Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to everyone.

I hope everyone had a great holiday!! We enjoyed ours very much.

The kids woke up around 7am, at least the 2 older ones we had to wake Savannah up. I have to say I was very proud of my kids on Christmas morning!! When all the kids came down the stairs the older ones went over to Savannah's pile and started to help her open her gifts.

Once everyone got started there was no stopping them. I don't know about anyone else, but I think it is so hard to get pictures of everyone opening gifts because you are to busy watching them and helping them, that I forget to take the pictures.

The only bad moment of the day was...Austin's last gift were a few pairs of shorts and pants in one gift bag, when he opened them he started to cry and say that he didn't want clothes for Christmas. He was defiantly tired, when he napped about 1 hour after that episode he slept for over 3 hours.

We were very lucky that the neighbors offered to cook Christmas dinner for us. They cooked it and brought it over for all of us to share and enjoy a nice dinner. Other wise we were have a macaroni and cheese casserole.

The kids posing after they all opened their Christmas eve pajamas

Making or should I say eating cookies for Santa

Valerie hard at work making dessert for the next day

right after Santa left

mommies Christmas present

Kids enjoying Christmas break

The kids went on Christmas break Last Friday :( I immediatly thought oh no, what am I going to do with them all day for 2 full weeks!!

It really hasn't been that bad. They have been playing with friends and outside most of the days.


They all seemed to have a really great day today. Valerie 1st went shopping with her bff, then they came home and made pillow cases. And are now having a sleep over.

This is her new purse she bought with her own money when she went shopping today. In her defense she planned on buying Christmas presents for the kids, but I asked her not to. She really does have a good heart.

Austin played with the neighbors most of the day both outside and inside. The kids were enjoying making piles of leaves and jumping in them.

Even though this picture doesn't show it he really enjoyed collecting the leaves

That pile is as big as it's going to get around here, but it was enough for them.

All hard at work

Savannah went in between playing with the big kids to hanging out with mommy, but mostly enjoying the day in her diaper with a chocolate face.

Yes this picture is from today, it really was that warm

Later on in the day...I had to cover her up it gets windy on that scooter, she loved it.

swing set

Well Daddy did it!! Over Thanksgiving Daddy, Pap, and the neighbor went to pick up a swing set I bought on craigslist. It took them several hours 3-4 to take it down. Then when we got it back here it was up to daddy to put it all back together, WITHOUT a manual.

the boys having fun

This past week was the final piece. We had to keep going back to home depot to get nuts (wow, they are expensive). From the weather conditions at it's previous location (on a lake), the nuts and bolts took a beating.

The kids seem to love it, even Valerie. This one is a bit bigger so she can do things as well.

The piece Valerie likes best

We had to get a new baby swing (we left ours by accident). So thanks Pap!! It was Savannah's Christmas present from Ama and Pap. We had to give it to here a few days early, once she saw the other kids swinging she had to join. I don't think she will know the difference. But I think she was on the swing set for an hour straight yesterday. She loved it.

They even would stop swinging to push Savannah

A sick house

We have quarantined the house!!

Austin started us off on Friday...Daddy walked in the door as he was getting sick ( I was a work, Valerie was keeping an eye on the kids for the half hour overlap). He was sick all weekend and finally felt better Monday.

Savannah started Monday morning when we went in to get her in the morning she had gotten sick all over. Not what you want to wake up to. I did take her to the doctors today, because she started to turn blue. It started at her feet, they were so cold and blue. It worked it's way to her hands and even her mouth!! I started to get scared. I had her bundled up with 2 socks baby legs, sweets, hat, blanket and all. Her lips turned back but feet and hands stayed blue. The doctor just said she was cold. go figure :)

Valerie was next on the list...at 11 last night she came in the room and told me she didn't feel good. Then I got up to check on her around 2 and she was on the floor, in her words it was closer to the bathroom. I got her a bucket and sent her back to bed. On my next check I found her in the bathtub, she said it made her feel better. She might have been hit the worst so far.

Rob woke me up around 2-230 saying he didn't feel well. He at least came down stairs, was up all night getting sick finally fell a sleep around 9-11 and then off and on all day. He still is not feel that well as I right this.

So far I am free from illness, however I don't think that will last long. I am washing my hands as much as I possibly can but with Savannah all she wants is to be held and snuggled. I am just hoping it holds until Savannah is feeling better. Wish me luck!

New hats

So we are here in Florida enjoying the weather however....it has been a little colder than I expected!! I can't really complain, it's normally cooler in the morning around (32) and worms up by 11 (50-60). Still cold enough to need hats, so I have been like a mad women making hats for the kids.

Valerie asked for a stripped hat with blue and cream. After searching the internet (after she was in bed) I found this pattern.
I started it right away thinking she would want it because it was suppose to be like the one Bella wore in Eclipse and Twilight. I was right, but then she asked if I could do it in green (that's what hers was in the movie). I felt bad but I was already halfway done...next time my dear. She really does love it, wearing it all day.



Austin went for the so popular "owl" hat. I love making them, so cute


Savannah will get an owl hat as well...here is one I made for the winner of the last giveaway. I think I will make the same one for her...I love the colors together.

Trying it on before the eyes were finished

she made it

still wearing shorts :)

So this morning Valerie took her first solo (without mom) bike ride to school. It was a little emotional for me, but she didn't even notice.

She had to leave around 710am instead of 720am, which didn't seem to bother her. She text me when they arrived and then text me for her return home.

I was nervous the entire time, but proud when she actually made it home.

It did happen to be the coldest morning yet, with gray skies. I thought she was going to change her mind when she got outside, but she didn't.

I guess my camera was on the wrong setting

Thanksgiving

We can't believe that this was our second Thanksgiving in Florida. Last year we were with Kathy and Dutch and who would have thought this year would be at our house in Florida.

Our house guest this year was Pap, Ama, and Aunt Mel. They arrived around 2am on Thursday and stayed until about 8pm on Sunday. It was nice to have a house full of people. For dinner, we cooked the traditional Turkey green-bean casserole, rolls, corn, we had crandberry sauce mash potatoes and gravy. I forgot the sweet potatoes since I don't eat them they were not on my mind...sorry. Everyone helped with dinner, except for the turkey. I have become very teritorial when a turkey is involved. This really is only my second turkey, but once I start something I like to finish it. Pap had to make the gravy, because eveytime I make it, it taste like flower, once again since I don't eat gravy I have no idea how to make it. Ama did her stuffing, we made ball and put some in a bread pan instead of stuffing the turkey.

Isn't she a beauty

On Friday we took everyone down to Old St. Augustine and had fun at the fort, shopping and eating. Rob and Pap also got to go to the golf hall of fame (everyone else joyfully stayed home) Saturday and Sunday I worked but only till 3. On Saturday Pap helped Rob take down a swing set and move it (we bought for the kids second had for Christmas). Saturday night Aunt Anita and Uncle Tom stopped by from their visit with Tommy. It was all very nice. Ama and Pap cook a nice dinner for everyone. And then on Sunday we took everyone to the Beach, it was really to cold to get in, but my kids just didn't care of course :) I think my kids were the only people in the water. The air was not to bad but the water was pretty chilly.

The week before Granny and Grampy came to stay of few days on their way to their house in Cape Coral. We as well went to Saint Augustine (can you tell Rob loves that place), did some relaxing and enjoying the company.

The past month

We aren't as settled as I thought we would be by now, but we are getting there.

Valerie seems to be lovin' life. This week is a trial run for her riding her bike. I take her to school in the morning drop her and her bike off. At dismissal she calls to tell me she is walking to her bike. I ride my bike and wait on the other side of the street (so she is not embarrassed by her mom), when I see her I start to ride while she rides with her friends. Yesterday went pretty well. She also found out that her bff from next door is allowed to ride as of tomorrow. She gets out of school at 2 except Wednesday it is at 1, does her homework and then most of the time is spent with her friend from next door. The 2 are in the process of starting their own dog walking company, I can't wait to see how this turns out when Valerie realizes she has to clean up after the dog :)

Austin seems to really like school. He had off for over a week and asked everyday if it was time his school. When he found out today he was back from vacation he was so excited he wanted me to drop him off at school first (not Valerie), then when I did drop him off he asked if I could leave him longer today. Before his break they did a little Thanksgiving show of songs and the parents brought in traditional Thanksgiving meal items and had a feast. It was really very nice. I was not sure how he would do in front of crowds, but he did very well. I have video, but as usual I can't get it to upload. So for now I have a few pictures. He really likes it when I ride my bike to get him, although I am not sure why since Savannah and him fight the entire way home. Austin seems to be real tired at night now, to the point that he will ask us if it is his bed time yet. I always laugh when I hear that.


still the smallest kid in class
Savannah has really started walking now, it's been about 2.5 weeks since she started. It is really funny to watch her try to keep up with the other kids. She still loves to eat. She sometimes steals food off of Austin's plate (I think that's why he likes to sit by her). Daddy has informed me we are done with cloth diapers :( He did put up with it for a long time. I have to admit it is much easier. I think I will continue to use cloth during the day though.

Most of the house is together except Savannah's and my craft room. Next is Christmas decorations and pictures.

Halloween

I know posting has been a little light lately, I will try to get all caught up here soon. We are getting things settled and the lack of internet has inhibited me as well. There are plenty of things to blog about, I just need to find the time.

So for now lets start with Halloween.

We were excited to give out candy, we haven't done that in over 3 years. We had just enough too. You no longer give just 1 piece of candy per trick or treater, it seams you say take 2/3. We took the little kids out right at the start, they were out for about an 1hr and that was it. I think it worked out best. We went back to the house and daddy handed out candy while I put Savannah to bed. He had a chance to meet some neighbors (who actually helped get Austin in school). Valerie went with the neighbor and her mom for a little and once I had the kids in bed I took Valerie and her new bff out again. I think Valerie wanted to keep going, but the other girl was done.
I didn't make Austin's costume, while we were at a second hand shop he found this and fell in love with it. We lucked out it fit just right. It was a little different this year. We were telling him he could wear anything underneath (except the underwear). He was so hot. He would take his hat off in between house's and then put it back up when he got to the next house. He did really well, he said trick or treat and thank you at every house.
Valerie chose to be a Vampire, well at the beginning of the night, anyway. She got too hot and she chose to be a goth girl by the end of the night. I told her I wouldn't give her candy if she showed up at my house :) I made the cape for her and she seemed to really like it. This is much different than her previous 10 years as princess. I guess she is growing up.

I found a pattern at Joann's for 99 cents, oh how happy I was. If you can't tell, she was a fairy. I think she had a blast. She want's to walk everywhere, but will only do it if she is holding someone's hand :( I made her a over coat to go with her outfit, just in case she got cold however it was not needed.

I hope everyone had a great Halloween

We made it

So as of Saturday we made our way to Florida. For the most part the kids seem to love it. I do think it seems more like a vacation at this point, since we are staying in this tiny tiny space:


I'm not even going to apologize for the mess, there is no way to keep things straightened up :)

I knew there was no oven or cooking supplies, so I made meals to last us the week before we left and I brought them in the cooler so we were not eating out every night. But we are out as of tonight so we shall see what that brings us.

Valerie is suppose to start school on Monday and she seems really excited. She gets to ride her bike to and from school. When we were driving around the neighborhood we saw a girl on our street that seemed her age (lets hope they get along).

It turns out the sellers were not ready to close, which was suppose to be today. So as of right now we are not sure when we get the house. We are just hoping and praying that we get it before the end of next week. I can't wait until we are back to some kinda of normal life. So today is spent resecdualling services, deliveries, and out personal items. Talked about BUMMED.

For now I have been taking the kids to the beach to tire them out.