Early Christmas Greetings.

Early Merry Christmas greetings to all of you. This week has flown by!

The kids got flu shots on Monday and they both were champs. This was the first time Schuyler got her's in the arm instead of the leg. She must be getting bigger. She didn't even peep! Mackie got upset at the end but once the stickers came out, all was better.

Tuesday was dance class and then a visit to Santa at Mark's work. It's so nice they do this. No standing in lines and a personable and friendly Santa. Schuyler went right up and gave him a hug. She was curious to know if he had drove his sleigh or if he drove a car = ) Mack was not impressed with Santa. She would not go up to him. So, I basically got her all pretty to eat a cookie and candy cane = ) Oh well!

Wednesday, I treated myself to what will probably be my last hair cut and color for a while.

Last night, Thursday, Papa picked up the kids from school and took them to their first ever movie, Happy Feet. Schuyler loved it and Mack did okay, too! They devoured the popcorn and made it through the whole thing. Afterwards, McDonald's! I was able to do some returns, get my last xmas present, work on a special project for the grandparents, and made some treats for the neighbors. Thanks dad!!

As for today, I have a Dr.'s appt. I'm down to 2 1/2 weeks. I'm sure we'll go look at xmas lights one of these nights. Candy Cane Lane is one of the faves. A street where every house has a candy cane and most all are decorated.

I'll be off work almost all next! I'm not sure how often I'll get to blogging, could be more, could be less.

Hope everybody has a happy holiday season!

Naughty or nice?

You be the judge?

More blogging fun...

Okay, I'm having some more fun this week. A little Christmas Q&A for all of you...


1. Egg nog or hot chocolate? Love egg nog!!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? She's a wrapper although a little behind this year = )
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored lights on the tree, white lights on the house.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No mistletoe in the Riese household. Might have to consider that in the future.
5. When do you put your decorations up? The day after Thanksgiving.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Oyster stew!! Hubby may not like but I'm going to get the kiddos to like it = ) It's tradition for us Schlattmann's.
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child: So many. Always on the ride home from Gma and Gpa Beran's, on xmas eve night, Dad would point to the sky and say "look, I think that was Santa's sleigh". Brian and I were such suckers and would stare out the window.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't remember exactly how I found out or when, but I'm sure it had to do with how snoopy I was.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yep, it's tradition.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? I would describe our tree as "eclectic" with our various oranaments and kid made ornaments. This year the kids thought it needed a string of Garland but no more. So this "string" is at the bottom and I've noticed it periodically moves. Hmm...who could be the culprit?
11. Snow! Love it or dread it? How about like it?
12. Can you ice skate? Yes. Although it's been a while and in my current state of being 8 1/2 pregnant I'm not going to attempt it.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I remember lots of favorite gifts. That must mean I either have lots of favorites or don't have a favorite?
14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you? Family. I have to be surrounded by my family.
15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? My parents would always make these pretzel cookies. Oh how I miss those. Must get the recipe and find out the real name.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? All of them. Including my favorite, the oyster stew!
17. What tops your tree? Nothing. Our poor tree is too tall it already hits the ceiling.
18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? I love giving, especially those surprise gifts that you know their gonna love. I'd be lying if I didn't admit I like receiving, again, gotta love those surprise gifts.
19. What is your favorite Christmas song? Silent Night.
20. Candy canes: Love the traditional candy cane. Not much of a fan of all the new "fruity" flavors.
21. Favorite Christmas movie? All of them, "A Christmas Story," Charlie Brown Christmast Rudolph and can't forget How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
22. What do you leave for Santa? Glass of milk and cookies.

Have you been naughty or nice???

Aghhhh. Blogger is being bad again and won't let me post a pic. Until next time...

Theme Song

Here's a little fun on Monday... theme song. I have to admit, I do actually really like this song. Give it a try. And, if you're really brave, leave me a comment and let me know what your theme song is.

Your Theme Song is Soak Up The Sun by Sheryl Crow

"I've got no one to blame For every time I feel lame I'm looking up" You're laid back, optimistic, and very together Like the sun, people feel warm and comfortable around you

What's Your Theme Song?

Our weekend went by in a whirl as they seem to do this time of year. The kids and I did a fun art project for xmas cards for the grandparents. Can't tell everyone as it might spoil the surprise for the grandparents that read this = ) Mark and I enjoyed dinner out on Saturday. It very well could be our last outing alone before 'lil bean makes his arrival. Papa watched the kids and helped him decorate his tree and watched the Grinch. Sunday, we went to see my friend and her now 1-month-old twins. Schuyler is going to be a fantastic help. Mack wanted to hold the baby but once in her arms, she didn't know what to think. And, she certainly didn't like me holding the baby. I think her exact words might have been "put the baby down now".

Strep Throat, Violin Recital, and Tippy Toe Girl

I think the above title sums up the last week.

Thursday afternoon, Schuyler and I went to pick up Mack from school. There was sign on the door indicating 4 cases of strep had been reported at school and it listed the symptoms. Schuyler had been exhibiting all of them. So, the next morning, I got her into the Dr. Sure enough, 'lil sweet pea was a positive for strep. Since that time, they (the Montessori) has had 13 cases of strep bringing the total up to 28 in the last 4 weeks. Only 4 kids, have not got it yet. Keep your fingers crossed for McKenzie's continued health!

Back to Schuyler. Although she was not able to attend her b-day party she was able to make her violin practice and the recital on Sunday. She did great. She looked so proud as she walked from the top of the stairs where we were sitting to the front, keeping her violin in rest position the whole way. She kept looking at the crowd and grinning. I was hoping she was paying enough atttention to where she was walking so she would not fall. She played "Mountain Song" and for the most part hit all the notes and her rhthym was great.

That leaves the story about "Tippy Toe Girl". There is a girl who does point ballet after Schuyler's dance class. Mack is obsessed with her and calls her "Tippy Toe Girl". We were early this Tuesday to pick Schuyler up so I started a conversation with her. Mack was actually shy. This was the first time I had seen this side of Mack. Her real name is Lily and both her mom and grandma did point ballet. She has 3 older siblings and a younger sister who is 3 and she shares a room with her. Lily happens to think Mack is pretty cute too and you can tell she's very good with younger children. Is it any wonder my 2 1/2 year walks around on her very tip toes at home = )

The above pic is another from my play date back in Nov and I believe it is courtesy of Holly. Two little girls cuddling their toys and licking their lollipops with not a care in the world = )