Crazy week

Monday and Tuesday were spent in a flurry of cooking, laundry, and cleaning, although to look at the house now you wouldn't know it. Tuesday night was spent at a middle school basketball game H1 was coaching. H1's team won by 10 points. Wednesday H3 and I drove to Lynchburg. We arrived around 11 and went shopping at Wally-world for a few last minute Christmas presents for my nephews, then met a friend for lunch. Deana's father-in-law passed away last weekend and I wanted to meet with her and see how she was doing, along with her husband and mother-in-law. Kenneth died after a rough 5 year battle with cancer. He knew the Lord and what Deana told me is that he was ready to "go home and meet Jesus". After lunch, I visited my old office to chat, show off H3, and pick up a book for my dad. It was really good to see everyone. Although I don't miss working too much, I miss my friends from that office! I left a little before 4:00 and drove the 3 hours back home and made it back just before Josh arrived. I'd already planned for leftovers for dinner, so fortunately I didn't have to cook anything! I know a day will come when leftovers will be rare, but for now I will enjoy the occasional break when I arrive home late!

This week I've also been working on my resume and tentatively applying for a few different jobs. I don't have to go back to work, but it would be nice to get rid of the student loans we've accumulated. Payments for them are pretty high, and until they are gone things will be kinda tight. Gotta love the results of going to a private college!

Today I spent some time taking pictures of H3 for Christmas. I'm hoping to send a few out to my parents and of course use one for a Christmas card. H3 seemed confused by the camera at first, but then started laughing. She's such a sweetie and a very easy-going baby, most of the time.

Thanksgiving memories

Last Wednesday afternoon, H1, H3 and I set off for SC to see my grandfather and uncle. A drive that should have been around 5 1/2 hours took almost 7 hours between traffic and baby. Considering all things, it wasn't too bad of a trip, and H3 was great in the car. While we were there, we spent some time weeding the garden, and then raking leaves and putting them in the garden for mulch.

Grandpa and Uncle C. got to meet H1 for the first time, along with Ann and Buddy.

Thanksgiving dinner was ham, mashed potatoes, corn, and green beans. We had everything gluten free for Uncle C., exept the pecan pie for dessert. Grandpa had requested it, and Josh makes a really good pie, so we made it up in VA and brought it down so we wouldn't have to worry about gluten contamination during the baking. Better than dinner though was the fact that our family was together. Grandpa looked a lot better than expected, and I hadn't seen my uncle since my grandmother's funeral. We had a good time chatting with Ann and Buddy as well. It was really good to see everybody, and I'm so glad we made the trip. Oh, and on a last note, it was a lot cheaper than I thought it would be, thanks to the drop in gas prices!

Almost ready to go!

Only one load of laundry, a little vacuuming, and dishes remaining before we leave for South Carolina, along with packing the car, of course. Tomorrow H1 has a half-day teaching, then he will head home and we will get on the road. It's been about a year since I've seen Grandpa, but almost 5 years since I've seen my uncle. Considering how often I see the rest of my family, this is pretty recent, unfortunately. My mom's brother came to our wedding 3 1/2 years ago, and I see my parents 1-2 times a year, but other than that, it's been at least 10 years or more since I've seen anyone else. I was 4 years old the last time I saw my mom's parents. Being spread out so far makes it hard to get together! H1 had a very different growing up than I did. His family all lives within a few hours of each other, in upstate NY. They get together at least 5 times a year, usually with over 100 people in attendence! It's been fun to watch his family work together. They are some of the most giving and loving people I've ever met. Anyways, I'm really looking forward to seeing my Grandpa and uncle, although not so keen on driving down. We've made a 6 hour trip before with H3, but it's never fun trying to travel with a little munchkin. She's really good in the car, but it's still a little long for her, and feeding is a challenge!

Other than laundry, I made Pumpkin Rolls today and they turned out amazingly good! Next on the agenda for the evening is making pizza dough and then working on a puzzle while the pizza bakes, and finally NCIS at 8.

Just another day

There are some days that I question where my brain has gone. It seems to have flown out the door since the bambino arrived! The power bill just got here on Friday, and already it sprouted legs and walked off. My search efforts were in vain, so I strapped H3 into her baby backpack and off we walked to the town hall to get another printout.

When we got back, I put the baby down for her nap and about 2 minutes later heard a thunderous noise from the crib. I went to check on her and sure enough, she was lying there with the biggest grin on her face and the odor of a dirty diaper wafting in the air. It's rather sad, but I can hear that child make a dirty diaper from just about anywhere in the house. She is loud, but still oh so cute!