A WHOLE new level of energy!

Here's what Gabbie got done during my 5 minute shower this evening: splashing in the toilet, pulled half the toilet paper off the roll, standing on her potty chair to rearrange the items around our bathroom sink, and found the garage door opener and managed to open and close the door before I got out to grap the device from her hand before she caused the door some problems!
So...I thought we'd go wear off some energy at the pool. The other Mom there (whose daughter was older than Gabbie but about half her size) thought Gabbie was so much fun and 'fearless'! Her daughter was so nervous in the water and did not like she she went under. Gabbie thought it was great to dunk her head under-and to climb the bars to the deeper part, and jump in off the edge (not totally on her own, I was standing in the pool, but she didn't hesitate!) If only this Mom knew how absolutely nervous it makes me to have a child that has no fear of the water...
So...then I think we can wear off some energy playing basketball. She stood in awe watching a girl who was about 9 or 10 years old shooting baskets. Too bad Gabbie couldn't even lift a ball above her head. Then she saw a group of boys playing ball and decided she needed to join. I don't think they were looking for an extra player!
Time to leave the rec. Not content to be carried she had to walk/jog on the way to the car. And she's still going strong now at 10 p.m, and I was ready for bed an hour ago! I need to tape nights like tonight when people ask me "when is number two on the way?" Probably when I start drinking Red Bull or some energy drink to get through!

Winter Scenery

Thank goodness for a nice South wind to bring some warmer temperatures! It was not at all pleasant this morning, but by later afternoon we were able to head outside-comfortable with snow pants, good coats, hats, mittens, and boots (with 2 layers underneath) for a good hour or more. I don't think we'd spent any time outside just for fun in the past 2 1/2 weeks! The fresh air felt awesome. Took some pictures of the pretty scenery. I know people may think I have a mental disorder, but I do enjoy winter :-) Its pretty, cozy, and allows for more indoor time. I will remind myself to re-read this in March!

Snow Days!

This week has been interesting to say the least! Lack of daycare and poor weather allowed me some extra time at home, which was great for catching up. Our basement is clean again, laundry is done for the first time in a year (really that's true), actual meals were made, dishes stayed mostly caught up, cookies baked, house cleaned, some bookwork done...if only I'd had one more day to just play! I really only had one full day off, but it seemed longer than that and it felt good to feel like a perfect housekeeper/wife/mom even if just for a little bit! If I could just catch up on our photo albums, scrapbooks, and get the church report done I'd be doing super duper!

Gabbie and Tyler-playing so much the toy box was empty, so they had to play from inside! Too bad Gabbie isn't as tall as Tyler...she couldn't get back out!

I know a lot of people aren't thrilled with the snow. I can't find much of a reason to complain yet...last winter was fairly easy. Plus, the temperatures look good next week...so lots of snow + decent temperatures means ice skating and sledding!! I'm so excited to take Gabbie on the frozen pond for the first time. Last year I never felt confident that it was frozen well. I can say this year I am VERY confident that the pond is quite frozen :-)

Ahh....relief!

After 10 days of Gabbie being "not herself" we are relieved to say she is BACK! Its another day of getting nothing done, picking up after Gabbie, watching her get into everything she shouldn't, and fighting to get her to take a nap. She's back, and we are so happy for that :-) People are right, having sick kids is miserable and I'd much rather be sick myself!

New Years Resolutions

1. Empty the sink before I start washing dishes. I will not cut a finger on a knife out of pure stupidity this year...at least not more than once.
2. Keep reading! So far I love it, but lately working on end of the year books has caused me to fall prey to the computer once again. I thank my mother in law to introducing me to the parenting books "Love and Logic". In any spare moment improving my parenting style has taken priority to social networking. I'm even reading little bits as I make supper and pondering the points as I work.
3. Run a half marathon. Only 1 year have I not achieved this one, so hopefully its safe.
4. Improve my ability to just be happy. I feel that I am a happy person, but I sure use my spouse, job, the weather, etc. as silly reasons to be angry at times. Really, my happiness is totally my responsibility. My wedding vows didn't tell Brice that it was his responsibility, its not in my contract with my employer. I really think I can do this one this year...I really need to do this one this year. It will definetly make me a better wife, mother, daughter, co-worker. People are flexible and can change. Not too many years ago I would have thought a blog or writing a journal to my kids was stupid and a waste of time. Now after being married, losing a parent, giving birth to a child, I find that sharing my thoughts and reading others thoughts has not only become therapeutic-it has become necessary for me. People that always seem happy are nothing to be jealous of-they are working hard for that happiness!
5. Take our first family vacation! It may be to Des Moines, but it will count. And I will use some of my 120 hours worth of PTO at work to do it...time to relax a little. Time off is a benefit, not something that needs saved "just in case". God will help me if the "just in case" happens, and my co workers could probably use the vacation from me too!

6. Quit letting my daughter sit around the house like she is in this picture!! (The W-sit bothers me more than no clothes!)

Happy New Years Everyone!