Some Time for Me!

Yesterday, during my planning time, i wrote out sub plans. I had a staff meeting until 5 and then worked in my room for 15 more minutes before heading out the door. I decided to take Tuesday off and i was excited! My original intention was to make a doctor's appointment for a check up and blood work for my thyroid. But, the more i thought about it, the more i just needed a whole day for me. And if we do decide to have child number three, that sick day i took off will become an unpaid leave day. . . and it was SO worth it.

I got up at 6 and got Camryn up. I fed her and got her dressed. When TJ left with the girls at 6:45, i went back to bed! It was fabulous. I rolled over at 8 and smiled. Then thought to myself, "just a little bit longer." Next thing i knew it was 9 and i finally rolled out of bed at 9:10. It was wonderful. And i was so glad that there was not a feeling of guilt or a feeling of time wasted. It was just what i needed. I haven't slept that late, at home, in over a year!

Next, it was off to do a little bit of Christmas shopping. I gave myself a time limit, and thank God i did. I was back by noon to eat lunch and then i started setting up my village. I just couldn't picture doing that with a one year old climbing around and a 3 year old wanting to help. I didn't get to set up my village last year, so it was a real treat.

Then, i set up the tree. I ran out of time to do the lights, but as soon as i get those on, Jaely is going to help me put the ornaments on. She is so excited! And we only had to tell Cami "No, miss" about the tree like ten times.

Jaelynne came home from Miss Amber's so excited. She saw the wreath hanging in the window and ran from the car screaming "Christmas! Christmas!" She was overly delighted when she walked back to her bedroom and saw her own little Christmas tree brightly shining in her room. Now, we will see if she is able to sleep with it in there!

It really was a perfect day. There is so much more i wanted to do, but i am really pleased with the amount of sleeping/working i did.

Thanksgiving

I love that my family comes together on Thanksgiving. My mom would have loved to know that even when she didn't organize Thanksgiving, we would all come together and organize the menu, the timing, and who is bringing what. Ya, she would have been disappointed in the Grand Traverse Pie Company bought pies, but they are just so good. I remember TJ and my mom making apple pies in the harvest gold/avocado green kitchen on Echo. They were delicious. I am sure once tomorrow i will have to say "put some gravy on it" in memory of my mom who often told you how to enjoy your food. And although there will be no sauteed mushrooms or insulated gravy boats, we have added new traditions.

I love having Thanksgiving at our house. What started out as a convenient thing to do since we had a three week old has turned into something that we look forward to and plan. I do miss TJ's side of the family dearly, but it is so nice not to get out of a full day of work, pack things up and drive with two kids across the state for a weekend. I think we may get some rest on this long weekend. And. . . there is always Christmas break, which is long enough to travel and relax. Cannot wait!

I haven't seen Jason and Whitney in a year. Camryn has changed so so much since the last time they saw her. I know my mom would be so proud of us not giving up on family, still making a huge effort to come together and spend time. Jason & Whitney spending money and time to come across the country, my aunt and uncle driving across the state, dad taking a day (or two) off from work, Jered picking up jason and whitney and driving them around to places, all of us bringing food or tables or drinks to our house. I find myself keeping it simple and relaxed. Although i actually feel kind of bad serving dinner on paper plates. . . i may just change my mind on that one. I figure, they are family. The house doesn't need to look perfect. Jered and TJ will be the ones in the kitchen the most, both enjoy cooking greatly. And Jason has a fairly recent new found love for baking and cooking. He is making his homemade pretzels. I will clean up. . . that is where my talent is. I did make homemade mac & cheese and a cheese ball, but that is about all i am good for.

I can't wait. I have so much i am thankful for.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

I crafted. Got out the glue gun and the paper cutter.
I had so much fun. Enjoyment. Relaxed and got lost in all the crafts.
I sure stuck with a theme. . . my mom would be proud.

InvitationsTesting out the bookmarks that the kids would make at the party

Made goodie bags, cupcakes, food tags. . .





Made Camryn's chair (TJ built it and i quickly painted it.) It isn't finished here. I added big dots, a sun and, of course, her name.


Preparing the food. . .

The decorations to hang from the ceiling and above windows.



Working on the cake.
Camryn's cupcake.


More pictures from the party!