The Tree Must Go, But The Joy Stays!

We won't let Christmas go! We're holding on for another day of fun and family. Jay is with us for a few more days and the kids are still playing with the toys from yesterday. First thing this morning Jacob asked if he could ride his bike. The temperature outside was only 29 degrees, so we made him stay inside and eat some breakfast first. He'll be out there later, though. Both kids are now romping around the house in their new cowboy boots from Aunt Paige and Uncle Allan. They really are the coolest boots, and the kids have taken a liking to them like I never expected. We're going to have to find a pair for Katie Mei once she gets here.

Now, for a recap of yesterday. Merrilee and Daddy got up and made blueberry muffins for the family while we waited for Jacob to wake up. Then we moved to the living room where the past several weeks of secret keeping was unveiled. The kids opened their stockings with their annual nutcracker dolls (I collect one for each child every year), and Jacob got the first glimpse of his new bike. He's been wanting a two-wheeler since Merrilee quit using training wheels in October. He watched with amazement as she took to new heights of speed and freedom, and now he's wanting it for himself. So good-bye Big Wheel, hello bruises!

Before Christmas Merrilee was determined she wanted to get her dad a trophy for Christmas. She went to the hardware store and asked the salesman to tell her where the trophies for dad's were. The poor man had to admit that they didn't sell trophies, but he did talk her into a multi-purpose screwdriver and a key ring that said "World's Greatest Dad" on it. She made her purchases, but still came home wanting a trophy for him. So we got out the play-doh and she sculpted one herself. I hot-glued the pieces together after they dried, and she lovingly painted it gold. I'm not sure Daddy understands how much love really went into that trophy. I hope he does.

After the piles of wrapping paper were removed, the official gluttony photos were taken. I do this every year. I guess it just helps us keep track of how old their toys are, and what not to buy them again if they never play with it.

The turkey was stuffed, and the casseroles were prepared, so it was time to head out for a long walk in the much missed sunshine. We've had cold and rain here seemingly endlessly for two months, so it was pure joy to go to St. Mary's City for a family walk and bike ride for an hour or two. The kids loved it, and it was refreshing to get out of the house. I haven't been on a walk since I was in the hospital, so I revelled in the exercise and fresh air. I also got to play with my new camera and try out some of its features. It's definitely a keeper!

When we came home, Merrilee and I both were wiped out. She's had a bit of a cold for the past week, so after a dose of medicine, she was zonked. I tried to nap, but someone was upstairs stomping around in his cowboy boots and riding his hobby horse, so I had to forgo the nap. I just babysat the turkey and got stuff ready for dinner. We ate and finished the evening with two tired little kids who didn't want to go to bed.

And so here we are today, the day after Christmas. I had cold turkey and reheated broccoli casserole for breakfast, followed by a piece of pecan pie. I was thinking about that casserole all night and couldn't wait to eat it again! Wonder what I'll have for lunch. We did the unthinkable and took our Christmas tree down today. I know, how sacrelige. Well, let me tell you, that tree was awful. I couldn't keep up with its water demands, and it was a DEMANDING tree. I watered it every day, but it just got drier and drier. So Jay has been vacuuming up needles since he got home last Friday. As you recall, I skimped on decorating it this year, not knowing if we'd be leaving for China anytime soon. So it was no trouble at all to take the kids' decorations off quickly and remove the lights. Once that thing was out of my living room, my house felt so much cleaner. It took a good 45 minutes to sweep and vacuum the remaining needles, and I still have a couple throw rugs that have needles threaded through them. I think we're going to be finding pine needles until next July.

So on that note, we're off to the dump to dispose of the trash (Exactly how much packing material does one Littlest Pet Shop Clubhouse need these days??? Is seven pieces of plastic, sixteen rubber bands, a carboard box, a cardboard frame, and cellophane really necessary for a clubhouse, two tiny animals, and four tinier accessories?). We'll chow down on turkey and mayo sandwiches and cranberry jello, and then we're off to the store to buy a memory card for my camera. I'm going to need it!

Love to all,

Petrie and the gang

Wishes for a Merry Christmas

God Bless Us, Everyone!

We hope you are all enjoying your Christmas Day. We sure are! We opened presents, started the turkey, went for a long walk/bike ride in St. Mary's City, and are now in napping mode. Jacob got a new bike and has reveled in his new freedom. The kids loved the long bike ride with Mom and Dad walking along, and we explored some parts of St. Mary's City which we hadn't been through before. The day was beautiful and I loved trying out my new camera.

More photos will follow, but for now we send our love and Christmas wishes to you.

Love,

Jay, Pet, and the kids

Leaving in three weeks!

We got our call from the adoption agency and our travel approval came in today. We are scheduled to leave for China on Thursday, January 8th. Our agency is now making a consulate appointment for us. I can now officially start packing.

Petrie

'Tis the Season for a Tree

Saturday Jay was home and we took the kids to the tree farm. Jay loves to get a fresh-cut tree, and I love that about him. I get so frustrated with the mess and the bugs in the house that every year I say I'm ready for a fake tree, but every year we get a fresh tree and I love it. And yes, the cat has already toppled the tree...the first night it was in the house. He seems to do that every year. I've learned to wait a couple nights before putting on the good glass ornaments because he's going to do whatever he does in the wee hours of the night, and cleaning up the tree water from the carpet is enough work...I don't want to clean up glass, too. Anyway, Jay was up early on Sunday morning to find the tree lying on its side, and he graciously cleaned up the mess. Thanks, Hon!

I decided not to get out all the fancy ornaments this year, since we'll probaby have to take the tree down in a couple weeks anyway. Each child has a box of personal ornaments, either those handmade ones from preschool or ones that were received as gifts. So I let the children decorate the tree with their own ornaments, put on a little garland and lights, added a handful of candy canes, and it was done. It's not a beauty this year, but we still enjoy basking in the glow of this Advent season and the lights just seem to set the mood.

Best Wishes,
Petrie

Update on our stuff

So far not much change for me. I went to the cardiologist's office today and was fitted with the Holter monitor for 24-hours. Not very comfortable, but livable. I return it to the office tomorrow and a technician and the cardiologist will review it and let me know what's next. I'm hoping to get an appointment with the Dr. before we leave for China.

Jay's dad was released from the hospital today. We are thankful for that, and hope he continues to recover.

Thank you all for your prayer coverage during this time. We really appreciate the calls, emails, meals (Thanks, Lisa!--it was marvelous!), and kindnesses offered. We are truly blessed to have you as friends.

Love,
Petrie

I've got two Five year olds now

Today was Jacob's fifth birthday. Here are just a few scenes from the occasion. Jacob wasn't on his best behavior today, so we had tears, and of course he wouldn't smile for the official photo with the cake. This was not my favorite birthday day. But the kids had fun once the presents were opened and all the misery was forgotten (except mine...I feel like I need a good shoulder to cry on today. Ugh.)

Since Jacob opened his presents one hour ago, he has proceeded to break two of them. One was the backdrop for his Playmobil pirates and the other was a homemade gift Merrilee made for him. He makes me nuts the way he just destoys stuff. He also broke a toy car I bought for him this spring. He doesn't care...just nonchalantly throws it in the trash when its broken. Sure wish I knew how to make him care more about his (and other people's) stuff.

I do have to say, I'm rather pleased with the cake. I wasn't able to buy one this year because I was in the hospital, so I had to wing it and make one myself. It turned out better than I expected. Wish I had done it on a piece of cardboard rather than kept it in the pan, but the pan is great because it comes with a lid to keep the cake fresh. Kids don't care if the cake is in a pan or not, right?

So today is over and I've got virtual twins for the next five months. So funny when people ask me how old my kids are and I tell them. Then they ask if they're twins and I say "no". I've seen a lot of confused looks and it's always enjoyable. And now when I holler at the kids "Stop it! You're acting like a coupla five year olds!" I'll really mean it.

Petrie