Where did August, September, October AND November go?

I was thinking of things I would rather be doing...instead of grades and taking care of a sick kid. Why is it that when school starts back, my life is put on hold!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving...LOTS of fun 4-wheeler tubing. (It's o.k. mom, we were safe.) Visiting the most amazing niece in the world, family and friends!

So for our Sunday we decided to spend some family time...breakfast out, finding a place to get a tree with a root ball (Grandpa Kirk would be proud!), grocery shopping, laundry, etc.etc. Sarah takes her nap, and wakes up with a fever...102.3 Fun. So, now it is grades (they go out Tuesday), sub-plans, sick kid, grumpy husband, dirty house, dirty laundry, tired Tish. Wish me luck...I'm off...duty calls.

Why is Mommy always the bad guy?

Two words...KINDERGARTEN SHOTS!
For those of you who think it can not get any worse than those baby shots...just wait. The beauty of them getting the shots when they are little is that you can give them a bottle, a pacifier, even a boob. They don't really understand what is going on but you are able to comfort and console them. They do not really understand that mommy is holding them down so the nurse can take care of business. But a 5-year-old gets it. She/he knows that you helped the evil nurse (No, the nurse is not evil, but if you ask Sarah she might tell you something different!)
And if you are as lucky as me, some other kid will be kind enough to share with your child how "completely terrible" it is and "how much it hurts." So here is some advice...

• Always, even when they are 5, give them the Motrin prior to the appointment. I think it might help slow them down... :)
• Do not wear a cute summer skirt...It won't be cute when you are crawling under the exam table to get your kid. :)
• Take back-up or request it from the Doctor's office, make someone else hold your kid down.(You know you have a feisty kid when the "leg nurse" says "Man, she was a strong one!" while holding her ribs, her hair a mess.)
• and lastly, bribery is not always a bad thing! :)

Sarah and I both survived...Overall, she did really well with the appointment. I am so proud of her! So, when it is your turn, I wish you luck! No more for us for 6 years!

I hope you enjoyed!

I LOVE being an Aunt!

Look at that face! How could you not fall in love! Sophie is wonderful! And her Mommy kicks butt! I'm so proud of you!

Finally home!

After seven days on the Outer Banks we are finally home. It was a great vacation, but there is no place like our "home sweet home" Sarah says. We spent time on the beach, swam in the pool at the beach house, kayaked on the sound, went to museums and much more! Sarah loved looking for sea shells to bring home and going for walks. I did not realize how many graveyards are on the Outer Banks! On the one mile loop we walked there were FOUR! If there is a high spot, there is a graveyard! Kinda spooky! The history there is so interesting! We enjoyed our day at Ocracoke Island...no nude beaches this time Heidi!

O.K. Heidi, here I go!

This is all new to me, but you say I need to give it a try.
It is Friday...five days at the beach...2 five year olds...fifty sunblock and still 5 shades of red! Lots of friends and fun. I really wish you were here! Maybe next year...family vacation??