What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
We got Star Trek and Harry Potter VI on DVD, so I enjoyed watching those. I also watched Emma, but it was rather slow. We wrapped up the Terminator: Sarah Connor series, which I loved and Johnny didn't like at all. We saw lots of kid movies of course, and we treated ourselves to a movie with friends in the theatre: The Princess and the Frog.
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Since it was December, we had lots of family time this month: dinners at Lovie's and Opa's for Christmas, Jenna's birthday, and just because; time at Grandma and Grandpa's; concerts at school; and a few play dates in there too. We had a few fun family excursions, like going on the Santa Train and then going to breakfast at IHOP afterwards. There was plenty of Cub Scouts (with Santa too) and Girl Scouts, and a birthday party or two for the kids. I have a run-down of daily December activities previously on my blog.
A couple of my favorites from the Santa Train -
What gifts did I give and/or receive?
Since it was Christmas, we gave and received too many gifts to mention here. Johnny got his Nautilus weight set, and I got a number of Wii fitness programs, a yoga mat, and an ab ball. I also got the new rhinestone kit for my silhouette, so I am dreaming of setting rhinestone designs for the girls' clothing. Memorable kids presents: A Nikon digital camera for Christopher and a huge Lego set; the Kit American Girl doll for Grace (she actually wept over not getting a digital camera too, but her birthday is coming up); a full size keyboard and stand for Rose; and assorted toys for Rachel.
What special or unusual purchases did I make?
Christmas gifts and Johnny's Nautilus was our big purchase for the month. We also replaced our cellar door, which cost a little bit extra and is making a big difference in the comfort of our house.
What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
This was the month of the cough. First Rachel had one, then I had another, which everyone else promptly caught and we are still. all. coughing. Rachel and Christopher's turned into croup (or upper airway distress) and they both spent a week on steroids. The nebulizer is still going daily for both of them.
I am very sad that my mother's back improved and now has worsened, and my father injured his hip and is still in some pain. I cannot stand seeing my parents suffer, and they are waaaaay too young to be having these types of problems.
What were my accomplishments this month?
Orchestrating Christmas in a relatively calm manner, even with a few weeks of illness put in there.
Wrapping up most of my work projects before taking vacation. I also filed all of my layouts in respective albums, and am working to catch up the kids' school albums.
I joined the Seasonal Reading Challenge on GoodReads and am working towards some more variety (or serendipity) in my reading selections.
What were my disappointments this month?
The massive snow storm that we got disrupted the school celebrations and performances. None of the kids have had christmas parties in class and the kindergarteners still need to put on their performance. Hopefully they will catch up shortly after going back to school.
I am also disappointed that I was not able to contain Christopher and Rachel's breathing problems better, and that they ended up back on steroids.
Anything else noteworthy to include?
We were very sad to say goodbye to our sweet family dog, Shash, on Friday, December 4th. Her arthritis was very advanced and she was unable to walk any further. I think of her every day. It snowed the day after her passing, and that was heartbreaking. She loved the snow so much.
Here we are making snow angels together in March 2009.
Layouts I did this month:
I also made card sets for teacher/scout leader gifts, and a Basic Grey Calendar for my mother (which is like doing 12 layouts).
