2nd Week of Christmas Vacation

 Things never go exactly how you plan.  I definitely didn't plan on dealing with a sick husband for 2 weeks this Christmas.  But, looking back, it was kind of a blessing.  We were able to relax and not do more than necessary.  The kids were able to have some fun and also not worry about the normal daily pressures of life.  Monday was a blur.  I took Greg to a eye doctor appointment and heard the fabulous news that his eye is great and there will be no permanent damage.  Of course it was that morning that it had to snow and I had to drive (which I hate driving in the snow!).  I don't know where all the snow plows were that morning, but they were no where near Orem because the roads were AWFUL!  Thankfully we made it there and back in one piece (my hands were a little sore from gripping the steering wheel so tightly).  We relaxed the rest of the day.  Played with new toys, games and books.  We had a bunch of friends over but they were a little too loud for Greg so we decided not to do that until he was better.

Tuesday was Grandpa Raymond's birthday.  We decided to start a new tradition and honor him by having a birthday cake from here on out.  The kids loved the idea of having cake and I was happy Greg emerged from his dark cave for a picture and piece of yummy coconut cake. We drove Nathan up to Salt Lake to sleep over at his cousins and then I took the kids to Hang Time to give Greg some peace and quiet.  We actually were on our way to the Natural Curiosity Museum when my cousins called and invited us to Hang Time.  We took a vote and ended up there.  It was nice to chat with people instead of being along at the museum.

 

 Callie is learning to do her own hair.  She is so proud whenever she puts some pony tails in.  The problem is she only wraps the elastic around her hair once so it falls out easily.  She is trying and that is good enough for me right now.

 I love finding Annabelle's little houses around the house.  These three pictures were in 3 different rooms of my house.  While I don't love messes all over, I love listening to this girl play.  She has an amazing imagination and can play for hours on her own.  Sometimes it is hard to get her to play with her sister or friends since she would rather just play quietly by herself.

It was a crazy 2 weeks.  Not the best, but we survived.  This has been my whole house all week.  Lovely!  This morning was a little rough getting the kids up and moving, but they were a little excited to talk to friends again.  When all the kids went back to school today I tackled the house and it felt great to get it all cleaned up.  I mopped (it SOO needed it), vacuumed, dusted and cleaned.  It looked and felt so nice.  I love a clean home!  I loved talking to the kids after school again and hearing about their day.  I like the balance of school season.  I can get things done around the house and then interact with them on a more focused level when I get home.  Homework wasn't fun, like usual, but hopefully we will get back in the groove quickly.