Getting down to business . . .

Decorations are down from the attic (thank you Lego!) and I have begun to put them up.  Granted, not many are up; but the house is tidy and I have a clean palate to get everything done tomorrow.

Tomorrow we are going to a tree farm with Sprout's preschool to help pick out the tree for their classroom.  She's pretty excited.  I hoping this will be a nice tree farm that we can go back to on Saturday and pick up our tree.  I hope they have nobles, they're my favorite.

Another little pointless tidbit, lately, I have been really enjoying all the Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel.  I enjoy them every year and it's nice to see them on again.  Sprout has been enjoying watching them with me as well.

This weekend we're going to get the tree and decorate it and I'm finally going to get to see New Moon . . . I'm so excited.  I've heard mixed reviews and honestly, I wasn't too thrilled with the Twilight movie but since I enjoy the books I will definitely see the movies.

The halls are still bare . . .

No decorations have been put up, they're still in the attic . . . Lego has assured me that he will retrieve our boxes from the recesses of the attic and Sprout and I will be able to get busy making the house all Christmasy tomorrow.

We do have our Christmas countdown chain that we made put up, which Sprout has started taking off her links and is having such a fun time.  I also bought an advent calendar at the Hallmark store and it has a tiny piece of chocolate behind the doors.  She's enjoying opening the doors and seeing what shape the chocolate is in.

Tomorrow is a preschool day so it's bound to be a busy day.  Maybe even lunch with papa, if we're lucky!

Decking the halls . . .

I've been nagging Lego to get my Christmas decorations down from the attic so Sprout and I can begin to decorate the house and I'm still waiting.  I'm hoping to get them down today and get the house decked out in the holiday spirit.  I love putting on the Christmas music and having Sprout help me figure out where to place all our holiday memorabilia.  I'm excited to start as every year she seems more and more interested in what I'm doing and what it's all about.

This weekend we will be cutting down our Christmas tree.  We used to schelp to a store and pick out our tree; but last year we ventured out to a Christmas tree farm and hiked in the pouring rain and mud to find the perfect tree, cut it down and bring it home and put on it's holiday finery.  It was such a fun memory that we are making it a tradition.  We are all looking forward to finding our tree this year.

My parents do the fake tree and they actually have two fake trees one of which they keep attempting to foist off on us.  We actually used it one year, that was the year Sprout was due to be born.  I was so big and pregnant and feeling miserable, like I had through my entire pregnancy, that I didn't want to pick out a tree and my parents offered to bring up their extra and decorate it.  I was sold.  It was a challenge to get them to take the tree back after we didn't need it anymore.  My dad is still trying to give us this tree, he asked again if I was certain that I didn't want to use it this year.  I don't know what it is, I just don't like fake trees.  I miss the fresh pine scent and even all the pine needles that you have to keep vacuuming up, making your vacuum smell like Christmas well into spring.

I grew up with real trees well into my teens and I can't imagine Sprout not having that same memory.  So, we'll traipse off to a tree farm and pick out the perfect tree this weekend and I can't wait.  Although, I can wait for all the little buggies that will soon invade my house from the fresh cut tree.  The one downfall.

Completion!

I did it!  I somehow managed to fit in a post a day for a month.  Woo Hoo!  Maybe I'll keep this up, it's actually been kind of fun!  Maybe I'll be back tomorrow . . .

Unconventional

This Thanksgiving neither my parents nor us stepped foot in a kitchen.  No Thanksgiving dinner groceries were bought, which was weird, and no kitchens were prepped for the big day.  Normally, we toggle back and forth between our houses, but this year we decided to take it off.

We escaped to the beach.  We stayed at a cozy hotel with two rooms, a fireplace, and a balcony that overlooked the ocean and sandy beaches.  It was so beautiful.

This was the view from our balcony around sunrise.  It was chilly and rainy, but absolutely beautiful!

All these pictures were taken from our balcony.  I somehow managed to go pretty much the whole weekend without taking my camera out of my bag.  Finally the morning we were leaving I was up early with Sprout and thought I'd see what the sunrise might hold for me.

For our Thanksgiving dinner we went to a restaurant that was having a Thanksgiving buffet and it was super yummy . . . even more so because none of us had to cook or clean up.  We had turkey, ham, yams, mashed potatoes, veggies, stuffing, salad, rolls, and several choices of pie for desert.  Delicious, easy, and fun.

Sprout had a blast swimming in the hotel pool and getting to play on the beach.  It was nice because Lego and my dad watched Sprout while my mom and I did the Black Friday scene at the outlet mall, which was pretty crazy.

We drove home Saturday morning and the guys watched Sprout again while mom and I finished getting Sprout's Christmas, Toys R Us was scary.  At least I can say that Sprout's Christmas is finished.

My parents left for home this morning and it's nice to sit down and finally relax.  I hope you all had a holiday as wonderful as ours!

We're home

I hadn't posted about it but we've been away from home since Thursday.  We are finally home . . . tired and sore.  

We had a lovely Thanksgiving, survived Black Friday and came away with Sprout's Christmas shopping done.  Woo hoo!

Tomorrow I will post about where we went and what we did, I'm just too tired to manage it right now.  Good night all!

Zzzzzzzzz . . . 

Stay safe . . .

Mom and I are going out to brave the stores today . . . I think we're insane!  I hate shopping on Black Friday.  I don't like the crowds and I hate the complete mayhem that surrounds everything about Black Friday.  Maybe this stems from working in retail for years or maybe it's a part of the social anxiety I think I have, either way, I'm dreading tomorrow.

The only reason I'm going out is because I still have Christmas shopping to do.  I am glad that with all the gunk that's abound right now that Lego and my dad will be watching Sprout.  I know they will have a lot more fun than I will.

If you are going to battle the crowds stay safe and steer clear of the crazies!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you are all spending a lovely holiday with your family and surrounded by those that you love and are thankful for.

We are spending Thanksgiving with my parents and are doing something very different from what we normally do.  It's nice to have a change and I will elaborate more once I have a chance.  For now, Happy Thanksgiving!

Gobble Gobble!

Favorites

I thought it would be fun to share with you all some of my favorite things.  I was thinking of doing this periodically, or when I come across something that I just fall madly in love with.

This is something I have fallen madly, deeply, passionately in love with . . . the C.O. Bigelow body products.

I love C.O. Bigelow products.  They are fantastic and smell delish!  I absolutely cannot live without their Lip Shine.  It's not super sticky and it tastes like spearmint (they have several other flavors as well).  I have four tubes and almost all are empty. I carry one in my pocket, my purse, on my nightstand and one in my kitchen.  I LOVE it!  I first discovered this lip balm thanks to the Pioneer Woman.  She posted about it how much she liked it and one day I happened into Bath and Body Works (B&BW) and they were carrying C.O. Bigelow products.  I grabbed a tube of the Lip Shine, spearmint, and it's been true love ever since.  I seriously cannot live without this stuff.

After loving the lip shine so much I decided to broaden my horizons so I tried the foot cream, which is awesome.  It's peppermint, with a very strong peppermint scent and makes my feet all soft and tingly after I apply it.  I like to apply it right before crawling into bed, it makes my sheets feel super soft.

I recently bought the Lemon Hand Treatment to fulfill a sale B&BW was having.  the Lemon Hand Treatment has a very mild lemon scent and is delightful.  I'm a sucker for lemony, citrusy scents;  they are so clean and fresh, this hand cream is no exception.  It's nice and light feeling too, not greasy and heavy.  Fantastic products, give them a try if you get a chance, you won't be disappointed!

Delivery!

I think I posted in July about getting a new bed.  Ever since Lego and I married (ten and half years ago . . . wow!) we have wanted to upgrade to a king size bed.  Shortly after we were married we replaced our old queen, which was super uncomfortable and hard, for a new, softer queen. . . couldn't afford a king at the time.  It wasn't an expensive mattress and for the past couple years it's been hard to sleep on.  Springs were poking me in the sides and with Sprout more often than not crawling in and sleeping with us it was snug and uncomfortable.

So, we got our new king sized bed delivered shortly before my birthday in September.  In the few months that have follow a huge rut has formed in the bed.  It's like sleeping in a crater.  It's interesting to lay in the rut and be able to look Sprout directly in the face, when she would normally be much lower than I am.  Lego looks like a mountain from my rut . . . it's annoying, it's irritating and it's being replaced!  

This morning the truck arrived, delivered my fluffy new, rut-free mattress and took away the old cavernous mattress.  I'm looking forward to getting a good night's sleep on the same level as my family.

Ahh, plush and comfy!

Trying new things . . .

I may have said this before but Sprout is a horribly picky eater.  When she was a baby she actually was a fairly good eater.  Now she'll eat fruits and some veggies, but mostly she wants hot dogs, chicken fingers, white cheddar noodles (finger noodles to Sprout), or jelly sandwiches.  I'm so tired of making these four things!

Lego and I have made the decision that it's time to make a change and get her to eat other foods or at least try them to see if she likes them.  So, we're on a crusade to get our daughter to eat.  Tonight was rough, there was lots of crying and not much was eaten, but she finally tried something new, and said she liked it . . . but she didn't want anymore of it . . . I'm frustrated.  I feel worn out and worn down.  I need to get out and get away.

I'm hoping tomorrow I'm in a more chipper mood.  I've just been crabby all evening, it's time for mommy to crawl into bed.

The sickies . . .

Have spread . . . Sprout is now complaining of a sore throat and coughing more.  Whatever this gunk is we all have it.  Today we were supposed to go to a birthday party for a girl in Sprout's class, a swimming party.  Lego and I didn't think it wold be a good idea to take Sprout to a crowded pool and get her wet and cold or to spread our ickies.  So, today we're staying in, staying warm, and staying low.

I've promised Sprout that we can make cupcakes today and we also have to make some centerpieces for her preschool Thanksgiving celebration.  It's very cute, Tuesday at preschool they are going to have a little Thanksgiving dinner for all the kids.  They get to dress up a bit and sit down to a yummy dinner.  Sprout and I signed up to bring the flowers and the candles.  She's very excited to help me do the flowers.  I'm thinking about making the arrangements in little pumpkins, which should be cute.  I'll get some pictures once we're done and post them.

I would normally wait to do the arrangements until Monday, but I have an appointment to finish a root canal that afternoon.  I'm not entirely certain I'll feel like doing flowers after an oh-so fun visit to the dentist.

Hopefully, we'll all be feeling better by Tuesday and Sprout and I can make it to class.

Success!

Lego returned home triumphant!  We are now the proud owners of a gray Zhu Zhu Pet (ZZP).  It's amazing the things parents will do for their kidlets.

Lego was gone and home before Sprout and I had woken up.  He was in line . . . yes, there was actually a line . . . by 5:40.  I guess they were holding them behind the counter for their loyalty card customers, then they were only allowing one ZZP per customer.  I'm glad that we're getting close to being done with our Christmas shopping, although I still need to get birthday stuff.

Today, we're planning on cleaning, cleaning, cleaning.  With my parents heading this way during our Thanksgiving vacation, our house needs to get cleaned.  With my not feeling well lately things have started to stack up.  I've been able to keep up on a few things, but it's still looking icky.  Laundry needs to be folded, bathrooms need a deep cleaning and the floors need swept and vacuumed.  So, why am I sitting here on the computer . . . procrastination, I don't want to clean and Lego's not to exactly excited by it either.

Off to try to stop procrastinating.

The love of a father . . .

Lego is awesome . . . tomorrow morning at 5:30 he's planning on being outside our Toys R Us, waiting for their 6 AM opening.  Why would a sane man go to a toy store that early in the morning?  For a Zhu Zhu Pet; this Christmas' must have toy.  That ladies and gentlemen is the markings of a good father.  I'm so floored that it's not me that's going to be schlepping across town in the early darkness of the morning.  It was going to be, but then Lego chivalrously offered to go for me.  That right there is a good husband.  Sprout and I are two very lucky ladies.

Lego, I'll be thinking of you when I'm still cuddled in bed tomorrow morning!  Love you sweetie!

Observations

Do you ever people watch?  Just sit and observe?  While Sprout is in preschool and I’m sitting in the car . . . yes, still . . . I have enjoyed watching all the people that scurry past.  The church where Sprout’s preschool is has been undergoing some construction so the comings and goings of the construction crew have been very interesting. 

It’s amazing to me how unaware some people are.  Just this morning I’ve watched several butt and manly bit scratches, re-adjusting said manly bits, picking noses, and even one guy who likes to talk to himself.  Maybe they don’t realize I’m here . . . even though lately I’ve been sitting with the car running since it’s been so chilly and rainy.  Maybe they don’t care, a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do I guess.  I will say that these guys have been so nice every time we walk in or out of the building, always saying “good morning” or “have a nice day” and hold the door.

The actual members of the congregation that worships here have been just as kind, but there’s a lot less scratching and adjusting.  I see them scurry into the building clutching their bibles and coffee mugs.  They tend to travel in packs.  They’ll wait in their cars for each other and walk in together.  Most are elderly,but then again on weekday morning I kinda only expect to see the retirement set.

This morning I’ve been sitting here watching all the tall evergreen trees sway and dance in the wind.  The small dogwood tree I’m parked next to is shaking its reddish leaves and sounds like a rain-stick with its dry leaves rattling on.  It’s another blustery day here.

Am I or Aren't I?

For the past few years I've watched as friends participated in NaBloPoMo, which is basically posting everyday during the month of November.  I've never been courageous enough to officially join in the fun, but this year I thought I would tag along, just to see if I can post every day this month.  So far it hasn't been as hard as I would have thought.

I don't know what a difference it would have made had I officially signed up, but I'm too lazy to try to figure it out.  All I wanted was to see if I can do it.  So, I'm a little over half way there and we'll see if I can make it to the end of November with a post a day.  I'm a little concerned what will happen around Thanksgiving.  We'll be celebrating with my parents, which should give me lots of good fodder for the blog (which I wouldn't dream of posting seeing as it would upset my mother . . .), but my mom gets a little pissy if I spend any time on the computer in her presence, unless she's specifically asked me to look something up for her.

If you can't tell, my mother and I have been grating on each other's nerves lately.  Thanksgiving should be interesting.

First Parent Teacher Conference

I can't say that Sprout's teacher, we'll call her Miss Butterfly, told us anything we didn't already know about our little munchkin, everything she did tell us was spot on though.  It was nice to see that she pays close attention to the kids and gets to know them well.

Basically, she said that Sprout was a very smart, observant, curious, talkative little girl.  That she is respectful of her friends and that classroom and that she's a delight to have in class.  She loves art, music and dancing and is very imaginative.

There was one area that we could work on with her . . . her stubbornness.  She likes to play things her way and gets upset when things don't tend to go her way.  Which is VERY true.  Lego and I are both very stubborn people so at least she came by it honestly.  She did say that she gets over it very quickly, which is good.  We got some tips on how to help her at home, most of which we already do, but we got some good things to try too.

She said that she adores Sprout, loves having her in the classroom and that she makes her smile every time their class is in session.  Makes me feel good, very proud to be her mommy.  Love you my little Sprout.

Check list

Green snot . . . check (sorry if TMI)
Splitting headache . . . check
Tired . . . check
Not tired three-year-old . . . check
Busy day tomorrow . . . check
Sprout's first parent teacher conference . . .  check (very excited!)
Looking forward to not working in the classroom tomorrow . . . check

This is all my brain can hope to write tonight.  Night!

No escape

Saturday morning I woke up with a nasty sore throat and stuffy nose.  Which very effectively cancelled my mommy/girly day.  I was so looking forward to getting out and having some fun with one of my girlfriends.

Instead, I stayed home and watched movies with Sprout.  Lego watched them with us for a while (he's gotten my cough and hasn't been feeling too great.) but he eventually decided to brave the outside and trim some of the bushes on the side of the house.  It's actually kind of cute, whenever Lego gets sick he bundles up, which is good . . . but all day he's been walking around the house in a stocking cap and scarf.  It's given me a couple giggles.

So, right now, in order to keep Sprout occupied with her parents not in top form we have a large fort built up in our living room and it makes a perfect place for her to sneak into and watch her movies.  She's been trying to drag our poor cat in there.  Chloe (the cat) loves Sprout's forts, she just doesn't like to be dragged into them or to be in them at the same time as Sprout necessarily.  We're lucky that Chloe is such a sweet and tolerant kitty.

Luckily, last night when we were at the store we bought a new movie for Sprout, Ice Age 3, with the Scrat DVD as well.  We all had fun watching that, it was pretty cute, although the Scrat shorts were my favorite part, always have been.

New Look

So, I threw this together the other night and I kinda like it.  It's nice to have a change.  I can't remember where I found the font in my header, but I can tell you it's called "Pass the Chex".  I wish I could remember where I found it since it's such a cute font and I want to give the creator credit for her work.  If anyone knows where I found it please let me know.  Let me know what you think!

Mommy day or girly day?

Tomorrow I may actually get a mommy day with one of my girlfriends.  My good friend, is stopping through town tomorrow and we are going to grab a bite to eat and get some Christmas shopping done, hopefully.

I say I may get to have a mommy day because it may end up being a girly day and I'll be taking Sprout with me.  Not that I would mind taking Sprout along, but I could definitely use a little mommy time.  When I broached the subject with Lego, he threw a mild mantrum . . . or otherwise known as a man tantrum . . . He started complaining about how much he had to do around the house and he wasn't planning on having to watch Sprout.

I understand that he has a lot that he wants to get done, but that's my day, everyday . . . I have a lot to get done and it usually doesn't always get done, but I don't dwell on it, I know I'll eventually get to it.  I also know that he isn't home as often as I am and that he works during the week, thus limiting his time to get stuff done around the house.  However, it's been a loooong time since I've gotten any significant mommy time, probably around early summer.  I could use a couple hours away.  Either way I know tomorrow's going to be a pretty fun day.

Whew, what a day . . .

So, when I said in my last post that I was looking forward to my two and a half hours of mommy-time in the car today while Sprout was in preschool, I forgot that I was actually scheduled to work in the classroom.  Luckily, I remembered last night so I wasn't late, but it was a long day in class and I'm so exhausted.

It was a tough day for Sprout too.  She got ran into by a little boy, who's quite aggressive and it totally threw off her day.  I didn't see it happen and I almost wonder if something else happened seeing how upset she was.  Once I finally got her to tell me what happened it didn't seem to match her response; I don't know if she was just being dramatic, which is probable, or that this little boy purposefully hurt her, also likely.  She's going through a phase of being embarrassed when anything big or small happens, so I just don't know. . . I hope this phase doesn't last long, it's frustrating.  She was clingy the rest of the day and was just not her normal bubbly self.

After preschool we then got lunch with Lego at a fabulous little cafe at the library and then Sprout and I stayed and played at the library.  On our way home she fell asleep.  Which is pretty rare for her, she stopped napping right after she turned three.  I figured since she did have a rough day that a nap was probably a good thing for her.  She woke refreshed and in a wonderful mood, normally she's a little grouch after naps; I was relieved.  On the flip side, it's almost 10 PM and she's still going strong and I'm just about ready to crash.

At a loss

I'm not quite sure what to write today; so this will probably be a bit of a jumble.

First, Happy Veteran's Day to all the brave men and women who have served and are currently serving our country.  Thank you for your sacrifice and God bless you and your families.

Second, I have been cooped up in the house since last Friday . . .  so has Sprout.  Both of us were beginning to get a little stir crazy.  Today I told Lego, we have to get out, Sprout and I can't do it anymore.  So, we went to lunch and got big bowls of rich creamy clam chowder.  It was super nummy!  I love chowder on a cold, rainy day.  When we were in college we would often go get bowls of chowder and sit by the windows watching it rain, good memories.  We then went to an art supply store and I got a new sketchbook and pencils.  I love art supplies.  They had a set of art supplies for kidlets that Sprout was really interested in.  I think I may have to get back there before Christmas, she'd love to get that under the tree.

Third, not that you all care, but tonight I'm going to bed early.  Last night was a rough night in our house.  I didn't go to bed until 1:30, Sprout woke up at 4:30 to go to the bathroom and she wanted Lego to take her, so he did.  She then refused to throw her toilet paper into the garbage can . . . still not entirely sure why.  Lego's half asleep and frustrated, I finally get her to throw away the TP and get her back into bed.  She crawls into bed next to me and Lego has gone to the guest bedroom to finish the night and calm down.  6:30 rolls around and I wake up in a puddle . . . the joys of motherhood, I get Sprout on the potty and cleaned up and have Lego return to help change the sheets.  Clean sheet and clean Sprout we get back in bed and little Miss Munchkin is wide awake.  Now, this is something you should know about me.  I am NOT a morning person and I am not getting up at 6:30, not unless I have to be somewhere, which thankfully I didn't.  So I lay there trying to sleep and Sprout finally falls back to sleep somewhere around 8:00 and blissfully let us sleep in until 10:30.

So, I'm feeling a little tired, my brains a little frazzled and I'm looking forward to my two and a half hours of mommy-time in the car while Sprout is in preschool.

Chewy Goodness

This morning I woke up feeling icky.  Sprout and I ended up skipping preschool and I'm glad, cause all day long I haven't been feeling too good.  

Since we didn't go to preschool I knew Sprout deserved to do something fun.  So, we made cowboy cookies.  Alright, it's my chocolate chip cookie recipe (which is out of this world awesome) that we added peanut butter chips and toasted coconut to.  They turned out wonderful!

Sprout told me that these cookies were scrumptious!  I don't know where she picked up the word scrumptious, but it's just too adorable when she uses it.

Here's my recipe, which I found at allrecipes.com a few years ago.  We love it and everyone who tastes them loves them too.  Lego's office is addicted to them and often request that he make these cookies and bring them in.  Here it is, I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Chewy and Delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 
  
• Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.
2. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended. Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy. Mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon. Drop cookie dough 1/4 cup at a time onto the prepared cookie sheets. Cookies should be about 3 inches apart.
4. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly toasted. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Master Staler

Yup, that's Sprout . . . the stall tactic expert.  When the lights go out she comes up with a million ideas to get to stay up later.  Tonight, I flipped off the light and once the darkness settled around us,
    
"Mommy, my tummy hurts.  I think I need to throw up."  The first couple times she did this I sprang into action, only to have her tell me that it might take a while . . .
    
Tonight, I told her, "Your tummy is probably as tired as you are and just needs sleep.  You'll feel better in the morning."
    
She then proceeded to tell me she was hungry, and wanted dinner . . . no, breakfast . . . no, cereal bars and chocolate milk.  After being told no, she wiggled around a bit and then told me,
    
"Mommy, I think my tummy's feeling better."  I chuckled and told that that was good.  She was quiet for a few moments then says, "I think my finger hurts."

We went through needing water, having the wiggles and several other inventive ideas.  Finally, she zonked, after I left because I figured nothing I was doing was working and it was time for her to have some quiet time.  She's just too smart for her own good.

The fall out

In an effort to eat healthier and just generally be healthier I have joined Weight Watchers.  The premise is that they basically help you learn healthy eating habits and make lifestyle changes.  This time of year the topic inevitably turns to the holidays and preparing yourself to make the best choices for you and what you're trying to accomplish.

The consensus at most of the meetings is that this is the hardest time of year for the majority of their members.  Thanksgiving and Christmas are such food centered holidays what with all the dinners, parties and delightful baked goods.  To be honest, Thanksgiving and Christmas are not tough holidays for me.  I find it very easy to make healthful choices around this time and even to keep my portion sizes appropriate.

We've just been through one of my tough holidays, Halloween.  It isn't all the candy in the stores that trip me up, I can usually walk by without buying anything. . . usually.  The trouble comes after Halloween is over . . . the leftovers.  I used to send them to work with Lego, but now that we have a little one I have to keep some around for her, she did do all the work trick-or-treating for it.  I actually sent a bag of leftovers to work with Lego, Sprout doesn't need a huge amount of candy.  But, we do have some around and well, if it's around I nibble on it through the day, my willpower just seems to crumble.  Right now, I'm in a battle with the Halloween leftovers . . . sadly, I'm not winning.

My other tough holiday is Easter, stinking Cadbury Eggs.  That's all I'll say.  Hoping you have more willpower than I do.

White and fluffy

Falling, floating softly and quietly to the ground.  Cold, yet blanketing the earth in a sparkling, downy cover.  Snow.  I miss it.  I watch the news and see the areas that are getting snow and wish that I were there.  I love the rain and the mist and I certainly don't miss driving in the snow, but I loved sitting by the window watching the snow fluttering to the ground.  We only rarely get to see snow here, but it's something to savor when it does happen.  Last year we had more snow than we normally get, but it was some severely wacky weather last year.  I could have done without the ice-storms.

Right now, I'd love to pack the car head up into the mountains to a cozy little cabin with a blazing fire surrounded by snow and trees.  I want to make snow angels and snowmen with Sprout.  Get her all bundled up and help her pelt daddy with snowballs.  Then after the Sproutlet is down for the evening cuddling with Lego and sipping a hot cup of tea and watching a movie.

Maybe I'll have to google for some cabins in the area and plan a trip closer to Christmas.  I'm feeling the urge to get away and have fun, do something different.

Cuddling

Today is a do nothing sort of day.  I was planning to host a play-group here this morning, but seeing as how practically the entire city I live in is sick, most of the kiddos were sick and I didn't want to expose Sprout to more kidlets who might be sick; preschool is enough, we decided to cancel and reschedule at a later date.

So, since my house is pretty much clean, I just need to fold laundry, Sprout and I have been cuddling, watching movies and just having a low key day.  It's been nice to not have to go anywhere or do anything.

The weather is still grey and rainy here, and I love it.  In the foreseeable forecast it's all rain.  I'm thinking this weekend might be a fun time for a beach trip, but I know Lego has plans to work around the house, I do love to storm watch though.

Tonight, I have a meeting to go to and I'm hoping that I can escape the the bookstore alone for some mommy-time.

I think I'm going to toss something in the crockpot so I don't have to worry about dinner tonight.  Chili sounds good, soup is always delicious on cold, rainy and icky days.

Blustery Day

All day it has been windy and gray and even spitting a little bit of rain, but it didn't stop us from having a good day.

First off was preschool.  Sprout had a good time and I had a nice morning in the car writing and relaxing.  Then off to pick up Daddy for his birthday lunch.  We usually pick him up for lunch on preschool days, today we just went to some place other than fast food.  It was a nice change.

Off to the market to pick up a birthday treat (with star shaped candles - unfortunately we couldn't find any heart shaped candles.) for Dad, along with wrapping paper, Dora as a mermaid - of course! -  then home to clean, clean, clean.  The house it looking pretty nice and judging by the leaves whipping past my windows and zipping down the street I'm grateful that we are in our nice warm house.

When Lego gets home in a few minutes we will be enjoying homemade pizzas, present opening, then yummy birthday treats!  Happy Birthday Lego!  Sprout and I love you!

Vicious Cycle

Today was a cleaning day . . . I was going to get the house all spic-n-span since we are hosting a playgroup here on Friday and being that tomorrow is Lego's 32nd birthday and a preschool day I didn't want to have to worry about cleaning tomorrow.  Well, I'll be trying to squeeze in a lot of cleaning tomorrow now, today just didn't quite go as planned.  I cleaned, yes I cleaned and cooked and cleaned and cooked some more then cleaned some more.  I'm making this sound like my house is located at the county dump, and that certainly isn't the case; generally, it's quite clean, just pick up stuff normally.  Lately with all the Halloween activities and just being more busy than normal things have gone by the wayside and I've had a bit of catch up to do.

However, it starts off pretty much the same way every time - I clean a room, Sprout plays in another room creating another mess to clean up.  I clean up the new mess and low and behold a new mess is made that I get to clean up.  I usually do have Sprout help me clean up, but she gets distracted and starts making another mess or wanders off and I usually finish, simply cause it's easier and I want to get it done quickly.  But, it's just a never ending cycle.

Tonight Lego came home and he's been cranky the past few days cause his back is sore and I think he's stressed with work, and he got ticked off because Sprout had taken an orange and apple into the bedroom while I was cooking dinner and she peeled her orange and ate her apple and left her evidence behind.  So, I'm now voluntarily in the bedroom giving Mr. Grumpy-Pants his space.  Just very grateful that Sprout is asleep, I don't think I could handle two grumps tonight.