Go, Go, Goers!

3 out of 4 isn't usually a bad thing, when it comes to playing to win, right?  75% isn't super awesome if it's a test score.  And it's really, really not fabulous when it comes to the number of family members who have been sick with a stomach bug in the last five days. On Tuesday night, I was in the family room, working on something, and heard G cough a little bit, and then he cried for a few seconds, and went back to sleep.  No biggie, he does that.  But when I headed up stairs to go to bed, and I noticed there was an...odor to the air.  I went right to his room and realized he had vomited EVERYWHERE.  In his crib, on the floor, in his hair, all over his pjs.  Ugh.  So, Scott and I cleaned up the mess (thank goodness for washing machines) and got everyone settled back into bed.  G did that a few weeks ago when he had a certain brand of ravioli, and that's exactly what he had for dinner on Tuesday night, so we figured it didn't settle wel...

In the aftermath of being overworked for months, this past week was a pleasant surprise.  Is this what it's like to leave at a decent time each night?  And to sleep in until my alarm goes off (as opposed to waking up at 3am and working for hours before leaving for work)?  It was amazing!  And most likely short-lived, but I will enjoy it while it's here! We had Ava's conferences this past Wednesday, but she wasn't feeling well, so Scott stayed at home with the kids, while I trekked over to her school and met with Mrs. M.  We had a fantastic discussion about Ava, kids, life, etc.  There was a 15-min break between our conference time, and the next session, so we were able to extend our discussion for a few extra minutes.  And then I made an impromptu stop at the book fair, and picked up some new books for both kids.  Ava's moving into chapter books, so that's a big jump - and it opens up so many new options for reading material! A few fun facts f...

Whew...I had to take last weekend off from posting, as I worked both days to prepare for my big project launch this week.  Phase 1 has launched, and we're looking at launching several more phases over the new several weeks.  It's a great feeling to know that much of the pre-work is done, and now the ops team can come in and start to manage the project...and that my hours should hopefully drop down to a more manageable level.  I have a great director, who is very aware of my hours, and is doing what she can to get those back to a normal level.  It's been so nice to have work-free time at home this weekend, and spend time with my family! G had his 15-month appointment on Friday.  He's in the 75% for height, and 34% for weight...tall and skinny!  Everything checked out great, and he took his shots like a champ.  He's had a bit of a reaction to his DTP vaccine (loss of appetite, throwing up, and a fever) but he's still managing to be a cheery little guy....

I took a little break from the blog last weekend, mainly because I ran out of time.  I spent the previous week completely swamped at work.  On Saturday, I was rushing around like crazy in the morning, and then spent 4+ hours at the Mall of America, so Ava could attend a birthday party at Nickelodeon Universe.  I decided not to stick around at that party, but found a cozy chair at a Caribou at the MOA, and managed to work for over 3 hours.  It was very busy, and very loud, and I was so very happy to get into my car, and head out with Ava when it was all done.  But, I'm glad that Ava had a great time at the party! I didn't take Ava home from there, though...I took her over to Grandma Deb's.  When we walked in, G was playing in a box, and he let out a loud squeal when he saw us; Darla started whining, and we were instantly back to the chaos and noise!  Eventually everyone calmed down, and I was able to head out and meet up with Scott for a late night su...

...reality?  Normal work weeks (ha)?  Less clutter? So, the holidays are really over.  This year, it seems like they just popped up, without any warning.  Halloween was fun and spooky, and then BAM!  It was turkeys and elves and presents and champagne and HELLO 2015!  It was a whirlwind...and now it's calm. I took all of the Christmas decorations down yesterday.  I took my time, sorting Ava's and G's ornaments into their own container, already preparing for the time when those ornaments will no longer grace our tree, but will hang on different branches, in their own houses.  I went through the decor that is no longer used, and made a donation pile...if you don't love it, don't let it take up precious space, right?  And as I was wrapping up the last ornament, I wondered what will be different in 2015 when we decorate the tree?  When I unwrap the ornaments next December, will I look back to the 2014 holidays?  Will I need to put t...

We celebrated our little family Christmas last Sunday, but it was really low key.  G decided he needed a nap right in the middle of opening gifts, so we quickly rushed through his, and got him settled in his crib.  Then, Ava, Scott and I took our time getting through the rest of the gifts, and spent some nice time together. New bath toys! "Ooohhhh...." I had Monday off, and took Ava to her school release day, and G to daycare.  It was a wonderful day at home where I was productive, and actually took an hour to sit down and watch TV...and the shows were what I wanted to watch!  Nothing on Nickelodeon, nothing about Fast & Loud cars, or Gold Rush...they were my shows, and it was wonderful! Ava and I did have a bit of a rough start to the day, though...she had a dentist appointment at 8am, and while we were waiting to be called back to start her cleaning, their entire vacuum system when down.  No cleanings/appointments happening until t...

We had a wonderful Christmas in Colorado this year!  Both kids traveled fairly well...Ava talked non-stop both ways, and G slept on the outbound flight (I sat next to him) but he was a little restless on the return flight home (Scott sat next to him.)  I'm just really glad the flight is just under two hours; I'm used to traveling alone where I can catch a nap while in-flight, but not with these two kiddos!  Our outbound flight was a little delayed, but G entertained the gate area with his cute shenanigans (a random man picked him up and sat him on his lap - made me a bit nervous, but Scott was right next to him the whole time) and Ava made a new friend who she could play "Monster High" dolls with.  Couldn't have asked for a better situation in a delay!  One woman actually made a comment to Scott and me about how wonderful it is to see such loving parents with their children.  I'm going to tuck that comment away, and pull it out whenever I'm feeling a bit f...