While driving to Ohio on Friday there was a sign that told of a McDonalds at the next exit. It was lunch time, my kids were starving and the van could use a fill up so I decided to stop for lunch and gas. I get off the exit and notice there is an arrow pointing to the right underneath the McDonalds logo. I didnt notice the 6 centimeter words underneath that which read (what I am assuming was) 5 miles!!!
Yup, I missed that little bit of information and wouldn't you know there was no where to turn around. We were driving down a road with a median and McDonalds was no where in sight. I kept driving until I saw another sign that said "McDonalds Straight Ahead." At this point I figured I might as well keep going.
We finally made it there after going through two more traffic lights and I was really agitated. I mean, seriously, what possessed them to advertise a McDonalds at the exit when it wasn't really at the exit. I had to drive 10 miles out of the way just to get McDonalds and then there was a huge line of traffic blocking the gas station so I decided to wait a while on that. All I could think was, "I have to write a blog about the insanity of this."
That was until I reached a traffic jam... you are probably thinking, why did that change her mind??? Well, I will tell you.
It didn't take long to get traffic moving along again, maybe 15 minutes or so. And honestly, at the time I didn't put two and two together. I thought my luck was just being really crappy for the day. Afterall, I was the idiot that wanted to drive 12 hours with 5 kids from warm and sunny Georgia to cold and snowy Ohio.
I later realized though that everything happens for a reason. There was an accident on the expressway, that was the hold up. Had I not had to drive 10 miles out of my way and stop at another gas station further up the highway then I very well could have been in that accident.
It is not always apparent to see in the moment but we always have to remember there is a plan. It may seem pretty crappy at times and it may not be the plan you were hoping for but everything happens for a reason.
A similar thing happened to me just the other night. I went out to dinner with my sister and my kids. Our server sucked, to say the least, and we had to wait a really long time for them to make more soup. I still tipped him more than 10% because my kids did make a decent sized mess on the floor though. Anyways, on my way home I got stopped in traffic yet again. I seriously sat at a stand still for 45 minutes. I only knew there was an accident because I could see about 4 or 5 sets of flashing lights and a tow truck went zooming past me in the breakdown lane.
Do you see where I am going with this story??? Had we not had crappy service I could have been driving with my five kids at the time of the accident. I could have been in that accident and I am so greatful that it took me an hour to drive just a few miles rather than to have something happen to me or one of my children in a car accident.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Bah Humbug
I usually cannot wait for the holidays to get here. I love shopping for other people and wrapping presents and seeing their faces when they open them. I don't even mind if I don't get anything for Christmas because I am more about giving... as the holiday season suggests. This year however I wish I could have been selfish.
J is deployed and I have been doing the shopping with the three small fries while the bigs are at school. It was extremely difficult shopping this year so I didn't enjoy it as much as I usually do. I didn't really know what to get the kids as I was trying to keep toys at a minimum. I also did not know what to get the in laws. I hope they appreciate the thought I put into their gifts. I just want not really in the shopping spirit this year.
I also was not in the wrapping spirit. In an attempt to save the earth I was using newspaper and old bags to package gifts. I only used 1 roll of wrapping paper for family gifts... don't expect Santa to be green this year though. He is planning on using 5 different kinds of wrapping paper and lots of tape.
Yesterday we drove from Warner Robins, GA to Maumee, OH. A trip that should have taken just over 12 hours took us 15 1/2. For starters, we left an hour late after I was procrastinating. I had no desire to leave or to drive with 5 kids across 4 states. I would have stayed home this Christmas if I could have but my kids (and my in laws) would have no part of that. Bathroom breaks took us 1/2 an hour and dinner took about 2 hours. Ugh, it was not a fun drive. More about that in a later blog though as I rant about fast food signs and the seemingly endless drive in the middle of nowhere to find said fast food.
We are staying at my in laws... I love them, I really do. I just feel like I constantly have to be on my kids about every little thing and with barely a voice left as it is, it is stressing me beyond relief. Thank goodness for Lexapro! I'm not sure we would all make it through the week. At least if J was here I could lock myself in the bathroom for a while so he would HAVE to deal with the kids. Although it never works out that way, it seems. His parents always seem to take over for him or they take control of the kids if we are "arguing" over who's turn it is to change a diaper. So much for getting J to take care of his kids (sorry honey, I know you are reading but it is true).
I can already tell this Christmas is going to suck. Despite the fact that my husband is on the other side of the world and won't be home for another month, I have to deal with my family. I probably won't go to my mom's side of the family's Christmas since it is on Christmas night. That always conflicts with spending Christmas with my father in law's side of the family. Since J can't be there, I thought the least I could do is be there with my kids. That should be better than spending Christmas with a family that will ask me if I am pregnant or make some other comment that has nothing to do with me looking good despite the fact I look hot as hell.
So, on that note. Bah Humbug!!!
J is deployed and I have been doing the shopping with the three small fries while the bigs are at school. It was extremely difficult shopping this year so I didn't enjoy it as much as I usually do. I didn't really know what to get the kids as I was trying to keep toys at a minimum. I also did not know what to get the in laws. I hope they appreciate the thought I put into their gifts. I just want not really in the shopping spirit this year.
I also was not in the wrapping spirit. In an attempt to save the earth I was using newspaper and old bags to package gifts. I only used 1 roll of wrapping paper for family gifts... don't expect Santa to be green this year though. He is planning on using 5 different kinds of wrapping paper and lots of tape.
Yesterday we drove from Warner Robins, GA to Maumee, OH. A trip that should have taken just over 12 hours took us 15 1/2. For starters, we left an hour late after I was procrastinating. I had no desire to leave or to drive with 5 kids across 4 states. I would have stayed home this Christmas if I could have but my kids (and my in laws) would have no part of that. Bathroom breaks took us 1/2 an hour and dinner took about 2 hours. Ugh, it was not a fun drive. More about that in a later blog though as I rant about fast food signs and the seemingly endless drive in the middle of nowhere to find said fast food.
We are staying at my in laws... I love them, I really do. I just feel like I constantly have to be on my kids about every little thing and with barely a voice left as it is, it is stressing me beyond relief. Thank goodness for Lexapro! I'm not sure we would all make it through the week. At least if J was here I could lock myself in the bathroom for a while so he would HAVE to deal with the kids. Although it never works out that way, it seems. His parents always seem to take over for him or they take control of the kids if we are "arguing" over who's turn it is to change a diaper. So much for getting J to take care of his kids (sorry honey, I know you are reading but it is true).
I can already tell this Christmas is going to suck. Despite the fact that my husband is on the other side of the world and won't be home for another month, I have to deal with my family. I probably won't go to my mom's side of the family's Christmas since it is on Christmas night. That always conflicts with spending Christmas with my father in law's side of the family. Since J can't be there, I thought the least I could do is be there with my kids. That should be better than spending Christmas with a family that will ask me if I am pregnant or make some other comment that has nothing to do with me looking good despite the fact I look hot as hell.
So, on that note. Bah Humbug!!!
All I Want For Christmas
No, it's not my two front teeth. Unless of course Windy makes me smell a stinky diaper and busts them out... but that is highly unlikely.
Christmas is fast approaching and I am still getting requests for what I want for Christmas. I have been thinking long and hard (ok maybe not that long and it wasn't really hard) about what I really want. Something that is just for me because apparently I cannot be mom all the time.
There is plenty that I want like an Ipod and a laptop that would be just for me but those don't seem to jump out at me as really, truly wanting this Christmas. I got my Canon Rebel as an early Christmas present and I'm sure my husband will be getting me some sexy lingerie for when he is home on leave but what is it that I really want for Christmas? What is it that would just put the biggest smile on my face, warm my heart, and possibly be the best gift ever?
After thinking about this for about 5 minutes. Yah, it was an easy decision. This is what I cannot live without this holiday season.
1. To sleep in until 10am (or later)
2. To take a nice hot shower with no interruptions (no flushing toilets, no screaming kids, no tiny taps on the door)
3. A whole day to veg in my pjs, watching a good chick flick, eating chinese and not having to do a thing around the house
4. Did I mention no kids
5. A clean house so that I won't have any problems sitting on my ass all day
6. A nanny or a maid... preferably both
7. The most wanted thing on my list... my husband to be home! To rub my feet and my back and to spend time with his kids. To see them open their Christmas presents, to kiss me on the neck and to do the dishes.
A price cannot be put on my list, save for the nanny & maid but you get my point. I want a priceless Christmas. I don't want another necklace that I won't wear (well there are two I want), a pair of jeans that don't fit (although I do need more jeans after losing all this weight), or anything chocolate covered (these would come in handy when Aunt Flo comes to visit though).
All I want for Christmas is to be Bri again, just for one day.
Christmas is fast approaching and I am still getting requests for what I want for Christmas. I have been thinking long and hard (ok maybe not that long and it wasn't really hard) about what I really want. Something that is just for me because apparently I cannot be mom all the time.
There is plenty that I want like an Ipod and a laptop that would be just for me but those don't seem to jump out at me as really, truly wanting this Christmas. I got my Canon Rebel as an early Christmas present and I'm sure my husband will be getting me some sexy lingerie for when he is home on leave but what is it that I really want for Christmas? What is it that would just put the biggest smile on my face, warm my heart, and possibly be the best gift ever?
After thinking about this for about 5 minutes. Yah, it was an easy decision. This is what I cannot live without this holiday season.
1. To sleep in until 10am (or later)
2. To take a nice hot shower with no interruptions (no flushing toilets, no screaming kids, no tiny taps on the door)
3. A whole day to veg in my pjs, watching a good chick flick, eating chinese and not having to do a thing around the house
4. Did I mention no kids
5. A clean house so that I won't have any problems sitting on my ass all day
6. A nanny or a maid... preferably both
7. The most wanted thing on my list... my husband to be home! To rub my feet and my back and to spend time with his kids. To see them open their Christmas presents, to kiss me on the neck and to do the dishes.
A price cannot be put on my list, save for the nanny & maid but you get my point. I want a priceless Christmas. I don't want another necklace that I won't wear (well there are two I want), a pair of jeans that don't fit (although I do need more jeans after losing all this weight), or anything chocolate covered (these would come in handy when Aunt Flo comes to visit though).
All I want for Christmas is to be Bri again, just for one day.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The Things Kids Say
I know I posted a couple in my last blog but here I sit at 7am and my almost 7 year old makes me laugh.
L is cleaning her room this morning and she comes out to ask me a question...
"Mom, where's Jacob?"
"He's in my bed, why?"
"I need his help. He's an under bed person."
Ok, so it doesn't seem quite as funny as I type it out but you have to know that JC is the only one that ever cleans out underneath the beds. He will go all the way under to get the lego in the far corner and he won't miss a thing. L just isn't an under the bed person. Like me, it freaks her out LoL
I'm not sure I shared this sweet little comment made by my 3yr old, if I did, I apologize.
About a month or so ago the kids had upset me terribly right before bed. K sleeps with me so we went to bed and I buried my head in my pillow. I began to cry, uncontrollably. I was trying to be quiet but K still heard.
She says, "Don't cry mom. Moms don't cry, only kids cry."
Speaking of crying... I'm not sure what brought this on, but yesterday JC told me that I don't cry.
Me "I do cry, just not in front of you."
JC "Nuh-uh! You fake cry but you don't really cry because you don't have tears."
Me "Yes I do. I just cried the other day."
JC "Nuh-uh! You don't cry, you just fake cry."
This led to an argument between the girls and JC about me crying. I'm still not sure he believes it.
The kids are supposed to be getting dressed for school.
I tell them, "You aren't following directions."
To which L replies, "Maybe it went in one ear and out the other."
J also thought his GameBoy needed cleaning. He walked off with his GameBoy in hand and I hear the water running in the bathroom. I just knew what he was doing.
"J!! NO!!!"
Almost in tears from me yelling, "But why? It's dirty!"
L is cleaning her room this morning and she comes out to ask me a question...
"Mom, where's Jacob?"
"He's in my bed, why?"
"I need his help. He's an under bed person."
Ok, so it doesn't seem quite as funny as I type it out but you have to know that JC is the only one that ever cleans out underneath the beds. He will go all the way under to get the lego in the far corner and he won't miss a thing. L just isn't an under the bed person. Like me, it freaks her out LoL
I'm not sure I shared this sweet little comment made by my 3yr old, if I did, I apologize.
About a month or so ago the kids had upset me terribly right before bed. K sleeps with me so we went to bed and I buried my head in my pillow. I began to cry, uncontrollably. I was trying to be quiet but K still heard.
She says, "Don't cry mom. Moms don't cry, only kids cry."
Speaking of crying... I'm not sure what brought this on, but yesterday JC told me that I don't cry.
Me "I do cry, just not in front of you."
JC "Nuh-uh! You fake cry but you don't really cry because you don't have tears."
Me "Yes I do. I just cried the other day."
JC "Nuh-uh! You don't cry, you just fake cry."
This led to an argument between the girls and JC about me crying. I'm still not sure he believes it.
The kids are supposed to be getting dressed for school.
I tell them, "You aren't following directions."
To which L replies, "Maybe it went in one ear and out the other."
J also thought his GameBoy needed cleaning. He walked off with his GameBoy in hand and I hear the water running in the bathroom. I just knew what he was doing.
"J!! NO!!!"
Almost in tears from me yelling, "But why? It's dirty!"
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Change
If you happened to notice something different about my blog then you have been very observant. Ok, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the colors have changed... but did you notice the title!!!! I just wasn't feeling the old title. This one seems to suit me well and Im going with it.
For the last 4 months we have been expecting daddy to be home the beginning of January. Looks like the Army decided they had other plans. J won't be home for another month now. I was pissed when I found out. I was ready to get on the phone to his commander and demand those assholes let my husband come home before the pricks that just put in their leave requests a month ago.
I wasn't worried so much about myself. I've dealt with this, I know how things can change last minute with the Army. After all, if the Army wanted you to have a wife they would have issued you one. But try explaining to a 6 year old that daddy is going to once again miss her birthday. Try explaining that he has to work later than we expected and that all the plans we already made have to be switched around. She literally cried when I told her.
I also cried... while I was putting some Christmas presents in my closet thinking about how much more time I have to do this alone. How much longer I have to tell my children that daddy will be home soon but soon never seems to come.
Don't get me wrong, there is so much that is great about this life but these heartaches make it so damn hard to get through each day with a positive attitude. I always have to look to my kids to see the good that can come from situations.
L: "But I don't want to dad to miss my birthday."
Me : "I know, I don't want him to miss mine either."
JC: "Well, he already missed MY birthday!"
So very, very true...
I was upset about finding out that we would have to wait longer for J to be home with us. L was still bummed but quickly bounced back as she said, "well, we do have longer to get the house cleaned now!"
Again, so very, very true...
What would I do without these amazing kids of mine? I know I complain alot about them but I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. We have our good days and we have our bad days, but such is my life!
For the last 4 months we have been expecting daddy to be home the beginning of January. Looks like the Army decided they had other plans. J won't be home for another month now. I was pissed when I found out. I was ready to get on the phone to his commander and demand those assholes let my husband come home before the pricks that just put in their leave requests a month ago.
I wasn't worried so much about myself. I've dealt with this, I know how things can change last minute with the Army. After all, if the Army wanted you to have a wife they would have issued you one. But try explaining to a 6 year old that daddy is going to once again miss her birthday. Try explaining that he has to work later than we expected and that all the plans we already made have to be switched around. She literally cried when I told her.
I also cried... while I was putting some Christmas presents in my closet thinking about how much more time I have to do this alone. How much longer I have to tell my children that daddy will be home soon but soon never seems to come.
Don't get me wrong, there is so much that is great about this life but these heartaches make it so damn hard to get through each day with a positive attitude. I always have to look to my kids to see the good that can come from situations.
L: "But I don't want to dad to miss my birthday."
Me : "I know, I don't want him to miss mine either."
JC: "Well, he already missed MY birthday!"
So very, very true...
I was upset about finding out that we would have to wait longer for J to be home with us. L was still bummed but quickly bounced back as she said, "well, we do have longer to get the house cleaned now!"
Again, so very, very true...
What would I do without these amazing kids of mine? I know I complain alot about them but I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. We have our good days and we have our bad days, but such is my life!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Stranger to Blogdom
If you have been wondering where I have been (which I highly doubt), here I am!
Things have been kind of crazy around here. Not that they aren't always crazy but crazier than usual with Christmas, school, playgroups, John coming home, and everday mundane tasks. It has really taken a toll on me and my brain has just been fried.
My baby girl turned 1 just 6 days ago! Before you ask... NO! I'm not pregnant yet, nor do I plan to be ever again. I have to admit I miss being pregnant... I just don't want anymore kids. Five is definitely enough for me (for now atleast). It is so strange to think that next year my youngest will be 2. Only one of my kids has ever reached the age of 2 before becoming an older sibling. That was J and had I not had a miscarriage in July 2003 then there wouldnt be two years between him and K. We didn't have a big first birthday party for S. We were planning on it but plans have since changed. We had a small get together with a friend on Saturday and it was so fun. S loved her chocolate on chocolate cake that Miss Windy & Uncle Rich made for her. J & I helped with the writing. While S was eating her cake ever so delicately she thought she would share with me. I had chocolate on my forehead, my cheek and my neck. I guess someone had to get messy, right?
J has been having a rough time in school. While he is smart if he applies himself, he just doesn't like to. He has been having bad days where he is talking when he isn't supposed to or throwing things at other students. Typical behavior for my second born but he has always been so well behaved for other people. I hope it's just because his daddy isn't here. He had a field trip last week and a gift exchange this week. They made gingerbread houses yesterday and he even shared with all of us when he brought it home.
L is doing excellent in school as usual. She has atleast a 94% in all subject areas. She loves doing school work and always goes above and beyond what is expected of her. She is in a gifted class and she really enjoys it. I can't get over how much she loves school. I can actually threaten her with staying home from school if she won't listen :) All her teachers RAVE about her and even other teachers in the school just love her!
K is fiesty as ever. She is talking so much better now and thinks she is the little miss mom. She thinks she can carry around Sara or check the mail or make her own chocolate milk whenever she wishes. I have to constantly leave the deadbolt on the door or her and A will escape. She also thinks the cat should do what she wants, when she wants her to. She will get so mad if the cat doesn't want to come in the house. She fell in love with my friend Windy. She always wants her to hold her... this is the same little girl that will stand in the door at playgroup and not go in because she is "scared." Weird child! She cannot wait to go to school. I hate that she misses the cutoff by 2 weeks down here. I will probably look into getting her into a 3 day a week preschool for next fall even if I have to pay for it. It would be good for the both of us.
A is another wild child. He is pretty good about listening but still a crazy one. His new favorite thing is dancing. He goes wild listening to Hannah Montana or High School Musical. It is so darn cute. He is a loveable little bug too. He loves to give hugs and kisses. His hair is getting so blonde too. I remember when it was red as red can be. He will be 2 in a couple weeks. It is so hard to believe how fast these babies are growing up. Before I know it they will all be in school and I won't know what to do with myself.
John is still overseas. He was supposed to be coming home on leave in a couple weeks. We have known since August when he would be home and have been counting down the days. Now we come to find out that he has been pushed back to the end of January. I was very ticked when I found out. We had made so many plans and this just screws everything up. I mean, its better than getting pushed back to March or April but still, I have a right to be mad. We were going to have a huge birthday party for our three winter babies but that has now been cancelled. Lexi will wait until Daddy is home to have her party but the other two will have smaller parties before that. We were also waiting to decorate the Christmas tree and have Santa visit while Daddy was home but now it looks as if that will change as well. I cant leave my tree up that long and it's not fair to make the kids wait that long, especially since all their schoolmates will already have gotten their presents. I will ask them and I'm sure they will want their presents as soon as possible. That also means more work for me.
It is Christmastime and it is such a busy time. I am done with my Christmas shopping except for two things. One thing for John and the other thing for J. I actually was done yesterday until I had to pick up a photo order at Walmart today and spent another $100. In my defense, not one thing cost me more than $20 :)
I wrapped a good deal of presents yesterday and today. I have sooooo many more to do though. I don't know where I'm going to find the time to get it all done before leaving for Ohio on Thursday. Actually we are headed to Warner Robins on Thursday. Then from there we are going to Berea on Friday. We are staying with some friends to help break up the trip. So glad I don't have to stay in a hotel (Thanks Windy & Patty). We will finally make it to the inlaws on Saturday. Then the fun begins.
Sunday we have two Christmas parties to go to. My dad is hosting at his house in the early afternoon since my stepsiblings won't be there on Christmas day (that is when we usually do it) and my mom is hosting that evening because there is no other time for her to host since she works second shift every other day (such is the life of an RN). Christmas Eve is with the inlaws as usual. Dinner then church but this year we won't be opening presents that evening. My older brother in law will be at his fiance's family Christmas that evening. My kids will get to open a couple presents and my sister spend the evening with us as well. Christmas day will put as at my Grandpa's house during the day and back at the inlaws that evening. I am forgoing my family Christmas to spend it with John's family since he is deployed this year and we always miss going to his dad's side because of my family Christmas. Starting this year I will be alternating every year. So next year we will be going to my family's Christmas. The following two days we have no plans. Probably let the kids play with their new toys, break them down to fit into the car for on the way home and get me some much needed peking ribs from China Express :) Friday is Christmas with John's mom's side of the family. Gift exchange parties are always so much fun. Saturday will be the officially opening of presents with the inlaws. And then on Sunday it will be time to head back home. I will probably leave early in the morning... like 7 or 8 so that I arrive back to Warner Robins about 12 hours later. I won't be stopping anywhere before that and I know Ill be exhausted from driving so much that I will need to stop. Windy & Rich are also following me back home the next day so it all works out. A friend is coming in on the first that I haven't seen in 2 yrs. I cannot wait!!! I was hoping that John would have been home then but no such luck (which I'm still ticked about, by the way).
So as you can see it's going to be a very busy Christmas. Lots of parties, lots of driving, and lots of kids to take in and out of bathrooms AHHH I better buy some Pull-Ups (and Depends) before I go.
Hope everyone has a splendid holiday!!!
Things have been kind of crazy around here. Not that they aren't always crazy but crazier than usual with Christmas, school, playgroups, John coming home, and everday mundane tasks. It has really taken a toll on me and my brain has just been fried.
My baby girl turned 1 just 6 days ago! Before you ask... NO! I'm not pregnant yet, nor do I plan to be ever again. I have to admit I miss being pregnant... I just don't want anymore kids. Five is definitely enough for me (for now atleast). It is so strange to think that next year my youngest will be 2. Only one of my kids has ever reached the age of 2 before becoming an older sibling. That was J and had I not had a miscarriage in July 2003 then there wouldnt be two years between him and K. We didn't have a big first birthday party for S. We were planning on it but plans have since changed. We had a small get together with a friend on Saturday and it was so fun. S loved her chocolate on chocolate cake that Miss Windy & Uncle Rich made for her. J & I helped with the writing. While S was eating her cake ever so delicately she thought she would share with me. I had chocolate on my forehead, my cheek and my neck. I guess someone had to get messy, right?
J has been having a rough time in school. While he is smart if he applies himself, he just doesn't like to. He has been having bad days where he is talking when he isn't supposed to or throwing things at other students. Typical behavior for my second born but he has always been so well behaved for other people. I hope it's just because his daddy isn't here. He had a field trip last week and a gift exchange this week. They made gingerbread houses yesterday and he even shared with all of us when he brought it home.
L is doing excellent in school as usual. She has atleast a 94% in all subject areas. She loves doing school work and always goes above and beyond what is expected of her. She is in a gifted class and she really enjoys it. I can't get over how much she loves school. I can actually threaten her with staying home from school if she won't listen :) All her teachers RAVE about her and even other teachers in the school just love her!
K is fiesty as ever. She is talking so much better now and thinks she is the little miss mom. She thinks she can carry around Sara or check the mail or make her own chocolate milk whenever she wishes. I have to constantly leave the deadbolt on the door or her and A will escape. She also thinks the cat should do what she wants, when she wants her to. She will get so mad if the cat doesn't want to come in the house. She fell in love with my friend Windy. She always wants her to hold her... this is the same little girl that will stand in the door at playgroup and not go in because she is "scared." Weird child! She cannot wait to go to school. I hate that she misses the cutoff by 2 weeks down here. I will probably look into getting her into a 3 day a week preschool for next fall even if I have to pay for it. It would be good for the both of us.
A is another wild child. He is pretty good about listening but still a crazy one. His new favorite thing is dancing. He goes wild listening to Hannah Montana or High School Musical. It is so darn cute. He is a loveable little bug too. He loves to give hugs and kisses. His hair is getting so blonde too. I remember when it was red as red can be. He will be 2 in a couple weeks. It is so hard to believe how fast these babies are growing up. Before I know it they will all be in school and I won't know what to do with myself.
John is still overseas. He was supposed to be coming home on leave in a couple weeks. We have known since August when he would be home and have been counting down the days. Now we come to find out that he has been pushed back to the end of January. I was very ticked when I found out. We had made so many plans and this just screws everything up. I mean, its better than getting pushed back to March or April but still, I have a right to be mad. We were going to have a huge birthday party for our three winter babies but that has now been cancelled. Lexi will wait until Daddy is home to have her party but the other two will have smaller parties before that. We were also waiting to decorate the Christmas tree and have Santa visit while Daddy was home but now it looks as if that will change as well. I cant leave my tree up that long and it's not fair to make the kids wait that long, especially since all their schoolmates will already have gotten their presents. I will ask them and I'm sure they will want their presents as soon as possible. That also means more work for me.
It is Christmastime and it is such a busy time. I am done with my Christmas shopping except for two things. One thing for John and the other thing for J. I actually was done yesterday until I had to pick up a photo order at Walmart today and spent another $100. In my defense, not one thing cost me more than $20 :)
I wrapped a good deal of presents yesterday and today. I have sooooo many more to do though. I don't know where I'm going to find the time to get it all done before leaving for Ohio on Thursday. Actually we are headed to Warner Robins on Thursday. Then from there we are going to Berea on Friday. We are staying with some friends to help break up the trip. So glad I don't have to stay in a hotel (Thanks Windy & Patty). We will finally make it to the inlaws on Saturday. Then the fun begins.
Sunday we have two Christmas parties to go to. My dad is hosting at his house in the early afternoon since my stepsiblings won't be there on Christmas day (that is when we usually do it) and my mom is hosting that evening because there is no other time for her to host since she works second shift every other day (such is the life of an RN). Christmas Eve is with the inlaws as usual. Dinner then church but this year we won't be opening presents that evening. My older brother in law will be at his fiance's family Christmas that evening. My kids will get to open a couple presents and my sister spend the evening with us as well. Christmas day will put as at my Grandpa's house during the day and back at the inlaws that evening. I am forgoing my family Christmas to spend it with John's family since he is deployed this year and we always miss going to his dad's side because of my family Christmas. Starting this year I will be alternating every year. So next year we will be going to my family's Christmas. The following two days we have no plans. Probably let the kids play with their new toys, break them down to fit into the car for on the way home and get me some much needed peking ribs from China Express :) Friday is Christmas with John's mom's side of the family. Gift exchange parties are always so much fun. Saturday will be the officially opening of presents with the inlaws. And then on Sunday it will be time to head back home. I will probably leave early in the morning... like 7 or 8 so that I arrive back to Warner Robins about 12 hours later. I won't be stopping anywhere before that and I know Ill be exhausted from driving so much that I will need to stop. Windy & Rich are also following me back home the next day so it all works out. A friend is coming in on the first that I haven't seen in 2 yrs. I cannot wait!!! I was hoping that John would have been home then but no such luck (which I'm still ticked about, by the way).
So as you can see it's going to be a very busy Christmas. Lots of parties, lots of driving, and lots of kids to take in and out of bathrooms AHHH I better buy some Pull-Ups (and Depends) before I go.
Hope everyone has a splendid holiday!!!
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