update from a sick mama, my ramblings and a ho

Hi mamas... I haven't been around much for whatever reason - I've been checking in here and there though

We are sick and it's making me crazy! Yesterday was my only day off to actually stay home and attempt to heal, but anyone with sick kids knows that taking care of themselves is not the priority... I feel like I'm getting better, but with the inability to actually rest (sick toddler all morning then work from 1pm to 9pm), I don't think it's happening as fast as it could.

I'm really starting to feel this financial crunch for everyone. I have a secure job in a business that I'm sure will make it through this (a local co-op), but I am even feeling it. I wish there was something that I could do for those who are REALLY feeling it... but I can't even pay my own bills. My boss is coming down hard on me and all of the other managers to come down hard on our staff. This is not a fun time to be the mean boss, but you know what? I've gotta keep my job so I will just have to deal with people not liking me. It's a fight for survival here, not a popularity contest. I love most of my staff, but providing for my family comes first!

I feel really good about having a very small christmas this year - I have been able to get my older kids a few nice things for cheap (ebay and some good cyberspace hunting). I'm not even going to get my littlest one anything, really. He's not quite two and has SO much hand me down stuff that he is set... Our master plan for christmas is to build a gingerbread house on christmas eve and then eat it on christmas day. We don't live near family so we don't have to visit, we can just sit by the fireplace and chill. We might have a little gathering later in the day when my older 2 go with their papa - I know a few people who have nothing to do on christmas, no fmaily, can't see their kids, etc. so I figured they should just come over and chill with us. I might even offer them some gingerbread house... maybe.

Anyway, I've got to go and take a shower to spend sometime in the steam before I have to go to work - hope you mamas are hanging in there!

A few photos to leave you with...

Here is dd making pudding and ds2 doing his favorite thing - playing in the sink:

Everyone's favorite seat in the house when I'm not claiming it:

All 3 kids playing wizards a few months back:

And ds2: