The pics I mentioned...

TIME REALLY DOES GO BY FAST...

It's hard to believe that it's been almost two months since I took time out to sit down and write a new entry. For those of you who have been checking it for updates, I apologize. But, look at it this way: now you can catch up quickly!
So, what has gone on since Emily's baptism? For one I had a "nervous breakdown" or a "mental lapse" or what ever you want to call it. Blame it on all those "post-partum" hormones and chalk it up to post-partum depression. Anyways, it all seemed to unravel on Thanksgiving Day, and before you know it, I was sitting in Lori's driveway, crying hysterically. Looking back, it was probably the best thing I could have done because it forced me to see how depressed and stressed out I was! So, I went to Dr. Achilles and got on some "HAPPY PILLS". Let me tell you, they are the best thing since sliced bread! Honestly, I've felt great since starting them and I notice a big difference in the way I act around my kids. It's not that I'm "happy" all the time, but I don't feel ready to snap at any given moment, either!
So, what did I do with all this new-found freedom from stress you ask yourself? The only logical thing, of course! (NOT!!) I channeled my energy into a new project: baking. It started small - with the idea of hosting a cookie party for my friends and generating gifts for the Center of Concern/Toys for Tots program. I figured I'd bake cookies for the kids' teachers, bus driver, etc. Well...small plan goes big and I start selling my cookies through Abigails and the Bagel Shop. Thank Goodness for my mother and all of her WONDERFUL HELP AND SUPPORT (She'll probably read this, too!) We baked at work and at home and almost every day had something to do with baking. Both our kitchens were covered in flour for days on end and we stocked her basement freezer full of Christmas cookies. By the end of the season, I had sold over 120 pounds of cookies and probably given away another 10 pounds or so. (Yes, I did actually have my cookie party, but the kids' teachers, I'm sorry to say, did not get cookies for Christmas this year!) It was indeed a challenge, but it was a fun challenge and I'm looking forward to doing it again next year. It really gave me a sense of accomplishment with each batch we made and each tray I sold.
So, that explains what I did with my time instead of writing new entries about my kids. I did take some pictures here and there, though. We went on our Annual Santa Train Ride again this year and I got a few nice shots from that. Nicholas had a "pajama party" at school for his Christmas party - the theme was Christmas morning and each kid "donated" a gently used toy to the class room. We wrapped the toys and then each kid opened one at the party. It was really a great idea and a huge success! So, that's what the pics are from in the next blog, since once again I am having trouble loading them in here. Next week, if not sooner, I'll write about what an awesome Christmas we had at home, and then we're off to sunny Florida for a week!
Take care all and leave a comment or two about the blog if you want!