Sooner or Later

It was bound to happen, I knew it was coming...but why???
Juice got spilled on our carpet. Not any juice, but pomegranate/cherry juice!
All of our floor is hardwood, and right before Kyle came home from Afghanistan I purchased an area rug (after months of looking for the perfect one) for in front of our couch. I am very particular about it, vacuum it constantly and tell Kyle he isn't allowed to wear shoes on it. I had just recently gotten over him shining his boots on my carpet and leaving stains not only on the carpet, but leaving damage on our glass coffee table, and now this!
We had to take our end table out to make room for the Christmas tree, so I now set my drinks on the floor and am very careful. Kyle just didn't realize I had my juice there and came to give me a kiss and knocked it over. That is what I get for not taking my Christmas tree down yet, and not having our table back. At least he was trying to be sweet...it just ended badly for him.
I guess this is just preparation for the little guy coming, I am sure many more stains are coming.
By the way, Kyle offered to go buy me a new carpet, but after a lot of dabbing, and spraying carpet stain remover on the rug I can live with it. Plus spending that much money on a new rug because of one stain seems silly!
--I would post a picture, but I am to lazy to go look for the camera, I think a nap is in order! Plus you might think I am being ridiculous over a stain you can hardly see anymore.

Thankful to be home?

Ahh...sickness. Thursday I came home from school really sick. I had a horrible cough and a slight fever. By Friday morning I was no better, I could hardly breathe because of my stuffiness, my cough kept me awake most of the night and I was still running a low grade fever. I decided I wanted to take a shower before I called the doctor, really it was just my way of putting it off a little longer. While in the shower, after coughing I started having horrible stomach and back cramps. I got out of the shower without even using soap. I called the doctor and they wanted me to come to the office within the next 15 minutes. This was impossible as Kyle as still at work. So I got them to give us around 30 minutes. I called Kyle and they let him leave exactly 30 minutes later. We were a little late, but no one seemed to mind.
As soon as I walked in the door, they checked my temperature, heard me cough in the waiting room, and told me I had to go straight to the hospital. Which was totally why I didn't want to go to the doctor in the first place. We had to go to labor and delivery and they were waiting for us when we arrived. They rushed me in and took Kyle to start the paper work. The midwife took me to her office and started trying to give me an IV. After 3 veins collapsed on her, she gave up and told me after I got to a room a doctor would have to come give me an IV. Luckily they found a nursing student who spoke English and she was able to tell us a little more as to what was going on other than us guessing by body language and the little German we could understand.
A doctor came to my room and was able to get the IV on the first try (thank goodness), and they came me pain killers for the cramps and fluids to get me hydrated.
My doctor couldn't come by and check on me the first day, but we were told I would have to be in a day or two to get my fever under control and stop the cramping which they told me most likely was contractions (caused from my coughing). The next day my doctor came by, didn't tell me what was wrong, just that they needed to put me on antibiotics and monitor the baby until Monday.
Monday was very ready to go home. Kyle was allowed to stay with me from 8-8, and it was really restful in the hospital, but I was sick of being poked and prodded. I hadn't had a bowel movement since Thursday so Sunday they insisted on giving me a suppository. That was a beginning of bad news for me. Any time after that if anything was wrong there answer was another suppository. Not suppositories to make me go to the bathroom, but mostly for headaches. I didn't realize they were painkillers until later, I couldn't figure out why I needed so many bathroom helpers after the first one did the job. Between Sunday and when I finally got to go home I probably had 6. I really just wanted people to stop touching me. When the doctor came in on Monday he saw that I wasn't any better, even though I tried to look like a real happy/healthy camper, and he said I had to stay until at least Wednesday. That meant another IV, because the one I currently had was not letting fluid in any longer!
Tuesday came around and I was feeling a lot better, my fever was gone and my cramping had all stopped. Baby was fine and I just wanted to be home. So when the doctor came in, I begged and pleaded and he said yes as long as I promised to stay in bed until Monday. I was so happy! He made me stay until later the afternoon so I could finish the last of my antibiotics, and since I could talk again (I had lost my voice), my cough was breaking up, my fever was gone, and the baby was doing good there was no reason I couldn't rest at home. Kyle wanted me to come home too, he was told that it was inappropriate for him to sit or lay with me on the bed, so he had to sit in the uncomfy wooden chair (poor baby).
One the way home we stopped and got my cough syrup at the Rx and then had a surprise waiting for us at home. Yipee, they started the work on our stairwell. That means there are jackhammers, drills, and tons of dust floating around. So much for a restful environment. Kyle is working on getting all the dust that has come into our apartment out and I am trying to keep my sanity and on top of the headaches I have been getting. The jackhammer has been in full force outside my apartment since 8 this morning. I was sleeping so good too. I had a rough start last night with all my coughing, but had finally gotten settled in. It is nice not having to jump out of bed at 5:30 for a nun to make your bed, then have a cleaning lady, nurses, doctors, and breakfast all come in before 6:30. I was only woken up once by Kyle heading off to work, and then the stupid jackhammer...so much for sleeping.
I am glad to be home. I keep hoping the noise stops, but it doesn't look like it will be ending soon. Kyle was suppose to leave for Italy on Sunday, and I thought as soon as I got home they would send him, but it looks like he might get to stay around, which I am so thankful so. Next week is only a 3 days of school with the kids, 4 days for me, so it should be a easy week to start school back up with for me. I am suppose to be avoiding stress. The doctor told me he would write me a letter saying I couldn't work until after the baby, but I kindly declined *much to Kyle's dismay* because I really do enjoy my job and I don't know what I would do at home all day at this point. Once the baby is here I know I will be plenty busy at home.
Oh yes, I still don't really know exactly was wrong with me. The nurses were pretty good about speaking English, but apparently they are not allowed to tell us what is wrong, only the doctor. Then the doctor just came in and checked me out and told me how long I had to stay, never what was wrong. Our military clinic personnel came by on Monday to give us more paperwork and answer questions and they said that it is normal for them not to tell us what is wrong. So, I still don't know what was all happening, I just know that the baby is good, and that I must rest until Monday!

22 weeks

Today I had what they called the "Big Ultrasound." To me it really didn't seem much different than any ultrasound I have had so far. The difference I could see was it was the doctor not the ultrasound tech (aka pretty lady to Kyle) doing it. I think maybe it was the big one because they wrote down the measurements, instead of the "pretty lady" just checking them, plus he took a slightly more detailed look at all the organs. He said everything is looking great and our little man is doing well. We concluded after today that he is going to be lazy as he yawned at least four times during the ultrasound and he is going to like to touch his face, he is always putting his hands in his mouth or touching his face in some way when we check him out.
Dr. Schweind was very shocked (not a good kind) when he saw I haven't gained more than 5lbs, and actually lost some weight since my last appointment. I told him I had been sick, then he informed us a stomach virus has been going around and putting people in the hospital. Yesterday I couldn't keep any food down, he ask why I didn't call. Ha, well, if you know me, I like to tough things out. He informed me this wasn't best for me or the baby. Next time I am to go to the hospital. I made sure I kept drinking fluids even though I wasn't keeping those down either. Today I felt better and even went to school, I am working on keeping my food down. I am exhausted after the day, but my kids were probably they best they have been all year. I couldn't believe it after a 2 week break. I guess they knew I needed their help to get through the day.
Well, Baby Boy Pettit's Picture is a little scary. I really wish they would print off the normal 2-D, but I think the doctor is obsessed with the 3-d photos he can make for us. He even offered us a CD of the entire ultrasound (Kyle didn't understand so he turned it down, oh well, I don't see us sitting around watching it over and over).

Paris New Year's

Dec. 31
Kyle and I departed Schweinfurt at 0230 in a van. We then transferred to two different buses before we finally arrived in Paris around 1400. It took so long due to all the stops at different military installations. We had a couple of hours to freshen up at our hotel before we headed to dinner. Let me tell you, real French Onion Soup is the best. I got it as an appetizer at both dinners and it was just great! After dinner we went on an Illuminations tour down the Seine River on a glass boat. After the boat ride we found our spot for the New Year's Celebration. Close enough to the Eiffel Tower for our liking, yet far enough away to avoid the major crowds. We found out the next day we were standing right next to the tunnel that Princess Diana was killed in.
--The Eiffel Tower was blue with yellow stars to honor the French's Presidency of the European Union. Their six month of presidency ended on the 31st, so we got to see it go from blue to the normal orange-gold. Apparently it won't be blue for another 13 years.

Jan. 1
After getting to sleep in a little, we left our hotel around 1030 for our City tour. We started out back at the Eiffel Tower. Kyle and I opted not to go up it because it was so foggy. Instead we went to the French Officers Military School and checked out some other sites close to the tower. It was nice just to walk around rather than be on the bus. After the Tower we went to the Arc of the Triumph then Kyle and I went and found some lunch, only to get back on the bus. We drove around and saw some sites, ending at the Notre-Dame Cathedral. After the Cathedral we went to another French Restaurant for dinner, and then back to the hotel for some much needed rest.

Jan. 2
We got our wake up call at 0640 after a good breakfast and checking out we went to the Palace of Versailles. There was art throughout the palace by Jack Koons. The art was really distracting and took away from the art inside the palace, but it got people talking, which I think was his point. After the Palace we went to the Louvre and had about 2 hours to walk around. We made sure we saw the Mona Lisa, but with so many people bumping into me, and so many people who neglected to put on deodorant that morning I really couldn't take it to long so we didn't stay long and went and walked around outside. After the Louvre we headed to the Hard Rock Cafe, had an undercooked burger and then had about an hour of free time. Kyle and I just wanted to go home, but we walked around and bought baby Pettit a puppet and stuffed animal...the first thing we have bought for him ourselves. Around 1800 we got back on the bus and headed back to Germany.

Jan. 3
We arrived at home around 0430 and went straight to bed. I found it nearly impossible to get any sort of rest and get myself comfortable on that dumb bus and van. Once I got comfortable or asleep it was time to switch vehicles again for us. Kyle had no problem sleeping on the bus. We woke up around 1100, I ate some breakfast/lunch and went back to sleep until around 1600.

To say the least we had a really great time. We enjoyed our tour of Paris very much. I am just extremely exhausted and need to get back on a regular sleeping and eating schedule.

3-fingered Guitar Master

One of the things I ask for at Christmas was Rock Band 2. About a week ago when Kyle and I were walking through the PX they had two sitting there. Kyle knew that was his only chance it get it without having to pay shipping online, so we grabbed it and figured I wouldn't mind having it early. With there only being 2 in the store there was no chance of it still being there if he went and got it at a later time. He was right about me not minding, we have been playing it for about a week now and are having a blast. I am not sure who likes it more! Kyle doesn't like the drums (he thinks they are harder, but he is getting better) so I usually play the drums and he is on the guitar. If one of us is lazy we will be the singer. Kyle and I have worked our way from playing on the easy level to medium and hard. I get a kick out of watching Kyle play guitar because of his missing finger, but he is slowly becoming the 3-fingered guitar master (his thumb doesn't count since he is not using it)!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!
Today was a great day! It would have been even better had we not woken up with dog poop all over the house from the dog we are dog sitting, but oh well, we just pretended the reindeer came for a visit. Here is a quick run down of what happened: Kyle and I woke up and spent the morning alone opening gifts and enjoying each others company (and cleaning up dog poo). Then around 1pm, he went and got some of the single soldiers from the barracks who didn't go home for the holidays. We enjoyed a good dinner then we all rocked out with one of my Christmas gifts, Rock Band 2. Once the guys left Kyle and I watched some Christmas movies. Then we got to talk to my family on the web camera, which makes it seem like we are a little closer during the holidays...I really miss and love you guys.


An oh so exciting slide show of 2 grown-ups opening stockings and Christmas Gifts:

Kyle, Suesse and I by our little Christmas Tree


The guys with full bellies

Seiffen and More

Warning: This will be a long post!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Kyle and I go church. We get our info. for the Advent Candle reading, and look it over and get instructions from the Chaplin. I read my part over out loud so I am familiar with the text and discuss with Kyle the order that things will be happening, specially when he is suppose to light the candles. So, church gets started and we are up. We get up there and Kyle is suppose to be lighting the candles while I am reading the first couple sentences, yet, he is still standing right next to me. So I figure that he is waiting for me to start reading then he will start lighting...nope, I finished reading my part and he just stands there. He doesn't light the candles, he doesn't read his part, just stands there. I keep looking at him, waiting for something and finally whisper (yet we are right in front of the microphone so everyone can hear) telling Kyle "you need to light the candles," but, he continues to stand there smiling. I had to tell him 4 times to get him moving. After that it went off without a hitch, but he said he had looked over his part and thought the candles were suppose to be lighted later....NOPE, that is exactly why I told him to read it before hand. Oh well, the congregation got to have a good laugh at us. I am pretty sure that the Advent Candle lighting is suppose to be serious, but they had to know when they ask us to do it, we would mess it up.
After church we came home, packed fast, loaded the dogs up and hit the road. We went to a little village about 3 1/2 hours away Seiffen. It is up in the mountains so the roads weren't the best, but manageable. We had a lazy Sunday evening, we didn't want to leave the hotel because of all the fog, so we had dinner and then watched MTV (the only Channel in at least a little English) and went to bed early.
Monday, December 22, 2008
We got up and had breakfast at the hotel, then went into the town of Seiffen. The area was once a mining center but residents turned to wood carving when the tin ore ran out. Seiffen soon became noted for its toys and Christmas crafts. Through the generations, Seiffen wood crafters became masters of their art producing a line of nutcrackers, smokers, candle arches (schwibbogen), and candle pyramids, as well as numerous varied Christmas tree ornaments and specialty holiday products. We knew going in we would spend to much money, so we only got out of the bank before we left what we thought was acceptable to spend, and we amazingly kept to our limit. The town was awesome, we became very picky shoppers only wanting hand carved items and not the laser cut. Because of out pickiness the things we liked became more expensive, so we didn't buy a lot, but LOVE the things we did find. The weather was awful and we both were soaked, so we were glad to leave when we did.
Here are some pictures of the large woodwork in town.

Here are some pictures of the things that we bought. We are really excited about them all. We were a little upset because the biggest and most expensive item, was packed horribly. She put no padding around it, just set it in a box. Part of it broke, but we were able to glue it back together...thank goodness!

When we left the rain was pouring down. We had talked about going to Dresden but with the weather so awful and two dogs (who thankfully who we left in the car, I hate wet dog smell) with us we decided we would rather go home and visit Dresden another time. About 45 minutes into the drive home our windshield wipers stopped working. I was so glad I wasn't driving. Going down the country roads was bad enough, but the autobahn was worse. People driving what would be over 100 mph with the rain is just insane. Plus the sun was so bright, it was reflecting off the road and at times we were completely blind. Sometimes the windshield would get so covered in rain we couldn't see, but with the sun, it was 1ox worse. It was really scary. We both did a lot of praying. About every 30 minutes we would get the wipers to go up and down once, which helped for about 10 seconds. Luckily we made it home safe and sound. Kyle informed me he is used to driving with not being able to see, apparently it is hard to see out of night vision googles, but when he is driving with those, I am pretty sure there aren't people driving by him at 100 mph.


Kyle goes in for his first appointment on his way to laser eye surgery tomorrow. This is the look he was sporting on the way home. He needed his glasses since the wipers weren't working (his eyes aren't that bad, but when your visibility is limited you should wear your glasses if you have them), but the sunglasses were also a must with the sun.

This was taken about 10 minutes before we got home. This isn't half as bad as it was during parts of the trip. This is when the sun was down, so we didn't have the sun to deal with. I didn't think about taking a picture earlier, I was to busy being worried and helping Kyle watch the lines and for cars.

It's a...

BOY! We went to the doctor on Thursday and they said they are 90% sure it's a boy. We are both really excited to meet this little guy in a few months. I really can't believe that I am already in my 5th month of pregnancy. Here is a picture of our baby boy's head. Hopefully everyone can make sense of it. The ladies at school always want to see the ultrasound pictures but are a little slow and I have to trace the outline of the head for them. Then some of them still didn't understand and see the profile of the babies face.

20 weeks

In other news, we started our dog-sitting last night. Suesse and Nutmeg actaully get along really well and they entertain each other so that is really nice. Nutmeg is a barker and if someone is walking by the door she goes nuts, but other than that a pretty good dog. She has some sort of rash, so she is on all kinds of medicine. We have to give the dog pills 5 times a day...crazy. They are capsules too, so we have to cover them in peanut butter to get her to eat them, fun times! If the rash doesn't get better we will have to start putting some ointment on it, that sounds messy to me.

Kyle and his female dogs (note that female dogs is really not the word that he uses to refer to them)

Nutmeg and Suesse

Tomorrow Kyle and I are possibly headed up to Dresden after church. We haven't completely decided yet. We have to be at church to do the Advent Candle reading, and then we have to be back early Tuesday morning for an eye appointment of Kyle's, so it will be a fast trip if we decide to make it. Hopefully the roads are good, we also plan on going to Seiffen, this little woodcarving village in the mountains, but only if the weather is okay.
We are glad to be on break now, and hoping for a relaxing time with whatever we decide to do!

Just wondering...

1. I am wondering how exactly my husband went to work today. He has been leaving at like 3 and 4 in the morning and getting home after 9pm, so I don't really bother to see him off. I am puzzled this morning because the car is still in the parking spot, and his bike is still here. Did he run? It is a little chilly for that, and he was really didn't have that much time. Plus, I am annoyed that the car is here and he took my car key because he lost his, I really have some errands I could be running and I don't like the bus.

2. I am wondering how my Christmas Break is no longer me and my husband spending time together, but now me, Kyle, and two single soldiers spending time together. Apparently two guys aren't going home are now going on our little trips and spending the Holidays with us. They are NOT invited to Paris with us.
3. I am wondering how my dog is going to like Nutmeg. We are dog sitting a little wiener dog over break. Suesse hasn't been the friendliest dog lately, she better be on her best behavior tomorrow for the doggy meet and greet.

4. I am wondering if we will find out the baby's sex tomorrow. Our last appointment the baby would not cooperate with us. I have been able to feel the baby moving around lately...its so strange.
5. I am wondering how it is that the military can be so controlling. I canceled the dogs vet appointment a couple weeks ago. I called, spoke with the receptionist and told them I could not be there. However, yesterday my husband got a letter in the mail telling him that his command was being contacted about his "NO SHOW" appointment for his dog Suesse. Grr...they are the biggest tattle-tails in the world. Apparently my call was not soon enough, it has to be 24 hours in advance not to get a letter telling your commander you have been naughty. Plus, it was my doing, he was not even here. To bad for him, I am his responsibility...haha, I could get him in major trouble. Hopefully he doesn't have to do to many push-ups.
6. I am wondering when my neighbors upstairs will realize that yelling at a 2 year old and 6 month old is really not an effective discipline tool. I was woken up at 2:45 by them cursing at the top of their lungs at their 2 year old, the crying and them screaming went on for almost 2 hours. And currently hear them yelling at the 6 month old to stop crying. Sometimes I really wish that people had to take a parenting test before they were allowed to have kids.


Well that is enough wondering on my part for the day. I think I better get my reading and potluck dish done for Bible Study tonight, or they will wonder why I am avoiding eye contact and not participating in discussion.

Living Dangerously

Kyle doesn't get that excited about work usually, but...I don't think that he could contain his excitement about the next three days. Kyle is a paratrooper and this week is doing what he loves, being dangerous.
I have never jumped out of a plane or off anything remotely high for that matter, so I thought I would take a look on the world wide web to get an inside look. Kyle kept saying he wanted a head cam so I could see how great it was, well, I am kinda glad I don't have to watch him, it looks quite frightening to me.
He wasn't sure what type of aircraft they were jumping out of, but this is his first jump since Airborne school (which was like 5 years ago) so I am really hoping he doesn't come home with any broken bones. It is also a little chilly to be jumping out of airplanes if you ask me...maybe the snow will make a softer landing.
Well, here are a couple picture of what it looks like.  I kinda wish I hadn't watched a video that showed how they do this. I am a little worried about him now and don't think he is going to be home till really late tonight, so I have awhile to wait and worry I guess.

WLC Graduation and Christmas Markets

Kyle is home! It is nice to have him back. Luckily the weather cooperated and I was able to go and watch his graduation. It was about as exciting as any graduation, but, we did get to go shopping afterward so that made me happy. Apparently Kyle is smart and he made the Commandant List, I am very proud of him!
CAN YOU FIND KYLE?

Today we went down to the Christmas Market. It is one thing I will miss about Germany when we leave. Every town/city has a market, and they are lots of fun. Lots of great food, and we got our apple cider in boot mugs! Plus we were able to get a couple more gifts for family...unfortunately we are a little slow on getting gifts and they won't be there in time, but hopefully they will be forgiving. We enjoyed the evening and are happy to be back in each others company.

The Flannel

Tonight, while finally putting away the clean clothes I came across the flannel.
My husband will be the first to admit that he is a horrible dresser and has no sense of style. I usually end up sending him back to put on something presentable before we walk out the door. Thank goodness his job requires a uniform, and when he comes home from work we are just relaxing so his clothes don't matter...or I might go a little crazy!
In our 3+ years of marriage I have been able to weed out the most dreadful items in his wardrobe. However, there is one still lingering...the flannel. I am not opposed to flannel, it is just this flannel. He had this when we eet and weighed about 160lbs (way to skinny) and is still wearing it and is right around 200 lbs. Let's just say it fit when he weighed 160 lbs. Now he wears it unbuttoned and with the sleeves rolled up because they are a couple inches to short. It also has lots of holes in it. He has ask me to sew the holes, but I refuse hoping the entire garment will find its way in the trash. I also think that flannel should be used for hunting, farming, fishing and hiking, not everyday attire.
At the Christmas market I was able to find a new, much softer flannel, that most importantly will fit him. Tonight as I was going through clothes I was very tempted to throw out his old flannel. I didn't have the heart to go through with it. I know Thursday when he comes home that will be the first thing he pulls out of the closet...so the saga of the flannel continues. I hope that when he opens his new flannel on Christmas morning we will be able to part with the old. Maybe I can convince him we can use it in a sewing project.



Riding the train in his flannel. Ignore his weird smile. He was making fun of me. Notice the flannel is not buttoned.

The Sweatshirt over the flannel look.

Just hanging out with cousin Jami and me in his flannel.

A way to skinny Kyle who just returned from Iraq picking with up from the airport in his flannel.

Playing cards with the family in his flannel.

Getting his truck stuck in the snow wearing his flannel.

Note: After reviewing a few pictures that I found (mind you this is not close to all of them) I have concluded that the sleeves may have always been to short, they are rolled up in every picture. I also reconfirmed that when Kyle is skinny it looks more like I am hanging out with a little kid than my husband. Its a good thing I have fattened him up!

3 Days!

3 days to sweep/mop the house.
3 days to put away 2 1/2 weeks worth of laundry that I finally washed over the weekend.
3 days to stop being lazy and start being a good wife again, that means I have to start cooking.
3 days to wrap Kyle's Christmas gifts.
3 days until I get to take a day off of school.
3 days until Kyle will be home!!!
I can't wait until Thursday, 3 more days!

I am so thankful today has come and gone! I have been dreading today for over a month. As many of you know as a teacher you often have yearly observations done by your administration. Today, was mine, and since I am only on a probationary certificate with the Department of Defense it is very important that I perform well, especially considering this is my last few months being on probation (I sound like a criminal). DoDDS is cutting back on teachers big time and often it is easiest to get rid of the newbies first.
The observation was suppose to be a hour long and they were specifically looking at our guided reading in the classroom. They told us not to do anything special, just to do what we normally do. Well, my class is pretty much anything but normal, and honestly they don't want to see what I'm usually doing. I'm not sure if I have mentioned, but I have had 5 students suspended from the bus for their behavior. 5 kindergarten students, and that is just the kids that ride the bus. And, I only have 3 girls in my classroom and 16 boys! Plus, all but two of my students had parents get deployed within the last month, so we have seen even more behavior problems than usual (only 8 school days until winter break!!!).
Okay, back to the story... to say the least, I do guided reading almost everyday, but it usually gets interrupted with someones misbehavior, or the new thing since dad's have been deployed is someone will wet their pants. My aide is a total pushover and lets the kids walk all over him, and has a very weak stomach (he can't even handle a little pee), so I have to be the bad cop and take care of all issues. Today I was very worried about how I would get through my guided reading lesson without interruptions and keep sanity in the classroom, and trick them into thinking that I am a fabulous teacher. Well, after being threatened with all fun being taken away for the rest of their lives (not really, but close) the kids came through for me. They were angels, but as soon as the two administrators walked out the door we were back to a normal, temper tantrum, pants wetting, and not getting along Monday. Plus, a big happy note for me, the principal and vice principal only decided to stay for 20 minutes not the expected hour, which is good, I don't think the kids could have survived with that angelic behavior. Now, I have my 1 formal done with and 2 suprise visits left... if only I could get a peak at their calendars to see when those suprise visits would be.
I am thankful that is over and now can stop worrying about that and focus on Christmas Vacation! I really do have a great bunch of kids and love them dearly, but we are all ready for a little vacation time!