November 20th-25th

A very busy week it has been. I know, I say that every week but there is just never a dull moment!My kids keep me busy and I try to keep them busy. We both usually succeed. I was out of commission on Sunday because I had pulled a muscle in my lower back but by Monday I was doing much better. Good thing because we had baby G for the day. He is such a sweetie. I know, I say that all the time, too. It's true though! His smile will melt my heart and the kids absolutely adore him!

Tuesday: The kids had school and I worked in one of the classrooms. It was fun but challenging. Thanks goodness for coffee. Seriously, I think I drank a whole pot. Jacek had his Thanksgiving feast at school. He volunteered to bring baby carrots and ranch dip. I thought this was funny because he really does not like carrots too much, But, I was proud of him for picking a healthy snack! After school we took a quick break and then it was off to Alex's birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. Luna decided she wanted to wear her business suit which was cracking me up. That girl is serious about her fashion and so am I! We made it home just in time to hit the sheets and we all slept soundly.

                                                            

Wednesday: Whew, seemed that everyone was in a bad mood! I felt like I was dodging bullets all day. Yikes! Meemaw watched the kids for a couple of hours while Matt and I went to play trivia. A much needed break from cranky kids. My sister and I went grocery shopping at 11pm to pick some things up for Thanksgiving. The store was so packed but we were finally ready for our Thanksgiving feast.

Thursday: Happy Thanksgiving! We woke up and had donuts for breakfast and watched the Thanksgiving day parade. It was such a tender moment to see how excited the kids were. Then, we headed over to Granny's house for Thanksgiving lunch. The food was amazing as always. Jacek played the piano for everyone and we got some great pictures. It was really neat to see Bishe cooking in the kitchen and Jacek and Luna were picking the turkey and stuffing by hand. They would shove it in their mouths and follow it with a "mmmmmm". By the time we sat down to eat neither one of them were hungry. After lunch we headed over to my sister's house where Kelton was out back deep frying the turkey. This is a first for the Kruskamps. We have always baked our turkeys. We were excited to try something new. Kelton did an amazing job and the fried turkey was delicious. Props to Kelton and it was his birthday! We did the usual Kruskamp thing. Eat whatever we want, wherever we want until we are about to bust! There was so much food there it was just insane. I love hanging with family. It fills my heart with joy and creates memories that will be cherished throughout my entire life. We also had a Kruskamp picture which turned out great! Whew, what a day. We made it home and waddle our butts to bed and slept like champs!




Friday: And then it was Friday! Matt usually works on Fridays but he had this Friday off. It was so nice to have him home for the extra days. Matt let me get some rest and he took the kids to Skyline. I mainly shopped because there was some serious good deals that could not be overlooked. I bought Jacek a Power Wheels Jeep for Christmas. He is going to lose his mind. I can't wait to see the look on his face. I also booked Jacek's birthday party at Lazer Kraze. He is going to be 5! Yes, it makes me want to cry. He has come such a long way since last year. I am so very proud of him; he is becoming a fine young man.

November 13-18

Middle of November!!! Really? The count down has started. Thanksgiving, Jacek's birthday and then Christmas! I usually get stressed out and overwhelmed this time of year. I think a lot of people do, though. I've got an early start on shopping and birthday planning which I usually wait until the last minute for both. I think that's why I usually get so stressed out. It gets easier each year but more expensive!

This week was a very typical week for us. We have settled into our routine quite nicely.
Sunday: Bengals party at Dristy's. They played the Steelers and we lost but the family got to hang out together and that is what I truly love most.

Mondays: Baby G comes to visit. I love that little boy so much! He is such a GOOD baby! The hardest part is keeping the kids away from him. They want to be in his little face at all times.



Tuesday: The kids had school and I worked with 16 three year olds. It was a crazy day and I was so exhausted. I have so much respect for all caregivers to our children and to our elderly. I think they are under paid, for sure. The kids love when I work at their school. Even though, I'm not in their classrooms they think it's so cool that their mom is at their school. And, if by chance I pass one of them in the hallway, they scream at me like I'm some sort of celebrity. They make me feel so loved.

Wednesdays: Piano lessons and hang with Papaw, Kelita, Baby G and Michael C. Papaw usually buys some nice comfort food for lunch. This week it was Whoppers from Burger King. It's been a long time since we have had BK. We scarfed down our food and it was YUMMY! Papaw slept on the couch while we ate. He knows he can get a good nap in if we are eating.

Thursdays: The kids had school and I worked with 13 three year olds. It was a different class than I had on Tues and there were 3 less kids. It makes a big difference. I absolutely love being involved at the school. The kids are wonderful and everyone who works there is so nice and sweet. I've never met more down to earth people in my life.
                                                                
Friday: Sad face... I have to work. The kids and I enjoy relaxing in the morning and then it's off to see meemaw and Bishe. The kids love spending time with them. Jacek was looking forward to meemaw's famous bacon sandwiches.

Next week is Thanksgiving and that will give us a break in our routine. I'm looking forward to some delicious food from Dristy and Granny.

October 31st- November 11th

Happy Halloween! The kids had a great time trick-or-treating this year. Meemaw and Bishe came over and walked around the neighborhood with the kids. I think they liked it as much as the kids.


I am combining 2 weeks into this blog. Mainly because we all have been sick and have been out of commission for a week or so. Once we started to feel a little better we played in the leaves and hung out with cutie pie, baby G.




Jacek also had his first piano performance. I think I was more nervous than he was. Well, until he walked up to the piano and realized everyone was staring at him. He played Ode to Joy by Beethoven and he did so well! Ms. Anna sat with him on the bench and fine tuned everything. It sounded so nice. Jacek was the youngest kid there and that was the first time he had played in front of strangers. This was a very big deal! I thought he was going to back out at the last minute and I was OK with that. But, he pushed through his stage fright and nerves and played his best. I'm so proud of him. What a fine young little man he is turning out to be!


Overall, these past 2 weeks have been GREAT! Take it away, Jacek...