12/14

Whew! This week has been so busy and it's only Wednesday. Monday night we decided to open up all of the presents we were not bringing to Texas with us. The kids seemed happy with theirs, though Mason didn't seem to care too much as long as he got something to chew on. Mercedes just wanted to play with her toys and was frustrated when she had to go to bed. Alexis got a couple of things some of which she wasn't expecting. She seemed really pleased with the presents. Derek was happy with his, though Mercedes told him what he was getting. We all have a few more to open while in Texas, so it's not totally over.
Yesterday Derek gave Mom and I part of our Christmas presents. He bought us each a day at the spa package complete with facials, back massages, pedicures, and manicures. Ahhhhhhh! Yes, I loved it! The massage was the best part. How can you not love a massage? Mom says that we can get her a massage anytime. She really enjoyed it. It's somewhat healthy too. Too bad insurance doesn't cover it. Perhaps it could be considered preventive maintenance. It would so be worth it for stress relief. I really need to figure out how to include a monthly massage in my budget. It could happen.
The rest of the week is already booked as far as things that have to be done. Tonight is 'Lex's vocal concert. That is really neat. Tomorrow we HAVE to finish packing. Friday is Mercedes concert, my office luncheon, the martial arts test, and we are leaving for Texas. This trip is going to wear me out-literally. I am kind of hoping to get some rest while we are on the road since I don't have to get up and take anyone anywhere.
I have pared (sp?) down our schedule some more after the first of the year. Since Alexis has finished her lessons and Mercedes can't start the next set until she turns 5, he girls will not be in swimming lessons. Even when they do go back, Alexis will be going at the same time as Mercedes. That will definitely relieve some of the stress. I am still not sure whether we should keep Mercedes in gymnasitics. She seems indifferent to it most of the time, sometimes she's down right resistant. It's a nice thing to do, but I think it's a bit much, plus it would be nice to have the extra money. I will have to convince Derek though.
Everyone seems to be doing well, if a bit worn down. We go a hundred miles an hour and never seem to stop. I keep thinking we are getting better, but it always seems as if something new comes up. Sometime in the spring will be kids soccer, softball, and t-ball. I am not sure we will make it.
I have to really get into a workout schedule and stop messing around. Yes, I admit I have slacked off and gotten back into my bad habits. I will try to make a point of hitting the gym two to three days a week and getting up in the morning for crunches/situps and pushups. Plus I will try to use the lateral thigh trainer thingy I got myself more. I feel disgusting, though I guess I don't look SO bad. It's a personal thing though. Maybe if I could force myself to give up peanut M&Ms and Skittles it would be easier, but I can't. Really - I must have them - daily. I was considering taking karate, but I don't think they offer it during the day. I don't feel like I can take it at night with all of the other activities going on. Sigh - I would like to though. Mostly I like the forms. They are beautiful and graceful.
Derek is not ready for school to start back up. He's stuck with a teacher that he does not want to take, and he doesn't feel that he has gotten any rest on this break. His arthritis has progressed again as well so that is making his life more difficult. He is very worried that he will be handicapped sometime in the next few years and that colors his thinking a lot. I can't really blame him though I tend to be less that understanding on occasion.
Derek and I have decided to start dating after the first of the year so we can have some one-on-one time. I think it will be nice, though I am not sure if the kids will "get" it. We will get Mom a babysitter so she doesn't have to deal with the kids either. She can't handle all of them for any length of time. Mercedes is particularly energetic and hard to manage. She's just a four year old. I think for our first date it will just be a movie and maybe a dinner (cheap). Our February date will be a no-brainer, Valentine's Day. I already told Derek we are going to go out to dinner at 5:00 pm though. A lot of the places do not make reservations, and I refuse to stand in line for 2 hours for s semi-decent meal. We feel like we need (and deserve) the time alone. Who knows, we might end up learning to ballroom dance or something : ) I just hope it's a relaxing time for us.