It Was Grand!

When we decided that we would be making the trek to Arizona for the holidays I proposed to Mitch that we should get there a day or two early and head up to the Grand Canyon. He had never been so he was happy to take advantage of the opportunity. At first the girls were like "what's the big idea" and "what's so special about the Grand Canyon" but then they saw it. The were pretty impressed.

There was lots of ooohing and aaahing. They loved looking down into the canyon and trying to spot things...you know, like the Colorado River. They were quick to point our the trails that people probably use to get to the bottom. We loved the Visitor Center. There was videos about how it was created, maps of different locations. There were displays about the natives that lived in the area. It was great.

We even let them get souvenirs in the gift shop. Leah is going to start a Grand Canyon puzzle with Mitch soon. And Hattie and Bug got books. I'm glad that we have the opportunity to travel with our kids. To show them parts of the country that for many go unseen. So much more for us to see and do in Arizona. Good thing we have reason to go back!

Gingerbread

4...thats how many years now I have done Gingerbread cookies with the girls. It's become our thing. They know when Christmas gets near I am going to do this activity for sure. And as much as I don't love it...I do. Its a horrible mess, and it takes a long time. But they LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to decorate! They get so excited using the cookie cutters and then watching me try to get them off the counter in one piece so I can place them on the cookie sheet. This is their chance to make delicious little masterpieces!

One day when they are older, I will ask if they want to make Gingerbread...the answer will be no, and I will be sad. So for the time I have them, I will live in the moment. I won't worry about the mess. I won't worry about the calories...and I will smile and admire their little creations. I may even eat one or two while I'm at it!

School Christmas Celebrations

My sweet Hattie cakes had her first school Christmas party. How sad is that?!?! It totally made me want to cry. I'm not ready for my baby to be so grown up. Of course she was all about it. She was posing in front of the tree, pushing me out of the room so she could have fun with her friends. She's too much. Definitely a three-nager. And on the same day Kiersten had a Grinch-mas party at her school. We had to get up a little early so I could work some Cindy Lou Who magic on her hair. I was amazed at what I could accomplish with a head band and some pipe cleaners. She was thrilled...I'm calling it a win!

Dr. Burgemeister Meisteburger

My kids are a hoot at the dentist. They certainly keep the hygenist Megan entertained and Dr. Chad too. Hattie just goes through the cabinets until she finds the toothbrush she wants. Kiersten makes sure that they know she wants to be a dentist and tries to help...yes, she seriously does. Its always an event. So far no cavities for any of the girls. Leah's teeth are too close together so she may need braces. But otherwise we have some pretty sparkling pearly whites!

Hyster-Sister

So this has been a long time coming...like 20+ years, but it finally happened! After years of issues and being uncomfortable I finally had my hysterectomy. In early November I had an appointment with a specialist in Chicago. He did a few test, scheduled even more test for me in Decatur, but basically he said "it has to go." And I wasn't about to complain. I was actually excited. The idea of being pain free sounded amazing. They couldn't get me in fast enough!

What I didn't know was that I was going to be on an all liquid diet for basically 36 hours leading up to surgery. That was brutal. Yum...Jello and broth! Mitch and I headed up to Chicago on the afternoon of the 2nd. We checked into the hotel around 6 pm. I had to be at the hospital by noon. I was tired, I was hungry, most of all I was READY to get it done!

They had all sorts of doctors talk to me before hand. I knew I was in good hands. The anesthesiologist specifically...he wanted to make sure I didn't get sick from the drugs. And they also wanted to make sure I was comfortable for the drive home. Yep, they sent me home that same night!!!

I didn't come out of the anesthesia very easily. It actually took me twice as long as they anticipated. I think Mitch was panicking a little bit in the waiting room. But when I started to come around they brought him back to see me immediately. Within 30 minutes they took me to the second part of recovery. They had me sitting up in a chair. The anesthesiologist came and gave me some numbing shots for the ride home.

They had me drinking water...lots of water. I had to go to the bathroom before I could leave. About 2 hours later I walked to the bathroom and we were free to go. While Mitch went to get the car I walked to the bathroom again. And then we had to stop 3 times on the way home on a 3 hour drive. Bless his heart he was so patient!

By Sunday I was up and moving, walking around like no big deal. But then Sunday night, I got a fever. We had to switch up the meds because they were concerned about post-op infection. Turns out I just got a nasty respiratory virus..so did Hattie, so did Leah. QUARANTINED!

Overall recovery was so much easier than I anticipated. If you are ever in need of a hysterectomy let me know...I know a guy, and you definitely want his number!

Santa Session 2015

Seriously, Santa Sessions with Laura Kruger are my absolute fave!!! I mean, how could they not be. She gets such beautiful shots of my girls EVERY.SINGLE.TIME! And its so awesome that we see the same Santa every year. The girls tried to trip him up this year and asked him what his favorite cookie was, and he said "Don't you remember what I told you last year?" Hes a clever one. My girls will always think that Oatmeal Chocolate Chip with mini M&M's are Santa's all time fave!

And can I just say the one of Hattie holding his hand looking up at him!!! I wish I had though to get a shot like that when the other two were a little younger. Someday when my girls are grown up and gone I will have a huge collage I put out at Christmas with all these treasured memories. Thank you, Laura Kruger!

Schaumburg Family Thanksmas

The Sunday after Thanksgiving is when my mom's family celebrates the holidays. This year Uncle Barry and Aunt Sandy weren't able to make it...But Carl, Jane, Jason, Tyler, Kevin, Jodi and the kids made the trip down. We don't see each other near often enough. But we certainly do enjoy the time we have together. We always play Bingo! Grandma started the tradition years ago, so of course we keep it going. My mom does a great job of finding lots of little things to wrap for gifts. You can't beat the Dollar Spot at Target!!! But mostly we just enjoy catching up, seeing whats new with everyone, seeing how much the kids have grown. I wouldn't miss this day for the world!

The Polar Express

Today we had our first experience with the Decatur Illinois Mom's Christmas Event...The Polar Express! I was volunteering all day long, so Mitch brought the girls in on his own. It was wonderful. I love being able to give back, and while this was for profit, the money goes back into events for our community!  There are 3 showings of the film. The kids get to get their ticket punched by a real train conductor, and after the show is over they get to go see Santa. My kids loved it!

We worked in collaboration with DOVE. For every toy you donated your name got entered into a drawing for an iPad mini. My girls each brought in two gifts. And were happy to put them in the donation box. This is an event we will participate in again for sure. So fun and a great way to kick off the holiday season.