Minus the flu part, of course.   

Cold weather, fog, warm fires, Christmas decorations and cookies, San Francisco trips, birthday parties, lots of time with family and friends.  It all makes such good memories. 

The music co-op continues to be a real blessing.  The music filling my house is wonderful.    They have all been diligent in their practise, and I haven't had to prod them.  I hope that continues. 

We are still doing school this week, and probably next week also.  Mean Mommy.  We usually do less during the holidays, but this year has been a little off schedule because of baby and vacations.  We still have lots of time for all the Christmas festivities, though. 

I actually have the decorations up including the tree, and it feels good to be finished.  I'm trying to be a little slower paced this year, we'll see how that goes.    I even have most of the presents bought.  Granted I'm doing a lot fewer this year.  It's the thought that counts, right?  So I'm going to relax and enjoy the time.

Because I was accomplishing so much before baby, I decided to add one more thing.     The kids have started a music co op with some friends.  I am thrilled for this opportunity for them.   They will be learning different instruments, and playing in an orchestra combined with beginners and advanced musicians.   The more proficient players are great with the...ummmm...less than perfect ones.  It's helped that my kids are able to play the piano.  It gives them a basic understanding to branch off into different areas.  We have been having fun trying to track down their individual instruments.  Number one plays the clarinet.  He has had a few lessons, and is excited to be learning new things.  Number two wants to try her hand at the cello (I'm very happy about this).  Number three is going for the flute, and is practising constantly.  Number four and five are starting out with the recorder and chimes, along with dances and singing.  I think it's a little crazier in their classroom.    There is also choir practise, which I'm involved with also.  Hey, maybe I'll even branch out at a later time and learn a new instrument. 

Since I am sitting awake at 3:00 am, I decided to write a post.   TJ and I had a fantastic trip to New York last week.  I completely overdid it, but had a great time.  It was fun to see all of the different sights that I've heard about or seen in movies.  We crammed a lot in each day, and saw everything we had planned to see and more.   The first night we got tickets for the Phantom of the Opera.  Not the best seats in the house, but still a good time.  Of course, we ate lots of delicious New York pizza once, or even twice, a day.  We also stayed at a very nice hotel, located in Times Square.  Great amenities, very convenient.  It was a wonderful way to end my traveling before baby arrives. 

I'm doing some serious nesting right now, even though I have a few more weeks to go.  I have too many projects planned as usual.  I'm going to attempt to paint some walls in the house, switch clothes for the new season, and get the babies "room" and things ready.   Which includes shopping for some new furniture and odds and ends.  I also turn into more of a clean freak than usual. I want everything neat and sparkling. Every medical appointment for the kids has been crammed in now, too, so I don't have to worry about them later.  My poor little boys are probably tired of sitting in waiting rooms looking at magazines, and being told to sit still and be quite.  Good thing the weather is pleasant, and they can run around outside afterwards.  On top of all that, my inlaws are coming for a weeks visit this Thursday.   Yeah, and sleep is illusive.  Hopefully, I get everything accomplished, and don't have the baby while TJ is out of town.  That wouldn't be good. 

This Monday my baby girl turned eleven!  She is getting so grown up.  Such a wonderful  and sweet blessing to us!  She loves to help out and is sensitive to other's needs.  Most importantly she has a heart for God.  I'm looking forward to the years ahead with her as she becomes a young lady!

I'm going to try and get some rest....hmm.