December’ing

I took a very sad Delaney to the dentist on Wednesday. She’s having friend troubles and she hates everything about her orthodontic experience. She’s got retainers, basically Invisalign, and she hates this too. She’s at the point where she’s asking why she can’t just keep her crooked teeth. She was in such a bad mood that I suggested she just come home and relax and regroup. It’s been a sad couple of months over here and we all need a little grace. 

I took her to ballet that night and went shopping, which I feel like is the story of my life lately. This time it was for seminary brekkie and ward Christmas party food. 

I got up at 4 on Thursday morning and made a million crepes, sausage, bacon, a couple different kinds of eggs, and cut up fruit. The missionaries came over too and Matt shared a quick message and they spent the rest of the morning visiting. These are such good kids and we’re so happy to treat them. 

They are good kids that do not participate in a silly shot, I’ll tell you that much. 

Alecia kept me company and washed all the dishes which was so nice and made the cleanup super easy. 

I often take pictures looking towards the family room, but as I was wrapping presents and had this view I just love how festive it is.  

Frankie had an afternoon field trip to the Kennedy center that night and didn’t get home till after midnight, so she skipped seminary on Friday. 

Matt and I went to give blood Friday morning and it hurt so bad. From the finger prick to the blood needle, both burned in a way I’ve never experienced before and I felt gross all day. I came home and laid down because I was so tired and also felt weird after giving blood, another first, and accidentally slept for 4 hours. 😬 

I got up and took some ibuprofen and the girls and I made some Hawaiian haystacks. It was the Darrow Christmas party that night which is always so fun and I was so bummed that I low level felt yuck. We played two fun games, one that I was terrible at and one that my team dominated and then the gift exchange is always fun. Two years in a row now our gifts have been some of the last chosen which makes for no stealing potential. Even Matt mentioned that we needed to up our presentation game. And sadly, I didn’t take a single picture. But the food was delicious and it was a really fun mix of people and we stayed out till midnight. It’s such a generous gift to us that Alecia throws this party every year. She gives prizes and so much delicious food and it’s such a good time, I have goals to be a party thrower like her. 

#orphancrew

I spent Monday grocery planning, shopping and cooking. I made 4 batches of white chicken chili - 1 for us, 1 for a sick friend, and 2 to freeze for when Lu & crew come watch the girls when we go on our big trip. I’m making extra of our fav recipes so no one has to cook. 

I had a fun delivery from Amy and she said I could open it. 

She sent us all sweatshirts that say “Be nice to me, I’m an orphan,” and on the sleeve it says #orphancrew. Isn’t that the saddest thing ever? We’re such a pathetic bunch of little orphans but at least we’re finding humor in our sadness. Because in spite of the jokes, this really sucks. 

Adi drove to piano so I could finish making dinner and deliver it. And then while D was at ballet I went to Lowe’s and set up a carpet measurement and paid for our cabinet installation. We love home improvement projects. 🤣

Adi made up our hot chocolate stand digital flyer and it’s a cute one this year! 

I just found a picture from our first year back in 2016 and everyone was so little and cute!

I was especially proud of this cute one. 

I finally ordered our Christmas cards. I’m keeping up on the gift wrapping as it arrives. I’m all planned up for the various parties and events we have coming up. I finally decided on our Santa gift and it’s gonna be a fun one. I’m keeping my eye on a stroller/car seat combo for Christian and Jeanne, and the girls still need to buy a gift for Matt, but other than that I think I’m sitting pretty. Late nights and early mornings really help with Christmas readiness. 🤣

Sunday

Early morning drives to stake council aren’t half bad. I’ve actually come to really enjoy that time spiritually preparing and watching the sun come up. 

I went extra early to check our RS closet so we can spend our last big of budgeted money. This was our Christmas stake council when we have treats so that made it extra special. 

Went to church in White Plains and I met with Susanne during the 2nd hour. They sustained a new RS presidency, so I got to be there for their setting apart and that was sweet. We had our 7/8 temple and family history council and it was really another good one. It’s been so nice to travel the stake and meet with the RS and EQ leaders. After that meeting i went to the Capitol wards RS President for a visit. I came home to dinner on the stove and really, how blessed am I. 

Since they are moving and Damian is flying to Montana on Christmas Day, Lu and crew had their Christmas on Sunday so we FaceTimed them. They didn’t answer the first call so we sent them a stern picture, because I believe in pictures for missed FaceTime calls. We had a fun chat with them right after this. 

And that’s a Sunday in December. ❤️

Nutcracker part 2

I loved this cute snowman elf day. ❤️

I woke up early on Saturday and my first thought was that it was perfect because I could exercise and have time to shower and do my hair. And then I if you give a mouse a cookie’d it and got derailed until it was too late to exercise before Delaney’s Caliente Christmas show. Matt and I were gonna go to the 11:00 show, but then Lilton asked him to go to the temple with him and of course Matt wanted to be there. In both places actually, but we often have to choose. 

I’m trying hard to prioritize exercise. I know I feel better and will be happier if I can have that time each day but it’s been a struggle lately squeezing it in!

I had promised Adi and Frankie they could take a car and go Christmas shopping but then the jolly green giant wouldn’t start because we need a new battery. And Matt had one car and I needed one car to go to D’s show. We were able to work it out and they went shopping during our break between shows. They thought they were hot stuff cruising that 2005 Camry! They got all their secret Santa gifts and hit up Panda Express and had a fabulous day. 

Between their shows I was able to go for a run and I vacuumed leaves (favorite chore!) and showered and checked a few things off my to do’s. Then Delaney and I headed back down to SMC. I was a little bit dreading sitting through another Nutcracker, but I actually really enjoyed it. Laney-bug shines and was so happy and the girls all worked so hard and it’s fun cheering them on. I was shopping at Hobby Lobby one day and saw this cute Nutcracker and decided she needed it. 

We got home and I hadn’t seen Matt all day so we ate a quick and late dinner and early’ish to bed. And another Nutcracker weekend is a wrap. 

Nutcracker part 1

December business continues. I was talking to Alli and she made a good point about how you can say you’re busy and not complain. So that’s what I’m doing. And I’m not always busy, just December is busy for everyone. 

I made Delaney’s traditional candy bouquet. We’ve had so much candy and cookies and chocolate already that I went heavy on the gum/mints this time. 

I went to my endocrinologist Thursday morning and at first I like her but am not a super fan lately. We don’t have a lot of options down here so we’ll see. I didn’t have anything else schedule that day so I got a lot done. 

Sarah G. came to visit and brought a sweet little gift. I miss seeing her from when we served together at church, and then even after she stopped coming but before she got a job, we’d still get together. Jobs really get in the way, which is definitely part of my hesitation in even getting a part time job. I will someday, but not right now. 😬

Alecia and I both volunteered for the recital and I decided (and I hope she agrees) that we both need to be ushers and park in the far corner where most people don’t come in and then we can just chat. This has worked for us twice and I think we’re onto something. 

Matt picked up Corey from the ward and they went to dinner, then he grabbed the girls because it was the families night to enjoy the show. 

Alecia always gets Noreen a ticket and it’s very sweet that she always comes to support the girls. 

The show was really fun. Nutcracker is weird and it’s not my favorite, but this is our second year with Ballet Caliente and we’d come before to see Lily and Emma, so I recognize the girls and can see their growth and they are amazing, so that made it a good experience. And Delaney loves to be on stage, and I’d sit through just about anything to support my kids. It was sooo cold after the show that we quickly grabbed pictures and headed home. 

It was a busy weekend so Matt, Delaney, and I went to bed around 10 and the big girls stayed up to watch a movie. My fomo wishes I could stay up with them but I was 💤💤💤 

Christmas bells are ringing

Found on phone pictures always leave me with questions. 🤣

McKenzie was set apart on Sunday so I met up with her on Monday for her orientation training. I usually spend 2 hours for the first time, it’s always a good one. I am always so excited for my new presidents because I know if they put their heart into this calling they will learn to love it. ❤️ She had a lot of good questions and already knew a lot of what we talked about, she’s gonna be great. 

Monday was piano recital day! As we sat in the chapel waiting Adi jumped up and asked Johnna if she’d like her to play some prelude music. I love that she’s comfortable doing that now! Adi’s the best. 

Johnna was so good working with us as I was gone most of November and the family came up twice as well. She checked in often and easily and with no judgement cut Delaney and Frankie’s extra songs and even the night before spent 30 minutes on a video call helping them feel ready. Love her!

Rainbow Ellie Sparkles hijinx continue. 

It’s spirit week and Delaney’s into it! Some years she isn’t, but I always love spirit week, so this makes me happy. Adam Sandler day, love the creativity. 

It’s RSP ministering season. It’s worked out that I visit them in their homes with little gifts in May and December, for Mother’s Day and Christmas. Those are the busiest months and I’ve thought about why things shook out this way, and I think maybe it’s to bouy them up to help deal with the craziness of these months. I don’t know, but that’s how it’s gone the past few years and I really love being with them in their homes. There’s something special about being in our personal spaces and I’ve had such sweet experiences. My fav thing to do is to leave early and run on Solomon’s. Then after I cool down I go to a gas station or McDonald’s and change (and add some deodorant 🤣) and go ministering. The homes on Solomon’s island are so adorable. 

I had 2 ministering visits on Tuesday and then we’d set aside 2 hours for a special presidency meeting to plan women’s conference. 

Frankie had cheer practice after school and then for family night we watched the first presidency Christmas devotional and finally put up our big tree. We put 5 strands of new lights on her and she looks so pretty. 

Finally. 

I had 3 more president visits on Wednesday but it rained all day nonstop so I couldn’t run beforehand. 

I’ve been staying up late every night catching up on all the things I let go of in November, Christmas shopping/planning, and also planning for Hawaii in February. 5:20 wake ups are brutal after 1am bedtimes, so Wednesday night I made sure to be in bed by 10 and it was so nice. Then I woke up to this on my phone home screen. 

I had slept like a rock all night, so I figured Matt had moved RES and taken the pictures when he woke up. Anyway, Adi’s eating brekkie and I’m putting away dishes when Matt comes up from the seminary room and I say something about cute move with the elf and he’s like, yeah, you got my phone too. Adi was like, mine too! We checked in with Frankie and sure enough, none of us had been the phone bandits and we’d all been hit. Turns out Delaney had stayed up late (which 🤦‍♀️) and snuck in and taken pictures of us with RES and changed all of our home screens. 🤣 I was turned away so she got her drinking from my water bottle. She’s so funny and she got me on the perfect night, I was out cold. Neither Matt or I heard a thing. 

Christmassy

I saw my endocrinologist on Thursday morning and then had the rest of the day clear. After my appt I ran to Walgreens and Food Lion and this Chinese food in a can brought back memories! When my mom had Tommy she was in the hospital for several weeks, and then Tommy was in the hospital for several weeks after that, so Amy and I really held down the fort at home, and one of our staples was these Chinese dinner in a can every Friday night. We remember loving them but as a 46-year-old lady (orphan) I can’t imagine they’d be any good. Maybe I’ll have to try one. I was just surprised they still sell them. 

So many good things

I volunteered at the book fair last week. It was a 3 and a half hour shift and the library was freezing. It was the first day back to school after the break and some teachers thought maybe that was the reason. Who knows, but what I do know is that I kept my big coat on the whole time and by the end of my shift I was miserable. It took forever to get warm!

On Friday Adi took her driving test for her license. I was nervous for her, but she passed! The tester was so sweet, he really made her feel comfortable and was so chill. 

She babysat that night and she drove herself! It’s never easy the first time they drive away by themselves, but as with most growing up things, it’s bittersweet because it’s so nice and convenient! 

Now 60% of our children are licensed drivers. And Adi drove away in the same car she came home from the hospital in. 🤣 we are savers. Which is good because our car insurance nearly doubled. 

Several candles melted in our Christmas bins. That’s never happened before, so weird.  

Saturday was a busy one. Adi drove herself to take her SAT, we dropped Delaney and Ellie Cox at Nutcracker rehearsal, cleaned the church, worked on the egress project, back to church for Christina’s baptism, back home to the egress project. 

We’ve worked on the egress project when we could squeeze it in. After we dug it all out we had to level the ground, scrape, sand, and clean the walls, move the well in, drill holes into the foundation, fit the well onto brackets drilled into the holes, caulk it all sealed shut, shovel dirt back in, pound it down - repeat the last 2 steps about a hundred times. 

I had to cut my egress helping short on Saturday night to take Frankie and Delaney to see Matilda. 

Ellie and Hasting were in it and Sarah did something for it, produced maybe? Anyways, it was super cute and the girls loved it. Fun date night. 

Sunday was another busy one. I met up with Steve and Susanne at our building and drove us all up to Bowie for church, then after we had our temple and family history council with them. We talked the whole way up and back - over an hour each way about a single adult plan for the stake and how our temple and family history meetings have gone. I pedaled like a maniac to get back to our building in time for our 2:15 council with Pax. That was our 6th/8 and I think they’ve been going well and have been helpful to the wards. Like, they’ve all had a lot to say and we’ve shared new info and I feel like each time we get a little better at presenting together. 

And I know our baby is 12 and lots of people don’t like the elf, but we have fun with her. 🤷‍♀️🤗

We really needed to get the well attached and caulked before a massive rainstorm Monday, so we had to finish attaching and caulk this guy on Sunday. 

We love a day of rest on the sabbath, but with so many other good things keeping us busy, we had an ox in the mire situation.  

Anyways, by the light of work lamps we attached her and sealed her up with a few hours to spare before we got a ton of rain Monday and then a 24 hour deluge on Wednesday. It’s Thursday as I write this and we’ve got the hole 3/4 of the way filled back in. 😅