The Croup

Last night Abby was up all night coughing. So today, after numerous attempts trying to get in touch with our family doctor, I ended up taking her to outpatients. There, I found out that she has The Croup. As far as I can remember, this is our first experience with the croup. I always associate it with little infants, but apparently you can get it anywhere from 0-5 years. Jules probably had it too, when she was sick last week, but since she is almost five, it did not affect her as strongly as it is affecting Abby. This is when you are supposed to take them into a steamy bathroom or outside on a cold night. It helps them to breathe better. To hear Abby cough is a sin. My stomach gets sick every time. I feel so helpless and scared. They said it is quite common and not too serious but when you hear your child barking like that, you can't help but worry. They said it usually lasts for three nights. That's three nights of really bad coughing. Three long, sleepless nights. I'm sure I have at least one night under my belt already. She coughed a little bit Monday night, but I don't think that one will count. So that is why I am up typing on the computer right now. Abby is asleep on the couch. I just know I won't be getting much sleep for awhile.

On the bright side, I'm pretty much ready for Christmas. Tonight we went delivering Christmas cards. I always enjoy doing that every year, but tonight Abby was barking in the back seat. Every now and then we would turn the heater off in attempts to give her some cool air which is supposed to help. Jason even rolled down all the windows once, but I made him put them up because I was scared the rest of us would catch pneumonia. I just have to make one more batch of peanut brittle and that's it. Today I made chocolates to give to Christina, Judy and over at Mom's. I still need to catch up on laundry(it's never-ending!!), clean the bathroom and mop the floors. I already made and froze a rice/pork casserole for Christmas Eve. I just have to make the chicken legs. I might even make those tomorrow night so I won't have to bother on Friday. Christmas Eve will be busy enough. Jason has to work most of the day so I will have to get all three kids and myself bathed and dressed. Plus I want to make my dressing for Saturday ahead of time. We're supposed to be over at Mom's for 3:00pm. Jason will most likely have to join us later, which is kinda sad - the thought of him coming home to an empty house and getting ready alone on Christmas Eve. But at least he is off on Christmas Day. No re-scheduling Christmas this year!

The Best Intentions

I really had the greatest intention to write every day. However, every day there seemed to be something more pressing to do. Most days I didn't even turn the computer on! I wish I had written at least a couple of times, because it makes the recap all the more difficult. But here goes nothing..................

* We left for Moncton at 4:00pm on Friday, Dec 10th. My children stayed the night over at Mom's house. It was so energizing to see the lights of Moncton again. We stayed at Hotel Beau. I was beyond excited to finally drive through that gate. We were on the sixth floor. Our room overlooked the Assumption Building and Main Street. So just outside my window was one of those huge angels all lit up for Christmas. I loved it!

We walked to Bosford Street to see Magi. We were surprisingly early. When it was finally time to enter, there hanging bright and beautiful, was The Gown of Stillness. I instantly saw my pieces of material that I had donated. They were sparkling, catching the light. She used them in numerous places for that very reason. When I first met Magi, I was struck first by how small she was, and then by how nice and down to earth she seemed. I told her that I had read her book in one sitting and mentioned a line that had stuck in my mind. For some reason I could feel the tears coming to my eyes and a lump forming in my throat. Kellie had warned me that this might happen. She tends to have this effect on people. I had this unbelievable feeling of dejavu, or that I was exactly where I was meant to be at that moment. I took a lot of pictures of the gown and even got one taken of myself and Kellie with Magi. She even asked me to email the pictures to her!

Her reading was very intimate. Even though I had already read The Queen Of Peace Room, the book she was reading from, it felt completely new coming from her own voice. I even got up the nerve to ask her a question afterwards! Later, as she was signing copies of her book, Jason suggested that I buy one of my own. This way I could have my very own copy signed to me. He did very well considering that this was not exactly his "scene". All in all, it was a night I shall never forget. I'd even think I had imagined it all except I have a book which reads "To Jennifer, who loves the same line as me. Magi".

After the reading, Jason and I walked to The Lonestar restaurant. Kellie was getting a drive from another writer she knew. The four of us pigged out on steak and chicken sandwiches and nachos and salsa. Even though another lady had joined us, I still instigated conversations and was myself the whole time. I was quite impressed and proud of myself. Later, as we were walking back to the hotel, we spontaneously went down into The Piano Bar. It's this small quaint space which has, you guessed it, a man singing and playing the piano. Kellie and I totally loved it! He even sang "Piano Man". Occasionally a man from the bar would join in on his harmonica. We had one drink and then went back to Hotel Beau. None of us got much sleep. I kept getting up and staring down at Main Street.

Saturday morning we got up early and went to The Market for breakfast. I had the best French toast I've ever eaten. It was drizzled in maple and chocolate syrup and covered in flavor-bursting berries. Yummy! I bought myself a necklace and Kellie got a lot of her shopping done for Stacy and Mom. Then we sadly checked out of the hotel and it was off to Champlain Place. To say that it was busy there would be a great understatement. I felt so claustrophobic in Walmart, I might never go in another one. The good news is that I did buy myself a dress! The last dress I bought myself was my wedding dress......so I think it was time. It's black and made of a chiffon-like material so it is very twirly and flowing. It's sleeveless and kinda criss-crosses in the front. There is a little flower pinned over my heart and it came with it's own long flowing scarf. I also bought really long black earrings to match. Unfortunately, because of the weather, we ended up not going to Jason's work Christmas party, which is where I had intended to wear the dress. And we are no longer planning a New Year's Eve Party because we have no babysitter. But hey- now I own a fabulous dress if ever I get invited to something swanky. I'm even considering wearing it over to Mom's on Christmas Eve, just to wear it once.

* Sunday, Dec 12th, was our Anniversary. We went to town to finish up our shopping and to buy our Christmas tree. I bought a new pair of jeans, black dress pants and a white shirt and tie.

* Monday, Dec 13th, we decorated our tree and watched Christmas programs on television.

* Thursday, Dec 16th, I took the kids to town and met up with Jason after work to get our Christmas groceries, which of course, came in over budget. Then Jason took the kids home, while I ran into the mall to grab a few last minute things. I actually bought a Christmas tablecloth(only plastic) which is actually staying on the table. I think we are finally ready to have a tablecloth on the table all the time without little hands ripping it off. I also finally got to buy myself a real poinsettia plant, which I am using as a centerpiece.

*Friday, Dec 14th, was Paulina's 5th Birthday party. I didn't really want to go since my head was aching but Sherry needed help and my kids really wanted to go. This year Paulina had friends from school invited. There ended up being ten kids in total. But it actually went quite well. That night Jason opted not to attend the Keenan Christmas Party because he was just too tired.

* Saturday, Dec 15th, was spent completely trying to catch up on everything!! Laundry, dishes, mopping, writing out Christmas cards and making peanut brittle.

* Sunday, Dec 16th, was the kids Sunday School Pageant. In the morning at 10:00am was practice. It was snowing quite hard so I got Jason to drop us off and pick us up. To my surprise I received three Christmas presents from some of my students. I hadn't expected that at all. It was very sweet and kinda touching. After scrambling home, trying to get the kids and myself ready, it was curtain time at 2:30pm. One of my students didn't show so we had to make a last minute change, but no one could tell. Jules and Samuel did very well. Samuel even spoke directly into the mic. Abby wasn't feeling very well, so she had a couple of crying spells. At the end, they all got a gift. With the snow and the kids, it was a moment full of the Christmas Spirit.

* Monday, Dec 17th, was spent again trying to catch up on everything. I think I have made four batches of peanut brittle so far. The biggest news is that I finally wrapped all my presents and put them under the tree.

There! I think that pretty much recaps everything.

Today I'm getting my haircut and since Jason got called into work, Mom or Kellie is going to run over and keep the kids while I'm gone. I'm also going to try to bake Christmas cookies today using a new recipe from my Kraft magazine. Plus, I still have to make at least one more batch of peanut brittle and, depending on time, would like to make some mini chocolates to give to friends. And tonight, after Jason gets home from work, we are supposed go delivering Christmas cards. So I guess I've already spent too much time on the computer and should go and get to it!!

I Will Read My Name

Monday night I took the kids to party number three. It went well. They decorated gingerbread men, entered pictures into a coloring contest and received a treat bag from St. Nicholas. I was a little worried about how "religious" it was going to be, but it wasn't too bad. No bashing of Santa Clause or anything. I was the last one to leave which meant I was left alone with Father Barrett. I was a little uncomfortable but survived.

Tuesday morning Jules climbed into bed with me and asked, "What are we doing today Mommy?".

"Nothing. I have some things to do."

"Just normal things?"

"Yes, just normal things!"

I swear my kids have a little bit of Jewish in them and are attempting to celebrate Hanukkah.

Today I finally finished decorating the inside of my house. It's Dec.8th!! I should be ashamed of myself, taking this long, but at least it is done now. Last night I watched the DVD The Bourne Supremacy starring Matt Damon. I wrote my review this morning and Kellie published it this afternoon. http://www.breadnmolasses.com/atlanticlifestyle/id111.html Tonight I plan to start stringing popcorn to decorate my boughs with. I 'm kicking myself for not saving last years. But last year I enjoyed sitting on the couch, watching tv and stringing popcorn. This year, I'm more pressed for time.

I have my letters all cut out for Sunday School, but still have to color them purple. Tonight, I was talking to Jason on the phone and Jules overheard us talking about Sunday School. As I hang up the phone she's shouting.

"Mommy, Mommy! I can say something! Our Dad who works in heaven. I will read my name."

It's moments like these that can always make me smile.

Busy, Busy, Busy - The Sequel

Yesterday was the Underhill Christmas Party. To my surprise it went over quite well. I mean, there were a lot of no-shows, but I think everyone that did attend had a good time. This year we had a lot of "firsts". It was the first time for the following: being in the Knights of Columbus Hall, having decorations and table cloths, etc..., any food and drink, Christmas Music, organized games for the children and the singing of Christmas Carols. Unfortunately for us, it was also the first time Santa Clause could not attend. Of all people, the guest of honor! But Santa was very busy with the Christmas Parade, so he couldn't make it. He did, however, drop off some presents for the children. In actuality, David, who has played Santa for the last two years, wasn't feeling good and Gary, who was our back-up, was home trying desperately to get water, which had been absent for over a week. The kids took the news quite well and really appeared to enjoy themselves.

Later, while waiting for the Santa Claus Parade to begin, Jason and I were trying to decide if we could make it to his work Christmas Party next Saturday night at the Rodd. Apparently, Gorman's taxi will be providing transportation to and from the party for all employees, with the mill footing the whole bill. Jason has to verify if that is only for people who live in the city limits, but he was talking to one guy who lives in Neguac, who said he is going to be using it. Also, anyone who attends, will have their names entered for a doorprize consisting of two nights stay at a resort in PEI. It's like fate speaking to me.

The only problem is that we are going to be in Moncton on Saturday, shopping all day. We'll just get home, see the kids, let Mom leave and then it will be time for Margaret and Gerdie to come and babysit while we go to the party. It seems a little selfish to leave the kids for the entire weekend. Not to mention how tired we will be after shopping and driving home from Moncton. But, on the other hand, how often does one get to go out dining and dancing at the Rodd? I told Jason that since we might get to go out for his work party, I wouldn't feel the need to go out as much on New Years. Jason wasn't too keen on going out for New Year's anyway. He'd rather just stay home, drink martinis and play games. Then I thought, why not have our own New Year's Eve party? If we could send the kids up to Jason's parent's house for the night, we could have a party here. They have never stayed up there before, but this summer they stayed over at Mom's while I threw Jason's birthday party, and they were fine. He has since asked his parents but haven't received a definite answer yet. It's funny how I was so stressed planning the Underhill Xmas Party, and then as soon as it is over, I'm like.......let's throw a New Year's Eve Party at our house!!! That wouldn't be stressful at all!! I'm sick.

Today we took the kids to party number two - Jason's work party for the children. It too was at the Rodd. The kids had a really good time. There was coloring pages and crafts for the kids to do, and face painting. Jules and Abby got their face painted but Samuel opted out. The lineup was too long and he didn't want to waste time getting to Santa Clause, who also had a pretty long lineup. There were cookies and icing, so each child could decorate their own. A long table was filled with coffee, orange and apple juice, lemonade and cookies. It was Samuel's first time drinking out of a wine glass. He enjoyed it a little too much. While waiting in line for Santa, you could munch on an assortment of chips and cheeses. There was also a huge screen that was continuously playing various children Christmas Movies. Samuel and Jules both sat beside Santa to get their present. Abby, not so much. She'd only go close enough to grab her gift out of his hand. Jules and Abby both got a My Little Pony and a bag of candy, and Samuel also got a bag of candy and a Thomas the Tank Engine toy. Outside there were free sleigh rides. We had dressed the kids up very warm in their snowsuits, so before leaving we took a ride on the sleigh. It traveled in a circle around Water Street and then back to the front of the Rodd. I cannot describe how cold it was. The wind almost literally blew Abby over! It was insane! The kids were dressed warm enough with their heads completely covered, but I'll be surprised if Jason and I do not get an ear infection. It took forever for my ears to thaw out. I didn't know anyone there, but all in all, I still had a nice time. Jason was really glad we went. I think it helps him a little to socialize with co-workers outside the mill.

Tomorrow night is party number three - Sunday School's St. Nicholas Party. It starts at 6pm and is in the basement of the church. Tuesday night I'm supposed to watch a DVD to review for http://www.breadnmolasses.com, which means I'll have to find time Wednesday to write my column. Thursday will probably be just catch up day - laundry, cleaning, spending time with the kids, etc... And then Friday afternoon, we're off to Moncton! Busy, busy, busy..........

Winter Wonderland

Yesterday I got so excited to see the snow; these huge flakes the size of loonies falling gracefully to the ground. After Jason got home from work and ate his supper, he demanded that we all go outside. It was time to build our snow family. It's become somewhat of a tradition for us. At least once every winter, if not several times, we take the kids out and build five snowmen - one for each of us. Two large ones, two medium ones, and one smaller one. Last night Jason even built a Benjamin, our pet cat. I'd post a picture of them, only our batteries went dead in the camera. I think Jason did manage to get it to work long enough to take one picture, so maybe I'll post it later.

Jason got called in to work today. We were supposed to go to town and get groceries, but will have to wait until tomorrow. I still haven't decorated for Christmas and it's December 2nd! I'm starting to panic a little. So today the plan is to take care of the usual chores first - dishes, laundry, etc.. and then begin trimming the inside of the house. But if I'm running late, I might just screw the usual and decorate anyway. December 2nd and not decorated. This is not acceptable!!

I Did It!

Last night I stayed up til 2:30am painting the kitchen. But it's finally done! I wiped down the ceiling and cupboards today and yesterday I housecleaned the bathroom and the hallway. Now I am finally ready to decorate........I just have no energy to do it. How ironic.

And on a totally different topic, Mom just asked me to help out at the school for their Christmas Dinner. I would be volunteering to do the dishes, clean up, etc... Jason works all next week though, so the only way I could go is if I had someone keep my kids. Margaret works so it would have to be Kellie, but Mom doesn't want to ask. She's going to see if Bernadette found anyone else. But the big news is that she actually told Bernadette that I was interested in replacing Mom when she retires in a few years, and that Bernadette said ok. "So you can pretty much just relax and know that you'll have a job", Mom said.

I have to say I had a little panic attack when Mom told me this. Silly I know, because Mom won't be retiring for another four years. But just to know that I will be going back to work made me feel like someone had kicked me in the stomach. I have been extremely fortunate to stay home with my children. I haven't worked since I was pregnant with Jules and Samuel. That's over four years so by then it will be eight years! So just the idea of returning to the workforce kinda scared me. It's been so long that you feel like you can't do it. Not just the actual work, but the whole social thing, having a boss, etc... It just really hit me that it's not going to last forever. The kids are going to go to school, grow up and not be with me every day. Then one day, they're even going to move out! I really cherish days like today. Just ordinary days where it's just me and the kids. But if I can luck out and get a job at the school, where my schedule is the same as theirs, that would be amazing. Mom warns me that I wouldn't be earning much money, but just to be there if the kids need me is enough for me.