SURVIVOR!

I am so happy to report that I survived! This past week has been absolute insanity! My first graders were WILD! I had so much to finish and get ready for our last week of school, Polar Express Day, holiday rotations, Christmas gifts for the kids, assessments to complete before the break, etc. etc. I am the ward activities director and was trying to get everything finished and ready for our party on Thursday, Russ had a work party, Alyse got croup, I had shopping for co-workers and friends to finish, and I am exhausted, sick and pregnant! I haven't gotten to bed before midnight all week (not to mention waking up to a sick baby all night) and I still wasn't able to get everything finished! Friday I was so happy to see the kids walk out the door. I knew I needed to stay, I have so much that needs to done before the kids return on January 2nd, but I had Christmas shopping to finish (mostly Alyse's "Santa" stuff). I knew Sandy could keep her until 3:30 or 4:00 and I wanted to get started. So out I went to shop. I actually did pretty well and was there to pick up Aly at 3:30. We went home had a snack played a little and then I thought I should just take Aly with me and finish the little shopping we had left (she is still too little to remember that she was with me when we bought it). We started at KB toys, I was in search of a baby doll that Aly could cuddle and care for so that when her baby brother or sister comes she can take care of her baby while I care for her sibling. While we were there she found a little umbrella stroller, one for dolls, (which "Santa" already bought) she loved the thing and was pushing it all around the store, happy as a lark. When it was time to leave (without a doll because nothing there was what I was looking for) and I had to take the stroller away (remember "Santa" already got that item). . . MEGA tantrum! I carried my kicking, screaming, sobbing child out the car buckled her in her carseat and off we went. She usually forgets about what it is that is making her upset after a few minutes; then I can use a distraction technique, not today. I still wanted to check Target since we were right there, I was sure once we went in the store and she saw other things and people (she is such a show off to other people) she would put on her charm and be a delight. I was so WRONG! She cried, screamed, flopped, and other lovely behaviors throughout the entire store. I found nothing that worked for her Christmas doll (we will have to brave TOYS R US on Christmas Eve when we get to Highland) and I was almost out of the store when I decided maybe a snack would calm the troubled beast so we stopped at the food counter. I got her a kids meal (PB&J, yogurt, and a milk--all her favorites) and went to sit down in a corner where we would disturb as few people as possible . . . just then a familiar voice asks if I need help! I look up to see my old roommate from SUU days, Nikki Wild, standing there. I was so excited to see her although I am sure my expression did not reflect this emotion since I was dealing with toddler issues. She was there with her perfectly behaved little girls and I must say I was a little envious at the moment, I REALLY could have used perfect behavior at this point in my week. We exchanged e-mails and she went on her way. Alyse calmed down just long enough to eat her yogurt and then went right on screaming. I realized it was time to go home. We got her into her seat and headed home. I am just happy to say I SURVIVED. Russ is currently off finishing the shopping I didn't get done yesterday and I am enjoying a day home with Aly. Laundry, packing, cleaning, and naps. Tomorrow we head north and all my pre-Christmas stress will be nothing but a memory! I can't WAIT!