Have you ever had one of those weeks where you swear it's only been two days long, yet the longest week ever at the exact same time? Where time has passed in "half day" increments instead of in hours but you feel like it might not end? As I read through my last blog, I couldnt' believe it was a week ago....and was laughing at how calm and happy I sounded....wow, that calmness has been challenged this week.

Mark has been gone since Monday to San Diego, and came home safely last night. I was so incredibly glad to have him back. But, not near as happy as my two girls. The moment they heard the familiar squeak of the garage door, they both took off running, screaming at the top of their lungs (which is pretty loud, by the way.) They knocked him over with the strength of their hugs and couldn't seem to stop long enough for me to get to him! Of course, my sweet husband started crying immediately and soaked it all in. Even though I felt like I had the "hard" job of the week with taking care of two very active and emotional little ones all by myself, I also realize that his job was pretty tough too....he had to go four days without those precious hugs and kisses and sweet voices saying "I love you Daddy!"

We missed him so much and today feels so much better than the last few have. Of course, I have to say that his company picked a pretty tough week to take him away! We have been busy with all kinds of fun things (which would have been more fun with him here!) I will hit the highlights of our week, with a few pictures too.

Monday was Kendyll's first ballet recital. Her fans were there in full spirit and it was the longest hour-and-a-half recital I've ever sat through. Kendyll was in two of the TWENTY-TWO acts!!! And, who wants to watch OTHER three year olds attempt a tap routine? As you can see, she was the cutest girl there and had a great time. It began at her bedtime, so she was a good sport. Along with her crazy, exhausted, very loud little sister....who LOVED seeing her big sis on stage. Kendyll was most excited about her baby cousin who came to support her. She told everyone that Braden cheered for her and clapped his hands when he watched her. Not totally true...he actually slept through the whole thing, but we did get some pictures of them together that she will always treasure.

Tuesday, I had sick kiddos, so I missed the last day of Ladies Class and lunch with good friends. And, instead, spent it at McDonald's, Wal-Mart, and the grocer store with fussy girls. NOT the best day of the week! But, there was too much to do and too many errands to run to keep them home like they needed! We got it all done, but Mommy was up VERY late and, I will admit, I wasn't the nicest Mommy ever. This is hard to own up to, but I was very impatient with my kids because of my long list, my exhaustion level, their fussiness, and the fact that I was "without my better half", who always makes these days easier.

One quote from the errand day....While in Wal-Mart, both my girls were fighting with each other in the grocery cart and couldn't seem to stop screaming "NO" in each other's faces. So, after I finally solved the problem of the moment, I said to Kendyll: "See! This is EXACTLY why I don't bring y'all to the stores with me!!" (Not nice....not nice at all. Very bad example and embarrasing to post!) But, then a few minutes later, Carlie pulled Kendyll's hair pretty hard, and Kendyll got quite mad. Then, she turned to me and said: "See!! This is EXACTLY why we should not have a crazy girl in our family!", while pointing at her sister. I just busted out laughing. It was humorous to not only hear my horrible mom-quote repeated, but to also hear what she was thinking about her sister. Well, no need to go on. That pretty much sums up Tuesday. By the time we left the store, they were both covered in chocolate from an act of desperation on my part. Yes, that's right, I pulled a bag of chocolate covered pretzels straight from the shelf and inserted them in their mouths just to get some quiet. (why was that a good idea, because then I just had to practically give them a sponge bath to get them back in the car?)

Wednesday was baking day for various gifts we were giving the next day, along with a visit to the cutest cousin ever in Midlothian for lunch. We enjoyed getting to hold Braden and I particularly enjoyed trying to avoid Kendyll's coughs landing right in his face while we were there. Kind of tough to explain to a four year old why she can't come near the couch when she loves this baby so much. But, we enjoyed our time, and even got some "awake" time with our little man.

Wednesday night was a going away event for some dear friends of ours who are moving three hours away. We had fun, and the kids had a blast playing together. It's always a blessing to attend a party where most of your and your kids' good friends are all in one house. Although I was there alone, without my better-half-kid-chaser, I did okay and so did the girls. It was worth the trip and the effort, because we love the Beards so much...

Thursday....man, I don't know if I can blog about it, it's that fresh. Thursday was the last day of Sunshine School before Christmas break. Pure craziness. That's all I can say. From the moment I packed the car that morning with teacher gifts and school bags, I knew it was going to be a day of Christmas craziness. After controlling my own children, plus controlling ten other children all day, the school day ended in two Christmas parties with sugar and adrenaline levels at an all-time high.....pure craziness. But, pure fun too, for the kids.

But, then, we were surprised with a husband and Daddy an hour earlier than we expected!! We went to dinner at our favorite Mexican food place and came home, put the kids in bed, and caught up on THREE finales for our favorite reality TV shows. What started crazy in the morning, ended with greatness---my reality TIVOed shows, my husband, and comfy flannel sheets, which I hit by 8:15 pm.

And here we are at today. A quieter day at home, with the whole family reunited! Tonight, we are visiting my other favorite baby, Mia Jing Maulsby (aka Min-Min)!!! We can't wait to catch up with our good friends and just to soak in Mia in every way. Kendyll keeps asking me when we get to leave to see our baby!

The rest of the weekend will be fun, with lots of Christmas activities in store. A family Christmas picture finally taken tomorrow, a trip to the Gaylord to visit Santa's workshop, delivering toys with our church to needy families, shopping on Sunday, and seeing lots of family. I look forward to a slower paced weekend....with my better half and a better attitude!