Hello from MO!

To say it has been busy around here since I last posted would be an understatement.  I'm not usually one to say I'm busy since that is a given in today's world, we're all busy.  I'll say it again, we've been BUSY!

In 100 words or less,  Dec. 31, celebrated New Year's Eve at noon with family.  Jan. 1, the boys and I arrived in Missouri and camped out in our house.  Jan. 2, painter finished painting 3 bedrooms and bathroom.  Jan. 3, school started for Zack and George.  Jan. 5, my mom had surgery (she is doing well) and new carpet installation began.  Jan. 6, carpet install continued.  Jan. 7, carpet installation finished and movers arrived with our stuff.  10 movers!  We slept in our own beds that night for the first time in 24 days.  Jan. 8, a house full of boxes.

New Year's Eve at Noon balloon drop re-enactment, the kids love doing that over and over  (notice the awesome streamer decorations)

You can guess what we've been doing since Jan. 8.  The unpacking is going well, sometimes it is a daunting task.  We have a few rooms that are box-free.  Since the movers packed everything, it's like going on your own personal archaeological dig.  You never know what you're going to find.  The house is 11 years old so we're updating it and adding the personal touches to make it our home.

The boys' bathroom before

The boys' bathroom after 

The boys have been real troopers.  Andy was the last one to "get it" since it is hard to explain moving to a 2 year old.  He walked around the house for the first two weeks saying, "I want to go home".  He told me today this is our new home.  Maybe he's finally figured it out.

 Zack and George are doing amazingly well at their new school, Sacred Heart.  They look forward to going each day.  George has been dubbed "George from Georgia" by the pre-k4 class.  His teacher said he made new friends easily and you would never know he is the new kid.  Zack got the nicest note from his teacher the first week.  It said, "Zack is adjusting so well to school.  He is a bright and friendly boy.  We are so happy to have him in our class."  I'm very thankful as I was a nervous wreck about it.  Apparently they were doing fine.  Zack even took up the gifts at the all-school Mass on the first Friday.  Go Zack!  George goes on MWF from 7:45 - 10:45 so he knows he stays home with Mommy now on the T days.  He went to school 5 mornings a week in GA.  Zack's school day is from 7:45 - 2:50.  It takes less than 10 min. to get to the school, hooray!  It took us 20+ min. to get to St. Rose.

Andy's room before

Andy's room after new carpet and paint

 Zack and George's room before

Zack and George's room after new carpet and paint

We had one snow day last week which was nothing compared to the whole week of snow days our friends in George experienced last week.  I shoveled snow for the first time in over 10 years.  The boys have been putting their first-ever snow boots to good use and enjoying it.  George did inform me the other day, "this snow all needs to melt, it's making me cold".  We're learning all about winter now.  That snow has melted and we're expecting more tonight.

I drove up to see my mom this past weekend and check in on her recovery from surgery.  It takes about 5 hours to get there.  She is in good spirits and getting around well.  She still needs lots of rest to let the healing process continue.  I brought her some tea from Teavana.  Check out that store if you're near one. I got some of their tea for Christmas, it is so tasty!  I drink at least 2 cups a day.

Speaking of Christmas, here are some pictures and leave a comment with your guess on my favorite Christmas present.  I'll tell you next time I post.

My nephew Henry

Henry, Andy, Zack and George

The boys