Post Thanksgiving Stress Disorder

Whew!

We had a nice Thanksgiving with our families up North, but we're feeling the effects. We didn't get home until Sunday evening, and by the time we'd gotten everything reorganized and put E. to bed, we were beat. Waking up to work Monday morning was torture. I think we've decided that traveling on the day before work resumes is not an option. Even if we'd left at E's bed time Saturday and driven into the early hours of morning, it would have been better than spending all of Sunday in the car and then having to work Monday morning. Ugh.

On top of the travel-induced grogginess, we're realizing that December is just a busy time. We have decorating to do, parties to host and attend, shopping excursions to take, gifts to wrap, goodies to bake, and on and on and on. This all comes along with another trip up north. I can't wait until the day when we decide it's time to start our own family traditions and we just stay put. (A girl can dream!)

Anyway, in this season of hurrying, I hope you find time to slow down, relax, and enjoy the magic.

Stay warm,
M

Blur

Time sure flies. It's been over a week since my last post, yet it seems like just yesterday. We've been busy around here. I'll hit the major points...
1)Evan is up to six teeth. It was tough going, but he's got a nice set of chompers!
2)Our dishwasher croaked. Lots of dishpan hands for a couple of weeks while we wait for our new one--and a new stove and refrigerator (Sears had a deal!!)
3)Josh and Dave had a great pheasant hunt in Marshall (limits by noon!)
4)Scary student issues at Melissa's school
5)Getting excited about the holidays (and my cookie party)
6)Contemplating Christmas shopping--not much done yet :(
7)Sleeping a bit better at night, Thanks E man!
8)Conferences this week for Josh
9)Awesome Youth Frontiers Courage Retreat for Melissa's students
10)Prepping for Musical Season to start
11) and on, and on, and on...

We're heading up north for the weekend, and I'm a bit nervous about the trip with Evan. He's become so much more active. Six hours on the road may not be very fun. We'll leave early on Thursday, though, so traffic shouldn't be too bad, and we'll make good time over the river and through the woods to Grandma Evelyn's house. We'll head back early Sunday morning so that we can unwind and try to fall back into our routine here. Then, I've got Christmas decorating to do in preparation for my first (annual?) cookie exchange party. Fun! :)

Happy Turkey Day, everyone. Give thanks for all good gifts.

Saturday again...

Wow, what a week! E has given us a new appreciation for his usually happy disposition. Having not dealt with an illness of any type for nearly eight months, Josh and I were ill-prepared (no pun intended) to deal with our sick baby. He morphed into this screaming, writhing, inconsollable child--unless he was at day care. Needless to say, we're tired, but I think we've got this thing licked. We were a bit nervous around mid-week when the daycare mom told us that there were only a few kids left at her house because everyone else started puking. So far, though, E hasn't shown any indication of those flu-like symptoms. Whew!

I'm hanging out with the little guy at the moment, and Josh is getting a nap in. When he wakes up, I get to shower and the run to Herberger's for their big community day sale. I'm in search of some fun pajamas because tonight is "Ladies Night In." The ladies from our small group are getting together for a slumber party of sorts. We're all supposed to wear our PJs, bring a treat to share, and be ready to watch some sort of sappy movie. Should be fun. I'll have to be a little late because mommy duties supercede girly fun, but I'm looking forward to it nonetheless.

I suppose. E is rounding the corner into the kitchen. I'd better to see what he's getting into.

Happy Saturday! :)

Poor Baby

E and I had a nice visit with Erin in St. Cloud today. We met her at Barnes & Noble right around lunch time, and then we went to The Olive Garden. It was so nice to have some time to catch up and reconnect with such a lovely person. I can't help but smile when I'm around you, Erin. Thanks for a great day!

My little guy was so good during our visit. He did a nice job in the restaurant--even during the 25-30 minute wait for our table. He had a rough night last night, and really wasn't his usual, bubbly self though. When I got home, he felt warm, and still refused to eat well, so we took him in to Urgent Care. Lo and behold, he has a double ear infection. His mom and dad are rookies--he's never had an ear infection before--so we totally didn't catch the symptoms. I felt SO bad about that, until I read that it's a good idea to wait a few days before treating such an infection with antibiotics so as to build future immunities. Anyway, E is now on amoxicillin to clear up the infection with the occasional dose of tylenol to numb the pain. Hopefully he's back to his sweet goofy self before too long!

Tomorrow proves to be busy with church, laundry, company, small group.... I'm glad I had some time today to do something fun. Thanks again, Erin! :)

Photos and Friday Frivolity

I promised photos, and I will deliver! I just had to upload them to the computer from our camera. Our little man is becoming SO independent. I wonder who he gets that from?!?

Life has been a bit crazy this week. We've all been sick--I just started to feel half-human again today--and there is no end to the things we have to do! This weekend won't bring much rest, but it will be fun! Tomorrow, I'm meeting Erin in St. Cloud for some lunch and maybe a little shopping. I'm so glad we're able to make these quick visits! Then, on Sunday, our good friends the Johanssons are joining us for the afternoon. In the evening, we have our small group Bible study, and then we're back into the work week.

Josh is talking about the possibility of going up to Cook for the second weekend of deer season (bring to mind a silly song, anyone??), but I'm not sure I'm up for it. We'll be heading up for Thanksgiving, so I may sit out the deer trip if he does decide to go. Some tranquility would be nice. How does it go on Seinfeld? "Serenity NOW!"

I hope everyone has had a good week! Here are those photos...