Time is downright flying! There is so much to do and so little time to do it! And now Rick is throwing some "must see" movies in the mix too. Help!!!! I told him he can't expect me to keep going and not collapse at some point. Those movies can wait. His argument is, that they then go to a small theater, well, worse things have happened, sigh!
But with this griping, we had a wonderful day together today. We left right after the kids went to school, got ourselves a McDonald's breakfast and drove to Front Royal to go on the Skyline Drive for a hike. Unfortunately, Skyline Drive was closed due to snow and ice (even though it's just about all melted!). Fortunately, there was a trail (Dickey Ridge) right before the park entrance. We walked the whole trail, it was great, it was mostly along a mountain stream, so I got beautiful waterfall pictures.
After our walk we drove to Middleburg a quaint little town west of us, where we had lunch at the old Red Fox Inn. After the great meal, we went to Chrysalis vineyard for a tasting and we bought a case of wine, because their wines are truly delicious.
Then we still had time to stop by the British Pantry to get some British stuff for Christmas. A fun day together and something I wish we could do much more often!
Friday, December 13, 2002
Well, we had the party and it was a huge success! Everyone came and then some, as Kai and Katja had a friend over too, so at one point there were 21 kids! The magician was great, he really knew how to do crowd control, as especially one little boy kept getting up and trying to get things and all he needed to do was say "Will, sit down" and the boy would listen. The highlight of the show was when he pulled a live bunny out of a hat, which the kids could pet afterwards. Though many kids thought the goldfish Saskia got for a gift during one of the tricks was pretty cool too. Rick and I were less thrilled, it's not like we need another pet!
We had pizza and cake afterwards and after 2 hours everyone went home again. Saskia was very happy, she got great gifts (many crafts, yay!) and she loved the magician.
Yesterday I ran around all day. After my workout
We had pizza and cake afterwards and after 2 hours everyone went home again. Saskia was very happy, she got great gifts (many crafts, yay!) and she loved the magician.
Yesterday I ran around all day. After my workout
Wednesday, December 11, 2002
Saskia's birthday and an icestorm! Well, we won't forget her 7th birthday for sure. Yesterday the prediction was for some ice, but today of course it looks worse than they predicted, so now we have to determine whether we will have her party this afternoon, at 4, or will postpone it will Monday.
I'd prefer today, but I guess we'll make the call around noon.
The schools are closed and all my plans for today scratched. There shouldn't be too many more of these days before Christmas, or things will not be ready. On the other hand, sleeping in in the middle of the week is something I can easily get used to! And thankfully Rick's early morning meeting was canceled, as I was worried about him having to walk to the metro, not because of his walking, but because of crazy drivers.
Now let me wax poetically about my 7 year old! I can't believe she's 7! My baby! I'm so glad to see she's keeping her sunny personality. She has a smile for everyone and chats readily with kids and adults. She's overall a very happy child. Her smile went through a change recently though, when she lost both front teeth at the same time and now the adult teeth are growing in.
She is still petite, hasn't gone through a major growth spurt yet, like Katja at her age. She is in size 6X, which is usually still big on her.
She is 100% girlish, plays with Barbies and Fashion Polly's, loves beautiful clothes, make up and hair things. We just recently redecorated her room to a more "grown up" theme. She chose a blue to aqua pattern with little white flowers and natural wood for her furniture. I painted her window wall aqua. This also marked the first time in years that she's sleeping in her own bed and not in a sleeping bag next to my bed. In the beginning, I really missed that little body next to me.
Kai and she are like water and oil many times and then suddenly are the best of friends. We know several families who have kids of the same ages as the two of them, so frequently brothers and sisters are playing together.
She's an eager learner at school, reading quite well already and happily doing her homework every weekend. She is just a delight to have, very cuddly and quick to kiss her mommy and daddy. A true gift to us!
I'd prefer today, but I guess we'll make the call around noon.
The schools are closed and all my plans for today scratched. There shouldn't be too many more of these days before Christmas, or things will not be ready. On the other hand, sleeping in in the middle of the week is something I can easily get used to! And thankfully Rick's early morning meeting was canceled, as I was worried about him having to walk to the metro, not because of his walking, but because of crazy drivers.
Now let me wax poetically about my 7 year old! I can't believe she's 7! My baby! I'm so glad to see she's keeping her sunny personality. She has a smile for everyone and chats readily with kids and adults. She's overall a very happy child. Her smile went through a change recently though, when she lost both front teeth at the same time and now the adult teeth are growing in.
She is still petite, hasn't gone through a major growth spurt yet, like Katja at her age. She is in size 6X, which is usually still big on her.
She is 100% girlish, plays with Barbies and Fashion Polly's, loves beautiful clothes, make up and hair things. We just recently redecorated her room to a more "grown up" theme. She chose a blue to aqua pattern with little white flowers and natural wood for her furniture. I painted her window wall aqua. This also marked the first time in years that she's sleeping in her own bed and not in a sleeping bag next to my bed. In the beginning, I really missed that little body next to me.
Kai and she are like water and oil many times and then suddenly are the best of friends. We know several families who have kids of the same ages as the two of them, so frequently brothers and sisters are playing together.
She's an eager learner at school, reading quite well already and happily doing her homework every weekend. She is just a delight to have, very cuddly and quick to kiss her mommy and daddy. A true gift to us!
Monday, December 09, 2002
Well, it did snow! We got 6 inches and it stayed cold, so there is a lot left of it. The kids had 2 snowdays off from school and that was a lot of fun.
We had a little bit of an adventure with Saskia though, as she sledded down a hill into a deckpole with the back of her head. Afterwards, she got a huge bump and complained of a headache. When she was still complaining of a headache the next morning, we took her to the doctor. They didn't think it was anything to worry about, but I hate to think what could have happened! After Katja's hitting the wall sledding at the school with her head last year, the new rule in this house is sledding with a helmet on!
We had a superbusy weekend, on Saturday we celebrated Sinterklaas with Chuck, Christine, Mallory and my dad. We had postponed from Thursday because of the snow. On Thursday the five of us did a mini celebration, giving each other a small gift with a poem and eating some Sinterklaas candy. Saturday's celebration was great! The poems were very funny and everyone had a good time.
Yesterday, we first took Brynna, our dog, to the vet, as she was panting and trembling and wanting to lie in my lap and when we let her outside, she was lying in the snow. Clearly, something was wrong. The vet did bloodwork (to the tune of $$$$!), but couldn't really find anything wrong with her, except for what she always has: elevated liver enzymes. Today, she was still as bad, so we took her to our own vet, where she still is. She seems to have pain near her back, so now they're giving her pain medication, see if that helps.
The vet yesterday would keep her for a few hours, so in the meantime we went shopping for our Salvation Army tree angels at the mall. The kids each select an angel their age and we buy toys and clothes for them. I'm always happy to see how much effort the kids put into selecting something their "angel" would like.
After all this and picking Brynna up again, we went to the Santa Clause 2 movie. It was a cute movie, lots of loose ends at the end though, like, what was Mrs. Clause going to do with her life now?
Today I've been busy with mundane stuff such as childcare, laundry and tree decorating.
Funny things they say: Saskia and I were in the car together after dropping Katja off for basketball practice, when Saskia said: "Mammie, why are people people?" and then she went on to say "I always think that when I'm in the bathroom and sometimes when I'm not in the bathroom, but I don't know the answer" :). Needless to say, I don't know the answer either. If anyone has a good one, I'd like to hear it!
We had a little bit of an adventure with Saskia though, as she sledded down a hill into a deckpole with the back of her head. Afterwards, she got a huge bump and complained of a headache. When she was still complaining of a headache the next morning, we took her to the doctor. They didn't think it was anything to worry about, but I hate to think what could have happened! After Katja's hitting the wall sledding at the school with her head last year, the new rule in this house is sledding with a helmet on!
We had a superbusy weekend, on Saturday we celebrated Sinterklaas with Chuck, Christine, Mallory and my dad. We had postponed from Thursday because of the snow. On Thursday the five of us did a mini celebration, giving each other a small gift with a poem and eating some Sinterklaas candy. Saturday's celebration was great! The poems were very funny and everyone had a good time.
Yesterday, we first took Brynna, our dog, to the vet, as she was panting and trembling and wanting to lie in my lap and when we let her outside, she was lying in the snow. Clearly, something was wrong. The vet did bloodwork (to the tune of $$$$!), but couldn't really find anything wrong with her, except for what she always has: elevated liver enzymes. Today, she was still as bad, so we took her to our own vet, where she still is. She seems to have pain near her back, so now they're giving her pain medication, see if that helps.
The vet yesterday would keep her for a few hours, so in the meantime we went shopping for our Salvation Army tree angels at the mall. The kids each select an angel their age and we buy toys and clothes for them. I'm always happy to see how much effort the kids put into selecting something their "angel" would like.
After all this and picking Brynna up again, we went to the Santa Clause 2 movie. It was a cute movie, lots of loose ends at the end though, like, what was Mrs. Clause going to do with her life now?
Today I've been busy with mundane stuff such as childcare, laundry and tree decorating.
Funny things they say: Saskia and I were in the car together after dropping Katja off for basketball practice, when Saskia said: "Mammie, why are people people?" and then she went on to say "I always think that when I'm in the bathroom and sometimes when I'm not in the bathroom, but I don't know the answer" :). Needless to say, I don't know the answer either. If anyone has a good one, I'd like to hear it!
Wednesday, December 04, 2002
Yay, it's going to snow! Woohoo!!! I can't remember a time since I've lived in the US that it snowed substantially this early in the season. And just right to get us into the Christmas spirit too!
I've been so busy, I've just been wiped out every evening and haven't been good about updating my blog. On Saturday, I went to Target after my workout and suddenly I felt so tired I just couldn't go on. So I went home and took a nap, because that night we had dinner at our friends' house. That dinner was a lot of fun, they have kids the same sexes and ages as ours and they had prepared cardboard and paper houses for the kids to decorate with cookies and candy. They loved doing it! And it was interesting to see the differences in the age groups. The oldest girls finished the whole thing, but the younger children did parts and then lost interest.
On Sunday, Katja and I went shopping, as she has lost some weight and needed new jeans. I also found shoes to wear with my rhinestone pants, so the outfit for the Christmas party is complete now.
Monday I designated to put up the Christmas lights outside and rake the leaves, as the weather was predicted to become very cold the rest of the week. And right they were! It's been downright frigid!
Yesterday Katja had an orthodontist appointment and was told, that as long as she would wear rubber bands diligently, her braces can come off next month! The problem is, she hates those rubber bands :(.
After that we went to the mall and got our "angels" from the Salvation Army tree. Each child chooses an angel their age and on the weekend we'll go shopping for them. I find it a nice way to make the kids think of someone else during this season of receiving for them.
Today, Christine and I shopped and I went to Michael's this morning. I also went early yesterday, before the bible study. and got materials to make my "Rudolph" door hangers. They couldn't be easier to make: get a pine broom, separate the top in half and hold together with a small red bow, for the "ears", then glue on large plastic eyes and a large red pompom for his nose. Tie a bow around the stem and hang on the door. They look very cute (we have double doors).
This afternoon I filled velours stockings with stuffed animal filling and sewed the top shut, for pillows in our family room, the kids love them!
Tomorrow, if it is a snow day, we'll be putting together a gingerbread house and a miniature tree. I so love doing crafts with the kids this season!
And during this season, it's especially important to remember all the things we have to be grateful for, so I'm starting my 5 things that made me happy again:
1. Having Saskia tell me the story of Hanukkah in detail, as she's learned it in school and showing such interest in other cultures and religions.
2. Doing fun holiday stuff with the kids and seeing how they're really appreciating the traditions. When we were driving at dark the other night, they asked if we could look at lights and play "I spy", as "always". I try to incorporate lots of traditions in our lives, because I think those are the things that they'll remember into adulthood, not how many gifts they got.
3. Having Katja cherish lying in bed with me in the early morning before school so much, that she was almost excited about Rick being out of town yesterday.
4. Watching scientific programs with Kai and discussing them together afterwards.
5. Getting a drawing from Saskia with 4 little hearts with the words "I love you Mom and Dad" written in them!
I've been so busy, I've just been wiped out every evening and haven't been good about updating my blog. On Saturday, I went to Target after my workout and suddenly I felt so tired I just couldn't go on. So I went home and took a nap, because that night we had dinner at our friends' house. That dinner was a lot of fun, they have kids the same sexes and ages as ours and they had prepared cardboard and paper houses for the kids to decorate with cookies and candy. They loved doing it! And it was interesting to see the differences in the age groups. The oldest girls finished the whole thing, but the younger children did parts and then lost interest.
On Sunday, Katja and I went shopping, as she has lost some weight and needed new jeans. I also found shoes to wear with my rhinestone pants, so the outfit for the Christmas party is complete now.
Monday I designated to put up the Christmas lights outside and rake the leaves, as the weather was predicted to become very cold the rest of the week. And right they were! It's been downright frigid!
Yesterday Katja had an orthodontist appointment and was told, that as long as she would wear rubber bands diligently, her braces can come off next month! The problem is, she hates those rubber bands :(.
After that we went to the mall and got our "angels" from the Salvation Army tree. Each child chooses an angel their age and on the weekend we'll go shopping for them. I find it a nice way to make the kids think of someone else during this season of receiving for them.
Today, Christine and I shopped and I went to Michael's this morning. I also went early yesterday, before the bible study. and got materials to make my "Rudolph" door hangers. They couldn't be easier to make: get a pine broom, separate the top in half and hold together with a small red bow, for the "ears", then glue on large plastic eyes and a large red pompom for his nose. Tie a bow around the stem and hang on the door. They look very cute (we have double doors).
This afternoon I filled velours stockings with stuffed animal filling and sewed the top shut, for pillows in our family room, the kids love them!
Tomorrow, if it is a snow day, we'll be putting together a gingerbread house and a miniature tree. I so love doing crafts with the kids this season!
And during this season, it's especially important to remember all the things we have to be grateful for, so I'm starting my 5 things that made me happy again:
1. Having Saskia tell me the story of Hanukkah in detail, as she's learned it in school and showing such interest in other cultures and religions.
2. Doing fun holiday stuff with the kids and seeing how they're really appreciating the traditions. When we were driving at dark the other night, they asked if we could look at lights and play "I spy", as "always". I try to incorporate lots of traditions in our lives, because I think those are the things that they'll remember into adulthood, not how many gifts they got.
3. Having Katja cherish lying in bed with me in the early morning before school so much, that she was almost excited about Rick being out of town yesterday.
4. Watching scientific programs with Kai and discussing them together afterwards.
5. Getting a drawing from Saskia with 4 little hearts with the words "I love you Mom and Dad" written in them!
Yay, it's going to snow! Woohoo!!! I can't remember a time since I've lived in the US that it snowed substantially this early in the season. And just right to get us into the Christmas spirit too!
I've been so busy, I've just been wiped out every evening and haven't been good about updating my blog. On Saturday, I went to Target after my workout and suddenly I felt so tired I just couldn't go on. So I went home and took a nap, because that night we had dinner at our friends' house. That dinner was a lot of fun, they have kids the same sexes and ages as ours and they had prepared cardboard and paper houses for the kids to decorate with cookies and candy. They loved doing it! And it was interesting to see the differences in the age groups. The oldest girls finished the whole thing, but the younger children did parts and then lost interest.
On Sunday, Katja and I went shopping, as she has lost some weight and needed new jeans. I also found shoes to wear with my rhinestone pants, so the outfit for the Christmas party is complete now.
Monday I designated to put up the Christmas lights outside and rake the leaves, as the weather was predicted to become very cold the rest of the week. And right they were! It's been downright frigid!
Yesterday Katja had an orthodontist appointment and was told, that as long as she would wear rubber bands diligently, her braces can come off next month! The problem is, she hates those rubber bands :(.
After that we went to the mall and got our "angels" from the Salvation Army tree. Each child chooses an angel their age and on the weekend we'll go shopping for them. I find it a nice way to make the kids think of someone else during this season of receiving for them.
Today, Christine and I shopped and I went to Michael's this morning. I also went early yesterday, before the bible study. and got materials to make my "Rudolph" door hangers. They couldn't be easier to make: get a pine broom, separate the top in half and hold together with a small red bow, for the "ears", then glue on large plastic eyes and a large red pompom for his nose. Tie a bow around the stem and hang on the door. They look very cute (we have double doors).
This afternoon I filled velours stockings with stuffed animal filling and sewed the top shut, for pillows in our family room, the kids love them!
Tomorrow, if it is a snow day, we'll be putting together a gingerbread house and a miniature tree. I so love doing crafts with the kids this season!
And during this season, it's especially important to remember all the things we have to be grateful for, so I'm starting my 5 things that made me happy again:
1. Having Saskia tell me the story of Hanukkah in detail, as she's learned it in school and showing such interest in other cultures and religions.
2. Doing fun holiday stuff with the kids and seeing how they're really appreciating the traditions. When we were driving at dark the other night, they asked if we could look at lights and play "I spy", as "always". I try to incorporate lots of traditions in our lives, because I think those are the things that they'll remember into adulthood, not how many gifts they got.
3. Having Katja cherish lying in bed with me in the early morning before school so much, that she was almost excited about Rick being out of town yesterday.
4. Watching scientific programs with Kai and discussing them together afterwards.
5. Getting a drawing from Saskia with 4 little hearts with the words "I love you Mom and Dad" written in them!
I've been so busy, I've just been wiped out every evening and haven't been good about updating my blog. On Saturday, I went to Target after my workout and suddenly I felt so tired I just couldn't go on. So I went home and took a nap, because that night we had dinner at our friends' house. That dinner was a lot of fun, they have kids the same sexes and ages as ours and they had prepared cardboard and paper houses for the kids to decorate with cookies and candy. They loved doing it! And it was interesting to see the differences in the age groups. The oldest girls finished the whole thing, but the younger children did parts and then lost interest.
On Sunday, Katja and I went shopping, as she has lost some weight and needed new jeans. I also found shoes to wear with my rhinestone pants, so the outfit for the Christmas party is complete now.
Monday I designated to put up the Christmas lights outside and rake the leaves, as the weather was predicted to become very cold the rest of the week. And right they were! It's been downright frigid!
Yesterday Katja had an orthodontist appointment and was told, that as long as she would wear rubber bands diligently, her braces can come off next month! The problem is, she hates those rubber bands :(.
After that we went to the mall and got our "angels" from the Salvation Army tree. Each child chooses an angel their age and on the weekend we'll go shopping for them. I find it a nice way to make the kids think of someone else during this season of receiving for them.
Today, Christine and I shopped and I went to Michael's this morning. I also went early yesterday, before the bible study. and got materials to make my "Rudolph" door hangers. They couldn't be easier to make: get a pine broom, separate the top in half and hold together with a small red bow, for the "ears", then glue on large plastic eyes and a large red pompom for his nose. Tie a bow around the stem and hang on the door. They look very cute (we have double doors).
This afternoon I filled velours stockings with stuffed animal filling and sewed the top shut, for pillows in our family room, the kids love them!
Tomorrow, if it is a snow day, we'll be putting together a gingerbread house and a miniature tree. I so love doing crafts with the kids this season!
And during this season, it's especially important to remember all the things we have to be grateful for, so I'm starting my 5 things that made me happy again:
1. Having Saskia tell me the story of Hanukkah in detail, as she's learned it in school and showing such interest in other cultures and religions.
2. Doing fun holiday stuff with the kids and seeing how they're really appreciating the traditions. When we were driving at dark the other night, they asked if we could look at lights and play "I spy", as "always". I try to incorporate lots of traditions in our lives, because I think those are the things that they'll remember into adulthood, not how many gifts they got.
3. Having Katja cherish lying in bed with me in the early morning before school so much, that she was almost excited about Rick being out of town yesterday.
4. Watching scientific programs with Kai and discussing them together afterwards.
5. Getting a drawing from Saskia with 4 little hearts with the words "I love you Mom and Dad" written in them!
Yay, it's going to snow! Woohoo!!! I can't remember a time since I've lived in the US that it snowed substantially this early in the season. And just right to get us into the Christmas spirit too!
I've been so busy, I've just been wiped out every evening and haven't been good about updating my blog. On Saturday, I went to Target after my workout and suddenly I felt so tired I just couldn't go on. So I went home and took a nap, because that night we had dinner at our friends' house. That dinner was a lot of fun, they have kids the same sexes and ages as ours and they had prepared cardboard and paper houses for the kids to decorate with cookies and candy. They loved doing it! And it was interesting to see the differences in the age groups. The oldest girls finished the whole thing, but the younger children did parts and then lost interest.
On Sunday, Katja and I went shopping, as she has lost some weight and needed new jeans. I also found shoes to wear with my rhinestone pants, so the outfit for the Christmas party is complete now.
Monday I designated to put up the Christmas lights outside and rake the leaves, as the weather was predicted to become very cold the rest of the week. And right they were! It's been downright frigid!
Yesterday Katja had an orthodontist appointment and was told, that as long as she would wear rubber bands diligently, her braces can come off next month! The problem is, she hates those rubber bands :(.
After that we went to the mall and got our "angels" from the Salvation Army tree. Each child chooses an angel their age and on the weekend we'll go shopping for them. I find it a nice way to make the kids think of someone else during this season of receiving for them.
Today, Christine and I shopped and I went to Michael's this morning. I also went early yesterday, before the bible study. and got materials to make my "Rudolph" door hangers. They couldn't be easier to make: get a pine broom, separate the top in half and hold together with a small red bow, for the "ears", then glue on large plastic eyes and a large red pompom for his nose. Tie a bow around the stem and hang on the door. They look very cute (we have double doors).
This afternoon I filled velours stockings with stuffed animal filling and sewed the top shut, for pillows in our family room, the kids love them!
Tomorrow, if it is a snow day, we'll be putting together a gingerbread house and a miniature tree. I so love doing crafts with the kids this season!
And during this season, it's especially important to remember all the things we have to be grateful for, so I'm starting my 5 things that made me happy again:
1. Having Saskia tell me the story of Hanukkah in detail, as she's learned it in school and showing such interest in other cultures and religions.
2. Doing fun holiday stuff with the kids and seeing how they're really appreciating the traditions. When we were driving at dark the other night, they asked if we could look at lights and play "I spy", as "always". I try to incorporate lots of traditions in our lives, because I think those are the things that they'll remember into adulthood, not how many gifts they got.
3. Having Katja cherish lying in bed with me in the early morning before school so much, that she was almost excited about Rick being out of town yesterday.
4. Watching scientific programs with Kai and discussing them together afterwards.
5. Getting a drawing from Saskia with 4 little hearts with the words "I love you Mom and Dad" written in them!
I've been so busy, I've just been wiped out every evening and haven't been good about updating my blog. On Saturday, I went to Target after my workout and suddenly I felt so tired I just couldn't go on. So I went home and took a nap, because that night we had dinner at our friends' house. That dinner was a lot of fun, they have kids the same sexes and ages as ours and they had prepared cardboard and paper houses for the kids to decorate with cookies and candy. They loved doing it! And it was interesting to see the differences in the age groups. The oldest girls finished the whole thing, but the younger children did parts and then lost interest.
On Sunday, Katja and I went shopping, as she has lost some weight and needed new jeans. I also found shoes to wear with my rhinestone pants, so the outfit for the Christmas party is complete now.
Monday I designated to put up the Christmas lights outside and rake the leaves, as the weather was predicted to become very cold the rest of the week. And right they were! It's been downright frigid!
Yesterday Katja had an orthodontist appointment and was told, that as long as she would wear rubber bands diligently, her braces can come off next month! The problem is, she hates those rubber bands :(.
After that we went to the mall and got our "angels" from the Salvation Army tree. Each child chooses an angel their age and on the weekend we'll go shopping for them. I find it a nice way to make the kids think of someone else during this season of receiving for them.
Today, Christine and I shopped and I went to Michael's this morning. I also went early yesterday, before the bible study. and got materials to make my "Rudolph" door hangers. They couldn't be easier to make: get a pine broom, separate the top in half and hold together with a small red bow, for the "ears", then glue on large plastic eyes and a large red pompom for his nose. Tie a bow around the stem and hang on the door. They look very cute (we have double doors).
This afternoon I filled velours stockings with stuffed animal filling and sewed the top shut, for pillows in our family room, the kids love them!
Tomorrow, if it is a snow day, we'll be putting together a gingerbread house and a miniature tree. I so love doing crafts with the kids this season!
And during this season, it's especially important to remember all the things we have to be grateful for, so I'm starting my 5 things that made me happy again:
1. Having Saskia tell me the story of Hanukkah in detail, as she's learned it in school and showing such interest in other cultures and religions.
2. Doing fun holiday stuff with the kids and seeing how they're really appreciating the traditions. When we were driving at dark the other night, they asked if we could look at lights and play "I spy", as "always". I try to incorporate lots of traditions in our lives, because I think those are the things that they'll remember into adulthood, not how many gifts they got.
3. Having Katja cherish lying in bed with me in the early morning before school so much, that she was almost excited about Rick being out of town yesterday.
4. Watching scientific programs with Kai and discussing them together afterwards.
5. Getting a drawing from Saskia with 4 little hearts with the words "I love you Mom and Dad" written in them!
Yay, it's going to snow! Woohoo!!! I can't remember a time since I've lived in the US that it snowed substantially this early in the season. And just right to get us into the Christmas spirit too!
I've been so busy, I've just been wiped out every evening and haven't been good about updating my blog. On Saturday, I went to Target after my workout and suddenly I felt so tired I just couldn't go on. So I went home and took a nap, because that night we had dinner at our friends' house. That dinner was a lot of fun, they have kids the same sexes and ages as ours and they had prepared cardboard and paper houses for the kids to decorate with cookies and candy. They loved doing it! And it was interesting to see the differences in the age groups. The oldest girls finished the whole thing, but the younger children did parts and then lost interest.
On Sunday, Katja and I went shopping, as she has lost some weight and needed new jeans. I also found shoes to wear with my rhinestone pants, so the outfit for the Christmas party is complete now.
Monday I designated to put up the Christmas lights outside and rake the leaves, as the weather was predicted to become very cold the rest of the week. And right they were! It's been downright frigid!
Yesterday Katja had an orthodontist appointment and was told, that as long as she would wear rubber bands diligently, her braces can come off next month! The problem is, she hates those rubber bands :(.
After that we went to the mall and got our "angels" from the Salvation Army tree. Each child chooses an angel their age and on the weekend we'll go shopping for them. I find it a nice way to make the kids think of someone else during this season of receiving for them.
Today, Christine and I shopped and I went to Michael's this morning. I also went early yesterday, before the bible study. and got materials to make my "Rudolph" door hangers. They couldn't be easier to make: get a pine broom, separate the top in half and hold together with a small red bow, for the "ears", then glue on large plastic eyes and a large red pompom for his nose. Tie a bow around the stem and hang on the door. They look very cute (we have double doors).
This afternoon I filled velours stockings with stuffed animal filling and sewed the top shut, for pillows in our family room, the kids love them!
Tomorrow, if it is a snow day, we'll be putting together a gingerbread house and a miniature tree. I so love doing crafts with the kids this season!
And during this season, it's especially important to remember all the things we have to be grateful for, so I'm starting my 5 things that made me happy again:
1. Having Saskia tell me the story of Hanukkah in detail, as she's learned it in school and showing such interest in other cultures and religions.
2. Doing fun holiday stuff with the kids and seeing how they're really appreciating the traditions. When we were driving at dark the other night, they asked if we could look at lights and play "I spy", as "always". I try to incorporate lots of traditions in our lives, because I think those are the things that they'll remember into adulthood, not how many gifts they got.
3. Having Katja cherish lying in bed with me in the early morning before school so much, that she was almost excited about Rick being out of town yesterday.
4. Watching scientific programs with Kai and discussing them together afterwards.
5. Getting a drawing from Saskia with 4 little hearts with the words "I love you Mom and Dad" written in them!
I've been so busy, I've just been wiped out every evening and haven't been good about updating my blog. On Saturday, I went to Target after my workout and suddenly I felt so tired I just couldn't go on. So I went home and took a nap, because that night we had dinner at our friends' house. That dinner was a lot of fun, they have kids the same sexes and ages as ours and they had prepared cardboard and paper houses for the kids to decorate with cookies and candy. They loved doing it! And it was interesting to see the differences in the age groups. The oldest girls finished the whole thing, but the younger children did parts and then lost interest.
On Sunday, Katja and I went shopping, as she has lost some weight and needed new jeans. I also found shoes to wear with my rhinestone pants, so the outfit for the Christmas party is complete now.
Monday I designated to put up the Christmas lights outside and rake the leaves, as the weather was predicted to become very cold the rest of the week. And right they were! It's been downright frigid!
Yesterday Katja had an orthodontist appointment and was told, that as long as she would wear rubber bands diligently, her braces can come off next month! The problem is, she hates those rubber bands :(.
After that we went to the mall and got our "angels" from the Salvation Army tree. Each child chooses an angel their age and on the weekend we'll go shopping for them. I find it a nice way to make the kids think of someone else during this season of receiving for them.
Today, Christine and I shopped and I went to Michael's this morning. I also went early yesterday, before the bible study. and got materials to make my "Rudolph" door hangers. They couldn't be easier to make: get a pine broom, separate the top in half and hold together with a small red bow, for the "ears", then glue on large plastic eyes and a large red pompom for his nose. Tie a bow around the stem and hang on the door. They look very cute (we have double doors).
This afternoon I filled velours stockings with stuffed animal filling and sewed the top shut, for pillows in our family room, the kids love them!
Tomorrow, if it is a snow day, we'll be putting together a gingerbread house and a miniature tree. I so love doing crafts with the kids this season!
And during this season, it's especially important to remember all the things we have to be grateful for, so I'm starting my 5 things that made me happy again:
1. Having Saskia tell me the story of Hanukkah in detail, as she's learned it in school and showing such interest in other cultures and religions.
2. Doing fun holiday stuff with the kids and seeing how they're really appreciating the traditions. When we were driving at dark the other night, they asked if we could look at lights and play "I spy", as "always". I try to incorporate lots of traditions in our lives, because I think those are the things that they'll remember into adulthood, not how many gifts they got.
3. Having Katja cherish lying in bed with me in the early morning before school so much, that she was almost excited about Rick being out of town yesterday.
4. Watching scientific programs with Kai and discussing them together afterwards.
5. Getting a drawing from Saskia with 4 little hearts with the words "I love you Mom and Dad" written in them!
Friday, November 29, 2002
The day after Thanksgiving and I'm sitting here with the fireplace on, pooped from shopping from 7:50am on!
We had a very nice Thanksgiving yesterday, thankfully, Katja got better just in time to gorge herself on the meal :). She has been having her so manyest cold this season, very unlike her, who is normally rarely sick. But we think it may be the chance in schedule at school and the new school.
Rick cooked a great turkey meal. The turkey was so tender, it fell apart. He made sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing and rolls with it and I got some side dishes at Fresh Fields, wild rice with cranberries, glazed carrots and another stuffing. It was delicious! And for dessert of course pumpkin pie. I've had to acquire a taste for sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie and I don't think Thanksgiving will ever be my favorite meal, but I did like it better this time.
My dad came over as well and he's driving north to visit my brother's family in Canada for the weekend. Hopefully, he won't encounter too much snow, as a storm is supposed to hit.
I took some really funny pictures of Brynna and Katinka, the dogs, while Rick was cleaning the turkey. You can just see the desire in their faces for a delicious piece of scrap meat ;).
Today Christine and I shopped till we dropped. We both needed outfits for the company Christmas parties and were successful. I also got my nieces and nephews Christmas outfits. Since my mother doesn't do those things I figure the aunt can.
Saskia also got a cute Christmas outfit and Katja Christmas pins. We had a great time, Christine and I and I was grateful for her opinion on what I tried on.
Kai and Saskia are going for a sleepover to friends tonight. It will be Saskia's first sleepover that's not at her grandparents house, so we'll see if she manages. The friend she's staying with tried last week here, but we had to call her parents to pick her up at 11pm. So, we're bracing ourselves, but then again, she may do fine.
Rick is taking Katja to the Eminem movie, 8 Mile. She is quite excited. It's rated R, but I figure they can talk about it. I'm too tired to join them, so I'll just be here and play games and watch tv.
We had a very nice Thanksgiving yesterday, thankfully, Katja got better just in time to gorge herself on the meal :). She has been having her so manyest cold this season, very unlike her, who is normally rarely sick. But we think it may be the chance in schedule at school and the new school.
Rick cooked a great turkey meal. The turkey was so tender, it fell apart. He made sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing and rolls with it and I got some side dishes at Fresh Fields, wild rice with cranberries, glazed carrots and another stuffing. It was delicious! And for dessert of course pumpkin pie. I've had to acquire a taste for sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie and I don't think Thanksgiving will ever be my favorite meal, but I did like it better this time.
My dad came over as well and he's driving north to visit my brother's family in Canada for the weekend. Hopefully, he won't encounter too much snow, as a storm is supposed to hit.
I took some really funny pictures of Brynna and Katinka, the dogs, while Rick was cleaning the turkey. You can just see the desire in their faces for a delicious piece of scrap meat ;).
Today Christine and I shopped till we dropped. We both needed outfits for the company Christmas parties and were successful. I also got my nieces and nephews Christmas outfits. Since my mother doesn't do those things I figure the aunt can.
Saskia also got a cute Christmas outfit and Katja Christmas pins. We had a great time, Christine and I and I was grateful for her opinion on what I tried on.
Kai and Saskia are going for a sleepover to friends tonight. It will be Saskia's first sleepover that's not at her grandparents house, so we'll see if she manages. The friend she's staying with tried last week here, but we had to call her parents to pick her up at 11pm. So, we're bracing ourselves, but then again, she may do fine.
Rick is taking Katja to the Eminem movie, 8 Mile. She is quite excited. It's rated R, but I figure they can talk about it. I'm too tired to join them, so I'll just be here and play games and watch tv.
The day after Thanksgiving and I'm sitting here with the fireplace on, pooped from shopping from 7:50am on!
We had a very nice Thanksgiving yesterday, thankfully, Katja got better just in time to gorge herself on the meal :). She has been having her so manyest cold this season, very unlike her, who is normally rarely sick. But we think it may be the chance in schedule at school and the new school.
Rick cooked a great turkey meal. The turkey was so tender, it fell apart. He made sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing and rolls with it and I got some side dishes at Fresh Fields, wild rice with cranberries, glazed carrots and another stuffing. It was delicious! And for dessert of course pumpkin pie. I've had to acquire a taste for sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie and I don't think Thanksgiving will ever be my favorite meal, but I did like it better this time.
My dad came over as well and he's driving north to visit my brother's family in Canada for the weekend. Hopefully, he won't encounter too much snow, as a storm is supposed to hit.
I took some really funny pictures of Brynna and Katinka, the dogs, while Rick was cleaning the turkey. You can just see the desire in their faces for a delicious piece of scrap meat ;).
Today Christine and I shopped till we dropped. We both needed outfits for the company Christmas parties and were successful. I also got my nieces and nephews Christmas outfits. Since my mother doesn't do those things I figure the aunt can.
Saskia also got a cute Christmas outfit and Katja Christmas pins. We had a great time, Christine and I and I was grateful for her opinion on what I tried on.
Kai and Saskia are going for a sleepover to friends tonight. It will be Saskia's first sleepover that's not at her grandparents house, so we'll see if she manages. The friend she's staying with tried last week here, but we had to call her parents to pick her up at 11pm. So, we're bracing ourselves, but then again, she may do fine.
Rick is taking Katja to the Eminem movie, 8 Mile. She is quite excited. It's rated R, but I figure they can talk about it. I'm too tired to join them, so I'll just be here and play games and watch tv.
We had a very nice Thanksgiving yesterday, thankfully, Katja got better just in time to gorge herself on the meal :). She has been having her so manyest cold this season, very unlike her, who is normally rarely sick. But we think it may be the chance in schedule at school and the new school.
Rick cooked a great turkey meal. The turkey was so tender, it fell apart. He made sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing and rolls with it and I got some side dishes at Fresh Fields, wild rice with cranberries, glazed carrots and another stuffing. It was delicious! And for dessert of course pumpkin pie. I've had to acquire a taste for sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie and I don't think Thanksgiving will ever be my favorite meal, but I did like it better this time.
My dad came over as well and he's driving north to visit my brother's family in Canada for the weekend. Hopefully, he won't encounter too much snow, as a storm is supposed to hit.
I took some really funny pictures of Brynna and Katinka, the dogs, while Rick was cleaning the turkey. You can just see the desire in their faces for a delicious piece of scrap meat ;).
Today Christine and I shopped till we dropped. We both needed outfits for the company Christmas parties and were successful. I also got my nieces and nephews Christmas outfits. Since my mother doesn't do those things I figure the aunt can.
Saskia also got a cute Christmas outfit and Katja Christmas pins. We had a great time, Christine and I and I was grateful for her opinion on what I tried on.
Kai and Saskia are going for a sleepover to friends tonight. It will be Saskia's first sleepover that's not at her grandparents house, so we'll see if she manages. The friend she's staying with tried last week here, but we had to call her parents to pick her up at 11pm. So, we're bracing ourselves, but then again, she may do fine.
Rick is taking Katja to the Eminem movie, 8 Mile. She is quite excited. It's rated R, but I figure they can talk about it. I'm too tired to join them, so I'll just be here and play games and watch tv.
The day after Thanksgiving and I'm sitting here with the fireplace on, pooped from shopping from 7:50am on!
We had a very nice Thanksgiving yesterday, thankfully, Katja got better just in time to gorge herself on the meal :). She has been having her so manyest cold this season, very unlike her, who is normally rarely sick. But we think it may be the chance in schedule at school and the new school.
Rick cooked a great turkey meal. The turkey was so tender, it fell apart. He made sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing and rolls with it and I got some side dishes at Fresh Fields, wild rice with cranberries, glazed carrots and another stuffing. It was delicious! And for dessert of course pumpkin pie. I've had to acquire a taste for sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie and I don't think Thanksgiving will ever be my favorite meal, but I did like it better this time.
My dad came over as well and he's driving north to visit my brother's family in Canada for the weekend. Hopefully, he won't encounter too much snow, as a storm is supposed to hit.
I took some really funny pictures of Brynna and Katinka, the dogs, while Rick was cleaning the turkey. You can just see the desire in their faces for a delicious piece of scrap meat ;).
Today Christine and I shopped till we dropped. We both needed outfits for the company Christmas parties and were successful. I also got my nieces and nephews Christmas outfits. Since my mother doesn't do those things I figure the aunt can.
Saskia also got a cute Christmas outfit and Katja Christmas pins. We had a great time, Christine and I and I was grateful for her opinion on what I tried on.
Kai and Saskia are going for a sleepover to friends tonight. It will be Saskia's first sleepover that's not at her grandparents house, so we'll see if she manages. The friend she's staying with tried last week here, but we had to call her parents to pick her up at 11pm. So, we're bracing ourselves, but then again, she may do fine.
Rick is taking Katja to the Eminem movie, 8 Mile. She is quite excited. It's rated R, but I figure they can talk about it. I'm too tired to join them, so I'll just be here and play games and watch tv.
We had a very nice Thanksgiving yesterday, thankfully, Katja got better just in time to gorge herself on the meal :). She has been having her so manyest cold this season, very unlike her, who is normally rarely sick. But we think it may be the chance in schedule at school and the new school.
Rick cooked a great turkey meal. The turkey was so tender, it fell apart. He made sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing and rolls with it and I got some side dishes at Fresh Fields, wild rice with cranberries, glazed carrots and another stuffing. It was delicious! And for dessert of course pumpkin pie. I've had to acquire a taste for sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie and I don't think Thanksgiving will ever be my favorite meal, but I did like it better this time.
My dad came over as well and he's driving north to visit my brother's family in Canada for the weekend. Hopefully, he won't encounter too much snow, as a storm is supposed to hit.
I took some really funny pictures of Brynna and Katinka, the dogs, while Rick was cleaning the turkey. You can just see the desire in their faces for a delicious piece of scrap meat ;).
Today Christine and I shopped till we dropped. We both needed outfits for the company Christmas parties and were successful. I also got my nieces and nephews Christmas outfits. Since my mother doesn't do those things I figure the aunt can.
Saskia also got a cute Christmas outfit and Katja Christmas pins. We had a great time, Christine and I and I was grateful for her opinion on what I tried on.
Kai and Saskia are going for a sleepover to friends tonight. It will be Saskia's first sleepover that's not at her grandparents house, so we'll see if she manages. The friend she's staying with tried last week here, but we had to call her parents to pick her up at 11pm. So, we're bracing ourselves, but then again, she may do fine.
Rick is taking Katja to the Eminem movie, 8 Mile. She is quite excited. It's rated R, but I figure they can talk about it. I'm too tired to join them, so I'll just be here and play games and watch tv.
The day after Thanksgiving and I'm sitting here with the fireplace on, pooped from shopping from 7:50am on!
We had a very nice Thanksgiving yesterday, thankfully, Katja got better just in time to gorge herself on the meal :). She has been having her so manyest cold this season, very unlike her, who is normally rarely sick. But we think it may be the chance in schedule at school and the new school.
Rick cooked a great turkey meal. The turkey was so tender, it fell apart. He made sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing and rolls with it and I got some side dishes at Fresh Fields, wild rice with cranberries, glazed carrots and another stuffing. It was delicious! And for dessert of course pumpkin pie. I've had to acquire a taste for sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie and I don't think Thanksgiving will ever be my favorite meal, but I did like it better this time.
My dad came over as well and he's driving north to visit my brother's family in Canada for the weekend. Hopefully, he won't encounter too much snow, as a storm is supposed to hit.
I took some really funny pictures of Brynna and Katinka, the dogs, while Rick was cleaning the turkey. You can just see the desire in their faces for a delicious piece of scrap meat ;).
Today Christine and I shopped till we dropped. We both needed outfits for the company Christmas parties and were successful. I also got my nieces and nephews Christmas outfits. Since my mother doesn't do those things I figure the aunt can.
Saskia also got a cute Christmas outfit and Katja Christmas pins. We had a great time, Christine and I and I was grateful for her opinion on what I tried on.
Kai and Saskia are going for a sleepover to friends tonight. It will be Saskia's first sleepover that's not at her grandparents house, so we'll see if she manages. The friend she's staying with tried last week here, but we had to call her parents to pick her up at 11pm. So, we're bracing ourselves, but then again, she may do fine.
Rick is taking Katja to the Eminem movie, 8 Mile. She is quite excited. It's rated R, but I figure they can talk about it. I'm too tired to join them, so I'll just be here and play games and watch tv.
We had a very nice Thanksgiving yesterday, thankfully, Katja got better just in time to gorge herself on the meal :). She has been having her so manyest cold this season, very unlike her, who is normally rarely sick. But we think it may be the chance in schedule at school and the new school.
Rick cooked a great turkey meal. The turkey was so tender, it fell apart. He made sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing and rolls with it and I got some side dishes at Fresh Fields, wild rice with cranberries, glazed carrots and another stuffing. It was delicious! And for dessert of course pumpkin pie. I've had to acquire a taste for sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie and I don't think Thanksgiving will ever be my favorite meal, but I did like it better this time.
My dad came over as well and he's driving north to visit my brother's family in Canada for the weekend. Hopefully, he won't encounter too much snow, as a storm is supposed to hit.
I took some really funny pictures of Brynna and Katinka, the dogs, while Rick was cleaning the turkey. You can just see the desire in their faces for a delicious piece of scrap meat ;).
Today Christine and I shopped till we dropped. We both needed outfits for the company Christmas parties and were successful. I also got my nieces and nephews Christmas outfits. Since my mother doesn't do those things I figure the aunt can.
Saskia also got a cute Christmas outfit and Katja Christmas pins. We had a great time, Christine and I and I was grateful for her opinion on what I tried on.
Kai and Saskia are going for a sleepover to friends tonight. It will be Saskia's first sleepover that's not at her grandparents house, so we'll see if she manages. The friend she's staying with tried last week here, but we had to call her parents to pick her up at 11pm. So, we're bracing ourselves, but then again, she may do fine.
Rick is taking Katja to the Eminem movie, 8 Mile. She is quite excited. It's rated R, but I figure they can talk about it. I'm too tired to join them, so I'll just be here and play games and watch tv.
Monday, November 25, 2002
I'm baaaaack :)! We got back from the Bahamas on Wednesday the 20th (blog: http://atlantis2002.blogspot.com) and Thursday and Friday I felt so tired and rundown, all I could think about was sleep.
It got a little better on Saturday and we went to see the Harry Potter movie, which the kids had been dying to see. It was a lot of fun and not as scary as I had thought, after reading all the warnings about that. That evening, Kai and Saskia had a sleepover here with their friends Michael and Laura. They were all allowed to put their shoes in front of the fireplace, so Sinterklaas could come and put something in it. My kids sang their traditional Sinterklaas song and taught Michael and Laura some of it.
Unfortunately for Saskia, who cried and cried afterwards, Laura didn't manage to pull her first sleepover off. Around 11pm she started crying for her mommy and daddy and after some tries to get her to calm down and go to sleep, we called her parents, who thankfully live close by, to pick her up. She came back the next morning for her shoe gift.
On Sunday, Rick and I took care of all the leaves in the yard. I raked the front yard, while he started on the back. We filled 9 large plastic bags and there is a heap on the curb! Incredible how many leaves come off those trees!
Wednesday the 20th was Rick's birthday and since that was our travel day back from the Bahamas, we hadn't really celebrated yet. His request was to see the James Bond movie, Die Another Day and then go to a steakhouse. Poor Saskia was not too fond of the movie, but the rest of us loved it! It's action packed and has many typical Bond ingredients, but is different enough to enjoy.
Then we dropped Katja at home, who had several homework projects due and went to eat a nice steak dinner (we brought Katja one home, in case anyone thought us ogres).
Today I went in for my workout and this afternoon again felt so fatigued, plus Saskia had a headache and Katja complained of a very sore throat, so I hope we're not all coming down with something!
It got a little better on Saturday and we went to see the Harry Potter movie, which the kids had been dying to see. It was a lot of fun and not as scary as I had thought, after reading all the warnings about that. That evening, Kai and Saskia had a sleepover here with their friends Michael and Laura. They were all allowed to put their shoes in front of the fireplace, so Sinterklaas could come and put something in it. My kids sang their traditional Sinterklaas song and taught Michael and Laura some of it.
Unfortunately for Saskia, who cried and cried afterwards, Laura didn't manage to pull her first sleepover off. Around 11pm she started crying for her mommy and daddy and after some tries to get her to calm down and go to sleep, we called her parents, who thankfully live close by, to pick her up. She came back the next morning for her shoe gift.
On Sunday, Rick and I took care of all the leaves in the yard. I raked the front yard, while he started on the back. We filled 9 large plastic bags and there is a heap on the curb! Incredible how many leaves come off those trees!
Wednesday the 20th was Rick's birthday and since that was our travel day back from the Bahamas, we hadn't really celebrated yet. His request was to see the James Bond movie, Die Another Day and then go to a steakhouse. Poor Saskia was not too fond of the movie, but the rest of us loved it! It's action packed and has many typical Bond ingredients, but is different enough to enjoy.
Then we dropped Katja at home, who had several homework projects due and went to eat a nice steak dinner (we brought Katja one home, in case anyone thought us ogres).
Today I went in for my workout and this afternoon again felt so fatigued, plus Saskia had a headache and Katja complained of a very sore throat, so I hope we're not all coming down with something!
I'm baaaaack :)! We got back from the Bahamas on Wednesday the 20th (blog: http://atlantis2002.blogspot.com) and Thursday and Friday I felt so tired and rundown, all I could think about was sleep.
It got a little better on Saturday and we went to see the Harry Potter movie, which the kids had been dying to see. It was a lot of fun and not as scary as I had thought, after reading all the warnings about that. That evening, Kai and Saskia had a sleepover here with their friends Michael and Laura. They were all allowed to put their shoes in front of the fireplace, so Sinterklaas could come and put something in it. My kids sang their traditional Sinterklaas song and taught Michael and Laura some of it.
Unfortunately for Saskia, who cried and cried afterwards, Laura didn't manage to pull her first sleepover off. Around 11pm she started crying for her mommy and daddy and after some tries to get her to calm down and go to sleep, we called her parents, who thankfully live close by, to pick her up. She came back the next morning for her shoe gift.
On Sunday, Rick and I took care of all the leaves in the yard. I raked the front yard, while he started on the back. We filled 9 large plastic bags and there is a heap on the curb! Incredible how many leaves come off those trees!
Wednesday the 20th was Rick's birthday and since that was our travel day back from the Bahamas, we hadn't really celebrated yet. His request was to see the James Bond movie, Die Another Day and then go to a steakhouse. Poor Saskia was not too fond of the movie, but the rest of us loved it! It's action packed and has many typical Bond ingredients, but is different enough to enjoy.
Then we dropped Katja at home, who had several homework projects due and went to eat a nice steak dinner (we brought Katja one home, in case anyone thought us ogres).
Today I went in for my workout and this afternoon again felt so fatigued, plus Saskia had a headache and Katja complained of a very sore throat, so I hope we're not all coming down with something!
It got a little better on Saturday and we went to see the Harry Potter movie, which the kids had been dying to see. It was a lot of fun and not as scary as I had thought, after reading all the warnings about that. That evening, Kai and Saskia had a sleepover here with their friends Michael and Laura. They were all allowed to put their shoes in front of the fireplace, so Sinterklaas could come and put something in it. My kids sang their traditional Sinterklaas song and taught Michael and Laura some of it.
Unfortunately for Saskia, who cried and cried afterwards, Laura didn't manage to pull her first sleepover off. Around 11pm she started crying for her mommy and daddy and after some tries to get her to calm down and go to sleep, we called her parents, who thankfully live close by, to pick her up. She came back the next morning for her shoe gift.
On Sunday, Rick and I took care of all the leaves in the yard. I raked the front yard, while he started on the back. We filled 9 large plastic bags and there is a heap on the curb! Incredible how many leaves come off those trees!
Wednesday the 20th was Rick's birthday and since that was our travel day back from the Bahamas, we hadn't really celebrated yet. His request was to see the James Bond movie, Die Another Day and then go to a steakhouse. Poor Saskia was not too fond of the movie, but the rest of us loved it! It's action packed and has many typical Bond ingredients, but is different enough to enjoy.
Then we dropped Katja at home, who had several homework projects due and went to eat a nice steak dinner (we brought Katja one home, in case anyone thought us ogres).
Today I went in for my workout and this afternoon again felt so fatigued, plus Saskia had a headache and Katja complained of a very sore throat, so I hope we're not all coming down with something!
I'm baaaaack :)! We got back from the Bahamas on Wednesday the 20th (blog: http://atlantis2002.blogspot.com) and Thursday and Friday I felt so tired and rundown, all I could think about was sleep.
It got a little better on Saturday and we went to see the Harry Potter movie, which the kids had been dying to see. It was a lot of fun and not as scary as I had thought, after reading all the warnings about that. That evening, Kai and Saskia had a sleepover here with their friends Michael and Laura. They were all allowed to put their shoes in front of the fireplace, so Sinterklaas could come and put something in it. My kids sang their traditional Sinterklaas song and taught Michael and Laura some of it.
Unfortunately for Saskia, who cried and cried afterwards, Laura didn't manage to pull her first sleepover off. Around 11pm she started crying for her mommy and daddy and after some tries to get her to calm down and go to sleep, we called her parents, who thankfully live close by, to pick her up. She came back the next morning for her shoe gift.
On Sunday, Rick and I took care of all the leaves in the yard. I raked the front yard, while he started on the back. We filled 9 large plastic bags and there is a heap on the curb! Incredible how many leaves come off those trees!
Wednesday the 20th was Rick's birthday and since that was our travel day back from the Bahamas, we hadn't really celebrated yet. His request was to see the James Bond movie, Die Another Day and then go to a steakhouse. Poor Saskia was not too fond of the movie, but the rest of us loved it! It's action packed and has many typical Bond ingredients, but is different enough to enjoy.
Then we dropped Katja at home, who had several homework projects due and went to eat a nice steak dinner (we brought Katja one home, in case anyone thought us ogres).
Today I went in for my workout and this afternoon again felt so fatigued, plus Saskia had a headache and Katja complained of a very sore throat, so I hope we're not all coming down with something!
It got a little better on Saturday and we went to see the Harry Potter movie, which the kids had been dying to see. It was a lot of fun and not as scary as I had thought, after reading all the warnings about that. That evening, Kai and Saskia had a sleepover here with their friends Michael and Laura. They were all allowed to put their shoes in front of the fireplace, so Sinterklaas could come and put something in it. My kids sang their traditional Sinterklaas song and taught Michael and Laura some of it.
Unfortunately for Saskia, who cried and cried afterwards, Laura didn't manage to pull her first sleepover off. Around 11pm she started crying for her mommy and daddy and after some tries to get her to calm down and go to sleep, we called her parents, who thankfully live close by, to pick her up. She came back the next morning for her shoe gift.
On Sunday, Rick and I took care of all the leaves in the yard. I raked the front yard, while he started on the back. We filled 9 large plastic bags and there is a heap on the curb! Incredible how many leaves come off those trees!
Wednesday the 20th was Rick's birthday and since that was our travel day back from the Bahamas, we hadn't really celebrated yet. His request was to see the James Bond movie, Die Another Day and then go to a steakhouse. Poor Saskia was not too fond of the movie, but the rest of us loved it! It's action packed and has many typical Bond ingredients, but is different enough to enjoy.
Then we dropped Katja at home, who had several homework projects due and went to eat a nice steak dinner (we brought Katja one home, in case anyone thought us ogres).
Today I went in for my workout and this afternoon again felt so fatigued, plus Saskia had a headache and Katja complained of a very sore throat, so I hope we're not all coming down with something!
I'm baaaaack :)! We got back from the Bahamas on Wednesday the 20th (blog: http://atlantis2002.blogspot.com) and Thursday and Friday I felt so tired and rundown, all I could think about was sleep.
It got a little better on Saturday and we went to see the Harry Potter movie, which the kids had been dying to see. It was a lot of fun and not as scary as I had thought, after reading all the warnings about that. That evening, Kai and Saskia had a sleepover here with their friends Michael and Laura. They were all allowed to put their shoes in front of the fireplace, so Sinterklaas could come and put something in it. My kids sang their traditional Sinterklaas song and taught Michael and Laura some of it.
Unfortunately for Saskia, who cried and cried afterwards, Laura didn't manage to pull her first sleepover off. Around 11pm she started crying for her mommy and daddy and after some tries to get her to calm down and go to sleep, we called her parents, who thankfully live close by, to pick her up. She came back the next morning for her shoe gift.
On Sunday, Rick and I took care of all the leaves in the yard. I raked the front yard, while he started on the back. We filled 9 large plastic bags and there is a heap on the curb! Incredible how many leaves come off those trees!
Wednesday the 20th was Rick's birthday and since that was our travel day back from the Bahamas, we hadn't really celebrated yet. His request was to see the James Bond movie, Die Another Day and then go to a steakhouse. Poor Saskia was not too fond of the movie, but the rest of us loved it! It's action packed and has many typical Bond ingredients, but is different enough to enjoy.
Then we dropped Katja at home, who had several homework projects due and went to eat a nice steak dinner (we brought Katja one home, in case anyone thought us ogres).
Today I went in for my workout and this afternoon again felt so fatigued, plus Saskia had a headache and Katja complained of a very sore throat, so I hope we're not all coming down with something!
It got a little better on Saturday and we went to see the Harry Potter movie, which the kids had been dying to see. It was a lot of fun and not as scary as I had thought, after reading all the warnings about that. That evening, Kai and Saskia had a sleepover here with their friends Michael and Laura. They were all allowed to put their shoes in front of the fireplace, so Sinterklaas could come and put something in it. My kids sang their traditional Sinterklaas song and taught Michael and Laura some of it.
Unfortunately for Saskia, who cried and cried afterwards, Laura didn't manage to pull her first sleepover off. Around 11pm she started crying for her mommy and daddy and after some tries to get her to calm down and go to sleep, we called her parents, who thankfully live close by, to pick her up. She came back the next morning for her shoe gift.
On Sunday, Rick and I took care of all the leaves in the yard. I raked the front yard, while he started on the back. We filled 9 large plastic bags and there is a heap on the curb! Incredible how many leaves come off those trees!
Wednesday the 20th was Rick's birthday and since that was our travel day back from the Bahamas, we hadn't really celebrated yet. His request was to see the James Bond movie, Die Another Day and then go to a steakhouse. Poor Saskia was not too fond of the movie, but the rest of us loved it! It's action packed and has many typical Bond ingredients, but is different enough to enjoy.
Then we dropped Katja at home, who had several homework projects due and went to eat a nice steak dinner (we brought Katja one home, in case anyone thought us ogres).
Today I went in for my workout and this afternoon again felt so fatigued, plus Saskia had a headache and Katja complained of a very sore throat, so I hope we're not all coming down with something!
Saturday, November 09, 2002
For those that have not received the link yet, I posted the Las Vegas trip journal in a separate blog: http://lasvegas2002.blogspot.com.
This has been a crazy week (I wonder if I'll ever write "this has been a boring week" ;). The kids and I arrived back from Vegas on Monday evening. All went quite well, I quickly unpacked and did a mammoth laundry!
On Tuesday, the kids were still off from school because of election day. We slept in till 9am, I loved it, as I was exhausted for some reason. Then I called the plumber, as we had 2 running toilets and I really didn't want to spend hundreds of dollars on the water bill, not to mention waste water like that. I was in luck as they just happened to be in the area and came back almost immediately, The bad news was though, that the toilets were so cheap, he couldn't fix them. That's when I made the executive decision to replace all 4 toilets in the house, as we've already spent way over $1000 in plumber bills from running and overflowing toilets. The new toilets were installed Thursday morning. The plumber was quite enthousiastic about them, I had to come look at each new toilet installed. I faked some kind of enthusiasm, but have to admit, that toilets don't exactly excite me ;).
After the plumber, I went to vote. I have never hesitated as much in the voting booth as this time. I just couldn't decide whether or not to vote for the tax increase. I ended up voting for it, because I knew that's what Rick would have done (it was for railroad and road improvements). But it got voted down anyway. Besides that the election was kind of boring here in Virginia.
On Thursday, when the plumbers were here, I painted the wall in our bedroom, that has the windows, olive green to match our bedspread. It really looks pretty.
Yesterday I did Artsmart in Kai's class with my friend Denise and we had a great time. We taught about Egyptian Art and the kids engraved hieroglyphics in drywall squares and then colored them.
Then the weather was so beautiful, I took my camera and the dog for a one and a half hour run and got some quite colorful leaf pictures.
Last night, we had a great happy hour party at Christine and Chuck's. We were supposed to bring Greek food and since I had been so busy, I asked Rick to stop by the Greek take out nearby and get some stuff. Well, he got enough to feed 3 parties! But it somehow easily disappeared. It was a wonderful party!
This morning I first went to work out, then came back to fetch Katja and she and I had a pedicure and a manicure done. It's so much fun to do mother and daughter! And she enjoys it tremendously!
Tonight we went to the herring and eel night at the Dutch embassy. Wow, wonderful stuff (I know, most people shiver at the thought). We met some great people and I'm determined to arrange a get together of different "mixed" couples in December.
This has been a crazy week (I wonder if I'll ever write "this has been a boring week" ;). The kids and I arrived back from Vegas on Monday evening. All went quite well, I quickly unpacked and did a mammoth laundry!
On Tuesday, the kids were still off from school because of election day. We slept in till 9am, I loved it, as I was exhausted for some reason. Then I called the plumber, as we had 2 running toilets and I really didn't want to spend hundreds of dollars on the water bill, not to mention waste water like that. I was in luck as they just happened to be in the area and came back almost immediately, The bad news was though, that the toilets were so cheap, he couldn't fix them. That's when I made the executive decision to replace all 4 toilets in the house, as we've already spent way over $1000 in plumber bills from running and overflowing toilets. The new toilets were installed Thursday morning. The plumber was quite enthousiastic about them, I had to come look at each new toilet installed. I faked some kind of enthusiasm, but have to admit, that toilets don't exactly excite me ;).
After the plumber, I went to vote. I have never hesitated as much in the voting booth as this time. I just couldn't decide whether or not to vote for the tax increase. I ended up voting for it, because I knew that's what Rick would have done (it was for railroad and road improvements). But it got voted down anyway. Besides that the election was kind of boring here in Virginia.
On Thursday, when the plumbers were here, I painted the wall in our bedroom, that has the windows, olive green to match our bedspread. It really looks pretty.
Yesterday I did Artsmart in Kai's class with my friend Denise and we had a great time. We taught about Egyptian Art and the kids engraved hieroglyphics in drywall squares and then colored them.
Then the weather was so beautiful, I took my camera and the dog for a one and a half hour run and got some quite colorful leaf pictures.
Last night, we had a great happy hour party at Christine and Chuck's. We were supposed to bring Greek food and since I had been so busy, I asked Rick to stop by the Greek take out nearby and get some stuff. Well, he got enough to feed 3 parties! But it somehow easily disappeared. It was a wonderful party!
This morning I first went to work out, then came back to fetch Katja and she and I had a pedicure and a manicure done. It's so much fun to do mother and daughter! And she enjoys it tremendously!
Tonight we went to the herring and eel night at the Dutch embassy. Wow, wonderful stuff (I know, most people shiver at the thought). We met some great people and I'm determined to arrange a get together of different "mixed" couples in December.
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
Yesterday I had an awful day, painwise, the weather was awful. I went to the gym, came home to have a massage and then Rick set up the hot tub for me. Yes, I realize this all sounds very decadent and I do really appreciate the fact that I can do it. But on the other hand, I need it too to simply function. I am often reminded of the times when I first knew Rick and a flare up of fibromyalgia like this week would have me in bed for weeks.
Then again, I feel guilty for taking all that time for myself and to work on my body to feel better. We had teacher conferences yesterday afternoon and I felt well enough after all that tweaking to go. The teachers were enthralled with our kids and I have to say, that's a wonderful feeling. Of course, we feel we have gorgeous, lovable kids, but to hear how well they're doing in school and how much their teachers like them really is fun. I love how different their characters are and how it comes out in the teachers' evaluations. I am very impressed with the teachers at their school (and Katja's too), it certainly doesn't take long for them to get to know their students! What I love is that each student is allowed to be their own persona. They touch on strengths and weaknesses, but not in a way that would alter the child's basic being.
For example, Saskia is very spontaneous, reacts quickly, is very talkative. The teacher has to make sure she doesn't disrupt the lessons (she doesn't), but she's not discouraging her flamboyant personality. And I like that a lot.
Meanwhile, Saskia had her skating lesson and was devastated to miss it, because of the conferences. So I called my dad and he came and took her and enjoyed it tremendously. He even gave her a snack "because she gets a little cranky when she's hungry" :). This has been such a blessing, to see my dad enjoying his role as a grandparent.
He stayed for dinner and Katja had her last field hockey practice of the year. It was a disappointment, because, thanks to the Sniper, they never got to play any tournaments or real games.
Today I woke up in knots again, so I called Christine to say I wouldn't make it to church for our bible study. Sitting in a straight chair for 2 hours just seemed like total torture to me!
She asked me if I couldn't at least come for the last hour and then witness her will for her. So I ended up going to the gym, working out for about 30 minutes, then 5 minutes in the hot tub, which really helped a lot. Then quickly dry my hair and go to church. Back to the gym, then to Trader Joe's for some groceries, off to the dealership to pick up the car, race home to get lunch and the kids, fly off to the orthodontist for Katja, run to music store for Kai's trumpet, then to Katja's school, as she had forgotten to bring a major part of her homework and then finally to McDonald's as this was a tough afternoon with nasty rain.
After we got home, the kids were fed and I started on the pumpkins, 3 huge ones, which I gutted and got ready for Rick to carve. Rick and I had a crockpot meal and now I'm exhausted. Let no one ever say a stay at home mom just sits and eats bonbons, I long for a day like that!!
Then again, I feel guilty for taking all that time for myself and to work on my body to feel better. We had teacher conferences yesterday afternoon and I felt well enough after all that tweaking to go. The teachers were enthralled with our kids and I have to say, that's a wonderful feeling. Of course, we feel we have gorgeous, lovable kids, but to hear how well they're doing in school and how much their teachers like them really is fun. I love how different their characters are and how it comes out in the teachers' evaluations. I am very impressed with the teachers at their school (and Katja's too), it certainly doesn't take long for them to get to know their students! What I love is that each student is allowed to be their own persona. They touch on strengths and weaknesses, but not in a way that would alter the child's basic being.
For example, Saskia is very spontaneous, reacts quickly, is very talkative. The teacher has to make sure she doesn't disrupt the lessons (she doesn't), but she's not discouraging her flamboyant personality. And I like that a lot.
Meanwhile, Saskia had her skating lesson and was devastated to miss it, because of the conferences. So I called my dad and he came and took her and enjoyed it tremendously. He even gave her a snack "because she gets a little cranky when she's hungry" :). This has been such a blessing, to see my dad enjoying his role as a grandparent.
He stayed for dinner and Katja had her last field hockey practice of the year. It was a disappointment, because, thanks to the Sniper, they never got to play any tournaments or real games.
Today I woke up in knots again, so I called Christine to say I wouldn't make it to church for our bible study. Sitting in a straight chair for 2 hours just seemed like total torture to me!
She asked me if I couldn't at least come for the last hour and then witness her will for her. So I ended up going to the gym, working out for about 30 minutes, then 5 minutes in the hot tub, which really helped a lot. Then quickly dry my hair and go to church. Back to the gym, then to Trader Joe's for some groceries, off to the dealership to pick up the car, race home to get lunch and the kids, fly off to the orthodontist for Katja, run to music store for Kai's trumpet, then to Katja's school, as she had forgotten to bring a major part of her homework and then finally to McDonald's as this was a tough afternoon with nasty rain.
After we got home, the kids were fed and I started on the pumpkins, 3 huge ones, which I gutted and got ready for Rick to carve. Rick and I had a crockpot meal and now I'm exhausted. Let no one ever say a stay at home mom just sits and eats bonbons, I long for a day like that!!
Sunday, October 27, 2002
Rather than trying to tell what we did over the past week, I think I'll just start from scratch.
Parker, Saskia's little friend, had his first real sleepover here last night, it went great! They all slept (including Kai) in no time. I guess the Halloween party wore them out.
As I'm sitting here typing, I'm looking out into the beautiful day we're having and our neighbor's gorgeous bright red tree. I'm going to have to take some pictures!
I've become a member of some of the photo critique websites: Usefilm, Digital Photo Contest and photo net. It's fun to get ideas of what other people do with their photography. And good to get some insight from others on how I can improve.
Kai and I went on an hour plus walk to the park and stopped regularly to take pictures. The fall colors are amazing!
Things that make me happy:
1. Having my little (getting big though!) boy happily scootering alongside me
2. Nature, it's gorgeous!
3. My knee hurts a bit less today, yay, meaning it's just related to fibromyalgia and not some weird other thing
4. Halloween is just a few days away and it's one of my favorite holidays, did I mention I'm going as a space vampiress?
5. My dad comes over often and it's so great to see him cuddle with the kids and them loving it when Opa comes!
Parker, Saskia's little friend, had his first real sleepover here last night, it went great! They all slept (including Kai) in no time. I guess the Halloween party wore them out.
As I'm sitting here typing, I'm looking out into the beautiful day we're having and our neighbor's gorgeous bright red tree. I'm going to have to take some pictures!
I've become a member of some of the photo critique websites: Usefilm, Digital Photo Contest and photo net. It's fun to get ideas of what other people do with their photography. And good to get some insight from others on how I can improve.
Kai and I went on an hour plus walk to the park and stopped regularly to take pictures. The fall colors are amazing!
Things that make me happy:
1. Having my little (getting big though!) boy happily scootering alongside me
2. Nature, it's gorgeous!
3. My knee hurts a bit less today, yay, meaning it's just related to fibromyalgia and not some weird other thing
4. Halloween is just a few days away and it's one of my favorite holidays, did I mention I'm going as a space vampiress?
5. My dad comes over often and it's so great to see him cuddle with the kids and them loving it when Opa comes!
Rather than trying to tell what we did over the past week, I think I'll just start from scratch.
Parker, Saskia's little friend, had his first real sleepover here last night, it went great! They all slept (including Kai) in no time. I guess the Halloween party wore them out.
As I'm sitting here typing, I'm looking out into the beautiful day we're having and our neighbor's gorgeous bright red tree. I'm going to have to take some pictures!
I've become a member of some of the photo critique websites: Usefilm, Digital Photo Contest and photo net. It's fun to get ideas of what other people do with their photography. And good to get some insight from others on how I can improve.
Kai and I went on an hour plus walk to the park and stopped regularly to take pictures. The fall colors are amazing!
Things that make me happy:
1. Having my little (getting big though!) boy happily scootering alongside me
2. Nature, it's gorgeous!
3. My knee hurts a bit less today, yay, meaning it's just related to fibromyalgia and not some weird other thing
4. Halloween is just a few days away and it's one of my favorite holidays, did I mention I'm going as a space vampiress?
5. My dad comes over often and it's so great to see him cuddle with the kids and them loving it when Opa comes!
Parker, Saskia's little friend, had his first real sleepover here last night, it went great! They all slept (including Kai) in no time. I guess the Halloween party wore them out.
As I'm sitting here typing, I'm looking out into the beautiful day we're having and our neighbor's gorgeous bright red tree. I'm going to have to take some pictures!
I've become a member of some of the photo critique websites: Usefilm, Digital Photo Contest and photo net. It's fun to get ideas of what other people do with their photography. And good to get some insight from others on how I can improve.
Kai and I went on an hour plus walk to the park and stopped regularly to take pictures. The fall colors are amazing!
Things that make me happy:
1. Having my little (getting big though!) boy happily scootering alongside me
2. Nature, it's gorgeous!
3. My knee hurts a bit less today, yay, meaning it's just related to fibromyalgia and not some weird other thing
4. Halloween is just a few days away and it's one of my favorite holidays, did I mention I'm going as a space vampiress?
5. My dad comes over often and it's so great to see him cuddle with the kids and them loving it when Opa comes!
