Catching Up

I know, I know ... it seems like an eternity since I last posted but it has really only been a few days. I got so used to staying up until the wee hours after everyone had gone to bed to get my daily posts in! It was actually pretty liberating to skip a few days ;) I did learn how much I loved keeping a better record of our adventures so while I will most likely not be posting every day (I can hear you weeping) I am determined to do better this year at being more consistent with my blogging/journaling.

In the spirit of journaling we have started a family journal project, as well. We are setting aside time on Sunday evening for each of us to write about our week. I was going to make journals for each of the kids but they are having a PJ's (prayer, journals, scriptures) party for Primary on Saturday and they are giving each of the kids a journal so this week I gave them each a piece of paper to write their entry for the week and when they get their journals on Saturday we will transfer their writing from today. I will write for Cougar since he is unable at this point and I will also be a scribe for Kendyl after she does some writing on her own (with me spelling out every word). I told them to make sure to include pictures it they want! My hope is that by the end of the year they will enjoy looking back at the things they have written, recognize the blessings they've received, remember lessons learned, and treasure their accomplishements and times we have shared together as a family.

Since my last entry we spent a day at the Science Center with Steve's parents (who bought us a season pass for Christmas ... we are SO excited to go often this year!!). We said goodbye to them on Friday morning and spent the day trying to pick back up on our routine - slowly. Saturday morning came and it was time to take down Christmas. This is one of the saddest days of the year to me. I *LOVE* the holiday season, love that I actually change some things in my house, and enjoy the extra "sparkle" that Christmastime brings to my house. It seems to take forever to put up and yet it comes down so quickly. We had it all packed up and back in the garage by around 1 PM. We took the kids to see "Bedtime Stories" later in the afternoon. Yes - I dared to take Cougar back to the theater after our last experience. Wouldn't you know that with Steve there he slept through almost the entire show and sat on laps the little while he was awake without any fuss. Note to self ... only go to the movies when Steve is there to work his magic!! They loved the movie, by the way, and I would highly recommend it!

We got rain this morning which is always nice and yet usually unexpected in our area. Our church schedule changed so now we meet at 11:00 rather than 9:00. There are pros and cons to this ... PROS: Steve has time to come home from his meetings before church so he can help out with the kiddos. I don't feel as rushed while getting 5 people ready to be out the door. CONS: Dreadful for Cougar's naptime!! By the time we got home, made lunch, and sat down for a few minutes it was going on 4:00 ... I felt like I'd lost half of my day! My ideal church time is 9:30 or 10:00 - not as rushed in the morning but home early enough to feel like you still have a good chunk of your day.

Backpacks are packed, clothes are laid out, and alarm clocks are set for the return to school tomorrow. It really doesn't seem like time yet - our 2 week break FLEW by with our house full of visitors! I am certainly looking forward to the "routine" that comes with the school schedule and am excited to hopefully get things pulled together and a little more organized around here. I'm working on some schedules that will make us more productive (in my dreams) and am already making some headway on a few things that I'm hoping to change/improve this year!

Don't forget to leave a comment with one of your New Year's Resolutions on my previous post to be entered for the M&M giveaway :) Apparently most of you have "lose weight" on your list and think I am trying to ruin your efforts ... I consider them a reward for a good day!! You could make those boxes last for MONTHS if you wanted to (but who would want to?)!!