12/23/12

Today was a busy day! I was too lazy to move Olivia to her own bed last night, so I left her in bed with us. Amelia actually slept in this morning, so Olivia and I relaxed and watched some morning cartoons. I left her to shower and get ready for the day, and by the time I was done, Amelia was up. I sent them off to bug Christian while I made dinner and got them down to eat some breakfast. Finally, got them dressed and ready for the day. We had some final shopping to get done, and I was definitely worried about the crowds.

Amelia and I were off to do our shopping. First up, we hit the mall. I picked up a few things for Christian, and Old Navy happened to be having an AMAZING sale, so I picked up a few things for myself. I grabbed my usual mall treat, an Orange Juilus, and we were off to our next destination. Next, a quick stop at Menards to grab a gift card. Finally, Target for our weekly shopping/final Christmas shopping. We flew right threw and were finally done for the day. I grabbed us some Taco Bell for lunch on the way home, but Amelia passed out. She officially shopped til she dropped! So, she went down for a nap while I ate lunch and wrapped Christian's gift.

Christian spent the day shopping with his mom and Olivia. They arrived home shortly after I did, and Olivia went down for her nap.

Once naps were over, it was time to get ready for our next event. Our friends were stopping over to bring us some Christmas cookies, so I offered to cook some dinner so we could hang out and have a little play date. The girls had a blast with Olivia's BFF, Bella. Christian and Mariano were inseparable all night, like usual. I'm glad Christian has found somebody he really connects with. They have a similar background, they're from the same place, they have a ton in common. I definitely sense a bromance forming! Sara and I got in plenty of conversation and laughs too. It's nice to finally have a family (close by) that we connect with to spend time with. YAY for new friends!

Eventually, they headed home and the girls went down for bed. Since I don't have to work tomorrow, I spent the night catching up on some Dexter while Christian went to bed. Another weekend comes to an end...kind of anyway...

While they were out, Olivia convinced Christian that she NEEDED Jingle, the dog from Hallmark. Of course, she has him wrapped around her finger..so he did buy it. Therefore, tonight, Buddy brought Olivia her very own puppy. She has not put it down, and is obsessed with it, so I guess it was at least a good purchase. I will say, he is pretty cute. Ugh, what a pushover!

12/22/12

Today started off a little rough. The girls were up too early, and continued their fighting, whining and chaos from last night. Ugh, it was a LONG morning. To top it off, I got a text from Christian bright and early, letting me know that his mom apparently works on Monday. Thanks for the last minute notice - not like I need to actually REQUEST time off work or anything like that. SERIOUSLY, like again, for the millionth time, I cannot wait to put the girls in school full time! So, I was pretty annoyed, nice an early.

We made it through breakfast and some play time. The girls rummaged through our entry closet, and Olivia spent the day walking around in and trying on all of my shows. At least somebody gets to wear my super cute shoes...

We made it through the morning...breakfast, play (a midst the fighting) some TV watching, lunch, and FINALLY naps. Naps - they've never come at a better time!

Christian was home by the time the girls got up from their naps. He brought home some pizza for dinner and we hung out for the evening. Buddy brought us a gingerbread tree to put together tonight (I thought we should try that vs. the house in hopes the girls could help out with it more), so we put that together after dinner. Christian ended up going over to spend some time with Mariano tonight. Which gave me plenty of quiet time to surf the internet and catch up on the DVR. Just a nice, relaxing night. I'll take it!

Here are some pictures of our tree building. I'm not very creative, so I thought I'd try to just copy the picture on the box. As you can see by the last picture, clearly I nailed it....

12/21/12

Not much to report on today. Work was work, pretty standard day. My mom watched the girls, and she actually stopped into work with them for a visit. I just love seeing them during the day like that :) After work I picked them up and we made our way home, waiting for Christian.

But, the night went differently than expected. We were supposed to go to a graduation party tonight...BUT, the girls were out of control. I'm not sure why, but when the girls are with our mom's, they don't seem to cooperate with their naps. I don't know why - they are fine for me, and at school. So, Olivia didn't really take a nap today, and Amelia not as long as she normally would (though, you have to remember, our kids are freaks and typically nap for at least 2.5-3 hours, if not longer), so they were tired and crabby. They were fighting non-stop, not listening and just driving me up the wall. By the time Christian got home, I had basically had it. So, we decided it would be best to stay home.

Christian's friend from work called and wanted to stop over and hang out for a bit. It worked out well for us too, because I was really craving a good Mexican Torta, and he has a good Mexican Market by him, so he picked some up on his way over. SCORE! Amelia ate and went to bed, Olivia hung out with us for a bit, and then we watched a movie after she went to bed. Christian has to work in the morning, so Lorenzo didn't stay too long. I watched some more Dexter before passing out for the night. Another week down, and now we're officially heading into Christmas. AWESOME!!!

Tonight, we fond Buddy reading a book to all of his little friends. What a nice guy!

12/20/12

Another busy day for us. We were off to work and school this morning, like usual. The girls donned their cute little Christmas shirts, ready for their Holiday Party! Cuties :)

It was fairly quiet at work today, so I got a TON of work done. Even though I still have a nice stack in my inbox, I don't have anything that's a super big rush, which is much different than that past few months...and feels good. I did take a long lunch today to run and FINALLY pick up the "Once Upon a Child" gift card we won a few months ago, and I stopped into the Post Office to mail my package. I thought for sure it would take me forever, but I was in and out in no time. Awesome! AND, I did end up leaving work a tad early. All of the classes at the girls' school were putting on a little show at their Holiday Party tonight, so I had to make sure I was there on time for that!

The show was so cute. Amelia's class all just stood there with their fingers in their mouths while the teachers sang. Some of the kids in Olivia's class were all about it and sang/screamed at the top of their lungs, while others were pretty shy. Olivia was somewhere in the middle. The Pre-K class was pretty funny too - they were much more together for their performance. The girls were each sent home with some candy and a book, and they were so excited. Fun!

It was getting pretty late by the time we got home. We are dinner and took it easy. I don't know what we're going to do when all of the Holiday and Birthday fun is over!

Tonight, we found Buddy doing a little ice fishing on the deck. Funny guy...

12/19/12

Today was a pretty busy day. Work has been crazy, and we had our Holiday Potluck - of course I ate WAY too much (cannot wait until the 1st when I can refocus and re-motivate myself!). I ended up leaving a bit early to run a couple errands. I needed to stop at Walmart to print some pictures and pick up a few things, and then I wanted to stop at the Post Office to mail a package to a friend. Of course, it took me WAY longer at Walmart than I anticipated, so the Post Office will have to wait. By the time I finished at Walmart and got the package ready to go, it was time to pick up the girls. So, off I went!

I did have a difficult day though. The Sandy Hook shooting is still stuck in my mind. I try not to let things get to me, and I definitely try not to live in fear of any kind. But, this has really got me shaken up. It's been nerve-racking leaving the girls at school this week. I mean...it's a secure building. You need a code to get in the door, and there's only one entrance to the building. BUT, that didn't stop this guy, and that is stuck in my head. I'm just hoping that this feeling passes soon...because I don't like it, and it's not me. Until then, they will just continue to get longer-than-usual, uncomfortable, embarrassing hugs and big huge kisses at drop off and pick up, in front of all their friends!

Once we made our way home, we just had another standard evening. The girls did find that Buddy had used his little elf magic to turn out milk green, and whip up some Santa Claus cupcakes. YUM!

12/18/12

Today was a busy day at work - catching up from the weekend and my day off yesterday. I didn't get anything done at home like I intended - I just wasn't in the mood, so I just took the time instead. Who needs leave time anyway, right?!?

Of course Christian gets busier and busier the closer we get to the Holidays. His cubicle is officially set up, computers and all, so he's officially important :) The company's union Contract is up in a few months - they've been on a 5 year pay freeze - so we're hoping that means good things in the coming months. Only time will tell...

After work, I picked up the girls. Olivia is still transitioning to the Pre-Kindergarten room. She does basically a half day in each room, and seems to be enjoying it. It turns out the Pre-K teacher is one of our neighbors down the street. She's worked there FOREVER, and is a really sweet lady. That makes me a lot more comfortable with the transition. AND, it turns out Olivia's current Pre-School teacher is leaving the center...she's going to be an Assistant Director at another Center, and she leaves in a couple weeks. So, the transition might be coming at the perfect time. Amelia is doing as good as ever - she loves her teachers and her little friends, and they all just adore her. YAY!

Our evening was another pretty standard one....dinner, play, baths and bed. Another day in paradise :)

Tonight, Buddy rode into town on a new dancing/singing snowman (from Hallmark - I collect them, I just love them). The girls were so excited, they think these guys are hilarious!

12/17/12

So, as planned, I was off to work this morning for a few hours. I got some rush stuff taken care of and cleared some work out of my in box. I packed up some work (just in case I felt like putting some time in) and made my way home. Christian quickly showered, got ready and was on his way to work. The girls ate some lunch, and it was nap time before I knew it.

While the girls napped, I got ALL of our Christmas gifts wrapped! Go me!!! I just need to pick up one last gift card, and, if we decided to exchange gifts, something for Christian and we'll be set for the year. Can't wait, I just LOVE Christmas :)

Olivia woke up while I was wrapping and "helped" me finish up. Once Amelia was awake, it was basically time for dinner. Christian arrived home, we ate and had a low key night. My favorite kind!

Tonight, the girls found Buddy having a little rave with the princesses. PARTY TIME!!!

12/16/12

Today was a pretty good Sunday. I had a little bit of a nagging headache all day, but nothing I couldn't push through. We started the day off at Perkins for breakfast. YUM!

I spent the day doing some laundry, and took Olivia on a run to the Target. Picked up some groceries for the week, picked up a few more Christmas gifts. We had a great day together!

The girls went down for their naps when we got home, and Christian and I relaxed for a while. Watched some football - Vikings won, we're still in the hunt for a playoff spot. FINGERS CROSSED!

After naps, we spent the night doing the usual...playing, dinner, watching some TV. Amelia was acting kind of funny. She wouldn't really eat, was REALLY whiny, and complained that her ear hurt. We have her some Tylenol and after a little rest on the couch, she was back to playing and running around like normal. Hopefully it was just some drainage or something, and not a full on infection. Poor thing.

Bedtime came before we knew it...and Monday was upon us. It won't be a typical Monday though...my mother in law works tomorrow. Christian is going to be with them in the morning while I go in and get a few things done at work, then I'll be coming home to take over. I've said it a million times - but I really can't wait until they are in school full time!

Today, Buddy was found taking a marshmallow bubble bath tonight. The girls thought it was pretty hilarious...I'm guessing he is just exhausted from all his trips to and from the North Pole :)

12/15/12

Well, the events of yesterday consumed by mind pretty much all day. I'm sure that's no different than most people around the country. It's so painful to think about, to imagine. Yet, it seems so silly to say that - knowing there are people that were actually, physically affected by it. My heart just breaks for them, it's hard to imagine moving past it...

In our own way of trying to cope and adjust, we spent the day together - family time. We had some breakfast, hung out for a while, and got ready for the day. Then, we were off to the Mall of America. First up, Santa visit. Luckily, there really wasn't much of a line, so we were in and out and got a few cute pics. The girls just LOVE Santa Claus...no need to pressure them into sitting and chatting with him! After our visits, we took the girls on a couple of rides, grabbed some lunch and hung out for a while. They had a blast, and it felt refreshing to spend the day out and about together.

After the mall, we made our way home. Christian hasn't been feeling well, and Olivia refused to take a nap, so they went over to his mom's for some Chicken Noodle Soup. I did some cleaning and relaxed for a bit while Amelia napped. The arrived shortly after Amelia woke up, and it was on to tonight's entertainment...Buddy surprised the girls with a "Polar Express" night. He brought them some Polar Express trail mix, some hot chocolate, the movie, and, of course, tickets on the Polar Express. The girls actually sat and watched the entire movie...we sat on the couch, cuddled up, enjoying the night together. Just what we needed... 

12/14/12

Well, today is one of those days I don't think I'll ever forget. I'm still numb, and in shock...

I'll start with the "good" though. Christian was off to work, but only made it about half the day. Still wasn't feeling well at all. The girls played for a while this morning while I did some dishes and cleaning up in the kitchen. We had breakfast, and then did a little project for the day. Buddy brought us supplies to make some Christmas art...the girls LOVE it, and they turned out super cute :)

The girls took a nap, I balanced the checkbooks, paid some bills and relaxed for a while. Of course, I had a list of things to do...but, I really wasn't in the mood for any of it. After naps, we spent the evening together, cuddling, watching some Christmas movies, and counting our blessings after the tragic events of this morning. Christian went to bed when the girls did, still not feeling well, so I watched a couple episodes of Dexter before I tucked myself in. Just another Friday night!

So, the bad (putting it VERY lightly). Today there was a school shooting in Connecticut. But, not just any school shooting...it was at an elementary school. And, as if it could get much worse than that....the main targeted are was a kindergarten class. As the news broke, and the story unfolded throughout the day, it just seems so surreal to me. No part of my being could accept what was happening, what was being reported.

I am not naive in any sense of the word. I know that horrible things happen, I know that unexplainable events occur. I now that evil exists in this world. I know that sick people are out there, that do unconscionable things, that can never be understood. But, this is not something I could ever imagine somebody doing. These are babies, innocent, perfect babies with their entire lives in front of them. 20 of them, gone. No chance to grow, no opportunity to come into their own personality. 20 amazing little beings that could have done amazing things for the world. Taken way too early.

The story is still unfolding, and not a ton is known right now. Apparently, this 20 year old "man" killed his mother, who worked at this elementary school. He then went to the school and proceeded to kill 27 people, these 20 kids and 7 adults, including the school principal, before killing himself. That makes it that much worse to me - he obviously intended on killing himself all along - so why not just do that? Why attack these innocent people first? It is so beyond my comprehension, I can't even begin to understand or make any sense of it. I haven't heard anything about his dad (if there is one in the picture), and at one point they were holding his older, 24 year old, brother for questioning.

Of course, a story like this makes you look at your own life. I have these two amazing little girls, with their entire lives ahead of them.The thought of sending them out into the real world gets scarier and scarier every day. This shouldn't be something you have to worry about - yet, it is. I saw a couple people on facebook claim that events like this make them want to homeschool their kids and protect them at all times. Sad thing is, that really isn't going to do anything. I mean - just in recent history, there have been shootings in a shopping mall, a movie theater, on college campuses, schools of all levels. I mean, things can happen in your own home. It's just a scary world - everywhere you go. It seems like all you can do is teach your own children right, hold them tight and love them with all your might.

So, needless to say, there were many (more than usual) hugs, kisses and "I Love You's" in our house tonight. When I put the girls to bed, I held them a little longer, a little tighter and shed a tear or two. Thinking of all those poor parents that can no longer do that...just broke my heart. It's not fair - this world can just be too cruel and unfair.