Christmas

We had a good Christmas.  Nice and relaxing.  We had tons of good food and friends and we feel really blessed to be so fortunate.  Especially at such a young age.  Both my and Charlie's parents were practically penniless when they had three little ones.  Charlie does a great job of providing for us.  He was thrilled to have a 4 day weekend and even more thrilled to have time off this week.

I didn't quite stick to my gift mantra of "Something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read"  but I did do a bit of shopping before my brother reminded me of it--how could I forget?!  It makes Christmas so much easier.  The kids always get jammies to open on Christmas Eve.  This year I made them each a robe as well.  William still hasn't even tried his on yet.  I was expecting him to be the most excited for them.  He saw me making them a couple of months ago.  I told him they were for someone else like the neighbor, or my nephew, or some poor little boy without clothes and he was disappointed.

Brianna got a robotic puppy and she squeals with delight when it chases after her.

I got Charlie dancing lessons.  Everyone is surprised when they find out but Charlie has wanted to take dancing lessons for a long time.  He sort of taught Merengue lessons when we were dating and that solidified my attraction to him.  Any guy who will clear the floor and ask you to dance deserves a second date.  We always thought we were too busy for lessons but by golly, sometimes you just have to do it.  Charlie insisted I fulfill my dream of going to Scotland a couple of years ago so hopefully this will be something like returning the favor.

My Christmas present is still coming.  I've been drooling over a couple of arm chairs at Macy's (Chloe Velvet Metro armchair.  White or blue?)  I've decided on blue but it took me so long I missed the Christmas cutoff.  This is a real splurge for us so I feel spoiled.  They're velvet for pete's sake.

Its been a while

Since my last entry we've gone on with the same old stuff.  Work for Charlie-and too much of it, taking care of the kids for me, school for Carter, whining for Will, and perfection for Brianna.

Well, that might be generalizing a bit too much.
 Carter is still in love with Sofie.

Will has decided he doesn't like gymnastics anymore so he screams and hides when we arrive and the Little Gym staff just make it worse.  They either give him attention when he doesn't want it or ignore him when he could use a little coaxing.  Then they try to tell you its okay that your child isn't participating because they're "still learning." Bull.  You just want your $10 a session.  Its a waste of my time if he would rather be home cuddling and reading a book.

Brianna started going to nursery this week and when I picked her up she had a cold.  Of course she had the germs before she arrived, but I swear I didn't know!

We went to the annual Creche this year, I have been looking forward to it all year and just like last year, I'm so overwhelmed by the time we leave I'm more cranky than spiritually uplifted.

We had a trip to Utah to see the fam for Thanksgiving.  The kids did great for the drive which means we may dare attempt the drive more than once a year.  As usual Charlie got a speeding ticket, and as usual, I was partly to blame.  We visited with all the Great Grandparents and cousins and fourth cousins and whatever, saw the lights at temple square, went sledding, did some geneology work, etc.

Good trip.

One of my favorite things was the one on one time I spent with my Grandma Schramm.  She told me lots of stories and taught me how to make carmel for turtles and taught me how to crochet.  I wish I could have had time with my other grandparents before they died, but I'm grateful to have the desire to get to know my living grandparents and cherish their wisdom.