We prepare...

Well I am happy to say that there is life beyond these four walls. We headed to M-town a little after 12 to run our errands. Our first stop was Lennox to pick up a couple of expense checks. Then we ran to the Post Office to send a package to Andy and Sara. Can you believe the USPS had the nerve to close at NOON! I was surprised but we went to a HyVee Drug Store and sent it through them. It may not leave town until Wednesday but I sent it priority so they should have it by Friday or Saturday. It just didn't make sense to take it to Indy to send since that would make it three states further than right next door. Trying to think ahead.

We also hit Fareway for some groceries and Applebees for lunch! YUMMO! We decided to eat big and late so we won't hear our tummies at church. Mass is at 6:00, we should probably get there by 5:30. We are having spaghetti for dinner after since it is quick and filling. We should all sleep like logs, I hope so!

Well, I think the stocking gifts have not been wrapped yet and I should start a load of laundry before we leave. Housework never ends, even on the holiday.

Merry Christmas Eve to All!

I understand hibernation!

I can totally understand the concept of hibernation. Sleeping through winter really does make a lot of sense. No need to shovel the front walk or even prepare Christmas dinner. I would miss seeing all my friends and family but I am sure I would dream about you!

Unfortunately or fortunately none of the Bakers are "full" enough to sleep that long. We all need to eat a couple of meals a day so we must get out of bed.

Well I am glad to report that everyone ate at least two meals today and some ate three with snacks. The boys tried to go outside to play (against my better judgement/warning) and lasted about 10 minutes. The wind nearly took Will's sled to the next county and from the redness on each boys' face I'd say they were pretty close to windburn. The westerly wind whipping the light snow around reminded me of a sandstorm in the desert. We were only 100 degree colder than a desert here in IA.

I did a little more wrapping and organizing for the trip east. I played some more with my Cricut and was able to finished up a couple of scrapbook pages that had been "in progress" for far too long.

We are planning to leave the house tomorrow. Fred should have a couple of expense checks waiting for him at work and I need to get a few groceries. I would also like to know that there are other people alive in IA. A little fresh air will do us all some good.

We have continued to open presents pre-Christmas. I think this may become a new tradition. My mother was always bothered by the flurry of wrapping paper on Christmas morning and the fact that we always missed reactions because there was so much going on at the same time. The process of slowing down, selectively choosing which gift to open, taking turns to watch that gift be opened and enjoying the gift has been really satisfying. I say that as a giver and receiver. I am glad to not be overwhelmed on Christmas morning. It will make prepping for the drive a little easier. I hope.

Well tomorrow we will make a birthday cake for Baby Jesus and some cookies for Santa. We'll go to M-Town and be home in time to go to Church at 6:00. It should be a very fulfilling day.

Another Snow Day

We were snowed in again today. Probably could have made it out in the AM but wasn't dressed for it so we stayed in. We putzed, played and watched some shows off the DVR. The afternoon went quickly and we all sat down to a tasty dinner. I had made a couple of meatloaves last month and defrosted one for tonight. It was enjoyed by all.

After dinner we took a clean-up break then opened more presents. Nic selected a hooded sweatshirt, Will chose to unwrap a PS2 game of FIFA Soccer, Fred opened his fancy new razor and I got three new Target Cubes for my scraproom. Fred put two of them together for me and I set out to reorganize some of my scrap space. I think I may take the third cube back the set-up with 8 cubes works for me pretty well.

The boys seemed extra cranky tonight so they went to bed a little early for a Saturday. Hopefully we will all wake up tomorrow and see the snow as pretty. Pete may not since there is a HUGE drift in his bathroom but I'll bribe the boys to shovel him a path tomorrow.

No church tonight. I have missed three out of four weeks of Advent for weather related issues. Two were canceled by Fr. Rick and the other week I was in bad weather coming home from Ankney and didn't make it back in time. Hopefully it will all be clear so we can get to Christmas Eve service at 6:00PM.

Off to crash! Nighty night!

What a day...

I crashed at 8:30 PM last night. Got the boys through showers than doped up on NyQuil and tucked myself in. Fred took care of the boys. At least I assume he did. I got them up and going this morning and I was feeling a bit refreshed and ready to face the day. Fred ran the AM routine while I showered so I could drive through the fog to get them to school. After I dropped the boys off I ran to the HS. Can't remember why but REALLY wish I hadn't.

While I was there the secretary told me that I needed to go see the controller type person in the Superintendent's office. Was hoping to get a raise but got quite the opposite. She told me that the CSD had not taken SSI and Medicare for the majority of 2007. Well, they decided in order to clean up the books for 2007 and issue me a proper W-2 they needed to take the money out of this check. Well, the sum of monies owed left me with a VERY small check and I was stunned into silence. I ran home to get some meds for my cold and dropped the bomb on Fred that I was a little short this month. About $500+ short. UGH!

I ran out the door again to take S to work and hoped that it would all be better when I got done. Well, Fred worked the phones and found out that I had to live with it. They may not have done it the best way but it needed to be done. UGH!

Fast forward to later in the day when I went to school again to drop off some things to my girls. I broke down like a blubbering idiot and they were GREAT! I love my gal pals.

I came home this afternoon from getting the boys and decided to take the three garbage bags of cans to recycle. Then I topped off the wonderful parenting that I have done this week and bought McDonald's for an early dinner. They were satisfied. The evening went smoothly and I snuck in a nap. I was pretty exhausted from the emotional turmoil of the day.

I awoke hungry and a bit more chipper. Fred and I had talked about mixing up Christmas a bit this year. I was concerned that we would open presents on the 25th and would run out on the 26th and there would be so little time to have so much fun. I asked Fred what he thought about having Christmas tonight or tomorrow. He counter proposed opening a present each night. I accepted and we tore in. Each person got to choose a gift and we each took turns. The weather is supposed to be nasty again tomorrow so we now each have a little something new to keep us out of trouble. Will picked a PSP game, Nic got a DS game, Fred received a digital photo frame and I was blessed with 5 Cricut cartridges! Fred really does spoil me.

Well, the angst of today is history and I am so glad that it has ended on a good note. I can't wait to play with the cartridges and start using my Cricut a little more.

We made it... almost

The boys woke up less than happy this morning and I was sure I was going to be home today. Once Nic got up and moving his rash did not look that bad. I took his temp and he had none. Will was complaining of a sore throat so we took his temp too. Both clear. They went to school. No one forgot their shoes or lunch or homework and the morning went well.

Just as K and I got to work this afternoon I got a call from the school nurse. She sounded annoyed and said I needed to come and get Nic and I needed to get him looked at by a Dr. before he could come back to school. I hung up, finished what K and I were working on, apologized for leaving early and ran back to the HS to explain why K was done early and to sign myself out for the day.

I ran to the elementary, grabbed both boys and we ran by the house before the back to back 3:30-3:45 appt. with the Dr. He swabbed Will's throat to check for Strep, Negative! He chalked his throat pain to a virus. He took a little longer with Nic guessing maybe Fifths Disease, I thought that was a baby/toddler thing. He said let's call it a viral rash (just what First Nurse said) and said he could go to school if he didn't have a temp over 100.0. Sounded fair to me.

We ran to K-Mart got a couple of things, ate a quick dinner at the K-Cafe and headed home to get the homework done. I ran to town to finish my Christmas Shopping for the ladies at school then home to bake banana bread to share. YUM. Too bad I only have enough bananas to make loaves for work. Guess I'll make some for us later.

Here's hoping that no one will pop up with a fever tonight and that I will be able to be at work tomorrow to share these goodies. Now I need to iron a shirt for Fred and check the loaves. Goodnight!

This is MY life!

So I talked to my amazing sister Jen today. Thanks for calling. My crabby 9 year old was in the middle of a fit but left long enough for me to get through my conversation with her. We had a nice chat then Nic and I had a nice chat and it was all better! Yeah!

He got his math homework done, we had PB&J for dinner and got ready for the Elementary Music Concert. The boys looked spiffy and we headed off. My pal Vicki saved me a seat and the boys did a great job. After the concert I noticed a redness to Nic's face. It was a little splotchy and I asked a neighbor what she thought. He immediate response was try a little Benadryl. We did that. Easy enough.

Just went to go check on Nic as I was heading to bed and the rash is WAY worse, all over his face! I called the First Nurse line and was informed that it is likely a viral rash. UGH! I could expect a fever, maybe some diarrhea, maybe this explains the crabby attitude after school. Well, the good news is the Fred is in town this week and we are both more off than at work on Thursday and Friday. Bad news is that it is only Monday and he could be totally better by then. So what do we do in the meantime? Well, I could likely be home tomorrow and I have put in an early bid for Fred to stay home on Wednesday. We are doing Christmas at school on Wed and I REALLY don't want to miss it!

Well Jen, you asked for an up-date. Aren't you so glad you asked! Love YA! Call the house tomorrow, I may be home.

TGIF! Bring on the WEEKEND!

I am so glad it is FRIDAY!

#1 reason to be glad is the Fred is coming home. He is actually in IA and on his way north. My bed has been VERY cold this week without my hubby the space heater.

#2 reason to be glad is the because of the shorter school week I am not totally exhausted and am perky enough to attack my house tonight, do some laundry and kind of get a jump on the weekend chores.

#3 reason is the since today is Friday then tomorrow is SATURDAY and I am going scrappin for the better part of the day. My monthly scrap group can not get together on Fridays for the next few months because of basketball games. The alternative is an all-day crop on Saturday. We are also doing a Secret Santa/Sister exchange so I get to give and receive a gift tomorrow. I LOVE PRESENTS! (Did you know this about me? I am ALWAYS the first one up on Christmas morning:) I almost love giving as much as receiving. I love to hit it when gifting and this year I am pretty excited about a few of the presents I have selected. There are some lucky people on my list this year!

This afternoon we took care of class gift exchange gifts. The $3 price range can be tough but Will came up with something that should be well received. Nic had $5 limit and he too found something fun and not junky. Of course they are things that they themselves want. I am sure they would have no problem with picking their own gifts in the exchange.

We also came up with a gift for a b-day part Nic is going to tomorrow. We bought the kid a Rubik's Cube. Can you believe that when I was 10 this was the hot gift and just 16 years later it is making a HUGE comeback? (Do the math on that one.)

OK off to finish Chex Mix to take tomorrow for nibbling. I may make some Pay Day too. It doesn't take more than a few minutes. Way easier than spritz cookies.

HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL!

Look what we are taking to Granny's house...

Make room mom!

SNOW DAY!

I got the call way too early this morning that we were out for a snow day. It gets me up long enough to call the next guy on the calling tree and put the dog out. Then I went back to sleep. YEAH me! The boys woke on their own around 8 and so began our day. We have been bums but I have also played a rousing game of Monopoly Junior, done a load of laundry, vacuumed the ENTIRE house, even behind the dryer, and am currently trying to declutter some papers that seem to be reproducing on their own. The boys are taking some time to play in the bitter cold. We had an electronic morning and an electronic free afternoon. We even took some time to make ornaments for Granny's tree. Will liked my idea and Nic ran an entirely different but cool direction. I'll try to post some pics later.

Once I get the boys back in I think we'll head in to town to vote on the bond issue for the new middle school. My neighbor, the middle school principal, called earlier to offer me a ride but said I had to promise to vote yes. I think I'll drive myself. I was going to ride in with some other neighbors and leave my boys at their house but the road doesn't look very bad so I may as well drive myself.

Off to check the boys for frostbite. Maybe I'll post more later.

Where do I surrender my Driver's License?

Yes, I think it is time. I will buy a horse and a wagon and we'll give up the van! So yesterday I headed to Ankney to do maybe the last of my shopping. There was snow in the forecast but I can handle snow. Well, the freezing rain that was supposed to show up after midnight was on eastern Europe time and showed up at 4. This was the same time I was leaving Ankney hoping to be home for 5PM mass. Well, that was not going to happen. I stopped 8 times between Ankney and home to scrape my window. I had just purchased wiper fluid at Target but the exit points on my hood and rear window were all frozen. The defroster, on 90 degrees, was only giving me about 6 inches of clear window. It was terrible.

I was not alone on the road, plenty of people were doing the exact same thing. I stopped at the only two gas stations between here and there and saw some of the same people. I was calmed by the fact that I had my cell phone and a radio station full of Christmas songs, although I did have to turn that off because it was too distracting. I was so intent on the road in front of me that I missed the turn off for my house. As I saw my neighborhood go by I went up to the next street and doubled back. I was VERY glad to get home in one piece but was sad that I had missed mass for another week (last week it was cancelled due to the ice storm).

Today we are home and enjoying the warmth of being together. Laundry is moving through the process and I now need to think about dinner. I wish I had stew meat. Maybe a yummy homemade pizza will hit the spot. Time to go get input.

Quote of the day

"Your life is an occasion, rise to it." Mr. Magorium

Goodnight!

Is this becasue I didn't forward that proverb e-mail?

Can this week get worse? Maybe I shouldn't have asked that. First and foremost! My husband is on route home from spending a few days in TX this week. He was supposed to arrive in DesMoines around 1 PM. That would be the exact time that the epicenter of a nasty snowstorm also hit DSM. His plane was diverted AHEAD of the storm to Cedar Rapids. The pilots and controllers were to decide in a few hours about trying to get to DSM yet tonight. Fred, not being one to sit still very long, opted to rent a car and drive to DSM to get his car and head home. He just called from I-80 to announce that he was slowed significantly. Thank God for the Internet, I was able to check road conditions and inform him that there was a traffic accident about 5 miles ahead that had closed I-80. He may choose to bypass DSM and come home for the night or he may take the detour and go slowly along his path. Either way I pray that he is safe and warm and so are the others traveling tonight.

Today was not my day when it came to the darn driving gig. I kinda have a love/hate relationship with cars this week. My whole life really. I love the freedom that a car gives me. Not that I take advantage too often but I could if I wanted. I have never lived in a place that I had to rely on public transportation. I probably would not do well in a place like that. Anyhow, earlier in the week I had that battery issue, all better now though. Today was a new issue in the School Bus that I drive. Yeah, you heard that right.

The School Bus is actually a white minivan. S and I use it everyday to get from school to work and back. Today I was a little concerned about the weather and upon moving onto the on-ramp I realized that I did not have my cell phone on my person. (I tend to drive with my cell close at hand because I have an unfounded fear that if I do get into an accident my purse will be thrown about and I would never find my phone to call for help.) So, I decided to pull onto the very wide shoulder to get my phone from my bag and put it in my pocket. Well, that wide shoulder was nothing but ice. I slid right over the shoulder into the grass and hit a reflector in the process lodging the metal stake under the van. UGH! I dug out my phone and called the bus barn for help. Reluctantly they sent back-up and Mr. R helped me dislodge the van and he followed me back to school. We arrived safely and found out that the snow that we drove into on the way was allowing an early out for school. THANK GOD! I was so tense from the slide off the road that I probably would have asked to come home anyway. I was done for the day.

The boys and I got home safely and will remain here until tomorrow barring any issues Fred may have. I tried to rest but I am pretty worked up about my day. Wish I could take a pill tonight to help me rest but maybe hot apple juice with mulling spices will be a good substitute. Please pray that tomorrow goes better than today. Off to make dinner for the boys and me.

John and I made cookies!

That would be John Denver and his pals the Muppets. I jammed to their Christmas album this afternoon and made my first batch of spritz cookies of the season. YUM! I was a little worried because I am low on sugar and flour and the new spritz cookie press I bought this Summer was being a little finicky but we overcame the challenges and came out with tasty cookies! They turned out well enough that I will share some with the neighbor who helped with my dead battery yesterday. Thanks Tracey!

Today the car started without incident. The drive to M-town and back went off without a hitch today and I was able to attend the Character Counts assembly at the elementary today. Nic's grade was doing a song about the pillar for this month, caring, and Will won an award for the pillar of last month, trustworthiness. It was splendid all around.

Well, we are going to run to Bailey's for a celebratory dinner then off to religious ed. for the boys and the store for me. Stay warm!

Take time to create and watch out for the ice!

Tonight, after I put the boys in bed, I ran down to my scraproom to work on some VERY important projects. I have big plans for some homemade Christmas Gifts and I really need to get crackin. Of course the items I want to make are things I have never made before, no time like the present to live and learn, so I need to try some things out. If you are lucky you will not receive my first attempt at anything. I lifted this idea from a Stampin' Up rep, Carolyn, and have seen many versions of altered clipboards on message board that I am a member of.

With all truthfulness, my first attempt didn't turn out half bad. This is my second attempt at an altered clipboard. I covered it in patterned paper then mod podged over the top. This one could probably use a couple more coats but I want to take it to work and show it off tomorrow. I have a few blank canvases that I bought last month that I need to get busy with too. Not sure where I am going with them but my original plan was a piece of art for each boy's room. We'll see...

I have found that I get a great amount of satisfaction from taking time to create. I love decorating for the holidays (creating an atmosphere), I love making sweet things in my kitchen (creating calories), and I love creating in my "studio/scraproom." Maybe in my next life I'll be an artist?

I am soooo glad that today is over and that it has ended on such a great note. I headed out the door to school today only to find that my car battery was dying a slow death. I called my neighbor and he was willing to help but had no jumper cables. He came over to my garage where I had been unable to find the cables and found them IMMEDIATELY. Embarrassing! We had to push the van out of the garage to get close enough to connect but with patience he helped me through a rough patch.

Once I got to school all things were good, including a second breakfast that consisted of spaghetti at 8:45AM. After 2nd hour I took S to work as usual. On the way there the windshield wiper went wacko on me and on the way back it was no longer functioning. Finally, when I had reached the safe-haven of school again, I had another van mishap! I was trying to back-in to a parking space, something I do everyday I drive the van, and managed to get myself on a section of the ice-covered parking lot that had absolutely pristine ice. Well, as I was pulling forward to straighten out I found myself spinning my wheels in the middle of the parking lot unable to move. I crawled out of the van, hoping no one had just seen and slipped into school. I found my pal Jan at lunch and told her the story. She laughed with me and the principal offered to move the van for me and call the bus barn about the non-functioning wiper. I am sure that many people will laugh at my misfortune, me included, and I have learned to watch the ice and continue to back into parking spaces because you never know when you'll need a jump!

Goodnight all.

Brrr

Well, the boys had a challenging day at school even though we all got released at 1:00PM. There was some confusion about the rules requiring snow pants on the playground and seeing as the entire play surface was covered in ice there were lots of slips and slides and some pushing to add to the fun. Well, when we got home the boys really wanted to play outside on their own terms. Fair enough. We had time to spare.

Check out these happy campers!

After they came in and got warmed up we jumped in the car and headed to Ames to get some shopping done that we missed out on Saturday because of the ice. We desperately needed milk and I wanted to take care of the angel tree gifts we needed. The boys were troopers at Hobby Lobby with me and so I tried to be patient at Target with them. Nic was suddenly complaining of a pain in his leg and shoulder so our trip ended pretty quickly. A quick stop at Sam's for milk and gasoline and the necessary pretzel and we were headed home.

Nic had a ton of homework and Will just wanted to veg so it all happened. I made some pumpkin muffins for Nic and I to nibble on this week then all the sudden it was time for bed. Daddy called to say goodnight and then the house was quiet. Amen!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Check out the first ornament on the advent calender, gently placed by Will. Thanks buddy!

Well, the snow, rain, ice and freezing rain all showed up in central IA today. I woke around 8, I know I was pretty amazed that Pete lasted that long, and let Pete out in the freezing rain. He didn't stay out too long. I tried to go back to sleep but the noise from the rain kept me awake. Even so the boys woke a bit later and the day began. The day of nothing. Well, I did talk to my sister long enough to identify the Christmas tree from my mom's last year. Not sure if I identified it correctly but I did have photographic evidence so that helped. Jen also gave me a little grief about my blogging lately. I guess my life hasn't been exciting enough for her. Well, such is life here I suppose.

Actually yesterday was quite happening! Fred turned the big 40. It was less than overwhelming, just the way he likes it. I gave him his present, a PSP, about a month ago so I didn't even have anything to wrap for him. I did order Omaha Steaks and twice baked potatoes for dinner and a friend of mine made this amazing dessert for us and delivered it hot and ready. I would call that a success. He got calls from his mom, my mom, my brother and his sister to wish him a happy. He felt the love.

Another highlight of yesterday was that I was able to play school secretary. Our very capable secretary had to leave early and I had a few empty periods so I stepped in. Well, I usually go to work with K in the afternoon but that fell through so I ended up in the secretary chair all afternoon. It was a fun change of pace. I think I would really like a job like that some day, good to know all the kids, but our Tammy is not going anywhere.

Well enjoy these pics of our holiday decor. I'll try to come up with some excitement this month to share with anyone who is still reading/listening. Hi Jen!