A Shopping We Will Go

Back to the store we went, after yesterday's fun filled trip.

The kids did well--great behavior all around. I'm standing in a slightly longer than normal line, but we're okay. Then one of the managers asked me to move to the express checkout. My cart clearly has more than 20 items, but those lanes are empty, so she evidently wanted to make better use of their cashiers.

I got out of my line and headed that way. Someone popped in front of me, so we're back in line. The cashier was chatty and not moving quickly. Then there is the complication that there's not enough space to put all my groceries, while she tries to bag things. The line is building behind me. Then she has to call over a manager.

I can feel that people are asking themselves if I can count. I want to tell them I was sent there, but I don't. At least I've got cute kids to keep them entertained while they waited on me. Maybe the next time I get caught behind the person with 52 items in the 20 or less lane, I'll consider that they were sent there. Next time I'm sent there though, I think I'll stay put!

Shop 'Til She Drops

I've not had a normal grocery shopping trip since mid-December with our comings and goings and left over turkey and all, but today I needed to restock. We made a trip to the library this morning, so we waited until this afternoon to run our little errand.

The baby had his nice long nap, everyone had a snack before we left, no one needed to use the facilities, and I had my detailed list in order from the back of the store to the front.

There was just one problem with my nice, neat little plan. Gabriella. As I was getting Nate out of his car seat, she was supposed to be sitting with her cute little legs dangling out of the side of the van. Unfortunately she decided this 30 second break was the perfect time to take a nap. We slowly made our way to the store. Here she decided she didn't want to walk. Not again.

She did better than some trips. We got our first two items, but then true disaster struck, I let her sister choose a box of crackers. Wailing ensued. I persisted, calmly making my way through the store, well at least to the next aisle. One woman had to tell the person on the other end of her phone conversation that nothing was horribly wrong. I had another woman stop me and say that she hoped she would be as calm as I was when her little boy (now in an infant carrier) acted like that in the store. I smiled as I debated what to do. I grabbed the milk and a couple of cans of soup that we really needed to make it through the morning (so Justin could take lunch), and I called it quits. So I suppose I'll be back at the store again tomorrow. If you hear a great wailing from the direction of central Tennessee tomorrow, no worries, I just made Gabby walk through the store.

Kate-ism

Kate (running to the living room from her room): Is the house falling apart?!

Me: No, Kate, those are fire crackers.

Kate: Fire nackers? What are fire nackers?

Farewell 2010!

We've had quite the year, with Justin's diagnosis as a diabetic, adjusting to three munchkins, potty training, a new job, listing the house, all of the showings for the house, saying good-bye, leaving Kansas, moving in to this house, and the decision to home school.

While I was looking back over the year, I picked out my favorite Kate-ism, Gabby-ism, and Nate-ism for the year. It was so hard to choose for the girls, and I'm sure it will be for Nate as he grows and talks more.

I hope that you have a Happy New Year. I'm sure we'll be in bed by ten around here, but have some late night fun for me!

Over the River...

Busy, busy, busy!

We took a trip up to see my in-laws last week.


The girls got a chance to tube in the snow, which they loved.


Nate got a chance to play on the tube in the living room, which he loved.


A gingerbread house was built,


Books were read,


Nuts were cracked,


And the tree was trimmed and untrimmed (and toppled over, though not by the force of the little guy)!


We also stopped to see Justin's grandmother for a brief visit.

Then we made our way back home just in time to prepare for Christmas.





We spent Christmas day there, then we were off again, this time to celebrate with my parents and sister.


This time there were horsey rides,


A chance to dress up like a princess,


More books to read,


Games to play,


And of course presents to open.

It was nice to visit with everyone, but it's nice to be home again too.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

from our family to yours!


May your dinner be delicious,


your presents


be awe inspiring,


and may you always remember the true reason for the day!

Christmas According to Gabby

God passed out the Bible to Moses. And he just looked at it.

The angels were speaking by him [referring to Jesus]. But the baby wouldn't speak he was asleep. It's time to get awake. He's hugging his sheep. Just playing.

But Mary got a little baby that was crucified. Baby Jesus. He had no clothes on, but he was wrapped up. The angel got it.