12/10/11

Today was a VERY busy, very exhausting day!!!

After some breakfast and showering, Amelia and I were off to sell some movies (off Craigslist) and do a little shopping. I had to pick up a few necessities at Target, and they had a special “Spend $50 get a $10 gift card” coupon good through today, so of course I had to use that! I wanted to spend a little alone time with Amelia since Olivia has a very special afternoon coming up.

The girls went down for their naps right when I got home, while Christian and I ate some lunch. I eventually had to wake Olivia up and get her ready…today, she and I were off, with my mom, Kelly and Meeka, to see “Disney on Ice”. My mom brought her, for part of the show, last year, but she was a little too young to really understand how cool it was. I couldn’t wait to take her this year and see how she would react. I picked my mom up, and we got to the show just in time. She was in awe of the whole thing, it was so fun watching her take it all in. Of course, we stocked up on a few overpriced goodies during intermission, but the whole experience was worth every penny – she was so amazed by the whole event, she deserved every bit of that joy!

While we were at the show, Christian spent some time at his parents’ house with Amelia. Olivia and I ate some dinner and hung out for a while until they came home. We spent a little family time, and it was bedtime before we knew it!

Tonight was my 10-Year High School Reunion. I’ve been debating going since the plans started. Outside of Facebook, the only person I actually talk to from school is Kari – and she couldn’t go to the reunion. I started making some tentative plans with a couple girls – but they weren’t able to go until later at night. I finally got a text from one of them, Emily, around 8:30 letting me know that she was going. So, I hoped in the car and was in my way to meet her. I was a little nervous…I didn’t know what to expect, or who would even be there…and of course, I was sure that nobody would even remember me. I was pleasantly surprised. I had such an amazing time catching up with a few people – and I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time. It was nice to get up, and I’m actually really happy that I didn’t miss out. High school, like it or not, is (and should be) such a huge part of your growing up experience. I think I would have been really bummed out if I would have missed out on it.

I finally got home around 12:30 (I know, but that’s REALLY late for me) and settled in for the night. It was definitely a SUPER busy day, but in the end, it was a pretty amazing one.

Today, Buddy was “hiding” in plain sight. He brought Olivia and early Christmas gift, her Rapunzel dress, and brought Amelia a little Winnie the Pooh figurine. Lucky girls to have such a generous Elf :)

Here are some pictures of today's events...only one snap from the reunion, but of course MANY from the show. LOL

12/9/11

Friday, sweet, sweet Friday. Between Holiday’s, and Flex Days, I haven’t worked a Friday in a LONG time. It felt strange…I prefer not being there on Friday’s personally :)

I did end up leaving a little early. I ended up making some last minute play date plans with Kelly and the kids, so I headed home to do some cleaning up and get the house a little organized. Our guests arrived shortly after I picked up the girls from my mom’s house. Olivia was SO excited to have her BFF over. We ate some McDonald’s and the girls played the night away. It’s usually one fight after another when Olivia and Meeka get together, but they actually played REALLY well together tonight. There were a couple of sharing/”I want what you have” issues, but that is to be expected. They had so much fun together. It was interesting to watch Amelia…she kind jumped between being really interested in Niko and what he was all about (being closer in age and size to her), and wanting to do what the girls were doing, but not quite able to keep up.

While we had our little play date, Christian went to his friends new house to help him install some flooring in his bathroom. He arrived home shortly after the Madrid’s left, unfortunately for him, also right after the girls went to bed. I was pretty tired, so he was on his own for the evening. LOL

Tonight, the girls found Buddy hiding in one of the “nooks” in the entry with some bath books. I LOVE these bath books, they keep the girls really entertained during their baths.

12/8/11

Today was a usual, low-key Thursday. Work has been going great…I’ve managed to stay pretty caught up lately, which feel great, but it seems like everything I touch has some kind of problem. While it can be pretty stressful, I know that in the end it’s a good thing. Stressful, “new” stuff only helps me learn more about my job, which definitely is not a bad thing. One of my co-workers approached me about not only being a part of a new “task force”, but actually chairing it. That kind of stuff is definitely not my “thing”, and the thought of it is a little overwhelming. I’m not sure what I’m going to do about that. He said that it can help me “advance”, but I honestly don’t see how – since that is not something that I would want to do regularly. We’ll see what happens there.

Christian’s work has been going great too. With the Holiday’s getting closer, the overtime is starting to add up – which is REALLY nice. I’m starting to get a little upset that all of their “promises” that they were “working on something” for him have still not turned into anything. Christian has been there for quite some time now…he’s always there, always dependable and accountable, puts in extra time and help whenever needed. He works SO hard, and I really wish he would get rewarded for it at some point.

Outside of work, everything was normal as usual. Tonight, Buddy was swinging from the Chandelier with glow necklaces for the girls. We thought for sure he would stay hidden forever, but both of the girls spotted him right away, as soon as they walked in the door, even with the lights off! They are too smart for Buddy, that’s for sure!

12/7/11

So, I’m super grateful to have finally gone into the eye doctor. I needed some new eyes like nobody’s business. However, I definitely did not take well to the eye dilating as I usually do. My vision was so blurry and messed up last night, ALL night, that I woke up with a pretty serious headache this morning. I couldn’t really sleep or anything, which didn’t help. So I ended up calling in sick to work today. Staring at a computer screen all day was NOT going to cure my headache, that’s for sure.

After some rest and some Excedrin, I finally started feeling a little better. I was able to catch up on some shows, I went through our closets to throw out some dirty, hole-filled clothes, get some clothes ready for donation and make them a little less jam-packed. Then, I started on the “office” again…still trying to get it sored through, and cleaned out, before the carpet cleaners come next month.

Before I knew it, Christian and the girls were on their way home. I made some dinner, and we hung out for the night. Tonight, the girls found Buddy hiding in their closet, with ribbon wands! I was a little worried about the weaponness of them, but the girls actually did great with them. They thought they were pretty cool, so job well done Buddy!

12/6/11

Well, I'm back! After disappearing for a while, I'm back. I don't know what my problem is...why I just give up on my blog so often now. I still love doing it, I just really forget about it all the time! I think 2012 is definitely going to bring some changes to the blog. I think we'll be moving towards a "52 Weeks" format, just to recap our weeks, and our favorite pictures. That should be more manageable for me, and still a good way to document our oh-so-exciting lives. But, until then, we'll just keep pushing through 2011....

Today was a pretty good day. I've managed to stay pretty well caught up at work the last week or so. I almost don't know what to do with myself. I've become so accustomed to being swamped, with no end in sight. Lately, I've been able to keep up, even on the tasks I put off as long as I can! The good thing about this is it gives me the ability to take some time off here and there, without the guilt I usually feel.

Christian's work is really starting to pick up with the Holiday season in full swing. He's been going in an hour or two early every day, and working and hour or so late. He's pretty exhausted, which isn't always too fun to deal with, but it's worth it.

Today I had a MUCH, MUCH, MUCH needed eye appointment. I am horrible about my eyes. I had perfect vision all through school, but it's been getting worse ever since. But, I only get myself into the doctor every 2 years or so. So, I was very excited about getting an updated prescription today. The appointment went well, and, of course, I had another pretty significant change in my sight. I ordered my new contacts, and now I'm on the lookout for a good deal on glasses. I thought I would be able to go back to work after my appointment, but my eyes didn't handle the dilation too well this time. So, instead, it was home for the rest of the day! Oh darn...

After some rest and readjusting, I was able to wrap all of our Christmas gifts! It feels good to have that done, and it's really hard to believe Christmas is less than 3 weeks away...WOW!

Christian and the girls got home right in time for dinner. They discovered Buddy the Elf hiding in the bathroom today. Buddy brought the girls each a puzzle, and I was pretty impressed with Olivia's skills. She got about halfway through it, with a little help. Amelia really just wanted to take hers apart. LOL

12/5/11

Today was a pretty lazy day. Just the usual, work and home. I had grand plans to do dishes and clean up the house when I got home from work, but I was just way too exhausted to do anything. I really need to start making some changes in my life. I need more energy, and need to be all around more healthy. Obviously this is the worst time to year to try to implement some healthier lifestyle choices...between Holiday stuff, running around, being busy at work and Christian's unpredictable work schedule, I don't want to set myself up for failure. I am going to start working on a plan that I can implement in the new year though.

So, it was definitely a laid back night for us. Luckily we have a fridge full of leftovers to tide us all over. I made the girls' videos from Santa today, and played them during dinner. Amelia thought it was pretty hilarious. Olivia was just entranced with it. I purposely made Olivia's video "naughty", in hopes that maybe Santa can get through to her, and get to her behave. And, honestly, it seemed like a little light switch went off as soon as Santa told her she "still has time to get on the nice list". She was like a whole new kid the rest of the night. Hopefully it sticks! You can watch their videos, they really are pretty cute: Olivia's and Amelia's.

Buddy the Elf was hiding up in the kitchen nook. It took the girls a LONG time to find him tonight (finally...I swear, Olivia has been spotting him as soon as she gets home/wakes up!). He brought the girls a couple of books tonight, and they LOVED them...they love books, it's cute.

12/4/11

Oh Sunday...another Sunday, another weekend comes to a close. It was nice to have a fairly lazy, relaxed weekend. Those are pretty rare this time of year!

Amelia slept in until 9:00 or so this morning, which was truly amazing! She definitely gets caught up on her sleep when Olivia isn't around. We didn't do much this morning. I showered quick as soon as I got up. Then Christian plowed the driveway quick, while Amelia and I just hung out. My mom brought Olivia home a little before nap time. She was immediately up to her usual antics. Really, worse than usual. She was acting out towards Amelia, and was not listening to a word I said. Let's just say, nap time could not come soon enough. So, we all ate some lunch and put the girls down for their naps.

While they napped, I was off to do some shopping. I ran to Hallmark to get Olivia's last birthday present, the precious moments figurine we get them for their birthday's. Next up, I stopped into the dollar store. I decided to have Buddy the Elf start bringing the girls little gifts every day. Yes, I am bribing my children. LOL. I'm just hoping a little rewarding will go a long way. I guess we'll see how that plan works out. Finally, I stopped in to Target to get a few groceries, and some wrapping paper. And, with that, I am basically done Christmas shopping! YES!

Christian and I cleaned up the house a little as soon as I got home, then it was time to start dinner. My Dad and stepmom were coming over for dinner tonight...I invited them over to celebrate his birthday and their anniversary, both were earlier this week. So, I made some enchiladas, rice and beans, and we hung out chatting for a while. It was nice getting a chance to catch up a little, and the girls had a blast.

The girls were off to bed shortly after our guests left. And, with that...weekend over. Today, Buddy the Elf was hiding in the Christmas Tree, and he brought the girls each a little chalkboard. Lucky girls!

12/3/11

Today, we did a whole lot of nothing! It was wonderful!

My mom offered to take Olivia for the day/overnight, and after the way she was acting this morning, it was a VERY welcomed offer. That girl, I swear, I don't know what gets into her some days. She just has such a horrible temper, and Amelia usually feels it the most. And, I swear, if I hear the word "no" come out of that 2-year-old's mouth one more time, I just might lose it! Like I said, it was a very welcomed offer.

So, my mom picked her up right about nap time. I put Amelia down for her nap, Christian headed over to help the neighbor fix her snow blower, and I folded some laundry and bonded with the DVR for a while. We ordered some Thai food for dinner and spent some quality time with Amelia. She is so much more relaxed when she's alone, it's nice to be able to give her that break once in a while. After a relaxing evening hanging out, Amelia was off to bed, Christian and I settled in and watched "Hot Tub Time Machine" - which we both really liked - very funny. Another movie night with the hubby, can't beat that!

Today I have a random set of photos to share. Amelia in her new favorite spot, under the tree. The girls, on "their" computers...two peas in a pod! Buddy the Elf noticed Olivia was away from home, so he snuggled up in her bed for the night. Amelia eventually spotted him, and he was her little rag doll the rest of the night :) We also got a good amount of snow today...everything is white and glittery again - and the snow just makes the lights on the house look even better! Love it.

12/2/11

Friday - you never get old! Today was my Friday home with the girls. It was a rough morning in our house. The girls were up pretty early, fought with each other non-stop, all morning, didn't listen to a word I said. I was getting really frustrated, really fast. We ate some breakfast and I did everything I could to keep them from killing each other, or hurting themselves. They will not stay off the dining room table, no matter what I do. I seriously think we're just going to have to get rid of the chairs for a while at this point! I can't tell you how close they've each gotten to falling off the table, and it's a LONG way down....

Nap time came at just the right time. I was hoping to get some cleaning up done around the house while they napped, but I was so warn out, I couldn't do anything. I settled in with the computer and the DVR, and thankfully, the girls took a VERY long nap. Christian arrived home from work shortly after they woke up. I felt so bad, knowing he'd worked a long had day, but I had to basically pass over the reins to him when he got home. We ended up putting Amelia down for bed a little earlier than usual...the chaos of the day, mixed with the hell that is teething, took it out of her. It did give us a little time with Olivia, and she's always much calmer when she's on her own. It was a much more relaxed ending to the day.

Buddy the Elf was found hiding on top of the TV. Silly Elf, like it would take long for Olivia to spot him there!

12/1/11

It's DECEMBER!!! Wow, I seriously can't believe it. Another year, so close to coming to an end. It's truly amazing, and scary, how fast time goes....

Today was a very productive day in my world. I managed to get our Christmas Cards, and Olivia's Birthday Invitations addressed, stamped and in the mail. I posted some more stuff on Craigslist (and REALLY hoping it actually sells...), I sold the last of the baby stuff we had up for sale, we started the girls' "Elf on the Shelf" and their Advent Calendars. Olivia named their Elf "Buddy", and she found him hiding in their room, with a plate full of yummy cookies! Christmas just gets more fun and exciting the older the girls get. They are so into everything, and watching their pure joy, by everything and anything, just warms my heart.

So, all in all, it was a pretty fantastic day. Here are some pics of Buddy and his goodies, and the girls starting their advent calendars.