Merry Christmas from Xavier

"I can't wait to get my hands on what Santa brought!"

Merry Christmas from Clare

"This is what I ALWAYS wanted!"

Merry Christmas from Will

"This was the best Christmas EVER!"

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone has a great Christmas.
At our house, we are too caught up in the present aspect of Christmas. Clare is like a Christmas crack addict. She just sits by the tree twitching to open up presents. There is hardly anything under the tree but she can't stand it! I have been such a crab the past couple days. I am trying to take into account their excitement but they are more than I can handle lately! Between the fighting, hitting, biting and constant sassy talk I've been a terrible mother with my lack of patience! I vow to be better next year!!!! I swear :)
My present under the tree to my family will be a better mom!
As I said, the kids are so excited. They have watched the Polar Express about 1000 times and we made cookies last night for Santa! So, that combined with the reindeer dust Clare made at school, we should be all set! I am a bit afraid that nobody will sleep tonight but hopefully with a family dinner and Mass, they will be out like a light.
Well, enjoy your family and friends this Christmas. I am imagining Christmas through my childrens eyes and it's a pretty exciting time.

The Christmas Shiner!

It's a good thing that you are around family & friends at Christmas time, otherwise DCFS might be a knockin'. Will did this this morning. He tripped over....his own feet, and landed on the side of our coffee table. So, it's nice and fresh for Christmas mass and all Christmas photos! Oh well, it just proves he is all boy! I guess we've been blessed in that this is the worst fall he has had since 9/1/06! He cried for about a half hour or so, then took a nap (no, he didn't have a concussion!) Then, was all better~thankfully! It helped that Auntie Em was here and she had brought Christmas presents! Great diversion!

Auntie Em brought over her new friend Paul and they were so much fun! The kids had such a great time playing "magic carpet" and tons of imaginary play! Thankfully Auntie Em is good at that because I am TERRIBLE at making things up. The kids always enjoy someone sleeping downstairs to wake up in the morning! I always feel bad for that person because my kids idea of sleeping in usually is until about 8 or so! So, nobody sleeps past 8:30 at our house.

We are excited for Christmas and our lazy days leading up to it! We are just hanging out and wrapping presents the next couple days! Santa will be bringing Wills bed, hopefully tomorrow or Tuesday and we will be putting that together after they go to sleep Wed. night. It's getting so exciting since they BELIEVE. It will break my heart when they stop :(

The playgroup kids are coming over for a Christmas party on Wednesday! We are going to do Krispy Kreme donuts and exchanging gifts! The kids picked a name, so it will be a trial to see how things go! My parents and sister & brother in law are coming for Christmas Eve and mass. Christmas morning will be spent opening Santas gifts then we head to Grandma & Grandpa's for the family presents! It will be great, and hopefully everyone will be well! I love how excited the kids are for the opportunity to give their presents to other people.

Talk later....

Received some packages in the mail today....

Xavier could not have said it better. Packing peanuts EVERYWHERE. Whoever invented them didn't have kids or is a hippy who thinks playing with them is "creative play" then their nanny picks them up! Anyway, the kids had a good time. It took me about two hours to finally pick them ALL up, but it finally worked. You might also note the tattoos they have all over them. They received "Happy Birthday Jesus" swag from Clare's preschool party! They were kind enough to send home a bag for Will. Since Clares Christmas program was cancelled due to this "Ice storm of the Century" I decided to just roll with the punches this afternoon.
We have been hanging out most of the week. I am helping out a friend and babysitting their kids while their babysitter is on "maternity leave." This is all fine and good, but I've decided that I can never work for someone else. I am just a real witch at the end of the day and I guess I need to find a calling in life where I am not working for someone. Otherwise, I am in trouble. I guess I am stuck going back into the cubicle world where you don't know who you are working for and you just pick up a paycheck. I guess I had better keep popping out kids :)
Well, are you ready for Christmas? We are, I suppose! I just feel like there's all this business-the the real day comes and come the 26th, it's over. Done, then you rev up for what?? I am not ready for Christmas to be over yet--I don't think the kids are prepared for the "what's next." I think I am going to start making up holidays inbetween Christmas and Valentines Day!!!
Well, I should probably make dinner and I smell something that probably needs taken care of~
Talk soon.

The Vogels Visit Santa

And what a trainwreck it was....

OK, not as bad as I anticipated but it was still fun! (sarcasm!) We went to Bromenn Hospital where Michael works and we've done this the past two years. They place a Santa RIGHT NEXT TO the escalators. So, Will was hellbent on doing that the entire time. Then he yelled at Santa that he wanted a John Deere Tractor. It was funny! Thank God everyone else finds him cute! Clare was shy at first but quickly went over and told him what he wanted. Then she warmed up bigtime!! She kept going back with different things that she wanted! Xavier had to be woken up but he took it in stride! He still had his bib on (oops!) but it said baby's first christmas so oh well!

We then ate dinner in the cafeteria. To most people this would suck, but the kids acted like it was as good as going to Chilis or something (fyi: chili's is Clares and Mommys favorite place!) They were a bit wound up so it worked out nicely that we were one of maybe 3 people in the entire cafeteria!

Well, check that off the to-do list! Happy viewing!

Xaviers Baptism Photo, With his proud parents!

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Although I am an idiot and did not take a picture, I wanted to let everyone know how much fun we had at the party Saturday. Not only was it nice to get out (thanks to Carrie & Eric for the babysitting) but it was HILARIOUS to see people dressed up. There were troll elves, like the old school trolls with the crazy hair and stirrup pants (spell?) as well as a nice 1980's cardigan full of Christmas junk. A few puffy paint sweaters and some Christmas bears. Too funny! I am so revving up for next year. I am going to hit the after Christmas sales and get a few turtlenecks (one for me, one for Michael!) and be ready for next year. I am looking for those stupid jingle bell earrings, so if you see them, hook a sister up :)
Thanks for everyones interest!

Another long one...

Well, Thanksgiving was great! We had a great trip to KC. Kids were perfect in the car, nobody too sick to function, etc! Xaviers Baptism went well. No crying fits (0ther than Wills terrible 2 nonsense, but that is to be expected!) So, all in all, a good trip! I just finished the laundry from the trip/coming back/being a lazy mom, etc~
I got the Christmas cards all ready and realized I didn't have my address book. I can't even remember the last time I needed it (probably for X's announcements) so it may have been lost awhile....oops!
We've done some Christmas shopping. We bought Will his new big boy bed and we have construction theme sheets that Santa will deliver! Clare is getting--dresses! She has to wear one everyday and I guess I underestimated how much we would wear them so I am loading up! Xavier isn't getting too much. He has a TON of stuff new and of Wills so he is set until he's in 18 mo!
Well, Will is demanding my attention so I will post more later! Enjoy this crappy day!

Happy Thursday

Well, it's Thursday. Which is almost Friday which is almost the weekend. Yeah! We bought a new coffee pot last night (sigh!) It smells like melting plastic right now as I try to brew some, but maybe another run through and we will be ok?? I am not sure what to do with our old one? Any suggestions? Can you just throw that away?
Well, all three kids are doing well. Nothing really new to report. They both are obsessed with Mary Poppins and The Wizard of Oz, so they ask everyday if either are on tv. Funny, they like those movies moreso than the animated ones. So, if you are looking for any Christmas ideas ;)
They are counting down the days until we go to grandma and grandpa choo-choo's house. I really need to get going on the laundry (which is what I should be doing now!) I finally found a pair of jeans that fit and I am SOOOO excited, and they were cheap-$17 at Kohls. God Bless Them! So, if only I could find a white shirt for our family picture I would be all set! I've looked, but they are either too funky, too big or too little. UUGGHH!
Well, have a good day!

In honor of Xavier rolling over....

Who's a big boy? I'm a big boy!

Boring Week AGAIN!

Well, it's going to be a long week! Why? For one, my coffee maker blew up and about took the house with it. Since my husband is a bit of a control freak--he has to buy a new one and so I sit and wait until he gets around to it. If he were nursing, he would have bought one 15 minutes after the first one blew up~the late nights can be killers.
Our weekend was pretty easy. Friday we did nothing-Saturday I went out with the girls during the day and we had a wedding that night, then Sunday was spent doing basically nothing. Ok, not true, we went to Church, but then did nothing. Which is totally fine.
I went to the dermatologist today. Exciting! First, I was going to take all 3 kids. Then, I thought maybe it would be best to leave Xavier with my good friend. She was game! My neighbor actually WANTED Clare and Will to come over so she took them and Xavier fell asleep so I ended up just taking him. It is funny how things just work out. Of course, I got home and the kids threw a fit that I was home and acted terrible, but I guess that is just how kids that age act. I am not sure how to deal with Clare's mouth here lately. She is WAY too smart for her age and has a 15 year old sassy mouth. But, the kicker is, she either has a good argument against whatever the situation is or she says something so funny that you just have to laugh. When we got home they went straight to bed. UGGHH!
Tomorrow I am working at the Y for a wopping hour. I haven't worked there in forever! It will be nice to be doing something I get paid for!!! Starbucks isn't cheap. :) I have to go and see my regular physician on Wednesday and Michael is the lucky babysitter that day!!!! We get some credit if we do that. So, it is a boring week again!
The kids are all doing well. Xavier rolled over on Friday so that is a big deal. I have written all over his baby book and taken a ton of pictures. Will is still onrey but seems to be doing better. It usually involves me taking a deep breath and asking what he is trying to tell me and really being OVERLY sympathetic to his needs, but I guess that is what a sensitive kid needs. Clare is onrey as well, but in a mouthy way. They both watched the Wizard of Oz and loved it. I would have preferred them not watch it, but Michael didn't think it was scary and neither did they??
Well, hope everyone has a good week and I will keep you up to date on all our fun behavior issues!

Boring Week

Well, yesterday Clare had preschool and we recieved her school pics! They are adorable. Her hair has grown a ton since they took the picture! Funny how you see changes in things like that but not the day to day! Will stayed with a babysitter while I did some Christmas shopping! It seems like there are lots of bargains on little boys clothes, but not girls! Oh well, the boys got some new clothes for Christmas and I checked out some Christmas clothes for them. They are all very girly and obnoxious so we are looking into other options!!!
Today we are going to have lunch with Michael and give some of our toys to kids who need toys. IE: giving some to Goodwill! It's great to see how willing they are to give up their toys but it also reminds me that they have too many to begin with!
Xavier is trying desperately to roll over. Seems he is a bit thick and it makes it harder! Will peed on the floor this morning after taking off his diaper and said look, sprinkler! So, I spent all morning scrubbing my kitchen floor :(
Have a better day than we are. It will only get better--the CMA's are on tonight :)

Crazy Weekend

Well, I went to see Nunsense at the Performing Arts Center here in Bloomington on Friday. It was cute, but I guess I am just not into plays/musicals like that. I can watch Phantom of the Opera or Sunset Boulevard ten thousand times, but I just don't enjoy the humor of some musicals. Like Grease, never really liked that. Oh well, it was nice to get out. I got home and Michael had them fed and in bed. It was nice not to have the chaos of bedtime to come home to!

We tried to go to the "Santa parade" on Saturday morning with the kids but I guess the parade part is no-more. So, Clare said hello to Santa and we went shopping for coats. Thank Goodness for Old Navy-both kids got coats 50% off and they look super cute in them. Clares is a little more big girl than I would like but maybe it will last her awhile??? I sure hope! She is getting into the big girl sizes so we don't have too much plain-simple stuff to choose from. Wills is a little man coat, just adorable!!!

Saturday night Michael and I went out on a date. We went to dinner at Chili's (my favorite place!) and then went bed shopping for Will. Not realizing what a bunk bed cost, we checked them out as well. Of course we both fell in love with a $2,000 bed for the boys that is both functional and decent looking. Bummer! So, now Michael thinks he can build one! We'll see!
Sunday was spent hanging out at the house. Clare went to her "kidspot" otherwise known as Sunday shool! We watched Cars and the kids played all day and night. Nice to have a "down day!"

Today we went out to lunch with Jeanette, our neighbor. Will and Clare both ate a ton! They ate about half of Jeanettes and Mine as well as their own! It was a little disappointing not being able to eat most of my meal, but I would prefer them be full.

Tonight I get to return some stuff (probably with Clare) then maybe check out some Christmas stuff. I am anxious to get the kids matching Christmas jammies to start wearing after Thanksgiving! Simple but I would like to make it an every year tradition and YES they have to match :)

Have a good day! It's cold but at least the sun is shining!

Been So Long

It's been forever since I last posted. So much has happened-Xavier being born, Will turning 2, Clare starting preschool. AAAHHHH! Well, Xavier is 3 mo now and is great. Will is into his terrible 2's so he is an absolute challenge. I think terrible 2's gives kids multiple personalities. They are great one minute then on the floor crying the next. It's incredible! Clare LOVES preschool. She does so well and has really learned so much. Not ABC's or anything (she knows that by the way!) but more of the social aspects and reaching out to other kids in somewhat of an unfamiliar environment! I get to go in about once a month and help and it is so great to see your child thriving.

We have just battled another round of colds. Xavier has a slight one now but he seems to be doing ok! Will has a terrible yucky nose and continues to wipe it on ANYTHING. It makes me crazy. He seems to be handling it well also! Clare is completely over it so her over the top-melodramatic stuff is done! She is not a good sick person to be around.

Halloween was a blast. I think the kids liked seeing other kids in costume so much more than getting candy!

We are doing well. Landscaping is done, new paint on the garage door, so our house is really starting to come together! It feels more like a home now than it ever has! If only I could hang some pictures on the wall....I'll get there eventually :)

Well, I will do better about blogging. For awhile there wasn't too much going on. Now we are in winter and the boredom will start to set in after the holidays! But, now at least we can look forward to the holidays :)

Thursday June 12th

We got up early this morning and got moving....so we could go to toddler time at Anderson Pool. The kids had a great time. Clare is such a fish, it is great to see her enjoying the water. Will doesn't love it as much, but he was going down slides today and was getting his face wet, so I was very proud of him. The water was like ice, but they both didn't mind.
Clare started "sporty spiders" this week. She has it Monday and Wednesday at 9. She learns the "fundamentals" of sports. Whatever that means. She just enjoys running around and playing with the other kids. There is a playground next to the field she has it at, so Will plays there. He is heartbroken he can't participate, but his day will come. She does that through the parks & rec. She is also starting gymnastics next Tuesday so she will love that.
Will is getting more teeth and he is having a terrible time with it. He hasn't been sleeping as well and he is grumpy. Poor baby, tylenol doesn't even seem to be helping :( But, once these come in, we are done (with the exception of molars but those didn't seem to bother Clare.....)
Tomorrow we are suppposed to go to park playgroup but since we've had a busy week we may just hang out at our house! This weather has been crazy and totally unpredictable so we will just wait and see! Although, tomorrow is at a spray park so if it is hot, mommy just might get in on the action too!
We are planning on another trip to KC this next week. We will see how that goes.....between the potty stopping, napping, and hot weather, the traveling might not go so well--and that's just my issues :)
Talk to you soon
M, M, C, W & M/J

June 2nd

I can't believe we are in June. We go for our sono for #3 on Thursday so I am anxious about that. This little one is strong as can be! Feels like he or she is ready to come anytime, but I know from my previous two pregnancies, that's just how it feels and not how it will be :)
Clare and Will are doing great. Clares allergies are bugging her but she doesn't seem to mind. Will looks great with his major buzz cut. We are doing the library reading program to keep us entertained a bit!!! It's more work for me but they get the rewards :)
We are outside as much as we can be! Will LOVES to pretend mow the grass. He is just all boy in every aspect. Clare is all girl and wants to wear dresses everyday. That's been challenging since all her play clothes are shorts.....so I guess I have to work on that. She just loves playing with the big girls next door.
Well, take care and we will update you with the sono finds
M, M, C, W &?

May 20th

Sorry, again, for the lack of posting! Since everyone has been healthy (knock on wood) we have been playing outside and staying busy. The kids are doing great. They love to be outside and they are so much fun. I was so proud of them yesterday, they listened and were just GREAT to be around. Some days I can't always say that :(
#3 has been moving around plenty! We have started the two week appointments so that is exciting. I have been having lots of back pain, but I guess by your third baby in three years, your body can't keep up! We should be getting another sonogram soon, so I am excited to see that!!!! They should give us a better idea of when he/she will be here and we'll figure out if he/she is head down, etc! It's coming along fast :)
Other than that, we are just trying to get some things done to be better prepared for #3. I need to hire a house cleaner to keep up but oh well! I will update more, I promise!
M, M, C, W & ?

April 23rd

Another beautiful day. Yeah! We were all out all evening last night after Clares swim class. She did excellent as always. She is just so happy to even be in the water. It's the sweetest thing and she is always so worried about where we are at and she says hi mom, dad & will. It's cute.
Will is so proud to watch her. He just sits and eats his little crackers and drink and cheers her on. He is so good when we go--I really thought he would be throwing a fit because he wasn't in the water~shows what I know!
Today we plan to be outside all day. I am hoping to get some organization to our yard/garage. Our shutter guy has fallen through, so I am not sure how those are going to go up. Jeff (our neighbor) has offered several times, but I am scared he will fall off the ladder-on our property. So, who knows! We are also getting several landscaping estimates to get that done! It feels good to think we could actually be getting caught up. Even before #3 gets here :)
Talk to you soon
M, M, C, W & ?

April 22nd

I apologize for taking so long to post this. We have been outside as much as possible. It hasn't helped us getting the kids to bed any earlier but they are much happier. We were at the "far away park" as Clare calls it and I watched Will climb a wall similar to a climbing wall. He amazes me everyday. No hesitation, he just did it and didn't look back! Clare was off as soon as we pulled up. She is always up for whatever whenever!!!
Our big 5 year anniversary is this weekend. Hard to believe, it has really gone fast. We don't have a babysitter :( I called probably 8 people, but it's a bad weekend anyway. Proms, last week of some colleges, etc. So, we are going to celebrate it with the kids and maybe celebrate it when we are in Chicago together. We are going for 2 NIGHTS away from the kids for a conference, which is going to kill me, but I think it will be good for everyone. The kids need time away from me and I need time away from them. I am looking forward to meeting up with Ba and Jen for lunch or something! I haven't seen Ba in a year and Jen since probably our wedding!
Clare is all geared up for her birthday! She is getting a bike, a helmet, and that is all I know of so far. It's crazy how she is starting to get big girl stuff. It makes me sad, it's one step closer to preschool then school.
Well, have a great day!
M, M, C W & ?

Wednesday April 9

Well, I apologize for not keeping this up. We have been spending most our time outside in the decent weather. The kids are great at the park, they basically just want to do their own thing and don't require me standing over them! It's really great. I picked Clare up a scooter at a garage sale and she has that mastered. She also had her first swim lesson this week. She did excellent. She had a girl who was real timid next to her and one who was screaming and Clare about swam circles around them! She listened really well too, so I was so very proud. I think she will be a little swim team star by the age of 8! (Just like her mommy :) )
Will is being very onrey lately. I am not sure if it is a terrible 2's thing or not. He is constantly hitting and refuses to hold your hand in parking lots, etc~! He will probably be taking some anger management classes by the tender age of 3 if he doesn't grow out of this....but he is a sweetheart too. He woke up this morning and held the side of my face and said "morning mommy" in the cutest voice. He has to keep doing that stuff to keep himself out of solitary confinement for the day :)
I think we found someone to hang our shutters since it isn't happening on our end. Thank God, more free space in the garage. Soon the landscaping... and our outside will look like a normal home!!!!!
We had a dr's appt Tuesday. Everything was fine. She reminded us that we only have one more one month appointments then we go to two week appointments. We both were a little stunned by that info. It comes at you fast when you already have little ones! Seemed like Clare took forever to get here and Will and #3 come right along! I am super excited....I know it will be work but who doesn't want 3 little boogers calling you mom!!! I know, I am pathetic :)
Have a good day
M, M, C W & ?

April 1st

Poor Clare, please say a prayer-channel something-whatever. She was up ALL night coughing. Poor baby. She seems to be ok by day but is miserable at night. Will is doing so much better. After his first dose of medicine he was better!
The truck is fixed and ready to be picked up! Just a new distributor cap and a few hundred dollars....we are good as new! Like nothing was ever wrong :)
Enjoy our new pic that we posted. That was Easter at my mom & dads.
Hope you are having a better week than us :)
M, M, C, W & ?

March 31st

Well, I took both kids to the dr's this morning. They usually act HORRIBLE at the dr's and they did today. They just bounce off the walls, won't listen and NEVER act sick. Anyway, Will has yet another ear infection and Clare is full of mucus so they both are back on antibiotics. Thank God, maybe we can get some sleep around here! Poor Will always gets it the worst. His eyes were constantly watering and his nose is running.....and he's terribly crabby :(
In true Vogel fashion, Michael went out to start his truck this morning and it wouldn't. So, I am sure that will be cheap. It just feels like, when it rains it pours for us. Oh well, such is life I guess?
It is raining and cruddy here, so we are just hanging out inside. We don't have much going on this week, so we are going to focus on getting well, getting sleep and regrouping before the weather changes.
Thank God the final four is this next week, there is so much that needs to be done and there will be no excuse after this weekend! YEAH!
Talk to you soon
M, M, V, W & ?

March 29th

Well, we had a great Easter and a great time in KC. It's always nice when you can see family, get some rest and relax for a bit. Of course, we are back to the same old same old now! The weather has been deceiving. It looks nice, but it is freezing cold.
We had Wills 18 mo checkup Thursday. He is great and is basically in the 70th percentile for everything. Clare went with and didn't even freak out at the shot!!!
We had our 20 week (well, more like 22) ultrasound. The baby looks great and cute as ever. They said he or she was big, so I am assuming this one will be a 10 pounder. This one didn't move around near as much as the other two....so maybe he or she will be more relaxed.
I found a cute little outfit to bring him or her home in. It has three little heads above a pea pod so Clare picked out which one was her, Will picked his out, then they agreed on who #3 was! It was pretty cute. Clare is super excited and Will doesn't get it!
Talk to everyone soon
M, M, C, W & ?

March 19th

We are headed to KC for a week. We are super excited. Michael and I are ready for a little rest and his mom & sister are great about letting us get some!
Carrie and Eric just bought a house. That's exciting.
Well, I know this is short but I have to pack, feed the kids, bathe them and keep them awake until daddy gets home.
Take Care and happy Easter
M, M, C, W & ?

March 17th

Hello everyone. Happy St Patricks Day. Please go and drink some green beer or a Guiness for me.
We had a busy week last week and this weekend! We had a big Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Festival at our Church so the kids loved that. They totally got into it. It was only supposed to be 6 eggs per kid but they pretty much picked up three times that! You snooze you loose I guess!
We also had Easter at my mom & dads yesterday. It was fun. The kids got more eggs filled with candy this time. They also got some new clothes and toys.
We head to KC this Wednesday so we are really excited about that. Clare woke up and told me she dreamed about grandma choo-choo last night.
Well, I will update before we leave!
Have a great week
M, M, C, W & ?

March 10th

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Ours wasn't as horrible as it could have been....
Aunt Carrie saved the day Friday and Saturday. Carrie and I went and looked at dresses on Saturday. She has such great coloring that it is hard to decide which looks best on her. There are so many types of dresses, really makes you wonder who would actually wear some of them! Saturday and Sunday we just hung at the house. Clare finally slept decent yesterday so that should help her getting better process. Will is doing lots better. He still has a bit of a runny nose, but nothing too bad. Clare now has pink eye and has given it to me (or an eye infection, but I guess they are pretty much the same thing!) I only have it in one eye and she has it in both. It's not the grose goopy kind, just the scratchy blurry vision kind!
We are hoping to get out of the house on Wednesday to play with my cousins kids. It's supposed to be almost 60 degrees, so the kids should have a good time and since we haven't really been out for 2 weeks....we need it! Pray that they continue to make progress and we get out!
Well, take care and I will keep you updated
M, M, C, W & ?

March 7th part 2

Clare now has an ear infection as well. Everyone is medicated, so we should be in better shape pretty soon. Carrie came and Clare did a 180! Thank God, Michael and I were going crazy. She did nothing but cry cry cry. Will, of course, has a nasty nose but is raring to go. Amazing what medicine will do :)

March 7th

Well, I was happy to say that my mothers intuition was dead on. Will had yet another ear infection :( After two doses of his medicine, he seems a thousand percent better. Clare is still
terribly congested but nothing is draining out. Last night she ended up getting sick from the amount of stuff in her stomach. Poor baby. I keep remembering Patty Vogels words of wisdom....this too shall pass!
Carrie is coming to spend the weekend with us, so that is exciting. It will help me out significantly and we are maybe going to look at some wedding dresses tomorrow~get me out
of the sick house!!!
Well, have a great weekend everyone and we will talk to you later
M, M, C, W & ?

March 6th

Well, Will is headed back to the dr this afternoon. I can't take anymore of this winter germ crap. It's overwhelming as a parent, especially when you have more than one child. Poor Will just wants to be held and Clare needs some things done for her so I struggle with the "do I let him just sit there and cry or do I make her be a big girl and do this stuff for herself." It's a no-win!
I signed Clare up for the 3yr old swim classes beginning March 31st. I think she will do well and this is prep for her summer swimming. I think it is VERY important to get kids in the water as early as you can and the importance of learning to swim is (to me) one of the most valuable things you can teach a child (ie: survival skill!) So, I hope she can listen and do everything the older kids do. But, her maturity level is much higher than a 3 year old in some respects, so I think it will be fine!
I went to the dr the other day with some cramping. I am getting a prescription for a bladder infection. So, that should help. I also had some swelling that the dr thinks is related to an inflamed vericose vein. Weird. So, I was told to stay off my feet a bit to get the swelling down and go from there. It is no danger to the baby, so that is what is the most important. I am just uncomfortable, but I can deal with it. Will wanting to be carried hasn't helped the matter!
Other than that, Michael is still working ALL THE TIME and everything else is the same.
Just plugging along :)
M, M, C W & ?

March 4th

I can't believe it is March. Will was 18 mo on the first. Hard to believe. Over the weekend he started saying "awesome" and "pretzel." He is getting so big so fast! Clare has always been a fast talker, but I guess I just forgot how fast they learn--little sponges! They spent the night at grandma & grandpas this Saturday. It was nice to have the time with Michael but I also missed them like crazy. Buggers also have me used to getting up by 6:30 so I was up plenty early Sunday! Michael did take me to IHOP so that was good. We got our taxes done so that was an accomplishment. The house got picked up, the laundry caught up! Amazing what you can do with a little time!
Clare and Will both have colds. Clare's isn't draining but Wills is -- all the time! But, I think it is a cold only, so that is good. Pray that it is! We are anxious to get to KC for the Easter holiday. It's always great to have a little down time and to see family. Clare is counting down the days!
Well, I am off to teach swim lessons and Clare and Will are hanging out with grandma "mermaid." Why she is called that, I don't know. We are supposed to get some crappy weather, so we'll have to wait and see. We are SO SICK OF THIS!
Have a great day
M, M, C, W & ?

Feb 29

Happy Leap Day!
We haven't had too much of an exciting week. We went to Moms Morning Out this morning then went to McDonalds for lunch. The kids are sleeping. I read on weather.com that it's supposed to be a high of 64 Sunday! Woo Hoo. The kids are going to be spending some quality time with my mom & dad tomorrow while Michael and I attend some fundraiser event. I am just looking forward to sleeping in my own bed. I am sure I will be a wreck missing them :)
Other than that, we are hoping to play outside lots and be bums as always. Hope you are happy Eric for that blah report.
M, M, C, W & ?

Feb 26th

Just another week of crappy weather. Today I took Will to the doctor to have his ears checked. He is congested--but nothing is draining. Of course, his tonsils were all swollen so he was swabbed for strep, but nothing. So, he basically is not sleeping at night, but untreatable. Money down that we will be in there before the end of the week, he just needs to start running a fever and they'll treat him for an ear infection or sinus infection. I probably just took him in to early.
Our neighbor, the kids' 3rd grandma is back from Florida. We picked her up at the airport and the kids were bouncing off the walls excited. They act like they never get out sometimes and it is so embarrasing, but I think they get excited and feed off each other. I have to take into account their ages at times, but I was about ready to lock them up in the car! (I- of course -would be with them!)
They are down for a nap now, so I am catching up on all the junk on the internet! My guilty pleasure! Take care and stay warm. We can't wait for this weekend 40 degree weather! We will be outside playing :)
M, M, C, W & ?

Feb 23

Well, if you have not heard....Carrie is engaged. We are so happy for her & Eric. It's great knowing your sister is going to be well taken care of (probably spoiled) and my kids love him! It's really a win-win!
Today Auntie Em came to stay with the kids while Michael and I went and saw U2 3-d the movie! It was actually pretty good. It's just a live concert with lots of 3d extras. Michael LOVES U2 so it was the best for him. We went to J-Bucks to eat. It was ok. Pretty pricey for lunch and just ok. Bummer. We came back home and the kiddo's had a great time, so it was a nice day for all.
Tomorrow I am hitting the bridal show scene with Carrie, Mom and Erics mom. Should be fun! Hard to believe she needs to be making so many decisions already and it's a little over a year away (or when they would like to have it!) So, that should be fun. It's really hard to believe that Michael and I have been married almost 5 years! Time flies, especially with a couple of great kids :)
M, M, C, W & ?

Feb 22nd

Well, hello! I know Eric has been disappointed with my lack of blogging the past few days. Frankly, I have been too tired to do almost anything. It's like the tiredness is coming back :(
We still haven't done much do to the weather. I am getting SO SICK of it. Thank God it will be 40 on Monday. I am almost too scared to take the kids anywhere with all the junk going around. The last thing we need is to get sick.
Poor Will is getting several teeth in at once. He screamed bloody murder last night for about an hour on top of waking up several other times. The bad part about being a parent is that even if the other parent is up with them....you still lie there and wonder if you could help or something. So, I am a little more tired than usual today :(
Clare is doing well. Her potty training has just amazed me. She just gets it! Hopefully she will be a quick learner in school as well. Her new favorite thing to do is watch home project shows with Daddy. She loves This Old House on PBS. Pretty sad, huh? She is very sensitive to what is on tv so anymore we barely watch tv.
Well, Will is trying to clean the toilet for me, so I should probably check on that.
Have a good day and sorry for my late posting.
M, M, C, W & ?

Feb 19th

Another day of cold...stuck in the house...boring! Oh well. Keeps us away from other kids & their germs, I suppose! Tomorrow we have a few things to do so that should end our boredom! Today I took out most my summer/spring clothes and replaced them with maternity. Exciting! I think I have more maternity clothes than I have any other--but I have been pregnant for about 3 years now! Thank goodness in similar seasons, so I have alot to work with!
The kids took great naps! Clare loves to take naps in our bed for some reason. She fell out of hers last night :( I don't really understand why....she used to love sleeping on the couch and never fell off that? Will has a bit of a runny nose today, but he is getting 3 teeth in so I guess they are related. He is due to get a ton of teeth here soon, so I would rather him do it now than later. It just stinks that it has to hurt him so much as they come in:(
I have an exciting night....I am going out to dinner with my Moms Morning Out group. There are 8 of us going to Destihl so that should be fun. Probably more fun if I were drinking, but I guess it's all about the sacrifice. Take care and talk to you tomorrow. M, M, C, W & ?

Feb 18th

Well, a relatively boring day here yet again! We headed off to my mom & dads today so mom could wash some of my maternity stuff for me. It's hard enough to keep up on our laundry so I've asked my mom for help. The kids weren't too bad today--Will is really starting to ignore what you are asking of him. He doesn't care--he will sit in time out all day rather than say he is sorry or pick up what you are asking. I used to be up for a challenge but not so much anymore! I am hoping it is just terrible 2's otherwise it will be anger management for my buddy Will. We cannot wait for the weather to get nice. We are so sick of being stuck in the house--same toys--same faces--same old same old.
M, M, C, W & ?

Feb 17th

Hello. We had a lazy day. We went to church and Clare had an accident for some reason so they came and got me during communion. When I went in there she was BALLING so then Will started crying when I came in and it was horrible for about 1/2 hour. Finally we got everyone home, fed and down for a nap. They took decent naps while we snoozed and watched the race. Of course, neither Jr or Kevin Harvick won, but oh well. I don't think we are quite as into it as we were. After dinner, we just played & tried to get them to clean up their toys (HA!) So, all in all, another day....
M, M, C, W & ?

Feb 16th

I had a great breakfast with my friend Carol. Clare went along which went ok for awhile, but then she snapped into "I'm 2, you are talking too long, and I am tired" mode--so it ended a little shorter than I would have liked. They are both sleeping now and I sent Michael upstairs to start working on the bedrooms. Looks like a tornado went through our house. What's new. We have a date this evening for his birthday, so we are going out for a steak dinner. We are going at 4, such a romantic time to eat, isn't it?? Too bad there aren't early bird specials :)
Well, enjoy your weekend. We are supposed to get some bad weather starting this evening, so I am sure we will be house bound for a few days. Wish us sanity.....
M, M, C, W & ?

Michaels Birthday

We made the cake and iced it together and it doesn't look half bad. It's a big chocolate heart and I am sure daddy will love it. We had "church school" this morning--my Moms Morning Out meeting and the kids went to the playroom. They loved it as usual. We then picked up daddy for lunch and ate Dairy Queen fish (not half bad!) The kids took a great nap which allowed me to get the cake baked and the house cleaned! Which, did you know you can pour spray butter in as a substitute in the cake??? Grose, but it works in a pinch. Anyway, Michael came home early and his choice for dinner was pizza rolls & veggies (yuck!) They all enjoyed it. Now (6:00) they are in the bath and hopefully will be in bed early. I have breakfast tomorrow with a great friend I used to work with (Carol) and the kids will be spending some quality daddy time! Then, I am taking Michael out for dinner. Ah, the life :)

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day Everyone! We have a playdate this morning, then we need to bake daddy's cake for his birthday tomorrow. So far, Valentines is a big hit. Will received some Diego candy from mom & dad and Clare got some Barbie princesses. We have to give Daddy his cards tonight that were especially made for him. We are going to have heart shaped spaghetti pie tonight, so they will like that. Funny how it's the little things that count to them and that we adults overlook!
Have a great Valentines and We will talk to you soon
M, C, W & ?

February 13th

My first blog. I've wanted to do this for quite some time!
Today we went to playgroup for our Valentines Day party. The kids had fun. They got to sit on the floor and eat pizza and fruit, like a picnic so it was a big hit! We have our cake all ready to bake for Daddy's birthday on the 15th. Clare wants to get daddy an Elmo--so I need to talk her into just coloring a picture of Elmo or something. Will doesn't quite get it yet :)

We now have our upstairs completely painted. The bathroom (Michaels pick) turned out to be a VERY bright color....so that took some adjusting but everywhere else looks great. I feel like we are finally getting stuff done. My new pregnancy "deal" is that I need to get organized. Now that I have the slightest bit of energy, I need to get on top of everything.

We also have cleaned out our basement to make it yet another toy room. That is like a dream come true, since their toys seem to be invading every living space we have. Plus, different space makes toys seem new again!

I will try to update this daily for those who like to know what we do and when we do it :)