Days with the Dorans

Here we are!!!  The end of 2014 already!  I seriously felt like it flew by!  In keeping with tradition, we had my old roomie (Dr. Jason) and his wife (Miss Courtney) over with their ladies and this year I was also really excited because Auntie Jodi and Uncle Randy joined us too (and their little pickle in her belly of course). Jeff made some A-MAZING food again!  He was recalling menus of year's past so I figured I should document it here.  He GRILLED (even though it was super cold outside) Persian chicken kabobs, asparagus and veggies and made his yummy red-skin and feta potatoes (with a special batch for Jodi since she can't eat feta).  It was soooo yummy and I think I'm still full as I write this.  Jodi brought over lots of desserts (I didn't take a picture early enough- but since it was ALL gone before the end of the night, this isn't too bad).  She is an amazing baker so we were all spoiled! We ate, drank and talked and, of course...

Well, it's official (if it wasn't before) we have another bookworm in the family!!!  Sean LOVES reading!!!  So much so, that he has memorized tons of his favorite books but it is this one ("I Need My Monster") that is his current favorite.  This is not a short book but he can "read" it almost word for word.  He includes inflection and has great pacing (for effect) and even does things like knock on a nearby wall or table when the character in the story knocks.  I love it and hope he continues to read all the time like this! He also loves all the Little "Mr." books that we have by Roger Hargreaves.  I wish they were easier to find.  We looked at the library last summer and they didn't have any. He'll just reread the books he has (like he has THIS one). Of course I made a video so that I can look back on this.

 As I type this, ALL of my fish are gone (sob!).  You read that right, my silver dollars, angels, tetras, schoolers, sharks, suckers, mollies... ALL OF THEM.  I'm so upset.  It started when I notice the white spots on my silver dollars (pictured above). I called my dad and casually asked him about it and he said, "Oh no!  You have Ick!"  I didn't know what Ick was at the time, but now sadly I do.  Apparently it is a common disease that fish can get but I'm feeling horrible I didn't catch it earlier (or at least mention something to my dad about it. I tried treating it, but I think it was just too late.  One by one I'd come down in the morning and they were gone.  It was my first fish (My Molly, Snicker) who was the last to die on Christmas day. I know it sounds silly to be sad about fish but I miss looking at them.  My dad is going to help me fix up the tank and get a few new guys.  I feel OK because now I know what Ick loo...

When I was little, it was a given that I'd be having a slumber party to celebrate my birthday.  We had judges and dance 'competitions' and everyone got an ornament for their tree as a party favor.  Ali loved her party so much last year that she expanded it a little~ but kept some of the staples that she liked so much from last year.  She's definitely started a tradition, too... She again opted for a small party.  She kept her two best friends from school (same girls as last year) and added her two best friends from dance (she played with them both over the summer and with the amount of time she spends at dance that certainly made sense!).  Jeff took the boys to my folks to spend the night, which was AWESOME.  The girls came over around 6:00 and we started making pizzas! They loved them (I think because they made them)! Of course Auntie Jodi came too (Why didn't I take a picture of US).  While I was cleaning up from dinner, the girls were pl...

I can't believe my Rainbow is a DECADE!!  We had a wonderful time celebrating Ali's birthday!  After church, we met up with all the Drapals at CJ's and had some yummy food and then headed back to our house for presents, food and cake.  Jeff's mom is still in Illinois with his sister because one of her sons isn't doing too well.  We're hoping everything will be better soon so we can see everyone.  It's been strange not seeing any of the Dorans in December. :-( Ali loved all her presents!  Auntie Steph got her a video game called "Just Dance" which is HILARIOUS!  You dance and get points and things but it also takes a video of you.  We laughed so hard and I did get some video of them dancing (including Jeff, which was AWESOME). I have a feeling that game is going to see a lot of action!! I still can't believe it's been ten years!  I remember it like it was yesterday... Crying all the way to the hospital (though it was a short dr...

 Well Santa came!!!  And the Doran kids may have been up to see him (because they woke up SOOO early~ they did go to bed early the night before)!  They started coming in our room (taking turns of course) at 4am!!!  After the third Doran came in, we gave up and went down with them shortly after 4! We realized that there was really no hope of us getting any more zzzzzs. Ali claims it was JOEY who started the whole thing, coming into her room at 3:40~ but who knows!  We were so tired and we practically slept through them opening their stockings!  They got a book and candy from Santa and of course a letter from Artie!  They were all very sad that he flew back with Santa.  I don't think Sean realized that Artie was leaving and still thought they should look for him. Jeff eventually woke up (again), got his Santa Hat (Lions) on and started passing out gifts.  The kids were all so excited and we opened them one by one and oogled...

 My Birthday has changed so much over the years.  I suppose that has much to do with the fact that I'm getting older- but I think more so it is because it falls on a holiday- a holiday where my husband and kids are usually busy and therefore... I'm busy! I woke up to lots of hugs, kisses and love and Jeffy ran out and got me a yummy bagel!  The kids got me some sweet cards and presents (Jeff had to tell Z that he is NOT allowed to put December birthday presents in Christmas bags and it best to probably stay away from the colors red and green next time).  Ali folded clothes (an AWESOME present) and Jeff got me a ROOMBA!!!  Oh my gosh, it is my new favorite thing!!! Jeff had to be at church first so he was off and Sean and I made the cookie dough (for later).  As soon as he was done, we were off to church for the first of two services.  The services were real-life Bethlehem.  The Littles were all in it.  Joe Cool got to hang out w...