The past few weeks have been HECTIC!

Roy and I made plans to do some last minute shopping on the 23rd of December.  I had it all planned - shopping, lunch (an early anniversary outing at my favorite place [The Melting Pot], and then home.  Well, the boys knew we had plans, but Dean was so sweet and just wanted to be with Mommy and Daddy.  He started to get that look on his face - you know the one that says “if you leave me, I might lose it!”  So, I said he could come with us.  NOT quite what Roy had in mind, but in the end, he was fine with it.  Dean was a wonderful little helper!  Roy did his thing, and Dean and I looked for a few more things for his brothers.  He helped me pick out a very nice cardigan for Corey, and we found a silly Invader Zim hoodie for Addi.  He carried the bags for me, and we enjoyed a little cookie while we waited for Roy to meet us.  Little did I know, Roy was trying to get in touch with me so I could try on some shoes so he could figure out what size to get me… the cell reception in the mall is ridiculous!  I mean, there is none!  But we finally touched base, and I ran to Lady Foot Locker.  I teased Roy that he was trying to tell me something with his gifts to me, but he got me exactly what I wanted - a few more pairs of compression pants for jogging, some cold gear shirts (including the EXACT Under Armour black pullover I wanted!), and some brand new running shoes!  Purple - love them!  

Christmas was great!  This entire holiday season - from Thanksgiving through Joe’s birthday on January 15th - I promised myself I would just… chill.  No stressing about this or that… it will get done.  Keep Thanksgiving dinner simple… done!  And we all had a great time!  Same with Christmas.  The boys wanted pretty straight forward things this year, so that is what we did.  Christmas dinner was a shrimp boil - Roy baked, and my parents came over.  That was great, the kids loved it… everyone was relaxed, and we just had a great time visiting - though my sister’s crazy dog was here. I think it is fair to say that we are all glad she (the dog) is back home with them.  My carpet was not happy, nor was my little dog.

New Year’s Eve was low key.  We had a nice ham dinner, again Roy baked Blackberry Cobbler (SO good!), and then just chilled.  Addi, Corey, and Joe made it to midnight, but Hayden and Dean did not - although they put up valiant efforts.  I kissed my husband at midnight, and we rang in the New Year’s snug in our room. 

And then New Year’s Day, we got up and went to my parents for another nice visit.

Tomorrow the boy’s go back to school, and then Wednesday Roy is back at work.  Thursday our baby turns 4 (Angry Birds Cake… he is gonna love it!), and on January 15 Joe will hit the big 1-6!

It’s been a crazy few weeks, and I am sure the next few weeks will be hectic as everyone settles back into their routines, but I’m looking forward to an exciting 2012.  Hope you are as well!