Busy Busy Busy...

So far we've survived the whirlwind of stuff that this time of year brings. It feels like I haven't been able to stop and take a break, and yet at the same time, it feels like I haven't done a thing.

Monday I spent the day finishing up some ornaments that I had started back in October at a GNO, and getting a few more started. I wanted to go see the Temple lights Monday evening but Josiah was super tired by the time he got home from work, so we had to postpone that.

Tuesday I spent the day cleaning. Not because anyone was coming over, but just for me. It was nice not having to hurry and knowing I had the whole day to do it. I got the boys room mostly straightened. I ended up taking their closet doors down and put them in the garage. Because of where their beds are, the closet was a pain to get into.

I also straightened the kitchen, cleaned the kids bathroom, and did a couple loads of laundry.

Tuesday evening Alyssa had a choir concert at 6:30. I also had a scrapbook class scheduled for the same time which I went late to.

Wednesday I had to take Josiah to work because the girls' piano lesson was rescheduled for the week, due to their recital that is tonight. I didn't get much of a chance to do any running around yesterday though, that I would typically do when I have the car, because Josiah was expecting his computer to be delivered and it required a signature. I suggested he just stay home from work, but he didn't think that would fly.

The kids had 1/2 day yesterday anyway, so any running around that I would have been doing, would have been interupted to get them from school. Fortunately, the computer arrived just before they got out, so I was able to pick them up, run to Albertson's for a few things, and then to Taco Bell for some lunch. I was completely exhausted by the time we got home and finished eating, (I had been up since 5:40 with my running and all...) not to mention I had a headache, so I went to lay down thinking I could get a couple hours nap in before they needed to be at piano. Well, that thought was cut short when my cell phone rang about 2 minutes later. It was Josiah wanting me to pick him up early so he could come home and play with his new toy! (I knew he shoulda just stayed home...) I did get a 25 min nap in before I needed to leave to get him though. I picked him up at 2:30 and after we got home, Rylie was ready to go shopping for her Pollyanna gift. (She knew Josiah had gotten paid yesterday...kids!) After we were done with her shopping, it was time for piano. It ended up being a short lesson since they had been practicing so much and had their songs down pretty well. Their piano teacher even gave back the money for that days lesson...since she didn't have to do any "teaching". I appreciated it.

I took Rylie back home and Alyssa was ready to go shopping. After her, Camden insisted. While I was out with Alyssa, I had discovered that a couple things that Josiah and I had bought a few weeks ago, had finally gone on sale for about $8 less than the original price, so I did a return and repurchased them for the sale price. Gotta love saving money like that. I was really glad I happened to be at the store and saw the sale sign otherwise I totally woulda missed out! Camden found what he wanted to get for his Pollyanna and we were ready to go. As we're standing there waiting for the cashiere to ring everything up, I pulled out the cash that I'd gotten from the return so that I could pay for our new purchases, and discovered that I was shorted $10 when I made the return. I was supposed to get back $54 but only had $44. Hmmmm...They ended up having to watch the survelance videos to verify that what I was saying was true. I'm just grateful that their cameras can catch that sort of detail. The lady brought me my money and we were on our way. I picked up some JitB for dinner on the way home. I had bought some steak to bbq, but by this time, it was too late to get those started. Trenton was asking to go when I got home and I told him that we'd have to wait til after we ate. Well, by the time we were done eating I was pooped and it was almost 9 o'clock and I did not feel like making 1 more run. He didn't let it bother him though. I'll take him out tonight after the girls recital or tomorrow.

So anyway, the girls' piano recital is tonight at 7pm. Tomorrow night I have an appointment to get my hair cut. Saturday is a busy day. I've got a cub scout field trip at 10am, Camden has a birthday party to go to from 1-3, and then Josiah's work party is that evening. My family's Christmas party is Sunday evening. Next Tuesday night I have pack meeting. Maybe we can do the Temple lights Wednesday or Thursday next week. I know Rylie has been mentioning driving around and looking at lights on houses which we seem to do each year. Usually just in one big neighborhood where it looks like alot of the houses are decorated. Plus we have to do our traditional going out to get hot chocolate, which fortunately just has to happen one time, but the kids look forward to it. (Or maybe it's just me...)

I want to get some baking started soon. First I have to compile a list of what I want to make. I know I want to do cinnamon rolls and chocolate dipped pretzels and some cookies of some sort and maybe fudge. MMmmmm, fudge! My MIL sent us The Ultimate Cookie Book last year for Christmas and since Christmas is really the only time of year that I do much baking, (experimental anyways) I'm excited to put it to good use. Plus, our neighbor brought us a plate of goodies last night....I totally need to get on the ball!

Anywho....here are some random pics that I pulled off my camera the other day. There was a months worth of pics sitting on it...

Josiah and I on our Anniversary (Nov 8th, for comparison purposes)...

And then here we are almost a month later at our wards Christmas party (Dec 6th)...Since November 4th I've gone down 11 lbs. My goal was 10 lbs by this Saturday. I don't think I've ever set a goal like that and actually achieved it. I'm happy. Not done, but happy.

Alyssa with her friends after their 2nd grade musical...They sang songs about America, incase the flag backdrop didn't give that away. She's the little one on the end. I never realized how smallish she is in comparison to other kids her age. I mean, I knew she was/is compared to our other kids, but I actually just thought they were giants for their age and that Alyssa was average. It's probably a combo of our others being giants and Alyssa being smallish. :) We like her though and don't plan on giving her away just yet...

I'm not sure what this expression was all about, but I thought it was funny...

The kids helping with the Christmas tree...

What we wake up to every morning...

What happens next...
Naughty, naughty kitties!

Each of the kids took their turn talking to Santa at the ward Christmas party...

Rylie...


Alyssa...


Camden...


Trenton...


Anyway, I think that's about it for now.

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season!!