It's Christmas Eve and I just finished playing Santa. I always struggle with trying to find a balance between not giving my kids too much but wanting them to be excited on Christmas morning. I think I scaled back this year, but when I look at all they have I still think how lucky my kids are and I feel very grateful for everything we have. I've already started talking to my kids about getting jobs when they turn 16. Ok, so I know it's a bit early, but I think it is so important. This ain't no free ride (as Dan would say). And, I want them to learn early to take pride in the things we work hard for.
So, this month has been all about check-ups for me. I had my yearly and mammogram, had a colonoscopy 2 days ago (yuck - although this one turned out better than the one 2 years ago - they took out 0 polyps which is great), dermatologist appt, physical with a new doctor by the name of Shapiro who is fabulous and finally I had a root canal less than a week ago! Whew. Hopefully, the root canal saved my tooth that Emm knocked loose. I've been busy, but I am totally taking my health into my own hands. Every time I've seen a doctor this month they tell me my blood pressure is super low. The last doc asked me if I was an athlete!?! Yeah right - do I look like one? Ha! If you call making a few laps around the kitchen table picking up all the loose crumbs and spills then I guess I just might be! The low blood pressure might explain though why I'm always cold. Or does it? Anyway - my cholestorol is great and so I think I'm pretty good overall. I made Dan an appointment to see a dermatologist too and what do you know - she burned something off of him. He wasn't wanting to go but I'm so glad he did.
We went to Disney the first week in December and it was pretty much miserable for my mom and I. No, not that bad, but it was a lot of work. We won't be going back until the kids get a little older. It is a very magical place. We went to Epcot for 1/2 a day and then Magic Kingdom for 2 whole days. If you are a first timer, I definitely say just spend your time at Magic Kingdom. There is so much to see and do. We didn't even get through the whole park in 2 days. The girls went on everything they could possibly get on (height wise). I guess my girls have that adventurous bug I have. They loved all the big roller coasters and Emm and Meg bawled when they couldn't get on one. I will be taking each one of them skydiving when they turn 18 - in my dad's honor of course. Here's a slideshow from Disney:
I flew in from Disney and went directly to Dan's work Christmas party. We had a blast (can't beat it when you start off with a warm, oozy, chocolate chip cookie from the Doubletree). Hmmmm.....
Here is Meg being silly at Danielle's birthday dinner - she cracks me up. Someone (not sure who) taught her to cross her eyes. What's even funnier is that Gustie (my mom n law) sent out Christmas cards to everyone with Meg making a face like this. I laughed so hard when I got the card - I think there are 2 pics of Meg on there and she is making that face in both pictures. Classic Meg.
This picture was taken right before the girls went in to see Santa. Aren't they so sweet?
Ok, so one little story before I say good night. The other day we were in the car going somewhere and I looked in my mirror at Claire & Meg in the backseat (they sit right next to each other in their car seats). Claire was crying and she looked at Meg and said "Meg, I just have to tell you that you upset me because I was trying to tell you something and you didn't listen to me. You really hurt my feelings." There were real tears streaming down her face. I was anxiously awaiting Megan to tell her to leave her alone or to put her hands in her face or something to that effect. Oh no, my sweet Meg looked at her and said "I am so sorry Claire. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I love you." As she was patting her hand. Ok - so then I started crying! Maybe this means all of my work will pay off one day?
