December 14, 2017

Almost a week without Francis proved to be challenging in more ways than one. The kids were sick for much of the time which meant we missed out on some of the fun in which we would have otherwise partaken. There were some bright spots though!

Last Thursday after I finished writing the kids and I went to the library before dinner so that they could make gifts for each other and me. They have a special event each year where they put out a bunch of supplies and kids and adults can construct gifts. While we were there, someone ran in the room and yelled, "It's snowing!" Of course we had to investigate and sure enough, big bright flakes were falling. Hannah had never seen snow and Robert had only seen it as a baby. All three kids happily ran through the flakes and stuck out their tongues to catch any snow they could. On the drive home, the thickness of the snow falling was noticeable. It was nearly like driving in fog. We got home and had dinner and sure enough...it was STILL snowing. And what's more, it was STICKING on the ground! The kids went out to play in it. At first Hannah thought she didn't need a coat or shoes, but she quickly realized mommy was right and hurried back to be better dressed. When the kids went to bed, there was about an inch of snow on the ground, and I promised them they could play in any snow that was left in the morning. Well, it snowed and snowed. College station gets snow that sticks once every decade, and never snow like this. By my bed time, there was at least 3 inches of snow on the ground and 4 or 5 on objects like the swing set and dog house. I search through the kids rooms in the dark and miraculously found 3 pairs of ski pants to fit all three kids as well as gloves, hats and boots to go with their coats. I set them out for the morning. The kids were up at the crack of dawn on Friday (who can blame them?!) and were excited to put on "snow clothes". We headed out before breakfast and played for over an hour and a half. After breakfast we went out and played more. Finally it was time to head to my friend Robin's house where she hosts an annual gingerbread house making party. Hot chocolate and good company were the perfect end to our morning. The only thing better would have been if Francis could have seen it!

William was up Friday night and Saturday morning with some sort of stomach bug, and thankfully no one else caught it. We couldn't go anywhere on Saturday as a result though. He was fine all day Saturday and so Sunday we went to church and AWANAS. Going into Sunday evening the runnning noses began. After a rough night, I took the kids to the doctor Monday morning and all three kids were diagnosed with sinus infections. No fun. So we've spent the rest of the week avoiding the world and going slightly stir crazy. We've gone to get gas an a couple last minute Christmas presents, but that's about it. the kids and I leave for Dallas in the morning (with Francis to follow later), so I'm praying everyone is healthy enough for travel by then...

Tuesday evening Francis got home from Tennessee. There was great rejoicing! Francis took us around to look at Christmas nights that evening and last nigh we had hot chocolate with him and lit the fire. It is so good to have him home. He thinks he got good results from his experiments but he still has to crunch all the numbers. It's one step closer to graduation!

December 7, 2017

Regular events are winding down and Christmas merriment is in full swing.

Last Friday our church had "O Holy Night" for our kids which consisted of a pancake dinner, reading of the Christmas story, crafts, petting zoo and pictures with Mary and Joseph in front of a manger scene. It was a very special night for our family and I am so glad we started the Christmas season being reminded of what all of it truly means. 

Saturday Francis and William went to Spark camp at A&M where William learned about different fields of engineering and participated in different challenges. He had a great time and Francis was adequately impressed. Robert, Hannah and I went to Target, Walmart, Payless, and had lunch at the mall. We also went to the library that same morning for a Christmas event. Needless to say all three of us needed a nap by the afternoon, but we had a ton of fun! That evening I went with the ladies from my Sunday School class to have a progressive dinner at three people's houses. It was so so fun!!! The conversation was good and the food delicious. I got to know some people better and would happily do it again. 

Sunday was full of Sunday school and AWANAS, but Hannah and I made a girls trip during Awanas to Target and Toys R Us to try to finish up shopping. She is still at the age where she looks around and never down when she is in the cart, so I was able to finish up shopping for the kids and send her to play on the mechanical train while I checked out. the clerk thought it was hilarious and double bagged everything so Hannah would be none the wiser. It was a great evening. 

Grocery shopping al la Monday was uneventful, but Monday evening Audrey B took me out for a belated birthday ice cream and we watched a movie together. She is amazing! Tuesday was our last CC class of the semester. During lunch we had cookies and special treats while each kid got the ornament they had made a couple of weeks prior. Our are proudly hanging on the tree. I'm happy to have survived my first semester tutoring. I'm happy for a little break. Tuesday evening was tutor training though. Happily it included a yummy dinner so I can't complain. 

Yesterday we weren't feeling great, but we did manage to go to the library to return and check out books. It has been raining and cold since Tuesday evening (it just finally stopped I think), so getting out has not been high on the priority list. When Francis got home, we did climb int he car and look at Christmas lights. It was kind of nice to see them sparkle in the rain. Not a bad way to spend an evening.

Speaking of Francis, he left in the wee hours of the morning to conduct some research in Tennessee. He made it this afternoon and will be there until Tuesday. The kids and I stayed home this morning to work on Christmas gifts, and we will be going to the library soon to allow the kids to make any gift they want (it's a special event). I'm looking forward to Tuesday when my husband gets back, but I am hoping to keep us busy until then. 

Wish us luck!