I have to write about a party we went to tonight, that is so "typical" American! It was a "re-gifting" party, everyone had to bring a gift they received for Christmas, but didn't like.
Now, I seriously didn't get anything I didn't like, believe it or not, so I went in my book closet and since I buy way more than I ever read, I decided to give 2 paperbacks that looked good, but weren't. And then we went to my dad's house this afternoon to take back some pans and plates he brought for New Year's Eve and he selected something out of my mother's extensive (and tacky!) gift closet for Rick's gift: a number puzzle.
We got to the hostess' house and there were nice hors d'oeuvres and drinks and everyone was chatting. Then she came around and gave everyone a number 1 through 40. Number one selected a gift and unwrapped it. Number 2 would select a gift too, but could choose to either unwrap that or swap with number 1, who would then have to keep number 2's gift. Most gifts were ok, definitely not things you'd have high on your list, but ok.
Some notable exceptions: large monkeys in the hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil poses (horen, zien en zwijgen for the Dutch audience), very ugly and they were candle holders to boot. And they were much swapped! I'll never understand those Americans ;). They were the ugliest things possible (but that made it so funny too)!
The last gift was swapped at least 10 times, I ended up with it first, but then my friend whispered to pass it on, as it was her gift and she knew it was awful (some weird glass bottle). I lost my calendar in the swap (not great, but wouldn't have been bad) and ended up with cookies, jam and a little jar for jam. It was ok, but I donated it to our hostess who collects things with berries on them.
We had a lot of fun, Rick ended up with a book and doll called "Mr. Right". He, oops, "forgot" it on the couch.
Besides all this, we cleaned up most of the Christmas stuff, the tree is still standing but only has lights and a few ornaments on it. And this afternoon we went to see the "Wild Thornberry's Movie", very nice story for an animated feature.
Thursday, January 02, 2003
Wow, the new year has started! It feels like we're slowly waking up from a long dream. I can't believe it's the second of January!
I've been sick (now with a throat and gland infection) and feeling very tired. Relatives and friends have celebrated the holidays with us, which was great. I do feel somewhat down, because my mother was not there and the chances of her ever being there again are slim to none. My dad had trouble with it too as did my siblings.
Anyway, I'm feeling very weak and listless, so this is not a long entry. I do want to wish my readers (if there are any) a very happy and healthy 2003!
I've been sick (now with a throat and gland infection) and feeling very tired. Relatives and friends have celebrated the holidays with us, which was great. I do feel somewhat down, because my mother was not there and the chances of her ever being there again are slim to none. My dad had trouble with it too as did my siblings.
Anyway, I'm feeling very weak and listless, so this is not a long entry. I do want to wish my readers (if there are any) a very happy and healthy 2003!
Wednesday, December 25, 2002
Our Christmas started last night. Actually, for me it started yesterday afternoon, when I saw the first snowflakes fall, while I was visiting my friend Claudia to drop off her Christmas gift. The forecast was for rain and yet, by the time our guests arrived around 4pm, the grass and roofs were white.
We had my dad, Rick's dad (who's staying here from last Sunday until Saturday), my brother, sister in law and their 2 children (2 and 6) and our friends Christine and Chuck and their daughter over for a Christmas Eve buffet. Rick's dad made Polish pirozhki's (sp?) and Rick made homemade meatballs. We also had seafood, different cheeses, fruits and vegetables. My diet has definitely been shot! Especially with the cognac Rick's dad is sharing with us, yum!
The kids were adorable. Athena, my two year old niece, was into everything, especially our ice skating scene in the living room. Kai played with her a lot, despite his ear pain (more later about that!). Sandy, my 6 year old nephew, Mallory, my friend's 8 yo and Saskia played and did crafts. All the kids got to open Christmas pj's and wear them around the house. Rick and I got Christmas pj's too and Rick's dad ski socks, which he is wearing now (he never wears pajama's). Katja went to church with her friend, unfortunately, I had no chance to join them.
After the guests left, Kai's earaches, which he had been complaining about since the morning already, got much worse and he was crying with pain. I placed a call to the doctor, but when the doctor on call called back, she couldn't offer any more suggestions than what I had already done (warm oil in the ear, Motrin, Tylenol and Sudafed). Kai was just miserable, crying in pain, not able to lie down or sit up. I felt so powerless, not able to alleviate is pain at all!
We had him sit with us, as we got the Santa gifts out and the stockings ready (thankfully, he doesn't believe in Santa anymore, just in the spirit of giving). But at 12:30, we were all very tired and had to go to bed. Kai could not sleep and cried till 3:30, Rick and I did not know what to do to get him comfortable enough to sleep. Around that time though, both his eardrums must have burst. Clear, but bloody, discharge came from both. It did alleviate the pain a bit though and he fell asleep, as did we, exhausted.
Unfortunately, he woke up again at 7:30 and commented on the white world outside. This woke Saskia up and we had the hardest time to keep sleeping till 8:30, by which time it was raining outside and we were bummed. By the time we got downstairs though, it had changed to snow again and looked gorgeous.
We had coffee (after opening our stocking gifts laced with Amaretto ;)) and Christmas stollen with clotted cream and started unwrapping gifts. Because our tradition is to unwrap the gifts one person at a time, so the giver gets full enjoyment of the reaction, it took more than 2 hours to unwrap them all. Kai, meanwhile, was feeling terrible and I called the doctor, who promised to come to his office to see Kai as it sounded bad to him.
So, after everything was unwrapped and everyone (more than) happy (highlights: Kai - a microscope, Katja - a gold necklace with her birthstone Aquamarine and Saskia - Barbie Talking Townhouse, for me it was a beautiful opal/tanzanite ring Rick got me (and heartstrings: Katja got me a silver ring and Saskia a beautiful box with a heart she had made from the iron together beads.), Rick took him to the doctor. Our diagnosis of 2 ruptured eardrums was correct and the doctor was really amazed according to Rick, as it is unusual to rupture both eardrums. He now has antibiotics and numbing eardrops. He threw up when he got home and saw literally green. But then he took a bath and Rick gave him Motrin and suddenly he was eating, drinking and playing. I can't say how happy I was to see that, after the completely sick boy we had last night!
I took pictures of the snow and the sunset and the Christmas decorations tonight with my new camera filters and tonight we just had leftovers. And we've just been talking about stuff. Kai is now starting to enjoy his Christmas, he's playing with toy after toy!
One really dark spot though is my friend Claudia's life right now. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Her husband has left her and her two daughters and is playing totally hardball. But the worst things is that her parents are completely taking his side and today it came to a head and her dad tried to remove her from his house by physical force and when that didn't work, he had her arrested. She called me in total distress and I worry about her. She is a wonderful mother and a very strong woman at that (you'd have to be for going through what she has!), but this is all very much to handle for one person! I'm trying to be a good friend but I fear I can't be of much support.
Tomorrow we're going to my dad's and will exchange gifts with my siblings and their families and have Christmas dinner. At least it looks like Kai will be much better!!
Hope everyone who celebrates Christmas had a great day!
We had my dad, Rick's dad (who's staying here from last Sunday until Saturday), my brother, sister in law and their 2 children (2 and 6) and our friends Christine and Chuck and their daughter over for a Christmas Eve buffet. Rick's dad made Polish pirozhki's (sp?) and Rick made homemade meatballs. We also had seafood, different cheeses, fruits and vegetables. My diet has definitely been shot! Especially with the cognac Rick's dad is sharing with us, yum!
The kids were adorable. Athena, my two year old niece, was into everything, especially our ice skating scene in the living room. Kai played with her a lot, despite his ear pain (more later about that!). Sandy, my 6 year old nephew, Mallory, my friend's 8 yo and Saskia played and did crafts. All the kids got to open Christmas pj's and wear them around the house. Rick and I got Christmas pj's too and Rick's dad ski socks, which he is wearing now (he never wears pajama's). Katja went to church with her friend, unfortunately, I had no chance to join them.
After the guests left, Kai's earaches, which he had been complaining about since the morning already, got much worse and he was crying with pain. I placed a call to the doctor, but when the doctor on call called back, she couldn't offer any more suggestions than what I had already done (warm oil in the ear, Motrin, Tylenol and Sudafed). Kai was just miserable, crying in pain, not able to lie down or sit up. I felt so powerless, not able to alleviate is pain at all!
We had him sit with us, as we got the Santa gifts out and the stockings ready (thankfully, he doesn't believe in Santa anymore, just in the spirit of giving). But at 12:30, we were all very tired and had to go to bed. Kai could not sleep and cried till 3:30, Rick and I did not know what to do to get him comfortable enough to sleep. Around that time though, both his eardrums must have burst. Clear, but bloody, discharge came from both. It did alleviate the pain a bit though and he fell asleep, as did we, exhausted.
Unfortunately, he woke up again at 7:30 and commented on the white world outside. This woke Saskia up and we had the hardest time to keep sleeping till 8:30, by which time it was raining outside and we were bummed. By the time we got downstairs though, it had changed to snow again and looked gorgeous.
We had coffee (after opening our stocking gifts laced with Amaretto ;)) and Christmas stollen with clotted cream and started unwrapping gifts. Because our tradition is to unwrap the gifts one person at a time, so the giver gets full enjoyment of the reaction, it took more than 2 hours to unwrap them all. Kai, meanwhile, was feeling terrible and I called the doctor, who promised to come to his office to see Kai as it sounded bad to him.
So, after everything was unwrapped and everyone (more than) happy (highlights: Kai - a microscope, Katja - a gold necklace with her birthstone Aquamarine and Saskia - Barbie Talking Townhouse, for me it was a beautiful opal/tanzanite ring Rick got me (and heartstrings: Katja got me a silver ring and Saskia a beautiful box with a heart she had made from the iron together beads.), Rick took him to the doctor. Our diagnosis of 2 ruptured eardrums was correct and the doctor was really amazed according to Rick, as it is unusual to rupture both eardrums. He now has antibiotics and numbing eardrops. He threw up when he got home and saw literally green. But then he took a bath and Rick gave him Motrin and suddenly he was eating, drinking and playing. I can't say how happy I was to see that, after the completely sick boy we had last night!
I took pictures of the snow and the sunset and the Christmas decorations tonight with my new camera filters and tonight we just had leftovers. And we've just been talking about stuff. Kai is now starting to enjoy his Christmas, he's playing with toy after toy!
One really dark spot though is my friend Claudia's life right now. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Her husband has left her and her two daughters and is playing totally hardball. But the worst things is that her parents are completely taking his side and today it came to a head and her dad tried to remove her from his house by physical force and when that didn't work, he had her arrested. She called me in total distress and I worry about her. She is a wonderful mother and a very strong woman at that (you'd have to be for going through what she has!), but this is all very much to handle for one person! I'm trying to be a good friend but I fear I can't be of much support.
Tomorrow we're going to my dad's and will exchange gifts with my siblings and their families and have Christmas dinner. At least it looks like Kai will be much better!!
Hope everyone who celebrates Christmas had a great day!
Monday, December 23, 2002
Here we are sitting in a very cozy room with Dad in law here, the first of the relatives to arrive for the holidays.
On Saturday we had a great party here with lots of friends and their kids. About thirty people came. Unfortunately, Rick had invited 20 people from his office and about 6 said they could not make it and one came, the rest just didn't show! I really dislike that, when you clearly ask for an RSVP so you can decide how much food to make and people just don't show.
Thankfully, we had just enough food, as I decided not to defrost everything at once, like Rick wanted me to. It was truly a great evening and I felt so blessed with all my friends!
Yesterday, Rick and I went grocery shopping for our Christmas Eve buffet, we'll have my dad, my brother and family, Rick's dad and Christine, Chuck and Mallory over. So a nice big group again.
In the afternoon, Katja had her first tutoring session for math and I went for my workout in the meantime. Then we went to get some last Christmas presents, I'm finally done, had to buy for over 20 people!
In the evening, after dinner, the church across the street had a living Nativity pageant. Very nice! They have a donkey, a calf, sheep and goats. A man narrates the story of the birth of Jezus and adults and kids re-enact it. The baby "Jezus" was very cute, sleeping in his mom's arms with a pacifier in his mouth :).
Today we're all going for a workout, Dad in law included and Katja too!! Then it's wrapping time and I'd like to get my peppermint bark made, as well as the gingerbread house.
On Saturday we had a great party here with lots of friends and their kids. About thirty people came. Unfortunately, Rick had invited 20 people from his office and about 6 said they could not make it and one came, the rest just didn't show! I really dislike that, when you clearly ask for an RSVP so you can decide how much food to make and people just don't show.
Thankfully, we had just enough food, as I decided not to defrost everything at once, like Rick wanted me to. It was truly a great evening and I felt so blessed with all my friends!
Yesterday, Rick and I went grocery shopping for our Christmas Eve buffet, we'll have my dad, my brother and family, Rick's dad and Christine, Chuck and Mallory over. So a nice big group again.
In the afternoon, Katja had her first tutoring session for math and I went for my workout in the meantime. Then we went to get some last Christmas presents, I'm finally done, had to buy for over 20 people!
In the evening, after dinner, the church across the street had a living Nativity pageant. Very nice! They have a donkey, a calf, sheep and goats. A man narrates the story of the birth of Jezus and adults and kids re-enact it. The baby "Jezus" was very cute, sleeping in his mom's arms with a pacifier in his mouth :).
Today we're all going for a workout, Dad in law included and Katja too!! Then it's wrapping time and I'd like to get my peppermint bark made, as well as the gingerbread house.
Thursday, December 19, 2002
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!
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!
