I Miss Blogging

I really do. It's a relaxing outlet for me. I just feel like lately I've been in a blogging rut. The writing juices just haven't been flowing. Whenever I've logged onto my blog to write a post, I end up staring at the computer screen with no outcome. But I feel the need to update, so here's a quick catch-up:

We visited Santa at the mall. It's the first year Emily's dared talk to him. While sitting on his knee, she requested binoculars and a gun. I got quite the look from Santa, and I was just as surprised as he was at my 4 year old's plea for a firearm.

Claire is crawling all over and into everything. And she loves to bath.

Lately Emily has been afraid of turning into a black person. ??? Don't ask, I have no idea. She repeatedly declares that she doesn't want her skin to turn "chocolatey". She has also commented on the African American cashier at Target, saying to her, "I'm looking at your chocolate skin..." Oh, dear. I promise we are not a racist family.

We are all missing outdoor time and park outings. I've forgotten how creative we have to get with things to do inside the house to keep busy and entertained.

We turned off our cable (I have issues with Comcast). This means I no longer hear the sound of sports announcers coming out of the television. Sweet bliss.

I am very tired of hearing myself "SHHHHHH" at my oldest two when Claire is sleeping. They are loud.

Katelyn has a couple of admirers in her kindergarten class. While I think it's cute, Eric may be starting to get a few gray hairs over it.

Every morning the girls look for "silver dust" by the fireplace. Silver dust is a sign that Jingle the elf bear has come during the night and is hiding somewhere in the house with a surprise. Katelyn and Emily love looking for Jingle. I think it's more fun for me than it is for them.