January's Joyfulness

It's been a wonderful couple of days. Sunday I was going to a shower on the south side so we went to Mass on that side of town. We sat with grandma, papa, Aunt Katie, and Aunt Monica. Then we went to brunch for papa's delicious bagel, egg, and cheese sandwiches. While I went to the baby shower, John helped papa put the Christmas decorations upstairs and cut some firewood in case the power went out during the big ice storm. When I got back, John said that we could hire Monica and go to dinner since I was dressed up from the shower. Anyone else cooking right now, due to my nausea, sounds absolutely marvelous. The meal was delicious. Even just that hour away from the kids gave John and I some long needed one-on-one time to talk.
The next morning, Charlie woke up saying, "Where's Aunt Monica? Where's Aunt Monica?" Since Monica has started classes at ASU she comes and chills at our house right now in between instead of driving all the way home. He is just used to her being around lately and it has been grand. The kids have loved having her stop by everyday. Hopefully I can continue to offer delicious lunches and math help to encourage the tradition throughout the rest of the semester.
Yesterday, John had the day off so he put up Annie's door to her bedroom and started the door to her closet. Then we started to straighten the house that has flipped upside down since I've been pregnant. I really did forget about this whole first trimester tiredness and sickness. Oh well, it will done in a few weeks.
Angela came over and helped me make a new recipe, Island Style Chicken and Blackberry pudding for dessert. She learned so many unique recipes from the Sisters of so many different cultures. It really was nice to spend time with her before her busy semester starts up. We were relaxing after dinner and carrying on an adult conversation. I know that you are thinking, "How were you carrying on this conversation with the two kids?" Well they were letting us chat so nicely by playing quietly upstairs. They colored ANNIE"S NEW CLOSET DOOR, WOOD CABINETS, AND CARPET with crayons and markers. They were playing nicely together though. Well with Angela's help, we got it all cleaned up with carpet cleaner and magic erasers. May God bless Angela for all the love and support she gives to us and our children. Today John has off again so I'm sure it will be another wonderful day full of crazy adventures.

The Culprit Covered in the Evidence





Angela and the Kids