Friday Night

It has been a week.  We have officially been back into the swing of things.  I am laying in bed, exhausted from the week, looking forward to reading my book and not having to work in the morning.  I have been trying to post all week but the time has gotten away from me PLUS I have been working at North most days so it never got accomplished.  Tonight I had a huge list of items to accomplish but instead reading my Kindle and going to bed early are getting done.  YAY!!

1. Slumber Party at the Harris house

This is the FIRST slumber party since Erin has passed away that has been at the Harris house.  Mike is staying over so I have the whole bed to myself tonight.  (No more drenching night sweats for me..wink wink).  Anyways -- the boys are pumped.  I am grateful that they get to spend this time with their cousins and I feel super lucky to have Mike to help Jess wrangle the masses.

2. Cycle Spin at the Y

On Monday night Mike and I joined Heidi and Jordan for class at the new Y downtown.  It was a LOT of riding in the car to get there but I was super impressed with the whole thing.  Wish that I lived closer to that gym AND wish that we got to spend more time working out with Heidi and Jordan.  

3. ..."If I had a wish..."

A few nights ago Cameron turned to me while playing in his room and said, "Mom, if I had I wish, guess what it would be.  You will never guess." 

Owen chimed in, "I know."

I tried guessing...and gave it three shots until finally I said, "tell me."

Owen asked if he could say the answer and Cameron agreed.  

Cameron's wish would be that all of his stuffed animals would become alive.  Then I turned to Owen and asked what he would wish for.  He said, "To do whatever I wanted."

It was perfect and made me chuckle.

4.  Test Scores
Today the boys were sent home with the gifted and talented test scores.  If they scored high enough then they would be tested again and after that test possibly be asked to join the program.  We don't want to leave Forest Glen but they are testing in the next session so it will be interesting to see what happens.  ANYWAYS-- the point of the story is that the boys scored the exact same!!  They had one slight difference but overall their test scores were identical.  After reading #3 it is pretty obvious how DIFFERENT the twins are so it was crazy how these results were the same.

5. Swim lessons
I finally signed the boys up for lessons.  Now the task will be getting them there.

6. Dinner with Friends
Have I mentioned this yet?  Last week I went to dinner at Dani's BEAUTIFUL home.  It was nice to sit down with ladies from work, drink wine, and play cards against humanity.  Ezra and Jack were also able to hang out and they played great together.  Looking forward to them being friends for life.

7. Running outside

Yesterday I FINALLY went on a run.  It was beautiful out and I was able to leave work early.  I went for a run and it killed me.  I am completely out of shape but boy did it make me happy.

8. Mike doesn't have cancer

....And he was the maddest that he has ever been at me...... 

I think that I am just going to leave it at that.  Glad that day is over.  :)

9.  Only 33 days until the Bahamas!!

My parents brought over our vacation packet.  I wanted to take a picture of it and put it all over social media like people do with those damn Disney bracelets.  But I decided against it -- I know that NO ONE cares.  So I am just going to write it here in my own little journal.

10. I fold laundry every morning.  Well almost.

Yup -- almost every single morning I fold a load of laundry.  I know moms out there are all doing the same thing but when I get a shit ton done every morning before I head into a full day of work I even impress myself.  NOW I need to figure out how to add the gym into my day.

It has started

I am feeling compelled to write tonight.  I don't have any pictures to add but for me, the year has officially started.

A few hours ago the boys came home and holy moly it is great to have them back.  It's loud and fun and lots of talking, laughing, and loudness BUT it makes me feel much better to have them back.

The past few days I have been frantically finishing the 2015 year book.  Approximately 3 minutes ago I finally ordered it from Shutterfly.  This book takes HOURS.  HOURS.  My guess is that I have spent a solid 40 hours on the book.  I wouldn't guess I bit higher because it feels like a 100 hour but 40 is a safe, solid bet.

1. The year book is FINISHED.

2. Quick trip to Valpo
On Christmas when I talked to my grandma she didn't sound good.  I decided that as I was picking up the boys I would make a quick detour and visit my grandparents in valpo.  I haven't been up in a long time and it was really nice to see both of them.  They are so so sweet and that is not an exaggeration.  So Jack and I were there for a short 2 hours before we picked up the twins.  It was short, sweet, and made my soul happy.

3. The house is clean
While I was gone for the day Mike stayed and did some deep cleaning to the house.  We pushed it to the last, possible minute but needed to get at least the toilets done before the boys showed up to pee on the side of them again.  He also ran lots of errands and got "stuff" done around the house.

4. Jack's cheery disposition
This baby is so chill.  Don't get me wrong he also has a voice, a loud one at times....but usually he just wants to be with his brothers and playing with their toys.  In Valpo he just crawled, explored, and smiled.

5. HUGS. HUGS. AND MORE HUGS.
I can't get enough from the twins.  They give the absolute best hugs and then they usually let me do some serious tickles.

the first 5 of 16

1. My date last night

My hot husband was an awesome date last night.  After getting Jack to bed we made dinner.  It was pork schnitzel and red caraway cabbage.  I was stuffed.  After we cleaned up we started to paint.  We had new table easels from Christmas and smaller canvases.  After our paintings were finished we started a movie.  

Mike ALWAYS picks the movie so after putting my foot down he let me have full choice over this pick.  It was a bad idea.   We couldn't even get 20 minutes into the movie before we both fully agreed it was terrible.  After much laughter we decided to pick something on Netflix to wait the 90 minutes until midnight.  I have not stayed up for 3 years so this year I was going to try.  Around 1115 I noticed Mike fell asleep and by 1130 we were in bed.  Ironically I was up at 12 and gave Mike lots of kisses in his sleep.  

I hope that 2016 goes as smooth as last night.  It was great!

2. A few more days 

Only 2 more sleeps and I get to hold Cameron and Owen.  Again our house will fill with movement, craziness, and nonstop talking.  I am really really looking forward to seeing these two soon.

3.  Warm, morning coffee

Jack slept terribly last night.  He hasn't done that in awhile.  I even gave him a bottle at 130am.  We think he has been teething, one of his lymph nodes is huge AND he all of a sudden has a pretty rough cough.  At 6 when we got up for the morning he had peed through his outfit and was still pretty crabby.  

Right now I am watching him crawl around and try to get into all of the arts and crafts, shoes, and explore.  I am thrilled that I have a warm coffee here to help keep my eyes open.  I can see a nap in my future.  That is pretty exciting.

4.  Possibilities

One thing that I love about the New Year is that it is a time that many people sit down, evaluate and readjust.  I have been trying to figure out how I am going to readjust.  How to change things up and adjust.  It's been difficult.  To be honest -- I love where I am at right now.  I think that we have found a small formula for success these past few months. Of course that will change because life is always changing.....but for now, it is pretty wonderful.  I am trying to get every ounce of life out of these moments with the boys.  Some things that I do want to change include: getting rid of STUFF, play outside more, eat better food, and read more books.  

The last post that I wrote I tried to write out some goals for 2016 but I think that even those will be changed and adjusted.  

Regardless -- I am grateful for this time to evaluate.  To realize that there is a LOT out there to do.  To know that we can change this life any way that we want.

5. SBJ actually is really stinking S

This baby of mine is non stop.  He giggles or talks ALL. DAY. LONG.  He thinks that I am absolutely hilarious and he is never far from my side.  For the last 15 minutes he has been trying to figure out the space heater that is sitting one foot away.  He tests but usually follows the rules in place.  He makes my heart full. 

2016 Resolutions

2016 New Years Resolutions

1. Compete in a 70.3

Holy hell I need to start training. Immediately.

2. Pay off the Honda Pilot

3. Walk Nash once a week.

Don't judge.  I am a terrible dog owner when it's cold outside.

4. Purchase a water softener

.....This is all I have so far.  I need to do some more brainstorming but wanted to get these few written down.

Cheers to another crazy, wonderful year.

Addition on 1/3/16

So I have been trying to think of some more goals for the year.  I still don't have anything solid written down BUT I want to get our family outside more.  I want to spend less time doing the "small stuff" like laundry and house work and MORE time doing things like bike riding, hiking, and camping.  Well...let's be honest...the boys can go camping.

I usually like to have these goals set into place.  Hopefully this next week I will write things down more OR I will just leave it like it is and continue to enjoy life.

Quick recap. Quick.

1. Christmas at Kara and John's

After a day of lounging around we headed over to Kara and John's for dinner.  The food was amazing, Mike took advantage of the great whiskey and smoked cigars with the men, and SBJ was on his best behavior.  We dressed him like Santa and he was so stinking cute.  Easy end to a great holiday season. 

 

2. Dinner with the cousins
Jenna was in town so on Sunday night a few of us met out for dinner at Brugge.  The last time I was there I was pregnant and unable to enjoy the mussels.  They were tasty, the company was great, and it was a fun night out.

3. Christmas day was BEAUTIFUL
I was finally a good dog owner and took Nash on a WALK.  It was beautiful out and with all of this rain it was great to finally see the sun.

4. Face-time
This is a picture of us doing face-time.  Cameron had his elf hat on and then was playing with his slinky.  I am missing these boys like crazy and I am so grateful for this technology.

5. Attic Organization

Mike decided to organize our attic yesterday.  Holy moly that is exciting. 

6. Christmas decorations are DOWN.  

All of our Christmas stuff is down, packed and in the attic.  We ordered new, personalized stockings but besides that it's finished.  I'm happy.

Christmas Eve....on Christmas Day

There is so much JOY this season and so much happiness that I think it might be best to do just do a normal FIVE.  Christmas Eve this year was one of the best that I can remember.  I miss the boys like crazy but usually I just take a deep breath and know that they are safe, happy, and well in Chicago.  This year we did an afternoon at my parents and the day continued to be fabulous as the hours ticked on.  

1. Christmas Pasta

My sister made a dish by Rachel Ray called Christmas Pasta and we all LOVED it.  This is an expensive dish to make but she turned it out for holidays or when we went into Denver for a visit.  It is actually in the cook book that Mike and I are tackling and this year we wanted to make it for the family.  We doubled the recipe so we would all have left overs.  It was hit.  My sisters had more of a "kick" to it so next year we will be adding red pepper flakes.  

2. Eloise opening gifts
This little lady was the official helper.  She walked around and handed out gifts and then official opened all of them.  It was hilarious.  When she opened my sweater she would announce, "It's a sweater."  And then, "You can wear it in the winter."  When she opened a book I gave my mom she said, "It's a book.  You have always wanted this."  This was one of my favorite parts of the entire day and I think it will be my favorite memory of the season.  She opened presents with such determination and was a little "go-getter"  It made us all laugh and she had a blast.

 3. Sawer's Headache
This was Mike's favorite part of the day.  (Don't judge the title and first sentence).  So before opening gifts we took the iPad away from Sawyer.  Almost instantly he complained of a headache.  He started screaming and crying and I instantly went into AUNT mode.  I gave him magic medicine, lots of hugs, and tried to calm him down.  Then my dad said, "he doesn't have a headache.  He is upset about the iPad. "  We asked Sawyer if that was the case and he said, "Yes, the iPad would help."  oh. my. goodness.  I could not help but laugh but I asked Jess if I could be the AUNT for 1 more minute and give him some more hugs.  He pulled one over and me and Mike and we thought it was absolutely great.

**one side note, the quilt my dad is sitting on.....I made****

4. Mimosas
Champaign has been on our grocery list for Christmas Day mimosas.  But we always leave off the OJ.  We just drink the Champaign BUT we still say that we are drinking mimosas.  That's how we roll.

**Here are some random pictures of my boys.  They are dressed like twins though it was not planned at all.  Jack is finally feeling better and back to his normal sweet self.**

 5. Dinner with the neighbors
Holy moly these people make my heart happy.  They are easy, laid-back, and so fun to be around.  Mandy and I are similar and Luke and Mike hit it off instantly.  They are in the same phases of life that we are traveling and I am so so so grateful for their friendship.  At the last minute they invited us over for dinner and it was great.  I was in my sweatpants and anything that we needed we just ran home and picked up.

Best part of the night -- we saw a rash on JUDE.  The smiles could not be erased from our faces.  He has had some extremely terrifying labs and leukemia was a strong possibility.  Mandy is a pediatric, oncology NP and she was convincing me that the labs were probably not leukemia and we were waiting for Saturday for the smear to come back.  But....she was still waiting...because if it wasn't terrifying....we wouldn't have to wait.

A few hours in we changed a diaper and he had a RASH.  Even typing it out makes me excited.

Anyways -- I will still be waiting for the smears BUT Jude had a rash and so we are pretty sure he will be just fine!!!!!  That is the best Christmas gift of all!

6. Skip stopped by
Like I said -- so many wonderful things happened yesterday.  While Mike and I were exchanging gifts in the quietness of Christmas Eve our doorbell rang.  Skip, our next door neighbor (the other one), stopped by.  He brought back some tupperware that we sent over with food and he also gave us a gift.  I was shocked and truly found some of the Christmas joy and spirit that I have been missing during this season.  I wish that I could clearly articulate my feelings on this visit.  Grateful.  Inspired. Humbled.

7. The rest of the day....
It's 930 on Christmas morning.  Jack is down for his first nap, Mike has a fire going, and we are drinking mimosas.  We have the entire day ahead.  I am looking forward to talking to the twins and lounging around all day.  Cheers!

Updates

Update to the 2015 RESOLUTIONS

1. Buy the boys real beds

2. Finish the windows

We still have 3 windows to replace.  This year we did 2 new windows. ...Actually we have a total of 4 new windows.  I am not sure if this will stay on the list.

3. Pay $300 a month to student loans

4. Take a separate trip with Mike

5. Connect with Sawyer

So this one is a hard one to gauge.  I am not marking it as completed because I don't have something that Sawyer and I do together that makes me feel like we really "connect."  This will be added to the resolutions for next year.  They will be moving to Denver this year so it will be a whole new spin on things. 

6. Clear out the backyard

7. Go to a beach

8. Ride 100 miles with the boys

Not. Even. Close.  We did lots of bike riding but it was harder to get out than I anticipated to get out with the boys with JackJack hanging around.  Next year we will hopefully have him in a bike seat and we can all get back out again.  ALSO--we need to purchase a bike rack for our car.  

9. Start thinking about a half iron man

Overall...I think it was a pretty successful year accomplishing the goals.  Now I need to start working on 2016.