A Very Elmo Christmas

We had such a nice Christmas. For journaling purposes, I am going to write it all down, but it probably won't be a very exciting read. However I can assure you that good times were had by all.

The 24th was reserved for Tom's side of the family. We spent the afternoon and early evening at his mom's house. She had purchased everything Elmo that she found in the store. Ellie received an Elmo outfit, Elmo coloring books, Elmo chair, TMX Elmo, Elmo books, and a small Elmo doll. To top it off, everything was wrapped in Elmo wrapping paper. It was so fun to see Ellie actually get into Christmas this year. She enthusiastically unwrapped all her presents and showed excitement over each and every one.

The one gift Tom's mom bought Ellie that wasn't Elmo related was a keyboard. Ellie loves it. Plus, it comes with a microphone so Ellie can "sing" along to her music. We received a lot of noisy toys this Christmas. I am not sure how prompt I will be at replacing the batteries.

In the evening, Tom's dad and siblings came over to my house. It was great just relaxing and visiting. Ellie loved having the extra company and showed off for them by dragging her new Elmo chair around.

Christmas morning, we slept in until 7 and then let Ellie open her presents for us. Surprise, surprise, she got more Elmo stuff.

Christmas day was spent with my family. Since the reunion was starting the following day, we had quite the crowd for Christmas dinner. We simplified things by putting the children in the kitchen and all the adults ate in the sunroom. I love that Ellie is such a great eater and will happily occupy herself with food so I can enjoy my own meal.

After dinner, we played a rousing game of kickball. My team lost, yet I was surprisingly sore the next day.

I am going to reserve the family reunion for a post of its own. It has been a very busy last few days. I hope everyone had as wonderful of a holiday as we did!

Merry Christmas!

Like mother, like daughter

I went to bed last night wearing my warm, comfy pajamas with the feet. I woke up this morning without a shirt on. I naturally blamed it on Tom, but he insisted that I woke up during the night flailing my arms about and saying something about bugs crawling all over me. It disturbs me that I remove articles of clothing in my sleep and have no memory of it. I am just really relieved I never did it in college when I had a roommate.

I went in to check on Ellie just now. She was completely naked and using her pink, sock-monkey pajamas as a blanket. It appears I am not the only one in this family that likes to strip in her sleep.

Christmas calamity

This is my last week of school before Christmas break. Finals start tomorrow. My students have been going insane. In the past week, I have had 5 students suspended for fighting. I am starting to feel the need to punch someone as well.

On the bright side, the whole family is going to be here for Christmas. One big family reunion. How big? Let me do the math for you: 2 parents + 7 kids + 7 spouses + 18 grandkids = a very noisy affair.

Christmas card photo shoot

The Rejects

The Finalists

Christmas card woes

The Christmas cards have started arriving in the mail. Christmas trees, smiling children, a lone gay guy on a mountain top (hi, Cody!). All of these cards are making me feel guilty. Like I should maybe attempt to take a picture of Ellie dressed in a cute outfit, sitting in front of our shabbily decorated tree. So, I have decided to bite the bullet and give it a try. Is there some magic trick or secret to getting a toddler to pose for a Christmas picture? Also, how about a trick for getting your husband to put up the freaking Christmas lights already?

Just kill me

Now I have the stomach bug.

Sleep deprived and showing off

Ellie has woken up at 4:30 in the morning for the past 4 days in a row. We have tried moving her bedtime back an hour, but she is still waking up like clockwork. It's killing us.

Good thing she is cute.

In which I say vomit...a lot

Tom projectile vomited all over his classroom today. How's that for an opening sentence? Makes you want to read more, right? Because who doesn't want to read about vomit? Not to worry, none of his students were around, although I am sure there are a few he wouldn't have minded spewing on. He walked in the door and went straight to bed and I haven't heard from him since. I figured there is no point in cooking dinner so I am finishing up the rest of my birthday cake. How many calories do you think are in half a chocolate cake?

Frankly, I am sick of vomit. Ellie threw up Saturday night and Sunday night. Then, this morning at 4:30am, she decided to take off her diaper and pee down the side of her crib. I have changed her sheets 3 times in less than a week. She had the nerve to demand to sit on the potty before letting me rediaper her. That kid is going to potty train herself despite my best efforts to stop her.

Has this seemed like a really long week to anyone else? I am so happy tomorrow is Friday. In the great tradition of the women in my family, I am going to drag out my birthday for as long as possible. Tom's mom is babysitting on Saturday so Tom and I can go out. I am doing my yearly trip to Olive Garden. Tom hates the place because it is cliche, but whatever, I love the breadsticks and salad. Then, on Sunday, the fam is celebrating mine and Leilani's birthdays at Mark's house. Goody, more cake.

Have a great weekend!

29 years ago today

I was born. 10 pounds, 3.5 ounces. Clearly, I had weight issues even then.

Tom bought me a dozen roses and hired someone to deep clean our house.

Ellie bought me some Elmo pajama pants.

Happy birthday, Alex!

Wow, even though I don't have to, I am still posting every day. But I have some fun pictures I wanted to upload. Saturday night, we went over to Alex's parents' house to celebrate his birthday. This has become a tradition each year. I was a little worried about Ellie acting up since it would be past her 6:oo bedtime, but she did great. She plopped right down in Alex's lap and insisted he read her a story.

Alex's mom planned the cutest surprise. His dad lured Alex outside and his mom pulled out masks she had made out of Alex's picture. We all were wearing them when he walked back inside so he was looking at 11 Alex's. It was pretty funny. I guess you just had to be there.

Opinions wanted

I'm looking for a toddler backpack for Ellie. I've decided it is time for her to lug her own diapers around. Any suggestions?