Time Flies

We just received pre-registration information in the mail for kindergarten. I'm getting all choked up just thinking about it. I can't believe my baby is going to start kindergarten. And going for a whole day. And riding a bus. Wow.

Good thing I have until February until I need to get her registered and another few months until she actually starts. Man, imagine how I'm going to be when Jeremy starts!

What We've Been Doing

Before the hustle and bustle of Christmas fully engulfs us, I guess I should post some pictures as to what the kids (and the rest of the family) have been up to this month. It's crazy to think that it's pretty much time for Christmas, as evidence by yesterday's first of five Christmas gatherings/celebrations we have going on this year. But that's for another post.

J wearing Daddy's hat.

Riley wanted in on the picture, too.

We started our baking earlier this year, due to a Christmas celebration with some dear friends the first Saturday of December. The kids were as excited as I was, and we spent an entire week baking after each lunchtime. Whether it was Chex Mix or something chocolate-based, both kids (and mom) were ready to help clean up the batter.

Both kids with their aprons.

Jeremy enjoying some batter.

Riley wasn't quite as messy.

We celebrated Nana's birthday a few days after the fact due to another one of Chicagoland's wonderful snowy, gusty days. Papa and Nana came out after a long day of seeing Papa's sister graduate from grad school. Nana came prepared: ready to read books and assist the kids in decorating sugar cookies. We were thinking of D during this, as it was a task he so enjoyed.

It's cookie time!

And if you didn't believe me, this was right after Riley was born in 2003.
Probably the last time D helped make Nana's cookies. Am I right?

We celebrated with some delicious chocolate cake with chocolate icing, and Nana opened her presents. They couldn't stay long, but we had a nice time regardless.

Nana reading one of Jeremy's favorite books: Diego. It's a book
made by my old work that we bought at Goodwill for 59 cents!

The next day, we loaded up the family truckster and bought our Christmas tree. We're old school and do it the real tree way. There's no other alternative for our family. Even for me, the biggest cold-weather hater! We think that in a few years we'll go chop down our own tree since there are plenty of places in our neck of the woods. Everyone's been enjoying the tree, especially the cats, which we're constantly chasing away from its trunk. Reminds me of 2003 when the cats actually knocked the tree (and water) over, all over the carpet. Ever since, the tree has found its home on wood floors.

Our beautiful tree.

The kids by the tree.

The rest of the month was spent shoveling out of the gobs of snow. I'm trying to find a bright side to the obscene amounts of snow, and it's rather difficult. I guess the nice part is that the kids enjoy it. And it's even better if the kids can enjoy it when Dad is home. But the first real snowfall we received, Dad was at work. So I enlisted the kids to help me shovel, which they happily agreed to do. Of course they also insisted on pelting me with snowballs.

Riley loves to shovel!

Look at her go!

I still can't believe December is almost over. I hope you're all staying warm if you're anywhere in the Midwest. If you're elsewhere, can you send some warm weather our way? Please?

A rare photo of me and my boy.

Keeping warm with Dad. The blanket was made
by Phil's late grandmother and is SO warm!

The boys right before their haircuts.
Which reminds me I need an "after" picture.

Snow Day

I'm a little bummed today. OK, who am I kidding? I'm very disappointed. We received 8 inches of snow overnight. That in itself is way too much. (Note to C&D: I don't want to hear any cackling overseas about wearing sandals and shorts right about now....) But then to have Riley's preschool Christmas party canceled is disappointing. All district schools were canceled today, which means that there wasn't any preschool. I'm not sure as to when they'll reschedule the party since she doesn't have school for the next two weeks.

Riley was sad because this meant she couldn't see her "boyfriend" from preschool for a few weeks. Apparently he's become the apple of her eye, and she's constantly making pictures to take to him. He's also supposedly asked her to come to his birthday party in May. Ah, young love.

Anyway, instead of heading to work today, Phil spent 2 hours this morning shoveling. Better him than me! The kids got out in the fun after Phil was able to clear off the driveway, and everyone took turns throwing snowballs at each other. Me, I watched it all from the comforts of where Mother Nature intended for me to be: inside.

The kids in front of the house.

Jeremy the invincible.

Riley with her monster snowball.

What's Up?

Kids are so impressionable. For your Friday enjoyment:

Engraved

About a month and a half ago, Phil lost his wedding ring. We searched everywhere. To this day we have no idea where it could be, as it took him a few days to actually search for it--all during that time he thought it was in the kids' bathroom after he took it off giving them a bath, or in Jeremy's room where he took it off before putting lotion on Jeremy. Nope.

So as part of his Christmas present, he ordered and picked up a new wedding ring this past weekend. He found one that was perfect, and with the banker's permission (me), he went out and bought it.

The jeweler had been in the business for 30+ years, so the two of them were talking about what Phil wanted engraved on the band. Our original rings said, "Put it back on. 8-11-01" So for the new ring, Phil wanted something a little different but along those lines. The jeweler said in all his years, he's never laughed so hard at what a couple wanted engraved. So what does it say?

Keep it on this time. 8-11-01

Let's hope it works.

Preschool Thanksgiving

Last week (yes, I'm a week behind!) Riley had her Thanksgiving celebration at her preschool. The hats the kids made were simply adorable. The festivities began at 11:15 with the kids singing several songs. I never noticed how many girls are in her class, but from the pictures and video you can see for yourself.

Looking less than enthused.

A little happier.

After the kids sang, they had a late snack for the kids and families. It was a wonderful celebration. The kids even made drawings of what they're thankful for in their lives. Some of the kids had pretty funny items, from the letter E to recycling to their streets and teachers. My child was thankful for sun, grass and her brother Jeremy. I'm going to remind her of that whenever he's bothering her!

Sorry for all the videos, but Phil had to work and wanted to see what the kids did.

The first song of the celebration.

Song number two. Good use of the cowbell.

Song number three.

One of the last songs.

The rest of our Thanksgiving weekend was quiet for once. We stayed at home for the first time on Thanksgiving day, watching the parade and eating way too much food. Then the entire family braved Black Friday, again for the first time. We scored some great deals at Target and Meijer--the only two shops we attempted. And then on Saturday we celebrated Thanksgiving with my mom's extended side of the family where the kids played with my cousin's kids. We had a wonderful time, and both kids conked out on the ride home. It was fabulous to see great-grandpa, look at my cousin's ever-expanding belly (Kim, you are SO cute!), and to catch up with my other cousin who lives in California. She's going to visit Derek and Casey for Christmas, and although I'm jealous, I'm grateful that they will be surrounded by family during the holidays. And for that, I'm thankful.