a week of no subbing, it was hard to have 3 days of it but I got through. My voice was just a little tired at the end of it. That night I was pooped but I had signed the kids up for an event at the library- Ben's buddy Jacob was going so his mom had told us about it (Jacob lives across the street from us). The boys got a little crazy with their friends before it started and a little crazy when the Yeti showed up but overall it was pretty fun. They made a notebook in which they pasted facts about yeti, they broke an ice cube to retrieve a Yeti claw, they made fake photos of Yeti's and they made binoculars. Afterwards they followed Yeti evidence and found the Yeti. Such a nice library worker to put on that fun costume ;)

Friday was a nice chill day at home- it was just what I needed. I got some Christmas tasks done and even did some puzzling. Also had a friend over in the afternoon and it was nice chatting with a grown up for once. She has a 3 month old and it was fun to hold her baby but also a little hard to talk to her about the troubles of newborn. It makes me nervous about possibly having one of my own in the near future.

On that baby note I had made a pre pregnancy appt with a new obgyn for next month and I just hadn't been feeling great about it. I was starting to wonder if I even should be trying for another baby and was doubting previous promptings/feelings. So on Fast Sunday I decided to fast about it. During church a testimony someone shared made me feel very strongly that I need to stick with the obgyn practice that delivered Penny. The testimony just reminded me of the missionary experience I had with one of the dr's there and I think that's partially why I need to stay there. It all feels crazy but after making an appt at my old office I feel so much better about things so I am grateful for these personal revelations that I receive.

Lucy had filled up her jar on Monday and had been dying all week to go on her ice cream date. At last on Friday night I had some time so I took her out for ice cream. Another fun ice cream date in the books. I enjoyed chatting with her too. She wants to be a teacher when she grows up, she loves basketball and she wishes she could have a pet unicorn.

Final note, I don't if I blogged about this before but we have started eating with better manners at family dinner and it has really made a difference in general in our home. The kids now help set the table, they stay seated (and they sit nicely) until they are excused and they don't complain about food. We started it off by using M&M's for bribery (they would get 8 and loose one every time they did something they shouldn't and then they got to eat what was left in the end). The M&M's have left but they are still doing much better. It's so nice to have more calm meals and have a better chance to chat with the kids at the end of their days.

Mall Date & Field Trip

This week was a relaxed week and I appreciated that. This week also started off pretty frigid. After the brutal walk to the bus stop and back on Monday, I decided it was worth dropping off Tyler at work so that we could have the car to drive to the bus stop on Tuesday. I know it's not THAT far but it was seriously that cold. Since we had the car on Tuesday and no real pressing things to get done I decided an outing to the mall was in order. Penny immediately requested a pretzel- a girl after my own heart- and I of course got one. Then she had a good time playing in the play area and sitting on the cars that you put money in. She however did not understand why I didn't just put my change in them- other moms were doing it. I personally don't understand why other moms were doing it- a WHOLE dollar for a little shaking- highway robbery ;)

Wednesday morning Tyler took off to watch Penny (he's got some days off that need to be used before the end of the year) and I went on a Field Trip with Lucy. I don't normally chaperone Field Trips- in fact the only ones I have were when I was a teacher. They're just out of my comfort zone. However, Lucy's teacher asked me personally. She said they didn't have enough chaperones and if they didn't have enough they couldn't go. She suckered me right in. Of course the field trip was at the Walled Lake Outdoor Center and of course it was ridiculously cold that day. I was dreading it but thankfully we only spent about 20 minutes of it outside and the rest of it was inside the toasty warm center. It was a pretty boring field trip of all the field trips to go on- they learned about trees, did a few hands on things, went on a bird walk and made a pine cone bird feeder- but it was real fun to have some one on one time with Lucy and her friends.

Tyler had all Wednesday off so after I came back from the field trip we did a walk through of Target so he could get some ideas for Christmas presents for me. I kind of wish I had done that with him before buying his gift but I'm still hopeful that I did good. Penny did alright at this errand until the end when she decided she was so over Target and kept trying to make a beeline towards the exit- she's a pretty determined kid with no patience for others ;)

Thursday I was too lazy to drop Tyler off at work so I had the joyous cold walks to the bus stop and a lot of time at home to be productive. I ended up finishing the addressing of my Christmas cards and putting together neighbor/friend Christmas gifts (pancake mix & whisk "we whisk you a merry Christmas"). I also had Laci and her kids over for a visit in the afternoon. It was a good day.

Friday we had friends over in the morning and one stuck around to help me finish a puzzle I had been working on- it totally lured her in. Puzzles can be seriously addicting! I was supposed to have a sub job for that afternoon so Tyler was working from home that afternoon but it fell through since the teacher didn't assign me correctly and someone else snapped it up. He had rearranged a meeting so he could be home so I was real frustrated that the job didn't work out for me. But I ended up running a couple errands and going for a run so it was nice that he was home and I could be productive.

Saturday morning I finished up the last of my present shopping and woke up at 6am so I could hit Bath and Body Works awesome candle sale- like seriously awesome! They were on sale for $9 a piece (normally the cheapest I have gotten them was $12) and then with another coupon I ended up only spending $6 on each candle. I have another one of those "Favorite Things" party to go first week in January and since I love those candles I stocked up on them for that. 4 for the party- 1 for me. I wish I had more cash on hand because than I would have stocked up on them for the year for me. They really are my favorites and they were totally worth the early morning.