Baby Shower

We had a baby shower for a lady in our church a few weeks ago. These were my contributions. I had so much fun making these. I love to bake, but I'm just starting to experiment with the decorating. Brendan has asked for a Wall-E cake for his birthday, and I am going to attempt to make it on my own, so I will post the finished product this weekend.

News

Well, obviously the new year has kept me busy and prevented me from updating the blog. My Master's classes started up again last week. Thankfully, this semester doesn't appear that it will be as stressful as previous ones.

Joey got a new job!! He has spent the last 3 years on the night shift, and it has been horrible. He works 12 hour shifts, which means that he only works two or three days at a time, but then he spends his first day "off" trying to catch up on sleep. Plus, he has to work every other weekend. His new job will be Monday-Friday, 7:30 to 4:30, off every weekend and holidays!! We cannot wait! Plus, he will be working in Jackson County, 1o minutes from home and on the way to my work. We can even ride together some days if we want! The best part is going to be having him home with us so much. He is taking a small pay cut, but we will end up saving money in the long run, and besides, the family time more than makes up for it.

Happy New Year!

So, the holiday craziness got the better of me and prevented me from doing any posting until now. We visited my family, Joey's family, adopted family, extended family, and some people who aren't family at all! Brendan ended up having about 5 different sets of presents to open, so he had a ball. We even managed to have a surprise for him on Christmas morning. Now, I've never done the whole Santa thing (my parents didn't agree with it), but it was fun to see his little face when he came downstairs and saw his new Smart Cycle set up and ready to go. Poor Joey had to do all the work by himself--the traveling finally got to me and I passed out in the recliner around 10:30 Christmas Eve.

We had a good holiday, despite the fact that we had two deaths in the family. My grandmother (who passed away in July) had two sisters, one older and one younger. The younger was buried on Dec. 20, and the older will be buried tomorrow. At least we got to catch up with that side of the extended family, even if it was under less than desireable circumstances.

Joey turned 29 yesterday! We aren't having his party until Sunday, because he had to work last night and tonight. He really hates that place sometimes.

I am now unfortunately counting down the days until I go back to work. I still have so much to do before the daily grind returns. I will have added responsibilities when my students return on Tuesday which will take up massive amounts of time. I am really going to miss spending my days with Brendan. He is such a cool little kid, and the older he gets the more fun we have.

How many days until my winter break?

Oscar

We have a new addition to our family--a fish named Oscar. Brendan has wanted a fish for a long time. Tonight we were picking up a few things in Wal-Mart, and had split up. When I found my boys looking at the fish, I learned that Brendan had already picked one out to take home. I gave in and we picked out a bowl and decorations, and made sure Brendan looked at all the fish before picking the perfect one. He chose a beautiful blue Beta fish, and has been grinning ever since. Daddy helped him pick out the name. My child is racking up left and right this Christmas. Right now he's talking to his fish while he plays with the train. Too cute.

Dilemma Solved!

So, I have mentioned that our Christmas has been going by too quickly. I love to have something under the tree, but my boys think if presents are there they need to be opened. Well, my sweet husband surprised me with a wonderful gift today when I got home from work. (It was wrapped and under the tree, so of course we immediately opened it!) He bought me a beautiful train set to go under the tree! It was the exact one I had been looking at, even though he didn't know it! We went ahead and set it up tonight, and are planning to put some nativity sets under the tree as well. At least next year we might make it a little closer to Christmas before we open all our presents!

4 more days!!

Only 4 more days until Christmas Break!! I can't wait. School is becoming more and more insane with every passing day. Brendan is getting extremely excited about seeing all his grandparents (and getting lots of presents. What can I say? He's 3.) It will be good to spend some time with my parents. We don't get down there very often. Life just gets in the way.

Brendan was so funny today. This morning was rough, and it was a battle to get him dressed and to daycare. When we got home, I realized that his backpack had been in my car all day. I felt horrible! I said, "Oh, Brendan, I'm so sorry! Mommy forgot to take your bag in so you didn't have your sheet and blankie for naptime." He said, "It's ok, Mommy, just calm down. Calm down, it's ok." It was so cute, I could not stop laughing. He is growing up way too fast and becoming a little man. At least he's not ashamed of me yet. I dread when that day comes!

12 days until Christmas Break!

As you can see by the title, I am quickly approaching a nice long break. I need it so badly. This semester has been crazy with new administrators, lots of new kids, and then Joey's sickness. My grad school courses have also been insane--more so than usual. I am really looking forward to destressing for a couple of weeks before it starts all over again. The thing I love about high school is that you truly do get a fresh start after Christmas. New kids, new classes, new beginnings--but not a lot of new planning, thank goodness.

Our Progressive Christmas is progressing a little more quickly than I would like! A couple of weeks ago my tree was beautiful with lots and lots of presents underneath. Now it is starting to look bare! I'm still finishing up shopping, so it gets replenished a little, but my boys make sure it doesn't get too full! Since I like to see something under my tree, I think next year I'm going to put a train and other decorations under there next year. Then maybe we will get a little closer to Christmas before all our presents are gone! But, don't hold me to it--I just love seeing the presents under the tree!