January 8th

Today was a cooooooooold breezy day with an expected high of 25F. But I never saw it reach that high in my travels, so I would claim that the high today was 22F.

Today was an early release for my little ones and we had Willow coming over, so I had to squeeze my day in quickly!  There was a dusting of snow on the road, but the salt trucks had come through, clearing out our path to the school.

After dropping off my dear ones (and having to jump out of the car to help unstick the frozen door in the car line) I headed home to check the mail and load up the recycling that I bring to dart (carboard & foam.)  

I was due to meet one of my MOPS ladies a the thrift store in Mason.  Since I was running early, I stopped by Kroger to grab some bread (my kids are on a toast kick!)  I still had time, so I took the recycling too!

I still arrived before they opened, but met with my friend moments after they opened the doors!  We were shopping for fun dresses for our meeting tomorrow. Neither of us found anything. = (  It was fun to get together though. = )  Since I was there, I also brought a box of donation items that I was happy to get out of my house!

Also, it started snowing again, but not for very long.

Billy had a meeting, so we weren't able to go for our regular coffee date. = ( I did get my expected call from the jewelers that my ring was ready!  It looks soooooo pretty, just like new!

Since I was in Okemos, I enjoyed a Chick-fil-a lunch, of course, and grabbed some for a few of my favorite teachers too! ; )  Sadly, the roads in Okemos and East Lansing were a-w-f-u-l.  It took me so long to get to the school that some of the teachers had already eaten lunch! = (  At least Chick-fil-a is good cold too. = )

As I finished up my deliveries, one of my MOPS ladies called me, because her little boy has low ALP.  I'm so worried for her and her babe, hopefully it is not HPP, but if it is I hope I can help her navigate this crazy condition.

Talking to her had me pulling out my old files and reliving one of the scariest and craziest parts of my life.  I'm happy to be out of that time.

I picked up my 5, plus one and they all got to work on their homework.  Everyone worked hard and finished quickly.  Except for Alice decided to dig in her heels about halfway through correcting her math review. It took her almost until Billy got home (despite the extra hour or so) for her to finish her regular homework, eye therapy, and piano practice. ugh.

We had spaghetti for dinner, everyone ate well.  I'm waiting until after Willow leaves to do shot night, because no one likes shot night.  = (

Tomorrow is our table's turn for food at MOPS, so I prepped a crock-pot Taco Soup that I will cook overnight, to bring tomorrow.  = )

The kids have been playing almost non-stop since they finished their homework, some I'm hoping everyone will sleep well tonight!

later days

January 7th

Today was another cold day with an expected high of  38F.  It was not nearly as sunny today, which always makes it feel a little colder.

I let my children wear whatever they would like (as long as it is weather appropriate) to school.  Some days they look really cute, other days they look like I should put on a disclaimer that I didn't dress them.

We were out the door before our normal time, so the kids were able to finish the breakfasts they brought with them, versus only eating as much as they could on the way.  It was cold enough today that all 5 of them went to 'eat breakfast' in the cafeteria so they would have to stand outside.  I don't blame them. brrr.

After dropping off my little ones, I checked the mail then drove over to the lawn mower repair shop.  I gave the worker the part number, and after looking it up he said "that's a weird looking key.  no, we don't carry those." = (  So, I have to wait with fingers crossed for my amazon replacement.

My next stop was Meijer to return some things and I was almost there, when I remembered that Ms. Charlie, our housekeeper was coming today.  So, I made a trip back home to wait for her.  While waiting I poured the bagged salt into the plastic tubs, so my front porch looks much happier now. = )

I left Ms. Charlie to my empty house, and went back to Meijer. I had a tub of returnable, a return* and milk to buy, since Sam's only had one in stock when I picked up my order yesterday.  There must be something going on with whole milk, because Meijer was also pretty low!

After all my Meijer jobs, I went to drop off some recycling at Sarah's. She fed me some treats, Seven begged for the same.  After taking my leave of them, I called to check on my rings, since they are supposed to be done today.... but not yet. = (

Since I no longer needed to make a trip to Okemos I came home, just in time to schedule the next appointment with Ms. Charlie.

For lunch I had some more of the rotisserie chicken, and bread.  I also finished a load of laundry!

At 3:20 it started to snow, a lot!  It even started to stick.

The snow stopped as quickly as it came, and began to melt.  So it looked more like we had just had quick a rain shower by the time I picked the kids up from school.

For dinner we had tacos.  Well, most of us had tacos.  Apparently Billy's delicate constitution (lol) would not allow him to eat tacos so he went and bought a pre-cooked Bob Evan's fettuccini dinner.

The new collection had some more play.  This time they made a super long snake!

I did hear from the jewelers, my set should be in tomorrow morning.  I am expecting an early phone call!

I also enjoyed texting back and forth with Erin Elise for almost the entire day.  I can't remember the last time we did that! = )

Hoping to have an earlier, more leisurely bedtime tonight, because tomorrow an earlier bedtime is a must.

later days

*I purchased some special flour to make pancakes for the witcher watching party, but when my oven went out, they didn't get made.  I didn't think they would taste nearly as good if I made them 'any ole time' so I returned the flour. = (

More Christmas Presents

Working on Christmas gifts for a few months now, but did a little bit of work in December too. = )

My gift this year was sprucing up my ring.  Here's the before picture, I don't have the after one yet.  Not expecting my ring back until January, but the receipt is under the tree. lol. The jewelry store employees were awesome though and cleaned my 'original' silver/cubic zirconia engagement ring free of charge.  So that is what I've been wearing until my other one is returned.  It feels weird (and I think it's a size too big) but it's better than nothing. = )

3 finished American girl doll sleeping bags! = )

Teacher gifts were finished during the Thanksgiving break, but we didn't assemble them until the final Sunday night for the school year. The kids were so excited to pass them out!

After the snow cleared, I was able to bury William's metal items to use with this metal detector!  I made a utility map, and Sarah made him a beautiful one to open Christmas morning. = )

And the item that caused me a bit of grief and was bigger than anticipated was the wardrobe for Grace's doll.  It totally reaffirmed my 'only buy used' mantra.

Also, Christmas Eve found me waiting on the oven repair guy (that never came = () and making Sarah's Christmas gift, a new purse!  I do not usually like to wait until the last minute, but with the unknown status of the repair man (and not knowing whether or not we would be able to make it to Christmas eve service) I was thankful for such an imperative distraction.

And, as it is currently Christmas Eve, I am so excited for all of these to be opened tomorrow!

later days