Broken jar of salsa

Yes, as we were about to leave I was grabbing stuff out of the fridge for the kids and I was moving a jar of salsa from the top shelf into the door. Well, in my big rush I dropped it. Red salsa, and glass combo all over the white tile floors and cabinets. This is the day we were to be at school a bit 'earlier' for a field trip that Claire is going on today with her classmates. 

So, we got the mess cleaned up. Thanks to the help of the kids. One to keep Coco away, one to grab the vacuum, one to plug it in. Thanks to my kids we had the mess cleaned up in about 5 minutes. 

It is unusually cold around here. We have record lows. Minus 6, maybe more for this time of year. So we all bundled up. Maybe not in the most efficient way. I think I am going to have to give some more lessons on how to dress appropriately for the weather. Cameron went to school in a his hoodie. The girls took off their gloves. I didn't have time to put on my own gloves or even eat breakfast this morning.  So, I will have to make sure we take care of winter dressing 101. Why they cannot remember this info for the last five years makes me crazy LOL. 

Anyways. Lots on the go. We had 4 hours of Christmas shopping last night which was great. Only one more trip and we will be done with the shopping. Then the wrapping etc. begins. This year we are going to use some home made fabric draw string bags that we can re-use. My Mom did this for us years before it was even a 'green' thing to do. My MIL sewed a whole bunch more. So, that will be good.  I think it is so great that the kids are using the same bags I used way back when I was a kid. And now adding to the collection. Hopefully the kids will still be using them for their kids. :D (you know my future grandchildren!!)

Finally Friday!

Well, we had a visit from the exterminator yesterday. Our house was walked through, mouse dropping looked for, mirrors to look around the exterior of our house. Some chicken wire placed where needed. We are baited, and trapped. I could sleep last night, but Cliff could not. I think he really hated to kill that mouse. Thankfully he did it, because I have never seen a mouse jump that high! Wow. They can sure jump.

As for today, report cards came out. I am happy with their progress, we see a bit of improvement with Claire which was nice to read. So, they got some 'Hugs' after a pizza dinner tonight. They deserved a treat! Cameron is out with his 'girlfriend' at a school movie tonight. LOL. He sure loves her! 

As for this weekend, it is going to very busy. But that is the way of a household of eight. I was very thankful today for my van. It was well used today, and no troubles with herding the kids in and out. I LOVE that, as for many years I struggled with the small van. 

We have diorama to complete, outfits for Sunday brunch with Santa to find. Outfits for the school Christmas concert for the three kids. (Why do they make us get different outfits EVERY year...why could they not have a 'uniform' look for the kids and just by accessories every year.) Who knows. What else to do: Put up a shelf, take photos of my living room that is done! Develop some photos for in the frames I have purchased. Soon a 'family' wall will begin! Whoo hoo. Rent a tux, and a suit for my sisters wedding in January. And of course shopping. 

Speaking of shopping I haven't even done a list for Christmas. I am so not in a Christmas way. I know on the other side of the family they are not celebrating this year. We feel the same way, but we have to move on and continue with our traditions with the kids. 

Yes, so I need to write up my list and get on it! I am booked with many photo sessions (I am thankful to be able to provide a bit extra this year!!) so that is amazing! I am actually booked every weekend pretty much until mid March '09. 

So much to do. So little time. I have to make my master list and SHOP until I drop LOL. It will all get done, but I know it is going to be an exhausting month ahead.