We had the lucky (for us!) opportunity to have Ben's parents come visit us this weekend. I'm sure his parents weren't super excited about coming to Minnesota in February with pretty short notice, but it ended up being a pretty lovely weekend--50s and 60s with lots of sun. We were really happy to get out and enjoy the sun.

Russell and Meghan were both a little reserved at first. Seeing someone in person is quite different than seeing them on the computer screen via skype. They warmed up after a bit. Russell was ready to play by the time we got home from the airport. Meghan took a little bit longer, however, she was happy to give hugs and kisses before going to bed the first night they were here. They both got spoiled with lots of book reading and lego building.

As we were driving home after dropping them off today, Ben and I were talking about how it was nice to have a last minute visit from his parents to break up this time of year where it seems we are playing the waiting game--waiting for warmer weather, waiting to be able to go back outside, waiting for a break in school.

The Winter Doldrums

I feel like all month we have kind of been plodding along, which is kind of true since we have to get all our winter gear on every time we go out the door. Most days I just want to curl up on the sunny couch wrapped in a warm blanket with a good book. Unfortunately, household chores keep getting in the way.

I've been a little disappointed in our winter. It hasn't been terribly snowy, though we have had school cancelled one day because of freezing rain. Maybe if we weren't in town where it seems like snow is cleaned off of all the roads and sidewalks pretty quickly. Maybe if we lived in the country it would seem more snowy.

The kids are getting pretty bored staying inside most days. I am thinking that maybe I'll take them on a walk tomorrow to some of our friends. If it was going to be just a tad bit warmer I would venture on a walk to the library. Instead we'll have to drive there since half our things are due tomorrow.

I have been doing terribly on my goal to eat a little healthier. I just want to spend lots of time making yummy carb-loaded foods. I definitely do not need carbs. Or any more sugar. I have been loving Emily's idea of themed meal planning. It is nice to have a set rotation of meals to cycle through.

Russell has learned most of the songs for primary this year. There are still some that he needs a little help with. It is nice to hear him singing them. Hopefully he isn't just mindlessly singing I'm Trying to be Like Jesus all the time and it starts sinking in soon. He could act a little more like Jesus these days. Megs also knows As a Child of God. However, my friend tells me she never sings in nursery though it is one of the three things she tries to say her lesson was about. Snack and toys are her other common answers.

My lower back has been really sore for the past 3 weeks. We went to Bed Bath and Beyond to get my birthday present (waffle maker). I spent a good deal of time on the massage chair. The chair was awesome! I have been very tempted some days to load Russell and Meghan into the van just so that I can drive to BB&B to sit in the chair for some relief.

I think we are all getting ready for spring. Russell keeps asking me how much longer until it is summer. Meghan keeps talking about going to the beach. At least the daylight hours are noticeably longer. We're getting there. February is almost 1/5 down. Soon it'll be time to get the short sleeves out.

Quiz Answers

Here are your answers.

1. Finished the back entry way/mudroom, finished and painted the 2 bedrooms upstairs, Ben also put in the trim in the kitchen, though we didn't get anything else finished in there.
2. We only visited 2 (Wisconsin and South Dakota).
3. Sarah and kids, the Franzens, and Janet and girls.
4. We visited Dad, the Woods, the Ben Scoresbys, and Grandma.
5. 4
6. Mayo(nnaise) High School.
7. 9 I think. I lots count. Every Saturday for about a month and a half we were going to grad parties.
8. His brother, Dave. He didn't even remember that he saw us.
9. Way too much! But, it was all very well priced. I probably saved about 80% on it all. My best deal was 2 yards of Swiss dots for $1.00 because the computer had it marked wrong.

Quiz Time: Our Year in Review

I was reading some of Mom's old blogs and realized she had a lot of quizzes on hers which inspired me to make this one. Good luck!

1. What house fixing projects did we get done this year?
2. How many states did we visit?
3. Who visited us this year?
4. Who did we visit this year?
5. How many ribbons did I win at the fair?
6. Where did Ben get a new job?
7. How many graduation parties did we attend?
8. Which one member of Ben's family did we see in person this year?
9. How much fabric has Joanna bought this year?

I can't come up with another question to make an even 10. Answers will be posted in one week.

Good luck!

Our Christmas in pictures (and a few words)

Meghan looks like she is up to no good. She has the expression frequently.

Yes, they got a bounce castle. It isn't fancy, just like an inflatable mattress with inflatable sides. It has been fantastic at burning energy, but will be coming down before Ben goes back to school. I see good use from it in the future.

One year ago at this time of night, we had just found out when I needed to be at the hospital to have my right thyroid lobectomy. I was trying really hard not to freak out. I was super nervous. I don't know how I was able to sleep that night. And, it wasn't really fun recovering from it either. I was miserable for such a long time afterwards.

With time, I have gained some good insight about the ordeal and good things to know for the future.

Surgery teams really do care about you and want you to be comfortable. I felt like they were wheeling me to the operation room forever. When I got into it, it was scary, but the surgical techs, nurses, and whoever else was in the room when I went in really took good care to make sure I was ok. As they were putting leads and monitors on, they kept up a nice friendly conversation to help me not think about what was happening. Even as they were putting me under, the nurse anesthetist had me talking about how Christmas was, about the weather, etc. I didn't even realize that I was going out.

Taking time to recover is really important. I always follow Mom's tradition of taking down the Christmas tree on New Year's Day. It had been four days since surgery, so I felt like I could comfortably help with the Christmas clean up. It was just taking light ornaments off the tree. Well, that was too much, and I felt so much worse later that afternoon and the next day. If I would have just hung out relaxed on the couch, I probably would have felt better a few days sooner.

I have some really awesome friends here. We had at least three people offer to watch Russell and Meghan while I was having surgery. One didn't even have kids, and two of them hardly know the kiddos. My good friend came over the first day Ben went back to school after break and spent the whole morning playing with the kids, she got lunch ready for them, and she even brought us dinner and a treat for family night. That same day another one of my friends came over on her lunch break simply to put Meghan in her crib for her afternoon nap because I couldn't lift over 5 pounds. And, the next day the other primary counselor texted me in the morning saying she was bringing dinner and would take the kids to play at her house for a day (on top of her own three kids who weren't in school and the three others who would come home after school!). I was feeling fine by then, so I told her not to worry (her sister got sick and she ended up watching her two kids instead).

Lastly, there are many people who will go out of their way to help others who need even just the littlest help. Like my friend who came over to put Meghan in her crib. I felt so awkward asking her, but I knew I couldn't do it. I had to give up my pride and let others serve me. That taught me what true Christlike love and service really is. Not a single one of them felt burdened. And, they all came happily with big smiles and many offers of future help if I needed it.

So, even though there were some good lessons learned, I still am really happy I am not having surgery this year.

Family Pictures

A while back (when the weather was still beautifully fallish) we took some family pictures to send with Christmas cards and to Ben's parents so that they would have a more recent picture of our family. This is what we had to choose from.

And, then my personal favorite.

Make sure you zoom in for a good look at everyone.