Lately

Finishing off 2015...

The days after Christmas involved a lot of toy playing, fighting, and game playing.  Did I say fighting?  Overwhelming amounts of fighting.  The kids haven't quite grasped the concept of playing by themselves.  Or should I say enjoy, because they know what it is and how to do it, but they need the other (or parent) to play with them.   Oh they're kids, let them be little, right?!

On Sunday the kids and I watched movies, played games while Nick slept since he got off work at 6am.

Xander still wasn't feeling well and he threw up that morning.  We sat on the couch and watched Paddington.

  

After Nick woke up, I headed to Target to check out the clearance, alone.  It was glorious.  I've been couped up in the house because of the weather, holidays, stores closed since Tuesday.  I was ready for an escape.

I found these comfy socks in the dollar section and Sterling thought they were ear warmers.  Silly girl.

On Monday it snowed all day, the base was closed as we are expected to get 4-8 inches.  I think we already had 6 inches at 5 pm.  I shoveled 95% of the driveway and sidewalks before everyone else came out.  It was nice to be alone, but really cold.  Nick played with the kids awhile and I came in to warm up and cook dinner.

On Tuesday we played games and tried to keep quiet as Nick had to sleep some of the day since he worked at 6p.  

The kids were playing as if they enjoyed being around each other.  They have a love-hate relationship.

Xander received a post card in the mail from his Uncle Cory and he wanted to write him a note so we walked it down to the mailbox to mail it.  In the freezing cold.

We were monkeying around.  Notice how Sterling has a different top than from earlier in the day?  This girl thinks she needs to put a new outfit/top on every. single. day. around 4p.  It's ridiculous.  She has a total meltdown and will ripe down dresses or tops out of her closet and change herself.

On Wednesday I had a class to take for work, so after I got home, I scooped up the kids and took them to Chick fil A.  It started out great, but ended with Xander fighting another kid.  The boy he punched was following him around and pushed him down, so Xander reacted by throwing punches.  I guess first response self defense?  I don't encourage fighting because fighting does not fix anything.  If anything, it makes things worse.  So, we left.  I was pretty upset that he would even throw punches because I've always told him to come get me or another adult when he's upset.  But, this is where different parenting conflicts come in.  Nick thinks he needs to defend himself when another kid does something harmful, such as pushing him down, and tells Xander all the time that he needs to fight back and stick up for himself or his sister.  

After our adventures in Chick Fil A, we headed home to take breaks and then Sterling and I headed to Yankee Candle and Bath & Body to take advantage of some great deals.

New Years Eve (today) started with making our #2015bestnine on Instagram.  How fun to see what people like to see.  

The rest of today involves playing games on the Wii, taking Hawkeye to the vet to get a shot, checking out Targets dollar spot, and grabbing milk at Sam's.  Fun times.  Now, let's just hope the kids are in good moods at the stores.  It's not looking good already, Xander's having a rough morning.

  Be safe and enjoy tonight, Happy New Years Eve!