Where's Waldo/Amy?

Oh gosh, it's been a while, hasn't it? I don't mean to do this intentionally. Sometimes I am really good about getting on here and other times, well not so good.
Where do I start?

Kids and Illness---Well, the kids have been sick on and off (Dominic and Alex excluded). We have had sinus infections, ear infections, eye infections and just plain old viruses. It stinks. I am getting frustrated yet I deep down knew it was going to be like this. Still no hospitalization and for that I am very thankful.

Thanksgiving---Thanksgiving was very nice. We had lots of good food (even though the grocery store screwed up my turkey order and didn't have one for me, we got a different kind and although I didn't like it quite as much, it was a turkey----plus what is the important thing about Thanksgiving!? It's being together as a family...it wouldn't matter if we had duck or chicken or whatever!) and lots of good company! It was just a great day! I got out a little Black Friday but didn't really buy much of anything. I also didn't get up super early like other yrs. I think next yr I might just skip it all together!

Christmas shopping----well I am pretty much done! I do want to pick up another thing for Ella but other than that it's a few gift cards and some stocking stuffers. Soon I will be wrapping. I love it when I start but 1/2 way through my wrapping probably looks like a 5 yr old did it! Usually my Mom strolls out and helps me and it's fun because we just talk and laugh and wrap!

Christmas Decorations----Well Dominic and Victoria took it upon themselves to handle the outside decorations this yr for the house. They worked on it over Thanksgiving weekend and it took them three days. I do have to say that the house does look very pretty, very bright, but very pretty indeed! Hats off to them because they did a really good job! Much better than I could have done. Of course I have no desire to go out in the freezing cold to decorate either. We put up the inside Christmas tree last Friday. It has been decorated and "re"decorated about 20 times. Ella likes to touch the ornaments! I am getting really old because I said to John, that is something that would have bothered me when the older kids were younger....but now I think to myself..."she's not hurting anything, she's not getting hurt and most of all, she's occupied and quiet!"

Parent Teacher Conferences---Everyone loves the kids. All good comments on them. I am starting to think that they have them confused with someone else. Still John and I were so proud of them that they are well liked, well behaved and respectful. They were all very enjoyable conferences.

Nikolas and Gabriella----They have especially been keeping us entertained. Nikolas does this Steve Martin impersonation from like Season 5 of Saturday Night Live. It's one with Bill Murry where they stare off into the audience and keep saying "What the hell is that?" It's like with a hillbilly twang and he has that down perfect! He is hysterical! I think he's going to be a comedian when he grows up! He can keep me laughing. He comes out with the funniest things! Gabriella is his little side kick! It's funny but sometimes the two of them manage to really get into things! I have to say when they get into trouble, it's probably a thought from Gabriella. She's so spirited! So spirited but so much fun and just so lovable!

Well it's almost time to make dinner! I can honestly say that I am sick and tired of cooking. If I won the lottery tomorrow, one of the first things I did would be hire a chef! I promise I won't be gone for so long this time!
Amy