Back to reality

My mom has graciously given up use of her computer until ours is repaired. I was hoping to blog some pictures but found out I would need to upload 658 in order to do so, so you will have to wait until my computer is back.

Paul and I had a great time in Chicago last weekend visiting his brother, wife and two beautiful daughters. It was a wonderful weekend, a nice time to catch up with each other and family. It was so nice to be alone and actually talk uninterrupted. To our surprise we found lots to talk about.. We also had a blast staying up until the late hours of the night visiting with his brothers and their wives. Sweet Nora's baptism was beautiful; welcome to the church Nora. To see pictures, you can check out their blog at www.boldischar.blogspot.com. My parents and the kids all survived and greeted us with huge smiles and hugs when we returned. Good to get away but nice to come home. We are hoping to return maybe this summer with the kids for a visit and a family reunion.

Monday was back to reality for us. We have taken quite a break from school for the holidays, but it's time to get back on track. Not an easy or fun task for any of us. The week has been full of let's just say resistance, but we made it.

We had two trips to the dr. this week, but thankfully it's just your average virus. We also had 2 trips to the auto shop. Our van has been giving us some trouble the last month. I made the mistake at the last oil change to comment on how great the van has been to us. Since then we have been making almost weekly trips to the shop, and this week there was two. None of it major, but still such a hassle and very frustrating. We've put the word out that we're on the prowl for a new van- the big kind. We can't decide if we should go 12 or 15 passenger. The other exciting news is that Gabriella decided to be done with the crib. I know I should count my blessings that she stayed in it so long, but I was hoping for a little more time. Much to my chagrin, she climbed out repeatedly during nap time the other day, and we decided to take her crib down. Our very independent and determined 2 year old is now free to move about as she wishes; I can feel the grey hairs growing as I type. This came as a surprise, so we have no bed for her yet; her mattress aka "big girl bed" is now on the floor. This does not seem to bother her, but it is wreaking havoc on our backs. As my mother would say, "this too shall pass." True, but what will be next? Oh ya, potty training =(.