December 2018

The start of December didn't start off the best. Our poor Chipper was not feeling well and we knew that it was more than just a strained leg. He had all the symptoms of a slipped disc. We called our vet right away in the morning and they were able to see him at 9:30am. Adam held him and I drove to the clinic. He did so well in the car and through his check up. He weighs 14.5 lbs and didn't have a fever. When the doctor came in to examine him he started to get a little growly and nipped at her a few times. She called a tech in to assist her. They tried putting a muzzle on him but they couldn't get it tight enough. Adam said he'd do it, but they wouldn't let him. She didn't want anyone to get bit. Finally they had to put a towel over his head and basically put him in a headlock so that they could do a spinal exam. She confirmed what we suspected, that he had a slipped/herniated disc. Poor Chipper. She put him on a few medications including prednisone, the steroid. She said the slipped disc is a chronic issue and common in doxie's, but it can be managed with the steroid. She seemed confident that he would be feeling better by Monday. Adam and I were so relieved. I was prepared to start making some tough decisions today, but thank goodness it didn't have to come to that. We made a little bed for him in the living room and sat by him all day just like he would to us if we were sick. Alexa had her regular dance classes in the morning and then her and Kenz had a duet lesson with Kris. Adam, Craig and Michelle worked the Twolves game. Alexa's Nutcracker rehearsal was cancelled due to a blizzard. Kenz and Kaylee came over to hang out. I just sat by Chipper next to the warm fire.

We got up early Sunday to go make Christmas cookies with the Sharp's. It had snowed quite a bit so Adam went out to snow blow. Chipper was not any better. But, we're still hopeful he'll perk up soon! We let him rest quietly in the living room while we made cookies. Adam came back to check on him and take him out to the bathroom. Alexa had Nutcracker practice in the afternoon, so I took her home to get ready while Adam and Lilli stayed to finish up the cookies. I got a text from Adam while at practice that he had called the vet because he was concerned about Chip. We were coming to realize that he was paralyzed and wasn't going to get better. The medicine was not helping him at all. We gave him lots of love and snuggles that night and warned the girls that it wasn't looking very good for our little buddy, but that the vet would be calling the next day and we'd have a better idea then.

I got up and ready for work but just couldn't bring myself to leave the house. Adam had brought Chip down to go potty outside and he just couldn't move. He just peed all over himself and couldn't pick his back side up to poop. He was stepping on his back legs and wasn't wagging his tail. I had asked God the night before to give us a sign that this was Chip's time and I knew right away when he didn't want to eat his food. Chip will eat anything and all day long if we let him. The girls didn't have school so they slept in and we let them. We snuggled in the den and called the vet to see if there was ANY hope he'd get better and she gave us the option of surgery, but because of his age and the severity of his injury, it wasn't guarenteed to work. And the recovery process was very long and intensive. We knew this wasn't an option for us. She asked us if we were ready to say goodbye and through many tears, we said we were. We cried hard for a long time and then Adam asked if I wanted to hold Chip. He had been in so much pain that we hadn't been able to hold him all week, so I really wanted to hold him and love on him. Adam carefully laid him in my arms surrounded by pillows and blankets. He was so happy to be held, but felt so lifeless at the same time. Adam and I sat and talked and cried until the girls finally woke up and came downstairs. They could tell something was up by our tears, but were caught completely off-guard when we told them today was the day. Chip wasn't going to get better. They were both very upset for awhile. Lilli couldn't catch her breath and ended up in the bathroom feeling like she was going to throw up. We all cried so much but talked through everything very honestly with the girls, explained everything we knew, and they both came to terms with what we had to do was the best thing for our little Chippers. We didn't want him to have to be in pain or just lay on a blanket his whole life. We took turns holding him, talking to him and crying. We told the girls that they could have as long as they needed to say goodbye. We ultimately decided on 1 o'clock, and throughout the morning they'd often ask what time it was or how much time was left. We let them decide if they wanted to be there or not. Neither of them wanted to. And Adam and I decided it would be best for him to be there with Chip and for me to be with the girls. We decided together as a family that we wanted Chip to be cremated, a private cremation, and that we would bury him at the cabin - his favorite place in the whole world. We shared happy stories of Chip, things that we'd miss about him - we'd laugh, we'd cry. At one point, Lilli said..."Can we be happy now?" :) We let Lilli feed him chocolate, Alexa got to give him some peanut butter, Adam gave him a couple slim jim's and we all sat around while he ate a bowl of ice-cream. His favorites! Eventually it got closer to 1, Chip was laying on the floor and we were all laying around him. I asked everyone if we should say a prayer for Chipper and they all wanted to. We held hands around him in a circle and said the Our Father. We each added our own words for our sweet boy and the girls laid their faces close to him and both told them how much he meant to them. They were so personal. It made me realize how much he'd been there for them in ways that Adam or I could never be. He was Alexa's best friend. The girls huddled together embraced on the couch while we took Chipper away. I drove him and Adam to the vet clinic and as we drove out of the driveway, both girls were in the front window waving goodbye. It broke our hearts. Adam held Chippers and you could tell he was happy to be riding in the car, but he knew what was coming. He was the smartest dog and so aware. I said my goodbyes to our little buddy and then Adam carried him inside. I drove home to be with the girls and drove by our old house and peeked in the back yard where most of memories with Chipper were. The girls were both on their phones when I got home and seemed to have a huge weight lifted from their chests. It seemed easier for them that Chipper wasn't there. Alexa had a hard time talking about him being "gone" while he was still there with us. I asked them if they wanted me to clean up Chippers things (all his blankets and medecine) that were in the living room or if they wanted me to leave them for awhile. They said to clean them up, so I did. I started a load of laundry and tidied up the house. Adam was going to call me when he was ready to be picked up. I got the call close to 2. Adam had started walking home, he just needed to breath and be alone. He told me Chip passed so peacefully in his arms and he was so glad he was there for him. He talked to him the whole time telling him what he meant to us, how he protected us and how much we loved him. We got home and had the girls get ready so we could go get something to eat. We hadn't eaten all day and we all just wanted to get out of the house for a bit. We ate at Red Robin. It felt good to eat, be outside and breathe a little. We went back and forth talking about normal things and then talking about Chip again. We ran to Target and let the girls pick out some picture frames and their favorite picture of them and Chip to keep in their rooms. Alexa was way more willing to do this than Lilli. Alexa wants his picture reminders, while it's hard for Lilli to look at him right now. We're encouraging them to grieve the way they need to and that there is no right or wrong way to do so. Each of us are going to have different feelings about it at different times. Lilli decided that she did want to go to dance. She needed that support from her friends. Alexa had a full dress rehearsal at AMES and I was her backstage volunteer. She was feeling sad she couldn't be at Synergy getting the same support Lilli was. If she felt anything like me, she was lonely. But, I'm glad we had each other - puffy eyes and all. We got home right around the same time Lilli did. And Alexa asked Lilli if she wanted to sleep with her. She did! I'm so glad they had each other during this time. As hard as it is to type all this, I have to say that I felt like the day was as special as we could make it for Chip. We gave him all the love and comfort he gives us in hard times and felt like we honored his life and memories together as a family. He was the best dog and we'll miss him forever!

Tuesday didn't come easier. The void in our hearts was still very heavy. Many "firsts" are starting without our Chipper. Alexa went to school because she just has more to miss in middle school and she will be gone Thursday, too, for Nutcracker. She put on a brave face and got through the day. Her friends Kenzie and Katelyn greeted her in the morning with donuts and hugs on the way to school. They even came up to the door and brought donuts for Adam, Lilli and I. Lilli on the other hand wasn't at all ready. It was just still too hard and she was afraid she'd start to cry in school. Her and Adam stayed home together and enjoyed the day with a few breakdowns here and there. They watched a movie, Lilli did her homework, they ran to Target and made banana bread. Emily and Tammy stopped over and gave the girls each a little wiener dog stuffed animal and a photo collage of pictures of them with Chip. It was so super sweet, but very hard to talk through what happened with Chippers, too. Both girls wanted to go to dance. Alexa was happy to be back at Synergy and with her friends for support. Adam and I had dinner together and just sat in silence sometimes and talked about our little buddy. We cried and we laughed. We talked about how hard this is to navigate with the girls and hoped we handled it ok with them. I think we have!

Lilli went back to school Wednesday. Time is healing, but it's still so hard. I just didn't realize how much I actually interact with Chipper every day. I miss him. We all miss him. Adam was home again today, just incase the kids needed him. He brought Alexa to my office after school so I could get her full hair/make-up done for Nutcracker rehearsal. Then he went and picked Lilli up, drove my carpool to dance, and then took Lilli to church. He's had my back this week and I'm so grateful. Lilli has enjoyed her one on one with him, too. I took Alexa to AMES for her ACT 2 dress rehearsal. She did amazing. I'm so proud of her. Proud she's doing this, making new friends and truly enjoying this experience. I'm grateful for all the extra time I get to spend with her and get to witness first hand her nailing every practice! I love her so much!

Adam got up and went to work early this morning. He hadn't been there all week and wanted to get a head start. He was out of the house by 7. I did my work out and slowly woke the girls up. I got Lilli ready for school, lunches made for all of us, packed Alexa's dance bag and Alexa's hair/make-up done. I dropped Lilli off at the Sharp's at 8:30 and Stacey brought her and Ellie to school. Then it was off to the AMES Center in Burnsville for Alexa's 1st Nutcracker performance. They had a 10:15am show for some local school kids who were lucky enough to have a field trip day. I was the backstage volunteer! The show went great. Alexa had such a fun time. Once it was done, her and I left for lunch. She decided on Cane's. Then we ran to Target and she bought Adam and Lilli's Christmas presents. We looked for Javie, but just couldn't find anything. We stopped at Petco, PetSmart and even HyVee and just couldn't find what we were looking for. We drove back to AMES to see if they had any extra tickets for the evening show, and sure enough they did - they even GAVE it to me! I got one for Kari, too, mom of Cate, who's also a Russian. Alexa and I drove around a little bit and just sat in the car listening to music for awhile until she had to go get checked in again back stage. I was nervous to leave her, but she is so awesome - she's totally fine without me. She text me when she got back to her dressing room and all was good. Kari and I found our seats and we sat back and enjoyed the show and all the hard work our girls have put in the last few months. I'm so damn proud! Of course, the Russian's were the big highlight. That performance was for the Girl Scouts! Alexa packed up her things and met me in the lobby and then asked if she could go to Synergy for the last few mins of her lyrical class. That girl just doesn't quit. She made it for the last 10 mins and was so glad she got to be there, even for a short time.

I drove Alexa, Katelyn and Kenz to school today! It felt good to see them. They always make me smile. A regular school day for both girls. So happy it's Friday. Alexa had her 3rd Nutcracker performance - opening night (to the public). I did not sign up to volunteer this performance, and I'm kind of bummed I didn't. I love being with her. But, Adam, Lilli and I dropped her off and then went to JC's Sports Bar for dinner. Then went shopping at Target. Lilli was able to get Alexa's Christmas present. Once Alexa was done, it was home to snuggle in and rest up for the next busy day!

I got up and worked out, packed up Alexa's things, got her ready and then her and I headed out to AMES for another day of Nutcracker performances. We met my mom and dad in the parking lot. They walked with us to check Alexa in and then we hung out in the lobby a bit until Adam and Lilli got there. Linda also came and we found our seats up in the balcony. It was such a beautiful show and Alexa did such a great job. I could watch her tumble around all day long. The Russian's are always the highlight. Many people have told us that - and I have to agree, even tho I'm terribly bias. After the show we had dinner again at JC's Sports Bar with my parents. We said goodbye to them and then got Alexa back to AMES for her 2nd show. I volunteered back stage. Many people from the girls' studio came to watch the evening show. Her and Alex met them all upstairs and Denise and Rick welcomed them and talked about the Twin Cities Ballet and let them ask questions. It was super nice to see all the people come out to support Alexa and Alex. Alexa loves to have people in the audience she knows, to perform for. Lilli scored a ticket to sit with them so she got to watch again. We got home late but we all snuggled in and watched an episode of Goldburg's.

Sunday was another busy morning getting Alexa ready for another day of performances. I volunteered backstage for both shows. The Russian girls had so much fun together - they developed quite the bond. They had fun making videos together, doing gymnastics, practicing dances and attempting yogo poses. They became like a little sisterhood during the long week. The TCB offered the dancers lunch between shows today which was super nice. While we were gone all day, Adam and Lilli ran all my errands for me. They got a car wash, groceries and picked up some prizes for Christmas this weekend with my family. They also picked up a couple gingerbread houses for the girls to put together and some holiday outfits for Javie. When Alexa and I got home they had dinner ready for us and Alexa and Lilli put together their gingerbread houses. I put all of Javie's outfits on and she gave everyone a fashion show. It didn't seem long enough, but it was nice to have a little bit of family time after such a hectic week.

Alexa was not wanting to get up for school today - she's so tired! But, she was a trooper and pushed through and had a great day. Kris invited all the parents to come watch their jazz dances at the studio. So, I went and watched Lilli. She did a great job! I'm excited for her this year. She's improving every day! I went home and worked out, had dinner with Adam (he surprised me with Papa John's Hawaiian pizza) and then went back to the studio to watch Alexa. I love the concept of her dance (she's Rosa Parks). I also got a little sneak peek of Lilli's musical theater dance, and it's super adorable! Alexa studied for geography test when she got home, I did the laundry and it was off to bed. I had a laundry list of things I wanted to get done tonight and only knocked about 2 things off. Grr! Today also marked one week since we lost our Chipper. The vet called and his ashes are in already!

I felt slightly more productive today, which helped my overwhelming anxiety. I started meal planning for next week, got the house vacuumed and created a grocery list for what we need to bring to Christmas this weekend w/ my family. I also finished phase 3 of my 80 day obsession workout. I have a week left, but it feels so good to get this far. Adam picked Chippers ashes up at the vet clinic on his way home. It's good to have out little buddy back home. They also included a little clay disc with his paw print which we are all so grateful for. Alexa had a particularly hard day and started to cry because it was the first time since Chipper passed that she was sad and needed him. It broke my heart. He was always there for her.

Adam and Lilli got their flu shots right away in the morning. Alexa and I can't get in until next week. I am freaking out a little on how late we've put off getting these this year. Lilli had hip hop and Alexa had duet practice after school. Alexa and Kenz are looking awesome together. So excited for their dance this year, it's so sassy and fun! Still working on a costume tho. The girls and I had Faith Formation. Jolene and I had our class do a little skit of the Nativity and Jesus's birth and then had treats at the end because it's our last class before Christmas. Adam had awesome tacos and rice ready for us when we got home. So delicious. The girls helped him clean up while I did my work out and then it was an early night to bed.

Thursdays are my days to drive the middle school carpool. I just love seeing the girls in the morning. I had lists for the lists I needed to make and lots of things to knock out and get ready while the girls were at dance. I did my work out, brought the girls dinner, picked up Christmas cards and addressed some of them, packed my clothes and the girls' clothes, got all the food and other things packed and ready in the kitchen for Adam to put in the car. I picked Lilli up from dance, she did homework, showered and then helped me make chocolate covered pretzels. Alexa got home after 9 and showered and both girls went to bed. Adam worked the NCAA Volleyball games with Craig and got home late. I had fallen asleep before he got home.

The girls had a great day at school. Adam got home early to pack up the car and we were out of the house before 4pm to celebrate Christmas with my family. We went to Morris to the Sunwood - our 3rd year tradition. The girls were so excited and we got to bring Javie, too. We made great time and had Subway for dinner when we got there. It was great to see everyone. We swam/sat in the hot tub and sat around and visited.

Courtney and Tiny had breakfast for us Saturday morning - cinnamon rolls, caramel rolls and coffee cake. So delicious. Mom started the games and we got to pick items from the prize table. We also started a bean bag tournament and played throughout the day. Adam and I are the champs! :) We swam, played games, snacked and visited all day. It was so fun and so relaxing. Benski brought some different beers that we sampled. Mom and Dad ordered us pizza for dinner.

Adam and I had breakfast Sunday morning - we made pancakes and had fruit and juice. We sat around and visited in the morning before packing up and heading home. It was such a nice weekend and was so fun to be with family. The drive home went well. We unpacked, showered and then went out for groceries and secret Santa gifts the girls need for the week. I made stir fry for dinner when we got home, the girls finished up homework and then we went out to look at Christmas lights for a little while. We came home and the girls talked us into watched a few episodes of Fuller House.

Last week of school for the kids before Christmas break. I keep reminding them of that when I have to wake them up so early. Adam's ankle has been bugging him for the past 2 weeks. He took the day off to rest it, but it's still not better. He has an appointment tomorrow to get it checked out. Javie got her hair cut today - she looks so pretty. The girls had their secret santa parties at dance tonight. They both dressed up in Christmas attire and brought treats for their class and teachers. Alexa had Sam and Lilli had Natalie. Kaylee had Alexa and she got a lululemon hair scrunchie and some jojobows as a gag gift. Maya had Lilli and she got a large thing of chocolates, a couple pair of fuzzy socks and lots of candy canes. They had so much fun celebrating with their groups. I did my work out and Adam laid out all the Christmas gifts for the girls so we could evaluate what we had and what we still need. I thought we were lighter on Alexa so we ordered her something else, but now I feel like Lilli has less. Ugh! We need to pick up stocking stuffers this weekend. I took a bath and Adam soaked his ankle.

Adam had a doctor appt at 4pm for his foot/ankle. And Alexa and I had our flu shots at 4:30. Adam went there straight from work and Alexa and I got there after dropping Lilli off at dance. We ended up in a room right across from Adam and got done at the very same time. He had an x-ray done just to rule out any fracture (there wasn't any). His doctor said it's the gout. He needs to drink more water!! He also got his blood drawn to check his uric acid levels. Alexa did amazing with her flu shot. She still wanted me to hold her hand, but there was no panic or crying. So proud of her. I took her home for dinner and then she was off to dance for the night. Her pointe class did a little gag gift party. She ended up with something actually quite nice, a little massager and some socks. They've been having so much fun at dance gearing up for the holidays. So many fun parties and treats. Lilli also got a standing ovation from her classmates and a compliment from her teacher on her turns during their turn sequence. I love how much her confidence is boosting this year. Adam went with Mike to watch Jack's hockey game and I did my work out and switched my kombucha.

There was no faith formation for us tonight, which was nice. Nice to have an early night in and relax a bit. Lilli had hip hop and Alexa had duet practice after school. Adam made dinner when we got home so I could work out. The girls showered and did homework and then we were able to eat dinner and binge watch Fuller House. I made popcorn, too. So awesome to snuggle up with my family in the middle of the week!

The girls both had their regular dance schedule. Lilli's class she assists for had their Christmas party. They made a fun icicle craft. And Lilli got a few sweet gifts from the kids. I finished my 80 Day Obsession program on Beach Body. I'm so excited and proud of myself for being committed and sticking it through the 80 days. Adam and I made enchiladas and rice for my co-workers, our traditional gift for them at Christmas. Adam did most of the work, but I was a good side kick and we had great conversation while cooking together. We surprised Alexa with her curtains for her room and hung them up for her. They look amazing!

Exhaustion kicked in Friday. I had a busy day at work. Tom's grandson was at the office all day. We had a Christmas lunch. By the time I got home, all I wanted to do was lay down. We snuggled up in the basement and watched Fuller House. I fell asleep, of course. I made tuna hotdish for dinner and then Alexa got ready for her Christmas party. We dropped her off at her friend Megan's at 7 and then Adam, Lilli and I went to the Sharp's to plan our event. We stayed until 10 when it was time to pick Alexa up. She had a blast and received a new Vera Bradley blanket from her Secret Santa.

Alexa had dance Saturday morning. The class she assists had their Christmas party and made a craft. She received a bag of goodies from her kids. Lilli and I ran to Target to do some shopping. And then Adam took the girls to do some more shopping while I cleaned up the house and made lunch. We had a quick lunch and then Adam and I went out and finished up our shopping. We had a fun happy hour that lasted until midnight at the Beissel's. We were only supposed to stay at hour, but ended up going to get our dinner and invited the Budde's over.

We went to the Budde's at 11am on Sunday for fish tacos and the Vikings game. It was so much fun. We cherish fish taco days like no other, it's so fun! And the Vikings won! We relaxed when we got home and watched a Christmas movie in the basement. Around 6, when it was dark we bundled up and went out to look at Christmas lights and do our scavenger hunt. We stopped at McDonald's for Adam and Lilli and Little Cesar's for Alexa and I for dinner while we drove around. We had a blast and found everything on our list except a camel. We stopped for snacks at Kwik Trip and HyVee, too. When we got home Alexa and I moved her bed mattress into our bedroom for a slumber party. We turned on another Christmas movie, Lilli put a face mask on and we had a fun family sleepover!!

I was so bummed to have to work on Christmas Eve, but nonetheless, I went in, got some stuff done and was sent home around 11. I met up with Adam and the girls at Petco where we got Javie her Christmas presents and then went to Egg Roll King for lunch. Adam and Alexa went to get groceries and Lilli and I went home to clean up the house. Before we knew it, it was time to get ready for church. We met the Budde's, who saved seats for us at the 4:30 children's mass. Afterwards we went to the Budde's for a drink and apps, our 3rd year tradition doing this. We found out the awesome news that Carter chose St. Cloud State for college. So exciting. Jeff and his mom also stopped by. Mike and Jeff had made some delicious infused cranberry mix for mules. It was so good and festive. We stayed until about 8:30 and then went home to make our homemade pizzas. The girls slept in our room again - partly because it's fun and also because we were too lazy to move Alexa's mattress back. Once the girls were sound alseep, Adam and I went downstairs to wrap all the gifts. There were so many and so many BIG ones that it took me until 1am to finish. Adam dozed off on the couch! When it was all done we gazed at the beautiful tree with all the presents. One of my favorite things to do. The kids had set out cookies and carrots for Santa and the reindeer and wrote him a letter.

The girls didn't wake up until about 8:30 Christmas morning, which was nice. They ran downstairs when they got up together and brought us all our stockings. We opened then in bed, one by one. Chip even had a special ornament with his picture in his. We sure missed him on this special day. He loved the hustle and bustle of Christmas. We made or way downstairs, I made some coffee and Adam took his time pooping (the girls were NOT happy!). Finally, we gathered in the living room and the girls passed out all the presents. It was so fun watching them open everything. They got much of what was on their Christmas lists this year. Lots of work out gear, games and clothes. We surprised them with all the things to make a dance studio in our basement - rubber flooring, dance flooring, mirrors, a ballet bar, a TV and weights and yoga balls, etc. They were so excited! Adam even put hooks up down there for their dance bags so they can have all their shoes down there. Then Santa surprised Alexa with a weighted blanket and Lilli with a Flicker. AND it was nice enough outside with very little snow so she could go out and ride it. The day was spent setting up the studio, playing games, munching on food, Adam preparing beans, rice and fajitas and relaxing. Chuck, Tammy and Emily came over at 4. The girls played games and us adults visited. We had an awesome dinner and then off to the movie theater to watch Mary Poppins Returns. Not the best movie we've seen, but a fun tradition we keep. We didn't get home until close to 11. It was hard to see the day come to an end, but we are excited to have more family time during the week.

Alexa was supposed to babysit for the Wheeler's Wednesday morning, but Bridget text early that the kiddos have ear infections. So, Alexa got to sleep in. :) Adam and I both worked. Adam got home early, got a haircut and picked up some more rubber mats for the girls' dance studio in our basement. They finished it up when he got home. The girls LOVE it. They played in there most of the day. And I have to admit I'm pretty excited about it, too. It will be a really nice workout space for me. When I got home Lilli was playing her new Just Dance game on the Xbox. She is so good at it. Adam made dinner, we cleaned up the kitchen and then played Tenzi with the kids. It was super fun. Then I started putting my puzzle together while they watched a Magic show on TV. It was a perfect quiet evening. It even started snowing.

Bridget's kids were feeling better and anxious to see Alexa, so she asked if she could pick her up a little earlier this morning. Alexa was ready to go! Lilli was home alone for a bit. She read, cleaned her room and bathroom and then Facetimed with the Sharp's to see what they got for Christmas. Once Alexa got home they showered, finished up their chores and had lunch. The Sharp girls came over to hang out for the afternoon. Bryson and Adam set up the mirrors in the studio. They needed a little extra help, so Jeff came over to help finish the job. It looks amazing and the girls are so happy. We love seeing them use the space and share it with their friends. We took a break for a quick dinner and then the Sharp's came back over. We shared a drink with Jeff and then kicked him out to talk about our event. Things are evolving and coming along, but we still can't say we're 100% done. Lots of little details to plan and things to shop for.

Why is it so hard to get up for work when the kids are home and don't have school? I just feel like we should ALL be on winter break. Seeing their cozy sleepy bodies snuggled up in their beds doesn't make it any easier for me to head out the door. I worked a full day and when I got home I started making a tatertot hotdish to bring to the Sharp's for the kids. The kids stayed behind while Stacey, Adam, Michelle, Jeff and I took Bryson out for his birthday. We went to the new Whiskey Inferno in Savage. We started in the heated patio with some drinks and apps and then got a table inside and shared a couple party platters. It was delicious. We went back to the Sharp's afterwards and had another quick drink before heading home.

Saturday was my perfect day. Adam and I woke up at 8:30 and sat in the living room together by the fire. I drank my coffee and read my book while Adam sat near me playing with his new "Alexa" and interrupting my book to visit. We sat together for 3 whole hours before the girls woke up. Once they finally came to, Adam made us brunch. The entire day we played games, I did my puzzle, Alexa worked on homework, we ate, watched a couple shows together and played more games. We never left the house once and stayed in our comfy clothes all day. We moved the girls' mattress into our room again and finished the night with another slumber party and Christmas movie.

I woke up around 2am Sunday with a terrible stomachache. A real sharp pain in the middle of my stomach. I was restless for a bit, but fell back to sleep. I woke up again and went downstairs to read before anyone else was up. My stomach still hurt, so I tried to go to the bathroom (and went) but that didn't help. Adam eventually joined me and the girls didn't sleep as long today. Adam got the Christmas bins out and upstairs for us to start taking the Christmas decor down. I muscled through, but I was hunched over from pain and Adam and the girls were starting to notice. It felt like I had a terrible sideache all along the front of my lower abdomen and would sometimes shoot into my sides. We got the Christmas decor down and had lunch and it still was not getting better. The girls and Adam were getting concerned and encouraged me to go to the doctor. I finally agreed and let Adam take me to urgent care. We waited for over 30 mins to get seen and once the doctor came, she basically told me they didn't have the equipment to look at my stomach and I could go to the ER if I thought it was bad enough. She could eliminate a few things with urine and blood samples, so I thought we could start there and if nothing came up we could go to the ER. She started with an exam of my stomach and I about went through the roof when she started tapping my lower abdomen. It was very painful. She said it looks like you'll be taking a trip to the ER after all. So, off we went to Fairview Ridges in Burnsville. Michelle came and picked up our girls. We got right into the ER and checked into a room. Upon initial exam of my stomach they all suspected appendix. I did blood work and gave a urine sample and did a lot of waiting for the CT scan. And then more waiting for the results. I was able to lay in a bed snuggled under a blanket and poor Adam had a hard wooden chair to sit next to me and watch the Vikings game. We got to watch nearly the whole game together and they lost, unfortunately! The doctor came back in finally and said the good news was that it was not appendicitis, but rather my intestines were extremely backed up. She prescribed me a few medications to take for 10 days and I was discharged. It was a relief I wouldn't be staying for surgery, but I was still in pain and having that much backed up waste isn't good either. We picked up the girls, grabbed them some Culver's and then went home. I took my medicine and we snuggled in for a Netflix show.

Alexa was supposed to babysit the Wheelers this morning but they cancelled due to some car trouble. She got lucky and got to sleep in another day. I got up and went to work. Feeling pretty blah still and some stomach pain yet. Adam and the girls ran errands in the morning and picked some things up for our New Year's party tonight at the Budde's. I got off work about 1 and went home to clean up and have some lunch. Adam brought home some high fiber foods for me to get things moving. I ran out and grabbed a few last minute groceries with him and then home to relax a little and prepare things for our NYE party at the Budde's. We had a potato/chilli bar and it was DELICIOUS! The kids skated outside and Jolene made them some super cute hot chocolate mugs with their names on them. The kids did a gift exchange and so did the adults. Adam got an Echo Dot and I got a pretty little wooden tray with handles. Bryson also made each family a cutting board. Ours is so beautiful and looks so pretty on our kitchen island. We played a couple games and rang in the new year with our bestest friends.