Mornings

I had this really long post about my mornings. It wasn't complete and I didn't love it, so I just deleted it.  The main point of the post was that during the week, I get up at 5:45 am to run in the mornings. I started in Oct, took a little break in Nov when I was sick, and now am up to running about 5 times a week and I can run about 30 minutes at a time.

So, good for me. I'm not going to lie - it's hard to get out of a warm, comfy bed so early to exercise, but every day I do it, I always feel so good.  Sometimes on the weekends I even miss running.  But, the down side is that I am so tired at night.  After running around chasing 2 kids all day, I am tired! I started running to get more energy. I do have more energy during the day.  But by the time they go to bed, I just want to sit and watch tv or read. And as a result, I spend very little time in the evening on my computer. Less time on the computer means less blogging.

Hopefully I can carve out some time during the days this week for a more exciting post that's not just full of excuses.  Until then, here are some pictures of a couple of cool kids that I know!

Happy Retirement and Surprise!

 Last week on Friday was my mom's last day of work!  She finally retired.  It was a little bit earlier than expected this year, but she still welcomed it all the same.  For a few months my dad, brother and I have planned to give her a laptop for her retirement.  And of course I wanted to be there in person to give it to her.  So, I had planned to come down and visit the weekend of her retirement.  She had no idea, and then my dad planned an open house for Sunday.  I knew she really wanted me to come, but I kept telling her that it wouldn't work because I already had plans.

Well, surprise!  The kids and I were there on Friday when she got home from work!  She did have a little idea that we would we probably be there for the party, but she was surprised to see us that early!  We had a fun weekend. Uncas stayed home with Sammy, so we missed them :-(

Saturday morning we visited Great-Grandma.  When I told Eddie who we were going to visit, he said "She's a really old person!" When we told her that, she laughed! Edith wasn't too sure about her, but towards the end she warmed up and was laughing and smiling.

Great-Grandma reading to Eddie

Edith playing in G-grandma's room

 Sunday was the big party day. To keep the kids busy for a little while, I took them to the local World of Variety to play.  It's sort of a catch all store and they have a train table for the kids to play with.  And they had little shopping carts which the kids enjoyed running up and down the aisles!

We gave my mom her laptop before the party and she was quite surprised!  It was so much fun to see her face.  The party was fun.  Many of her former co-workers stopped by as well as some friends too.  The kids had a blast playing with their cousins and with the neighbor kids.  It was a fun afternoon!  I am so glad we were able to celebrate with my mom!

Cousins on the stairs (worked a little better than the usual couch picture)

Party Food!

Eddie playing with Ally and Trenton

Me and Ma

Hamming it up for the camera after most people left!

Special Birthday

A couple of weekends ago we got to celebrate a very special first birthday with our favorite twin girls - Josie and Ronie!  I offered to bring some cookies and their theme was snowmen. They are so easy going and seemed to have a lot of fun at their party. Josie LOVED her cake while Ronie was a little bit more timid. Eddie and Edith had fun running around and playing.  Happy Birthday Josephine and Veronica!!!

Eddie and Josie

Josie and her new Doll

Presents!

Edith checking out the doll.

Cake!

Josie enjoying herself

FMO for Edith!

Back in December I received some exciting news about Friday Morning Out! After my first time volunteering there (the rotation schedule has me there about every 4 weeks) with Edith, I realized that she would probably benefit from the program.  I was really unsure as she is pretty clingy to Uncas and I, but after being in the room that she would be placed in, I realized that it would be ok. Unfortunately when I inquired about signing up Edith, there was a waiting list.  I wasn't sure how long the list was, so I just figured that she wouldn't get in and that was ok.  Imagine my surprise when the program director told me in December that starting in January Edith could start attending!

The toddler room which she is in doesn't have much structure, so calling it "school" is a big stretch.  There are two main teachers in her room and they do a lot of playing.  I have done all my volunteering in that room so far, so I knew exactly what to expect for Edith. Most of the kids who cried a lot back in September were totally fine in December.

When we walked in on Friday the teachers greeted Edith and were ready to make her feel comfortable. I quickly ducked out after saying good-bye before I could see any tears.  It was the fastest three hours of my life.  I spent the whole time cleaning the house and didn't get nearly as much done as I had planned. I knew Edith was in good hands and sure enough when I walked into the classroom, her back was to me and she was busy playing.  When I finally got her attention and she turned around, she was like - what?  She didn't seem excited to see me at all!!!  But the teachers assured me that she asked about me constantly :-)

I forgot to take pictures that morning, so I had the kids pose with their backpacks the other day.

I love this program. It's not only a great transition to school (Eddie will start 3 year old preschool this fall), but it also gives me a little break. I love staying home with the kids and I'm starting to realize how quickly this time is going by, but the break - oh the break is so nice!  Unfortunately I also learned this past Friday on Edith's first day, that this program won't be continuing next year.  I'm bummed for Edith, but I'm grateful that she at least has the opportunity this year.

Happy New Year!

Welcome 2013! I once again made it until 12:00 am, although just barely.  I think we were all in bed by 12:30!!  We started New Year's Eve day with a trip to the "big" zoo or the Minnesota Zoo. It was a very cold day, but fortunately our zoo has a lot of indoor stuff to see and do.  We also bought a membership this visit, so I am looking to many more trips this year. And as the weather becomes warmer with spring (yes, I am thinking about that already) we'll be able to explore much more outside!

Playing at the tide pool

Checking out the crab

He picks the only sunny spot to sit!

Riding a turtle!

 That evening my parents, Uncas and I kept up with our tradition and played games all evening.  My cousin Tyler and his friend stopped over for a bit to play games too. I pulled out my New Years stuff, but no one was really happy to wear it this year . . .

Eddie crying and refusing to wear anything!

Edith just as upset as Eddie!