catch up

This week has been crazy busy with all the loose-ends kind of things that come just before Christmas. I've been cleaning like a mad-woman all week, which is just insane to be doing right before the kids are out of school for 2 weeks. And it's still not done. It's impossible to ever be done when I have a demolition crew following right behind me. Todd's been working feverishly with his step-dad Don (who is always too willing to lend his expertise and help) fixing his dune buggy and a mini-chopper --- great for the dune buggy, but I haven't gotten much accomplished with the kids hanging around. Yesterday Taylor even was laying on the floor, nearly in tears, complaining about his boredom. Unfortunately, I was lacking in patience and would not go back on my 'no more tv or video games' policy, therefore he wallowed in sadness. It wasn't until I threatened him with a nap that he went outside to ride his bike. I'm the meanest mom ever.

Our week started off with Scrooge. No, not me. Todd and I took Taylor and Paige to see the play 'The Christmas Carol'. I was worried that a play would be boring for the little ones, but they both loved it! Paige sat on my lap and was quite inquisitive the whole time asking all kinds of questions. Although she was tired before the play even began, she was alert and interested until the very end.

We attended the Shumway family annual Christmas party as well. There wasn't quite as many of us this year for one reason or another, but it was still nice. There was good food (of course) and good company and we sang our traditional Christmas carols which gave me a good helping of Christmas spirit.

Mara again had a get together for our kids. She made dinner and the kids played and it went well. Everyone got along and Amber (our surrogate sister) read a Christmas story and the kids all listened as well as they could. Afterwards, Faith and I went on a hunt for some good Christmas lights to continue the mood.

Gabriel and Paige are sick - AGAIN. At least this time it's not the stomach flu. Paige came down with a high fever and she's GRUMPY! Gabriel's nose won't stop running and has goopie eyes. I'm not feeling 100% today either, but as usual I'm going to ignore that. All week I've felt zapped of all energy and feel like I just can't get enough sleep to make me happy. That could mean 1 of 2 things: 1- I'm sick 2- too much chocolate!! Most likely it's a combination of both. Right now I'm at the point that I don't even want to look at chocolate - that should be an indication of just how much I have actually consumed!

Today, though, sick kids and all, we went to church. We only went for the first hour, to hear the Christmas program and then I came home so my sickies could nap (they have yet to actually slumber). I'm glad we went. There was such a nice spirit there as they talked and sang about our Savior's birth. My kids all sat nicely and Gabriel only escaped under the benches twice (Last week he ended up on the bishop's lap during the prayer). After a rough morning with an impatient mommy, it was good to feel some peace and love for our precious little family. Gabriel contentedly sat on Daddy's lap and Todd softly whispered songs into his ear, and my heart was full.