Nearing December

Here we are, on the eve of December.

The Christmas lights are twinkling.

The presents are planned.

The kids are excited.

The parents are excited.

The countdown is on.

Placing the Blame

I blame YOU, internet. I was late coming on board to embrace all you had to offer in the first place, and now I am finding my very existence challenged when you are not immediately at my fingertips. Low...I have been known to go to the computer and search for the current weather conditions instead of walking outside my door. Yes, that includes checking the radar to see it actually IS rain that is coming down outside. Like I really needed technological confirmation. However, I do.

My smartphone fuels my withdrawal symptoms I feel upon long absences. ACK! The playground! Do they have wi-fi? ACK! a long walk around the neighborhood -- whose Facebook status changed? ACK! A FULL DAY WORKSHOP AWAY FROM MY COMPUTER -- THE HORROR!

Dramatic as it might seem, I am a product of this generation. I admit it. And now, with the holiday season upon us, my Christmas shopping grossly under planned, I find myself once again turning to my friend for answers. However, no matter what search engine I try, "Christmas present for _____" just doesn't show up. You mean I actually have to use my brain? I have to delve into creativity? I have to THINK on my OWN? ACK!

I google, therefore I am.

Sneak Peek

I can't show you ALL the holiday photos, after all I have to leave some surprise for the Christmas photos, but later on in December I'll show more from our Friday Photo shoot. It was a quick one, and took multiple attempts to get started, but I am happy with the results. No individual shots for Greta or Clara, I needed to focus on Hadley so I could get some good ones for announcements (is 4 1/2 months too late to send those out?).

By the way, I know these images are small, I will post larger ones later in December. Like I said, this was just a sneak peek I couldn't resist sharing! Patience, patience, patience.

Your opinion: is the last photo of Hadley too "Olivia Newton John Let's Get Physical"? I was worried....

Enjoy!

1/2 Marathon Pics

Click on the link below to view your friend's photos online. www.backprint.com/estf.asp?PID=bp%18sDz&EVENTID=76574&PWD=&BIB=941

Your friend's message: 1/2 marathon pictures! (The ones I took mysteriously disappeared since I didn't have the memory card in my camera.) Chris came in 25th out of 138 men -- we're do proud! He also shaved several minutes off of his time from last year. Way to go!!!!

Season of thanks

I wasn't feeling thankful enough this morning. My extreme tiredness today led to short fuses, tears(not mine), more frustration, and less hugs and happiness upon parting ways with my children than there should have been.

I just felt like the day ahead was impending doom.

I have a short drive from home to daycare, and an even shorter drive from daycare to my school. Somedays, most days, I am thankful that I spend no more than 7 minutes in the car.

But then, somedays, I'm reminded to relax and be thankful that I have a beautiful drive like this, to help turn around my personal grey skies. Phone video won't do it justice, but you will get the point.

Nothing New

Terribly sorry I have nothing much to report, no new pictures to post, so I'll just ramble for a minute.

Next week will mark our 8th Thanksgiving down South, and we continue to be amazed at the weather. Looks like we'll forego sweaters for long sleeves and long pants, and perhaps a quick change to short sleeves at some point while playing outside. The weather hovers between 65 and 70 most days, with chilly mornings. Enough weather change to warrant layers, or wardrobe changes during the day. Some other former northerners (can you ever really consider yourself a FORMER northerner? no one else does....) and I were remarking about how there's no need for two separate wardrobes down here, just lots of transitional pieces.

We'll probably cook a turkey breast and some other 'traditional' accompaniments, and the girls and I might indulge in a donut or two while daddy is at work and we watch the parades on tv. They don't get into as much as I do, it's more about nostalgia for me, and let's face it 5 years on this planet does not give you time to develop that.

Greta continues to get good Kindergarten reports, and all she wants to do is read and write and things like that. If there weren't younger siblings in the house, I would probably get her the largest assortment of various pens and paper for Christmas, but as it is a certain 2 and a half year old is a little more, shall we say, flamboyant with writing instruments. AKA -- I don't trust her with anything more than a pencil and supervised crayon sessions. No major damage done yet, but I'm big into damage prevention.

Speaking of Clara, she's developed quite the imagination. Coincidentally I know I just saw an article discussing the intellectual merits supposedly held by young children who...let's just call it what it is, lie. Good to know. Evidently I may have birthed the next Einstein.

Meanwhile, Hadley continues to woo all around her. She's a very relaxed and calm baby, unless aforementioned 2.5 year old is laying on her, and I'm happy to say might just be officially drinking bottles at school now. Phew! It only took 5 weeks! I believe she goes for her 4 month check up very soon!

Well, considering I thought I had nothing to say, I'm pretty impressed with myself.

Until we meet again!

PS

BE SURE TO SEND CHRIS SOME GOOD THOUGHTS AS HE RUNS A HALF MARATHON ON SATURDAY!

Wednesday.

I hope this helps you get through the week. It makes me smile. Another little chatterbox!

Sing-a-Long

All I want for Christmas is

my laundry done,

my laundry done,

oh my laundry done.

Gee if I could only have

my laundry done,

then I could wish you

Merry Christmas!

Seems so long since I could say

"get a nice clean shirt

out of your shirt drawer."

It's more likely now each day

to hear "it's not too bad,

you can wear it one day more!"

All I want for Christmas is my laundry done...

and we'd all be looking nice for Christmas!

Left

It was a nice warm bath, I'm in my jammies, and snuggly in my favorite chair. The bed just seems too far away....

Another One Done

It's so much fun to trick or treat

To dress up late

with candy to eat

To be out playing long after the sun,

I don't know about you,

but I'm glad it's done.

Halloween 2010.