Where to Start?

Where do I start?  I haven’t posted in a while.  Life is crazy sometimes.  I’ve been trying to improve my time management skills and prioritize what’s really important to me.  So, my blog has taken a backseat.  I do enjoying documenting and posting our activities, but other things have just been a little more important lately.  Also, I just think it is a little extra crazy for me right now—a very needy one year old, 3 kids, tax season and business stuff.  I will “catch up” soon with updated pictures.

Checking his list. . .

Twas two nights before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there! 
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
Avery thinks she hears something. . . .

It's Santa!  His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

Avery and Sterling were so excited.  He came to our backyard and was reading the letters Avery and Sterling had sent to him.

 

He was also checking his list! 

Avery said, "He put a red check by my name!  We are so lucky!"  I don't think I have ever seen her so excited.  Sterling was very excited, but a little scared.  He didn't want to get too close.  And, even Avery was a little timid. 

Here's a picture of Ian, but he really didn't know what all the fuss was about.

Thank you SANTA for making our Christmas very special!!

He said, "HO! HO! HO!" and disappeared into night!  Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!

So Sick of Being Sick

In early November, I came down with the flu.  I did have a regular flu shot about a month before, so not sure if it was H1N1 or what.  I went to the doctor and was given Tamiflu and started feeling better.

Then, Thanksgiving Day, I started feeling terrible again.  I went to the a walk-in Clinic the next day and was diagnosed with an ear infection.  I started on the antibiotics and started feeling better after a few doses.  I had forgotten how bad an ear infection can make you feel.

And, now for the past 4 days, I have been feeling terrible again with a fever and horrible sore throat.  I went to the walk-in Clinic today, and now I have strep throat!  I don't think I have been this sick in the last 5 years combined.  I started on my antibiotics, but sadly I think this puts a damper on our Christmas Eve plans.  I'm sad that I'm going to miss church. 

So far, Sterling and Ian just seem to have minor colds.  In between all this sickness, a stomach virus swept through our house, and Avery, Sterling, and Juan were all sick.  Thankfully, I did not get that!  I'm just so sick of being sick!  It's really hard on everyone when Mom gets sick, and this is such a busy time of year.

Christmas Card - 2009

After several attempts at taking a family photo for our Christmas card, this is the final card.  The weather just did not want to cooperate.  It was actually starting to rain, and my hair did not stay straight in the later shots. 

I finally got them in the mail today!  I never wait this long to send out Christmas cards, but it’s been a hectic few weeks with school events, sickness (myself and kid’s included), and my mom’s knee surgery.  Merry Christmas everyone!

Sterling's Birthday Party

We celebrated Sterling's 4th birthday party at Pump it Up this year.  It made it much easier on me with the holidays and all that is going on.  And, of course, the birthday boy loved it!

Ian really had a blast sliding down the slide and bouncing with Pa!

Sterling's Birthday at School

Sterling celebrated his birthday at school last week.  He was so excited to go up on stage and have everyone sing to him.

Sterling's Christmas Program

These are pictures from Sterling's Christmas program at school.  His class sang, "He is Born" and "Yes Lord!"  Sterling was so excited.  He loves to dance and sing, but he also got a little nervous.  He was digging and picking at something on the floor during the middle of the song.  We can't wait to see the video (we should get a copy from the school).  He was hilarious!  I had tears rolling down my face.

School Christmas Party - Sterling

Sterling had his school Christmas Party last week.  They enjoyed pizza, goodies, and a book exchange.