Day 350: Let it Snow!

This morning Caleb woke up early.  He said he looked at his clock and it said 7:10.  Well, it was an hour off, so he was up and ready for the day 30 minutes ahead of time because it was 6:10.  Daniel and I got ready for work and then Maddie woke up in a grumpy mood.  When the kids came downstairs they found a present left by the fireplace from their elf, Buddy.

The kids opened up their presents and found some warm pajamas.  Each pair had reindeer on them but Caleb received a red pair and Maddie got her beloved pink.  

We then enjoyed some breakfast and got the kids out of the door.  Daniel helped Caleb carry the donation items to the bus and he realized at that point that it was pretty cold out!  The temps didn't come out of the 30s today, but it "felt like" 20 something for most of the day.

Daniel and I made our way into work and pushed through our "to-do" lists.  Around 2pm, it began to snow.  We've been waiting for this all month, and we finally got a little more than a dusting!  We left a little early today to get the kids and do a few chores around the house that we've been putting off.  When I picked Madison up from school she was so happy to show me the soap she had made.  It was in the shape of a snowflake and she was ecstatic.  As soon as she came inside the house she took it out of the package and showed it to Daniel.  She's been so talkative lately and had many things to say about her day.

When Caleb got home, he showed us all of the cookies and candy he had eaten, a gift from his secret santa.  On Monday, the kids took in ornaments as their secret santa gift, and on Tuesday, candy or a sweet treat.  So, he came home with a sugar high.  We soon got the kids into baths and showers and when they got out they snuggled up on the couch in their new pajamas. 

While the kids had a little free time, Daniel and I cooked dinner.  It's been a while since we've been able to cook a healthy meal, so we enjoyed eating chicken and broccoli (and other sides) tonight.  Maddie devoured her food, and Caleb ate very well.  It wasn't his favorite, but he said it was pretty good overall.

We snuggled around the fire after dinner and Daniel read the kids a book and then played around with Caleb.  Rhonda called, so we chatted with her for a few minutes and then the kids went to bed. Also, right before bed, Caleb opened up the birthday card he received from his Papa and Nanny. He was pretty excited to have mail!

Overall, we've had a great day.  It was great to spend some quality time together this evening with the snow outside and the fireplace roaring.  Maddie and Caleb shared some laughs and we all enjoyed the night.  Now, it's time for bed.  Goodnight!

Day 349: Shopping for Others

This morning the kids woke up without any issues and Daniel cooked us breakfast.  We got Caleb onto the bus and then took Maddie to school.  Daniel and I worked through the day and then headed home around 5:30.  Traffic wasn't too bad, and it was definitely a lot colder today than it has been.  

When we got home to the kids we got everyone ready and then left to go to the store.  We needed a few items, but I've been wanting Caleb to pick out items for Toys for Tots and also the family his classroom adopted.  When we got to the store, we dove straight in and stayed for far longer than we should have.  We picked out multiple toys for the kids and also purchased some grocery items for the classroom family.  We also enjoyed some dinner while we were there.

When we got home it was pretty late so we put as many items as we could away and then got the kids ready for bed.  

Overall, we had a great day and the kids were really good considering we were at the store for such a long time.  Caleb picked out some great items and he's sure the kids will love them.

Goodnight all.

Here's Maddie with her toy from dinner:

Day 348: Resting and Catching Up

This morning Maddie slept in until almost 9.  She had a good night overall and didn't toss or turn too much.  Daniel fixed breakfast for the kids and they sat around and played for a little while.

Around lunch time the kids enjoyed sandwiches and Maddie was so happy hers was cut up in triangles. We then watched a few movies, including Frozen.  Maddie took a small nap during the first movie on Daniel and woke up ready for Elsa.  She sang and danced right along with Elsa and Anna.  She could watch that movie over and over again if we would let her.  

Once we finished up with Frozen, we FaceTimed Nana and Poppy and they were getting ready to go to the football game.  We told them hello and spoke to them for a few minutes before telling them that we'd see them later on.

Daniel has had a busy day with laundry and some other things, so I'm thankful he was able to catch us up on all of that.  Caleb had a good day and enjoyed playing pool with Daniel at one point.  They didn't have all of the balls, but they made it work.  It's a table top pool table, so the pool balls are tiny.  Maddie loves to play with the pool balls because they're just her size.

Overall, we had a pretty relaxed day.  We hope this week isn't too crazy, as we have a very busy weekend ahead.

Goodnight!

Day 347: Shopping and an Ugly Sweater Party

This morning we all slept in until 8:30 or so.  It was nice to have everyone get a few extra hours.  I think we all needed it.  After breakfast, we all got ready to do a little bit of shopping at a large bulk store called Marko.  At the last minute, Daniel decided he would stay home with the kids so I went with my friend who has a card from the store.

When we got there, it was far better than I imagined.  I had no idea what to expect, but it's very similar to a Costco or Sam's Club.  I was right at home!  The grocery items could be bought in single item size or in bulk size, so that was pretty cool.  We quickly caught up with her husband and son and walked around the store getting items that each of us needed/wanted.

When we left there, my friend and I went to Decathlon (a sporting store) so I could pick up a gift.  We weren't there very long and made our way home once we left.

Daniel and I had a party to go to this evening, so we made our sausages and cut up cheese for treats to share with everyone.  I then tried to get my ugly sweater ready, but that was going to take a little bit of time, so I waited on that.

When we arrived to our friend's house (before leaving in the taxi) Daniel began pushing the lights through my sweater.  We then hung ornaments on me and left.  I definitely got laughed at, but I had a great time.  There was one girl from my office and we decided to wear the same thing.  We found these hideous dresses from H&M and transformed them into ugly Christmas trees.  We rocked it though and won the first place prize.

The winners with the hosts!

There were multiple punch options as well as food options, so we had a great time.  We chatted with a lot of different people and took a cab home after 11.  The kids had been asleep, but Maddie woke up and greeted us from the top of the staircase.  She ended up going to our bed at that point because neither of us wanted to deal with her whining from her room.  We're off to bed and hope to sleep in for a while.  Goodnight!

Day 346: The Ambassador's Holiday Party

Our day was short for the most part.  The kids enjoyed their days at school and Daniel and I left around 3:30 to get home to the kids.  We had the Ambassador's Holiday party from 5-8, so we got everyone ready and left to enjoy our evening.

There were a few Marines there collecting toys for the Toys for Tots and there were so many people who came to celebrate.  This was the 25th year that the Ambassador hosted the Christmas party, so that was pretty cool to know and also be a part of.  Maddie was wearing a dress so she loved twirling around and dancing.  She didn't care for Santa too much, but she did far better this week than last week at the breakfast with Santa.  She told Santa she wanted a princess.  Thankfully, she didn't specify.

The night passed by pretty quickly and once the carols were sung (in both Polish and English) we made our way home.  We got the kids ready for bed and Daniel and I were right behind them.  We have had a busy week, and the weekend doesn't look much lighter.

Goodnight all!

Day 345: Award Ceremonies and "See You Laters"

This morning was uneventful for the most part.  Daniel and I took decided to take our lunch in and I had a pilates class during my lunch break.  At 3pm the embassy community came together for the Winter Awards ceremony.  Thanks to my amazing boss who nominated me, I received an award.  I was recognized for the support I continue to provide to the Political and Economic section due to shortages in our office.  I also received notification that my Top Secret clearance was processed and approved, so thank you to all of you who talked to the investigators and assisted with that entire process.  I greatly appreciate it!  

The kids had a good day at school and Daniel got home a little early to pick up the kids so we could do a farewell dinner with one of the Marines.  The one who appears to be one of the happiest people will be leaving us on Monday for another post.  He's been such a great person and we're truly blessed to have known him for a little while.  

We enjoyed some pizza, laughs, and he received his plaque along with words from everyone he works with and invited to dinner.  He then said a few words and gave Madison and Caleb a Christmas present from him and his girlfriend.  

Caleb received a box with Barbie posted all over the outside.  He wasn't sure what to think about it but definitely thought he was getting a Barbie.  Once he got through the packaging, he found a Nerf gun tucked away underneath the Barbie paper.  Maddie received a Barbie on a Vespa.  She was so happy and couldn't wait to take it out of the box.  The kids were very happy overall and loved their presents.  

Overall, we had a great day and we were so happy to be a part of dinner with the Marines.  We had a big day and got home a bit later than we had hoped.  We did celebrate Daniel with birthday cake. I've forgotten it at work all week. We then got the kids bathed and then tucked in to bed.  Goodnight!

Day 344: Decorating the Christmas Tree

This morning we all got ready and made our way to school and work.  Traffic wasn't terrible, but there were definitely more cars on the road with Christmas in the air.  Daniel and I got to work, but we left for the mall at lunchtime.

We needed to pick up a few things and also do a little price checking.  I tried to find a few things I wanted to get the kids, but I didn't have much luck.  Maybe soon we'll be able to finish up a few of the remaining items.  We enjoyed a sandwich from Subway and then made our way back to the office.  It was pretty easy work day overall.  

When we got home Anna was there with the kids and they were playing games.  Maddie had a great day at school and Caleb got home pretty early.  Caleb has been listening to audio books, so he's made his way through one over the last few days.  He picked up another one and began it today.

We found something to eat for dinner and then cleaned up for the next day.  We then let the kids decorate the tree.  Daniel and I put the lights up and the kids hung some of their ornaments.  It took a long time to do hang a few ornaments, so we put the rest of it off until tomorrow.  Maddie received her Elsa ornament and loved that it played music.  She loves it!  We hung it in a place where she'd have easy access, so hopefully Elsa stays in the tree longer than not.

It's officially past everyone's bed time, so we're all off to bed.  Goodnight!  

Day 343: Christmas Cookie Party

This morning we all woke up and got everything we needed for the day.  Maddie picked out a Santa shirt and Caleb didn't have to pack his lunch or anything because he planned to eat at the cafeteria.

Caleb is still doing swimming in PE right now, so he enjoyed his swim class.  He was telling me that he disliked one swim move, but other than that, he enjoyed it.  Maddie had a great day in class and was playing with one of her good friends when I picked her up from school.

A friend of mine was hosting a Christmas cookie swap this evening, so I finalized the cookies I baked and then headed over to her house after dinner.  The people that came seemed to have a great time;  the food and treats were delicious, too.  A few of us stayed a little longer than anyone else just to catch up with one another.  It was such a fun event and the cookies were delicious.

While I was having fun at the cookie swap, Maddie was being defiant at bedtime.  She decided that she wanted to have her lamp on so she kept climbing over to turn it on.  She did this a few times and finally fell asleep when she realized Daniel wasn't going to let her sleep with it on.  She's been whining at bedtime, but she's now falling to sleep on her own.  We're so proud, but I do miss snuggles on occasion.

It's been a long day overall and we're exhausted!  Goodnight.

P.S. You'll have to believe the cookies looked great because I didn't take the first picture. 

Day 342: Back to Work

This morning Daniel and I found ourselves not wanting to get up.  This weekend was nice, but we've been so tired lately.  It doesn't help that there isn't much sunshine around.  The kids woke up in pretty good moods and got themselves ready for the day.  We soon left and got Maddie and Caleb off to school and we made our way to work.

We've been busy doing many things at work, but nothing much worth discussing.  We pushed through our day and ended by leaving a little earlier than we had planned.

Caleb had a great day at school.  They've been learning about many things, but currently he's focused on blogging.  He'll begin adding stuff to his personal blog soon, and at that point, I'll share his information with those we personally know (and who want it of course).

Maddie had a good day at school, too.  She's been talking so much more lately and she has such a funny personality.  She loves to say "yeah" after her sentences.  So she'll say something along the lines of, "I can wear this ballerina shirt. Yeah?"  She'll also nod her head which makes it all that much cuter.

Daniel and I got home to the kids around 5:30.  They were playing with Anna and having a great time.  Daniel and had picked up some cereal from work, so we decided to have that for dinner.  The kids were ecstatic and I was too tired to worry about them not eating the "right/wrong" thing.

Overall, we had a great night.  We hung out with one another for a little while and then the kids were in bed by 7:30-8pm.  Goodnight!

Day 341: A Day for Catching Up

This morning I woke up around 6, and then went back to sleep until around 8. I heard the boys up and going, so I made my way downstairs to see what St. Nicholas brought everyone. They waited on us to come down, so I let Maddie join in on the fun. The kids then opened their gifts and they were happy with everything overall. 

After the gifts, they ate some breakfast casserole and enjoyed some juice. They then got dressed and then played with toys and games in the basement. They really enjoyed themselves. 

The boys were picked up around 11 so Caleb went down the street to play outside with them. It was a beautiful day out so he got to enjoy that. 

Daniel, Maddie, and I watched Christmas movies. Maddie didn't take a nap, but she was great overall. She had a fun afternoon. Caleb came back a little after lunch and joined us as we watched movies. 

That evening Daniel grilled some meat and we ate while watching "Elf on the Shelf." The kids loved it!! 

We made our way to bed shortly after that. Maddie has been going to bed on her own a lot better, but she is still fighting it a little more than we'd like.   

Goodnight all!

She was giving Nana smooches at this point. It was pretty funny and cute!