December 28, 2005 1:27 PM
Thirty minute update
There's so much catching up I need to do here! And I keep putting off even starting because I’ve only been able to grab a couple minutes here and there – just enough to post your comments, which I appreciate so much and hope you understand I haven’t had time to respond to.
There are about ten things which I could write a whole blog entry about, but instead I’ll take 30 minutes to briefly catch you up on everything in as few words as possible – maybe some of the blanks will get filled in later.
On Christmas morning, we got up and sat down in the dining room for the Christmas brunch we usually have after opening presents. Then got ready and went to church, which was amazingly special because it was the first service at our new building. I am saying our because Tripp and I have decided to become members of Blue Ridge Bible Church – if they will have us :) Although we don’t have much time to socialize and meet people, I feel comfortable and simpatico with the families there – many large, homeschooling families, lots of adoptions, very modest young women.
Church was wonderful – all lessons and carols. The boys had new suits and dress shoes and I snapped this picture:
We came home and opened presents. This year I got several kids digital cameras. This isn’t as extravagant as it seems, as the cameras are so useful and so inexpensive to operate. I remember the old days when my kids wanted to take pictures and I was very limiting because of the cost to develop them – especially since most weren’t that good. Now with digital, there’s no money wasted. Tripp’s present to me was a promise to go off to Nags Head for a few days to listen to the waves. That would be nice – hope it will be soon.
Today is Sophia’s 16th birthday. She and Jonny and Maddy are taking a 9-3 theater/dance workshop this week. Today I am picking up the girls to go to Macy’s to look for some dressy clothes on sale. Tomorrow night we are going to see Les Miserables, our favorite musical, with a small crowd of 16 – family and friends. And next week, Maddy – who’s participating in Cotillion for the third year (If this seems a little off, just reserve judgment 'til I explain in a blog to come about the many benefits I've seen) – has a semi-formal dinner/dance she needs a dress for.
Ben and Zach have been in charge of recreation for Jesse, Daniel and Justin each day – Monday was the zoo, Tuesday Narnia – so I can get my house back together after being sick and getting through Christmas. I am so glad we all went to the doctor last week. Once the antibiotics kicked in I realized exactly how sick and tired I had been.
Big dinner tonight – two of the boys’ favorites: flank steak and chicken broccoli curry casserole. They are both main dishes, but I had to use both the steak and the chicken today or else. You know how that goes. Recipes later.
We always wait to celebrate a birthday when the whole family will be together – so we’ll do Sophia’s favorite dinner (fried chicken) and cake on Sunday.
With a February 1 deadline for my next book The Mommy Survival Guide (which will be out this summer), I’m not sure how much I’ll be blogging – but I write fast (I’m only halfway through my 30 minutes, which may answer the question some of you have asked about how I find time for writing: in the beginning, it’s painstaking, but eventually you strike oil and it just flows. Now my natural state is blogging and I have to stop myself so I can do my life)
My Blog Commando is redecorating a little. We are working on a color scheme change and making my blog as user-friendly as possible, as many moms (and dads) who stop here are not familiar with this new territory. Ben is going to take a new picture of me.
January 15 is Mommy Life’s first birthday! I’m up for a party of some sort – maybe I’ll give away some free books or something. Oh, and let you know my visitor/entry/comment counts.
If you’re looking for gift ideas, here are some ideas for free :)
**Add yourself to the frappr on the right sidebar.The more the merrier!**Email me a photo for my Inspiration Board and flickr.
**Invite me to come speak at your MOPS or women’s group.
**Send a little note to all the moms on your email list – and women’s group leaders – to tell them about Mommy Life.
Comments
"Now my natural state is blogging and I have to stop myself so I can do my life."
Ha ha.
Posted by: Julana | December 28, 2005 4:59 PM
Okay Barbara! sounds like a deal to me!! I invite you to come to our MOPS here in England! LOL!(I can't imagine you making such a long trip with so many needing you at home, but thought i'd take the opportunity and throw it out there! ;)
but, you are MORE than welcome!! HEY! we could get matching pics of us in our Lucy aprons!! HA HA! no really, i WILL be sending you the pic of me in my apron, among others, to put on your inspirational board. ;)
the boys suits are so sweet!!! one of those pics that even though they are not my kids,it still melts my mommy heart!
~Kristy in the UK
Posted by: Kristy | December 29, 2005 4:49 AM
Barb, your Christmas sounds wonderful. And what a good looking group of kids!
I'm looking forward to those recipes and to your new book! : )
Posted by: Elena | December 29, 2005 7:23 PM
Barbara,
What a beautiful picture of those precious kids of yours!
I'm not a part of any MOPS or any other group, but you're welcome to my home any time for tea and conversation! ;)
I'm really looking forward to that book this summer!
May you and yours have a very blessed 2006 year!
Posted by: Laura | December 30, 2005 11:56 AM
We just arrived back in home from the holidays, and I was so excited to read the recent posts. The blog looks great, I love the new picture, and I can't wait to hear more about the new book. May 2006 bring many blessings to you and your family.
Posted by: Carrie | December 31, 2005 6:11 PM
