I am exactly where I want to be

     This year was the best Christmas ever. I am exactly where I want to be. My family is complete, I have a wonderful husband, and a beautiful home. Each year can only get progressively better as we continue to create family traditions and fanstastic memories for our two children. I will have some pictures to share soon. Perhaps this week-- I'm off for holiday break. I hope everyone had a great Christmas and wishing you all well in the New Year!

The last weekend before Christmas

   

The last weekend before Christmas will of course be spent doing the last of the Christmas shopping, wrapping, and mailing off the last batch of cards. I have some Christmas cookies that may or may not get frosted. I hope to finish what is left to prepare for Christmas so I can relax and enjoy next week without any hassle.

     Tonight is the big trip to the mall with Lyds and Jon. Lydia will choose a gift, from her,  for mom, dad, and Jonny. She wants to also pick out her own gift but I told her Jonny will be buying a gift for her. She said, "But Jonny can't pick it out mom." I told her I would help him. She's pretty excited for tonight because we were going to do this shopping trip on Wednesday evening but a meltdown ensued instead. Yesterday morning she marched right into school and told her teachers she was going to be good so she could go to the mall to buy presents. I reminded her we couldn't go shopping until Friday and surprisingly, she was OK with that.

Lydia's personal video message from Santa!!

http://portablenorthpole.tv/watch/8517edf2df32fb4dc856cab6bcb46ba8

This is so awesome! To create your personal message, go here. 

http://portablenorthpole.tv

Another Christmas weekend

     Another fun filled Christmas weekend in the Bojlevski household! On Friday I got together with some girlfriends and we had a "Yankee Wine Tasting." We incorporated a wine tasting with a Yankee gift exchange. I ended up with a lovely scarf. (Sorry Amy.) Rosy was generous enough to offer to host it so thankfully I didn't have the rush of getting the house ready for that. My mini reubens did end up all over the front floor of my car, courtesy of not realizing Rosy's street was right upon me and I pressed the brakes a bit too hard, causing the reubens and crystal dish to shatter on my car floor. It hit the wine bottle, which thankfully survived the incident.

     Pete enjoyed some fly fishing on Saturday while I had the luxury of caring for Jonny and one very naughty three year old. On the way to pageant rehearsal, I noticed that Lydia seemed to have woken on the wrong side of the bed. I was very tempted to go back home and attempt to start the day again. Later that morning, things got better, so we decided to meet a couple of our friends and their kids at Moe's...which Lydia calls "Moses." (Side story: When I picked Lydia up from pre-K on Friday she kept insisting she wanted to go to Moses. I told her I didn't know who Moses was. This conversation continued to circle until she yelled out, "Where I eat quesadillas!!!" Ah ha. Mystery solved. Moses is Moe's.) Halfway through lunch, the naughty Lydia returned. She did serve a ten minute timeout once we got home. I am surprised did so well, since her friends decided to come over for a play date after lunch. The mommy's enjoyed some coffee and conversation while the kids played. Naughty Lyds returned toward the end of the play date so she had to go to her room for quiet time (reading her books in bed.) She ended up falling to sleep, which didn't surprise me. This child needed a nap from the second she woke this morning!

     Christmas cards got addressed later Saturday night. They should be going out in the mail today, if Pete remembers the stamps. We were short some cards so I had to order a few more--which hopefully we'll get by the end of this week. I ordered the first set of cards from Vistaprint.com this year. I love the look of them because they are printed on a card stock and not photo paper. The set I recently ordered are from Shutterfly because shipping time is quicker. Time is off the essence at this point. But if you haven't ever tried Vistaprint.com for your Christmas cards, give them a shot next year!!

     Sunday we got together with an old co-worker-- a former TA in my classroom. We went to her house and had brunch. The kids exchanged gifts and frosted gingerbread cookies. My classroom TA also joined us. This is our third time gathering for the holiday and it's always a lovely time.

     The evening brought us to our church Christmas pageant and the pre-school Sunday school kids were to sing "Silent Night." They did a great job! It's funny, but the pre-k kids sung louder than the 7-8th graders, who sung later in the pageant. It was a great pageant and I'm so glad that we joined this church. I’m excited to for their Christmas Eve service since this will be our first one with this church.

     This week will be pretty mild. One play date and finishing the last of the Christmas shopping are the only things on the agenda. We also have Pete's work Christmas party this week.

(And I have no pictures to share of the pageant because my camera is currently MIA.)

Happy holiday moments

     We've been spending a lot of time with Santa these past couple of weekends. Last weekend we had a photo with Santa (the posted photo) and went to a Polar Express pajama party. Lydia did make it through the whole IMAX Polar Express, which surprised me. This weekend we had our annual mommy group Christmas party. Santa brought gifts for each of the kids. Lydia ended up with a bear from Build A Bear and Jon received a Leapfrog musical toy.

     Today after church, we had breakfast with Santa. We are decked out for the holiday and tomorrow we are baking and frosting cut out cookies. We have a play date at our house on Tuesday---for more cookie fun--this time with all our friends. On Thursday, I'm taking a time out for a much-needed haircut and next weekend entails more Santa time and a Christmas pageant at church.

     We just seem to be going, going, and going. I'm not complaining because we're having a lot of fun filling our time with the holiday festivities! Lyds is too cool for words. I love watching how she is grasping Christmas this year—from Santa to Jesus to helping those in need. She is absorbing it all. The morning after we put up our tree, she was disappointed because she thought Santa was supposed to come. Every night when we light our advent wreath, she asks if we can light the birthday candle for Jesus (the Christ candle). When we went out to get our tree gift, which happened to be a backpack, she decided it was important to tell everyone she was buying a backpack for someone who can’t buy their own. She was very proud putting it under the tree at church this morning. It is certainly fun watching her excitement for Santa, but it’s also been very endearing to watch her learn and understand the other important part of the Christmas season.

Jonny's Baptism

     Sunday was Jonathan's baptism. We did it the big, fat Eastern Orthodox way.  It's a very nice baptismal service but it's highly traditional and longer than the average baptism. We don't attend St. George Church on a regular basis but we did have our wedding at the church, as well as Lydia's baptism. We are practicing Christians and attend Cicero United Methodist Church on a regular basis. I do like the tradition involved in the Orthodox special services but on a weekly basis I will admit prefer a Protestant service as it's more in my comfort zone. For Pete's family, I think the Orthodox Church is what helps keep the Macedonian community together. Many in the older generation immigrated here from Macedonia or Australia and the church is a nice way to keep them connected and their culture alive. I do wonder what will happen to that church because when we do attend a service there, I don't see very many people in our generation attending. Orthodoxy seems to be very cultural rich with each ethnicity having their own Orthodox Church.

     Jon's baptism went well. Jon almost went for a nose dive on his first dunk in the water. Jon is no worse for the wear though and is now officially blessed. Pete's brother Bobby and my cousin Jean were the godparents. I will have pictures to share, someday. It's just finding the time to actually upload them off my camera! Perhaps I can get some posted if mom sends me the link to the photos she took.

     The luncheon was at Bull and Bear Pub. It's owned by Pete's best friend and he did a wonderful job for us. The food was spectacular and it was so nice to not have to worry about anything. I was able to go home to a clean house and I didn't have to do any dishes! That alone was worth the cost. 

     Thank you to all my family and friends who were able to share in Jonathan's baptism with us! We are blessed to have you in our lives.

The Good Dad

     

     On Sunday, my mom commented to Pete that he was a good dad. I tend to agree. I think he's a pretty good husband too. I hope I remember to tell him that enough. 

To my dear husband Petar,

     Thank you for taking care of our children. Thank you for helping to get the kids ready every morning so I can have time to go to the gym. Thank you for helping at night, changing diapers and feeding Jon. Thank you for meeting us at ballet just to watch Lydia at the end of her class, doing the dance she just learned. Thank you for the night time routine you created with Lydia-- reading her 2 books and then telling her the story you make up each night. Thank you for playing tag and hide-and-go-seek with Lydia. You are creating memories for her. Thank you for knowing me well enough to step in and help (without asking) when I've had a hard day. Thank you for going to church with us every Sunday. Thank you for night time prayers and mealtime grace. Thank you for helping me clean the house each week. Thank you for helping out with dinner on the nights I am too tired to pull something together. Thank you for all the special memories we create on our weekend family outings. Thank you for making me feel loved and safe. Thank you for the beautiful home that we have created together. Thank you for being a wonderful husband and a fantastic dad. I feel lucky to have met you. You make my life better and I love sharing it with you.

Love always,

Carrie 

Jonathan's 3-month and family (JLHill Photography)

Well here they are~ the photos we had taken earlier today. Jaime is fast on the turn-around.
http://jlhillphotography.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elf on a Shelf

     Today was family photo day of the JLHill variety! I can't wait to see how they turned out this session. So far they have been great so I'm expecting no less. I'll post them all here once she sends them to me.

     After the photos we went to the mall for lunch and bouncy house time for Lyds, but they were having a private party so frozen yogurt had to do instead. I hit The Children's Place and bought Jon a snowsuit and something for Amelia's birthday. The mall is all decked out for the holidays and I'm very excited for them this year. This year was supposed to be Thanksgiving with my mom but she is ditching us to visit my step-sister Chrissy's family, so we'll be having dinner at home and inviting Pete's parents.

     I'm thinking of introducing Lydia to this Elf on a Shelf. Isn't in a great idea? It's funny because I threatened Lyds with the "Santa's watching you" today and she said, "Well, I don't see Santa here." I'm wondering if Lyds will buy into that elf on our shelf?  Perhaps this year, but probably not next. Regardless, he's a very cute elf to have sitting among the holiday decorations.

http://jlhillphotography.com

http://www.elfontheshelf.com

Crack Houses

    

     On the way home from preschool Lydia told me she wants to be an architect. I asked her, "What do architects do?" She said, "They make plans for houses, and draw maps, and build houses, and bridges. They fix crack houses." That stopped me dead in my tracks. "What are crack houses," I asked? She replied, “Houses with cracks in them. Broken houses, mom." Like, duh, why didn't I know what crack houses were? 
     Last night we went to Chuck E Cheese. She has been asking to go for weeks. (Damn commercials.) So we went and she had a blast!! Pete is certain we're all going to get swine flu now and I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Lyds had a great time though. I was impressed at how well she figured things out on her own. My baby girl is growing up. 

     Jonny is gassy as all get-out lately and I totally blame that on Pete's genes. Poor little guy. He has gas and poops just like a man. He cracks me up with the little grunt sounds that he makes when pooping. I am convinced Jonny is getting a cold because he's coughing a bit. Pete told me I'm just looking for a way to stay home. Perhaps. At least it's Friday and I have the weekend with my kids. I'm very excited. It's going to be family weekend. No fishing allowed. On Saturday we have family photos (Jonny's 3-month photos) and Sunday is my niece Amelia's birthday party.

Back to work

Emotionally I'm having a harder time this time around than I had with Lyds. This time it's two kids, plus Jon is younger.  I'm carrying around a lump in my chest, missing my kids.  Intellectually I know it will pass with time. I just wish it would get here already. This really stinks. Lalalalala. Four more hours until 3:00.

Halfway

I am at the official halfway point of my weight loss journey. Twenty-one lost, twenty-one to go!!

(Can you tell I'm just a wee bit excited about it??)

     We are at Day 3 of back-to-work. I am T.I.R.E.D. I am fine getting up for the wee hour gym time. I am fine for most of the work day. I fall apart with tiredness a bit after dinner time. What's actually taking away a bit of morning gym time for me is that I don't have my nights together yet. I need to get everything ready for the next day, the night before, and I'm usually crashing and don't do it, which of course makes me in a mad rush to get it together before I leave the house for the gym. That's the only part I just don't have together yet. I'll get there. It is only Day 3.

     I'm also thinking I need to pick up Lydia before I pick up Jonny. Lyds wants me to stay at preschool for a bit when I pick her up and I just think it would be easier all the way around if I'm not trying to lug Jonny in the baby carrier through preschool. When I pick up Jon, I can leave Lyds in the car since it's just the sitter's house. Or she could go in, but I do think I'd have an issue (ie.fight) with getting her to leave because she'll want to stay and play with the sitter's five year old daughter. I just don't think I'll go there, at least just yet.

     She is still being a monster with behavior and doesn't want to listen for the life of her. Last night we had a stand-off on where she was going to do her time out. I told her to go upstairs and she said she wanted to do it in the livingroom. I told her she didn't have a choice. So she sat in her chair in the livingroom and I ignored her. She said she was hungry and I told her she could eat after her timeout upstairs. She didn't move. Suddenly the potty called her for a poop. She pooped and I secretly hoorayed that it wasn't in her pants. I reminded her she needed to still go upstairs for her timeout. She did. Phew. After a 30-minute stand-off, she went upstairs and finally did her timeout and I fed her dinner.

Florida Vacation, April 2009

Day Two~ Magic Kingdom

We arrived at Magic Kingdom on Easter morning. We didn't celebrate it while in Florida though because the Easter bunny came the weekend before so we could enjoy it with our family at home.

 

 

 

 There was a ton of waiting in line.  We had just entered the park and stumbled upon a line for Daisy.

 

 

 

Lyds was in awe of everything. I do think this was the best park out of the parks we visited on our trip.

Several times during the day the Street Party parade makes a showing.

 

 

 

This photo is dark and hard to make out. We're in the Monsters Inc. Comedy Show and that is Lyds and I on the television screen. We "made it" into their comedy skit. It was a funny moment and while I was embarrassed, Lyds was all over the microphone, answering the questions they were asking. She is not a shy child.

We took a nice afternoon break on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority.

 

We never did actually get to see Cinderella. I guess she was busy with the Prince that day. We did get to see the mean step-sisters though. Lydia had a blast with these ladies and talked about them over the course of our trip. They really made an impact on her.

Lyds had collected some dry leaves as we were waiting for our turn and one of the step-sisters commented on her "interesting" choice of  flowers.

 

 

 

When in Disney World you shouldn't miss out on the opportunity to have Mickey ice cream.

 

Lyds is practicing the mean step-sister pose.

We're taking a rest in Mickey Mouse's house.

 

 

 

We took a much needed break and rode the Walt Disney World Railroad around the park.

 

 

 

 

 

Lydia tried so hard not to fall asleep. She crashed for a while and Pete and I were able to find a table and some shade and enjoyed some quiet time. We didn't leave Lyds in the cage, we swear!!

 

It's a Small World

Swiss Family Treehouse

 

Pete and Lyds dancing as we wait for the SpectroMagic light parade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A thoroughly enjoyed day.

Day Three~ Universal Studios...