Love my girl

Aside from my strangely enormous hand, I thought this picture turned out pretty cute.

A Christmas Elf

I didn't feel Jim was properly represented on here, so here are few candids.

Big kid snacking

I apologize for all the pictures of basically the same thing over and over.

But it was so darn cute.
Adam's first try at snacking at the little table.

He did a wonderful job. Sitting in a big boy chair.

And he's so darn cute!

Church Basement Ladies

While hanging out with Adam in the church lobby during mass, both Jim and I have been suckered into signing up for one of the volunteer "opportunities" posted on the wall. I signed up to water the indoor plants (just call me Ann) and Jim signed up to build an ice deflector. I don't think he was expecting for it to turn out quite this fancy, and I bet the church didn't expect to have him sketch it up in architectural software first. But it looks very professional, matches the facade well and gave him a chance to build something with his dad over Thanksgiving weekend.

Snow drift

Here's a pretty cool snow drift from our snow storm today. Not that much snow, but the winds were terrible.

Sleeping on the floor

Laura spends about an hour of Quiet Time in her room or in the living room everyday. About once or twice a week, she will fall asleep. Otherwise, she sings, pretends, reads, or does general Laura things. Its good for all of us! I checked on her once last week and found her asleep on her huge stuffed rabbit.

Visitors Center

Starting him early...

The kids and I went to the Lebanon Hills Visitors Center. Its one of our favorite rainy/snowy afternoon activities. They have toys, books, and lots of "natural" stuff to look at and touch: pine cones, bones, old wasp nests, feathers, turtle shells, etc. Oh, and 2 mops?

Adam clung to a mop and a pine cone most of the time.

Glad I randomly grabbed the camera on my way out of the house. My favorite picture:

What do you think about the big pictures? Too big? Do you have to wait too long for them to download? I feel like the blog looks like a Large Print Reader's Digest with the recent changes.

Pain in the back

Well, I woke up Tuesday unable to stand up straight due to lower back pain and shooting pains down my left leg. Not fun, particularly when caring for 2 kids, one of which still needs to be carried some of the time. A trip to the chiropractor that day told me things I already knew about how misaligned my hips and spine are. He adjusted me in several places and literally jumped up and down and said it was the biggest adjustment he'd had in a week. whoop di doo for you doctor-man. Wednesday, I didn't feel any better, so I went to an MD who basically said "yep, these things happen. Wait it out." But she did give me very helpful stretches, and told me to get some ab muscles ASAP. Today was way better, particularly due to the stretches. Anytime I sit still for too long, I have to do them all over again so I will be able to straighten up. But I'm so glad to have something that works. No tears at all today! Jim's been great with watching the kids when I went to the appointments and doing all the laundry and dishes. But I'm back on duty, I guess. I considered milking it a little more, but that didn't seem right.

Both doctor's visits did leave me a little disappointed. Why does the chiropractor think its all about bones and nerves and plays down my concerns about being overweight, lacking sleep, and having muscle pain. And why does the doctor poo-poo my chiropractor questions and say I can go see one "if I am strong believer in them". Can't it be a combination of misalignment, pinched nerves, tension, extra weight, and weak muscles? Can't we all just get along?

And don't old people throw their back out? I'm not old, am I?

better late than never

Annie's hilarious post reminded me that I never shared this video that Kim made. Sooo funny

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Thanksgiving debrief

A few thoughts about Thanksgiving now that it is over.

I made a huge meal and ate leftovers for days (still have some) and it included zero cheese or garlic. I can't believe I didn't go into withdrawl.

Jim jealously guards the leftovers. He was upset when I said (on Tuesday - after 4 days of leftovers) that I was going to use the turkey to make something else like chili or pot pie. I had to promise to leave some turkey for him to eat just plain.

Old eggs are much easier to peel after boiling than new ones. Thanks Aunt Rosemary!