Melissa’s Blog

Hard to believe that this is the last day of 2010. Seriously time is just flying by. It seems like we were just getting ready for the holidays and now they are all over. Bret had to work today, but will get a day off sometime during the year to make up for it. The kids and I have been such home bodies lately. We play at home in the mornings and before we know it the morning is over. It was so cold this morning but the kids were outside with Zoe and making mud something or other. Really muddy hands and I was surprised they kept their clothes clean. I finished my picture calendar just need to wait and get it in the mail. We were heading to the grocery store but then I decided to run over to the pound. Nikki has been asking for weeks to see the pound and today was as good of a day. The kids loved it, they saw the farm animals, pigs and goats, then the bunnies, cats, and dogs. There were some cute animals there. Not ready for one yet but they got a taste of what the pound was like. Nikki wants to help the animals but she is a little young. They told her they could collect towels, sheets, and dog toys, etc. We will have to do something to help. Then we headed to the grocery store to get some things for dinner tonight. When we got home we played. The kids were upstairs for a while reading books then we headed out front. We played with Zoe a bit then the kids rode scooters, bikes, drove cars, etc…They seem to go from one thing to another. I changed my dinner menu and ended up making homemade mac and cheese. It was pretty good-never had made homemade before. We had mint chip ice cream for desert, yum! Dad played Sorry with the kids and I am trying to clean out the house for the new year. It is hard to get rid of things but if we haven’t used it then it is time to go. We went upstairs and it took a while to get the kids teeth brushed, etc. We read a few books and the kiddos went to bed. Justin was so sleepy. Now to go walk Zoe. Happy New Year. The only resolution I have come up with is my usual lose weight.

Almost the end of the year. Today was a day at home. So nice not to use the car. The kids played really well together this morning. I think they were happy to be playing with their toys. They colored together, played cars…it amazes me how Nikki is really reasonable about playing whatever Justin wants. They were playing cars and I rarely see Justin playing a girly thing with Nikki. I played with them as well and we played with Zoe. We got the Nerf guns out and had Nerf wars, it was so fun. I finally got them into the bath before lunch. They took a really long bath. In the bath they brought their cooking tools, bowl, cup, whisk, measuring spoons. They had a great old time. I worked a bit in their rooms trying to make room to bring some toys in their room. I also ironed some of dads shirts while they were in the tub. It was a work from home day for daddy. He had to study for a certification test and thankfully he passed. After he got home he messed around with us. I left the iron out and the ironing table. I lowered it for the kids and let them play with it (not plugged in). They loved it. It was so cute. So funny how kids love to do that stuff but when you get older doing that stuff stinks. Justin and I went out front to play with Zoe. He got on his razor bike then drove his car for a bit. He used the cones to make a track. Nikki and daddy were playing with dad’s new ipad inside. Outside I decided while we had time I took down the X-mas lights. I need to put some boxes away in the garage then holidays are put away. Dad and Nikki came out and then everyone started to play soccer. We came back inside and the kids played angry birds on the ipad. Then we read some library books. We were planning on going to dinner to celebrate dad passing the test but the kids seemed more content to stay home. We made a quick dinner then just played. The kids and dad played games and I worked on making my 2011 photo calendar. Zoe was so needy so Nikki and I took her for a walk. Upstairs the kids were crazy and I was crazy along with them. I let them rocket ship over me. Basically they jumped on me and used me as a rocket-there was a lot of laughter and crazy fun. Luckily they didn’t have an issue going to bed.

The kids slept at Grandma/pa’s last night. It was sad to say goodbye to the kiddos-I am rarely without the kids. After I dropped the kiddos off I ran over to the MV mall. I need to find some clothes for me but found things for the kiddos instead. Dad and I went to dinner together last night. We had a nice time together and went for a dog walk with Zoe. It was like old times but we did miss the kiddos a lot. It was fun to talk to them on the phone. Nikki talked more than Justin. The kids spent the day with grandma/pa today. It was rainy most of the day so I didn’t do much. I took Zoe out for a walk between rain. I was off to Target to get some things. I just took my time in the store and got everything on my list. I hung out at home as well, watched a little TV, played on the computer, etc. Dad and I got dinner to go and ate on the couch in front of the TV. Zoe was so needy so we just petted her a lot; she wanted lots of attention. It is so cute. Dad had to study for his certification for tomorrow. Zoe and I went for a walk. When I got back from the walk the kids were home. So great to have them home again. I can’t believe how much I missed them. They were acting a little bratty though. Nikki was pretty tired. She was so excited to see me and gave me a huge hug. She said she was so happy to see me. Justin and I cuddled in his bed and fought over who loved who more. I am glad our family is back together, can’t wait to play with the kiddos tomorrow.

Bret had to go back to work today which sucked. We are dog sitting for Zoe. I think she went into Nicole’s room to say hi and woke her up this morning. Hopefully it will be easier to put Nicole to bed tonight since she woke up earlier than normal. Somehow the day got away from the kids and I. All of a sudden we looked at the clock and it was 11:30. We played Sorry and played with Zoe outside. After lunch I gave the kiddos a bath. It ended up being a long bath. Then we went and played with Zoe on the greenbelt. The kids are so good with Zoe. Then it was off to the library to return books and get new ones. I decided to still go to Costco. It was pretty crowded but the kids were hungry so the snacks helped. I was so excited to find Costco had shag rugs like ours in the family room for a good price. The kids played together a bit then we had dinner. After dinner Nikki and I took Zoe for a walk while dad and Justin played Pac-Man party on the Wii. Nicole and I had a great walk. We looked at Christmas lights and she even played at the park for a bit. We tried to get upstairs a little bit early. Dad was lying on the floor while the kids walked all over him-literally. We read some library books and off to sleep.

Last night as we were putting the kids to bed, dad said to Nikki Santa knows when you are good or bad and she said “are you kidding me”. Merry Christmas! Justin woke up and had to wait for Nikki to get up. We let him open his stocking and then we watched some parade on TV. He was so patient. We also played Sorry with him. When Nikki woke up it was present time. It was so cute watching them open presents. They had a great time. Both were so excited to give each other the presents they got for each other. Justin and Nikki both love the Razor big wheel thing-there may be fighting over it, ugh. The Nerf guns were the highlight. I can’t wait until they get the guns back in stock so I can play too. The kids and dad had a great time and it was so fun to watch. It will be better when we go outside, this morning it was a bit wet outside so we tried to do it in the house. Justin was so excited to get slot cars and Nikki loves all her princess dolls. Her favorite is Rapunzel, then Jasmin, then Belle. It was a great morning. Here are some pics:

We just took it easy all day and stayed home. We played with all the toys and played lots of games. The kids watched a little of their new Chip and Dale video then we headed out to look at Christmas lights. There is a street in Tustin where they put a ton of Christmas decorations out. It is pretty cool and the kids loved it. They were pretending to be Chip and Dale and pretending to eat all the lighted candy canes and such. So silly the little games they come up with. The kids and dad had another Nerf gun fight while I cleaned up a little. This house is a mess of toys. It is raining again, crazy. Mixed feelings, glad the holidays are over but time is going way too fast.

Christmas Eve. Can’t believe another year is almost over. Things were busy in our house last night. I went to wake up Justin to go potty and when I walked in he said hi, I can’t believe he was still awake. He was so cute and wanted me to cuddle. How could I say no? I cuddled and tried to sneak out but got caught. He was snoring so I thought he was asleep. So I fell asleep and stayed. Nikki woke up and I was so tired so I just slept on her floor. Dad was wide awake last night. This morning Justin played Wii for a bit. Nikki and I went to Target for a few things. Nikki got Justin a Cars truck and I got the family nerf guns. Nerf fight here we come. It will be fun. Justin decided to give Nikki a Boo and a Jessie doll. Justin helped me wrap Nikki’s and Nikki helped me wrap Justin’s. It took longer but they enjoyed wrapping. Justin ran some errands this morning with dad. We had lunch and then the kiddos took a bath. Dad worked on assembling Justin’s razor big wheel thing for tomorrow. We are almost all set for Christmas presents, so at least we won’t be up late tonight. Nikki and I bought red Oreos for Santa as we figured we wouldn’t have time to make cookies. So carrots for the reindeer and cookies for Santa. We were off to Grammy’s for Christmas Eve. The kids had a blast and could barely wait to open presents. They were really patient though and we did go over to say thank you no matter what. The Hex/Nano bugs were the big hit this year. Pretty cool toy. Both are sleeping in new jammies tonight. They played so well tonight at Grammy’s but got a bit hyper. Not much running around for them today. They were hyper funny. They loved finding ornaments on the tree. Grammy has a southwest tree, so we would say find 3 cactus, etc. They loved it. Nikki got a Belle dress, so beautiful. I will have to take some pics tomorrow. It was a long night and we are tired. The kids came home and put some Oreos and milk out for Santa, carrots inside and outside for the reindeer. Dad got them to put the carrots by a light so we could find them easier. HA. Merry Christmas to everyone and to all a good night!

The eve before Christmas Eve. Dad worked from home today. Luckily it wasn’t very busy, so he was able to play with us a bit. The kids and I hung around at home for most of the morning. Every time I got ready to go the kids started playing together really well. We finally left and did some errands. I had a long list of things to do yesterday and today. I think we did most of them. The kids were great while we were out-they were troopers. Finally it looks as though the rain has stopped. So we enjoyed being in the backyard. I wanted to pick up all the leaves. The kids helped me. They got the wheelbarrel and the dustpan to pretend that they were trash trucks. They loved it, it was so funny. We picked up all the leaves. So nice to be outside. We were off to Grammy’s in the late afternoon. We want the kiddos to spend more time with Grammy. It was nice as Grammy made an easy dinner so she had lots of time with the kiddos. They all watched Bolt together while dad and I ran a few errands. I think the Bolt movie has traumatized Nicole. No more movies, she doesn’t like the bad parts. Justin isn’t saying too much about it. Oh we were driving into Grammy’s neighborhood and there was this house with all these decorations and Justin says oh it is just a bunch of crap on their lawn. Oh no he picked it up from me. I was laughing so hard but not trying to let the kids see me. After dinner the kids were playing with all Grammy’s Christmas decorations and tree. We kept on telling them to find things on the tree. They got bells off and showed how they played teddy bears at school. Then it was hiding the bells with Grammy and finding them. Grammy gave us our X-mas present and was way too generous. But Bret smiled all the way to the bank. We snuggled with the kiddos. Justin was so tired and just wanted me to hang out next to him until he fell asleep. Nikki wanted to talk and was so chatty. I think she finally went to bed around 10:00. We had to go up there a few times. Then dad and I wrapped and wrapped. It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas……

I think it rained all night and is still raining, ugh. Justin woke up all happy. He is feeling way better. He says his ear hurts a little bit but not bad. Compared to yesterday he is the happiest guy ever. He was in our bed this morning just being so giggly and cute. Nikki and Justin played Trouble this morning, both were happy to play with each  other again. I got ready for the cleaners. The cleaners came later than we thought so we just played at home for a while. We printed out coloring pages for the kiddos-I can’t get over how much they are loving to color. We also organized a bit, put away toys, etc. I decided to go to the mall. I know what was I thinking this time of the year. We ended up having a great time despite lots of people there. I wanted to get Nikki’s build a bear dog fixed. The kids played on the lights, looked around at all the X-mas stuff, we went into a few stores, puppy store, etc. Over by Santa there were coloring sheets so we colored a lot. It was fun just hanging out at the mall, everyone all running around and the kids and I not in a rush. We spent lots of time in the Disney store. It was a great afternoon. We were there a long time. Nice to get out since it is still raining. We grabbed a pizza on the way home. The kids colored more and played a game with daddy. I did laundry so they played tug o war with a sheet, Justin on our bed and Nikki on the ground, silly. The kids have been so hyper, guess it is too much indoors with the rain. So cute cuddling with them tonight. We put new music on their player. The songs from Cars and Tangled-the kids loved it.

Rain, rain go away. Sunday we or I needed to get out. We ended up going to Pretend City. The kids had a great time. Dad and I were a little bored. I was just really sluggy and lazy. We stopped for lunch then I did a few errands while dad stayed with the kiddos. Target was a little crazy but I think I got everything I need. We headed to Holly and Jeff’s for their annual Christmas open house. We had a great time and were grateful that the rain didn’t make for a ton of traffic. Unfortunately the kids didn’t play that well together. It takes them a while to get to know each other but then my kids just kept saying they were having trouble upstairs. So we decided to head out. The kids loved all the deserts, cookies, etc. It was nice to see our friends.

Justin came in our room early this morning and went back to sleep in our bed. When he woke up in the morning he was complaining about his ear. After some medicine he began feeling better. The kids just took it easy and watched TV this morning. Justin finally got to watch the Car movie. Nikki decided she wanted to go to a play date gift exchange by herself. I went to drop her off but Justin started to feel better so he wanted to stay. I guess the medicine kicked in. Near the end he was all needy again. On the way out he puked up all the apple juice he drank. UGH. At home I let him nap on the couch, so cozy and cute. Nikki and I played Barbies and with her dog Go Go (Lady). Nikki kept on checking up on her brother while he was sleeping on the couch-it was so sweet and cute. Nikki wanted a lot of attention since Justin wasn’t around to play with her. She did go out in the rain for a bit and I gave her a bath. She had a great time in the tub by herself but it took a lot to get her in. She played with the Pooh house and Tigger/Piglet. Justin slept pretty much most of the day. After dinner we kept him up and he started to feel better. We all played a family game of Trouble and read books in my bed. Nikki was wild in her bed and was crazy for bed but luckily she went right to bed.

Bret was off to trombone practice this rainy dreary morning. The kids and I decided just to stay home. We did laundry, we colored, we played, we organized, etc. It was rainy so we stayed home all day. I tried to get some things organized around here. I still had kids birthday gifts I hadn’t put away, ugh. The kids wanted to print out a bunch of coloring pages. It was so funny they were upstairs and I would send something to the printer and you could hear how excited they got. Every time it was a character I heard Nikki yell that she was that person, ex. Violet from The Incredibles. We took advantage of the break in rain and went to play outside. The kids drove their red cars and got on their scooters. I did some gardening even though everything was wet. The kids pretended that they were going to Disney on their scooters, parking on Chip and Dale level then going on rides. The rides were in the back of my van, ha. Nicole became Pluto for a bit as well. We finally got rained on and had to come in. We played a new game I Spy Eagle Eye. The kids liked have a love/hate relationship with this game. When they find things they love it and when it is difficult they get frustrated. We organized the play room a bit. The kids were crazy tonight playing Wii together-it was really cute. Upstairs dad and the kids were playing a version of hide and seek. We read a few books and the kids went right to bed.