'Tis the Season

I have always loved Christmas. It is by far my favorite holiday. If you ask me why, I really can't give you a specific reason, but I really do love Christmas. Except this year, I just am not in the holiday mood. Maybe it's because I didn't have my shopping done (or even started for that matter) before Halloween. Maybe it's because I've been a little distracted with the whole job thing (I have a job btw. It's my current job, so no changes in the near future. Will know more when we get back to NL and I can start talking to my new boss.). It could be because life has just been a little too overwhelming the past year. Bryan and I had a date night last night and brainstormed on how we could use the extra money we are saving to make our lives less stressful. We couldn't think of anything! We could hire a nanny instead of daycare, but while that helps with some things, it brings with it a whole other set of issues, plus we would have to find time to review resumes and interview potential candidates. Just the thought of the whole process stresses me out. We have finally got the girls in daycare/after school care close to home, but I will be moving to offices in Rijswijk (20-30 minute commute vs. 5 minutes now), so we won't be able to take full advantage of that for long. We already order most of our groceries on-line and have them delivered... guess we could do that more. We have a house cleaner who comes every other week. If anyone has other suggestions, we are open to hear them!!

Anyway, now that I know I have a job, maybe I can enjoy the holidays a little more. I must admit, it is a little more stressful this year since we have to fit in both families at one holiday. Deep breath! Merry Christmas!!!

Why bother asking?

If you're going to ask me what to get my kids for Christmas, and I give you a list of several great gifts along with specific instructions on items NOT to get them, please listen to me! Otherwise, just don't ask!

Wal-Mart Trip #2

First item on the to do list today, "Go to Wal-Mart!" OK, so I know it's a little crazy, but I did actually have things that I needed to buy today. Here was my list:

Acteva (yea me, I got a cold sore on my vacation)

Tampons (yea me again)

Pre-paid cell phone (so that our friends and family can actually call us while we're here)

Dress for Kaeli (I forgot to pack one, and she's had two melt downs because of it)

Socks (I've needed longer socks for the colder weather, finally got some)

Shaving Cream for B (told him not to pack anything that I could get at Wal-Mart)

Detangler and toothpaste for K (ditto to above)

Clothes for A (for some reason, Kaeli didn't wear many winter clothes at size 24 months)

Only in America can you find all of these things at one place! I would have had to go to at least 3 or 4 stores in the Hague. God Bless America!! :-)

"Home Sweet Home"... well, almost!

So, we're back in the US. First stop, Wynne, Arkansas, via Memphis International Airport (we will avoid flying into here in the future, immigration and customs was stupid and exhausting!).

But, we are here. I am getting ready to eat Sonic for lunch (yummy!). I will be spending a couple of hours at Wal-Mart this afternoon. Gotta love the good 'ole US of A!!!