Kenzie had off school yesterday for Veteran's Day, so when our friends/neighbors invited us on a play date, I decided to take the day off, too. We don't get to do much outside of family time, so it was really great for both of us. We started the day with Kenzie's first time riding a horse, then took a hike through a nearby trail, had a delicious lunch, and then the girls ran around the house making crafts, reading to each other, and playing Barbies. It was so neat watching the two of them together, and so nice to have adult/mom conversation, too.
I'm working today and then we're headed out to the Dells in the morning, although I've got 2 more calls I have to be on during the day. Things are really starting to heat up at work, which is a great sign that the market is starting to recover a bit. Usually this time of the year is slower for us, but we're seeing quite the opposite right now. Should make finding time to shop and decorate this season all the more challenging!
Speaking of shopping, how many of you have started knocking things off your xmas list? How many of you are like me and have NO idea what to even put on your xmas list? LOL It's almost mid November and I'm absolutely clueless this year. We've been slowly scaling back on the kids' gifts the last couple of years and I think this year will be even more so. We're out of room and I'd love to put that money towards finishing our lower level - kind of a Christmas gift for all of us.
I'd also love to plan a family vacation for next year, now that my buddy pointed out that Southwest will be flying to Destin starting next May (which will hopefully make those flights more affordable). Our last week-long family trip was to Orlando in April '07, so I think we're due, I just need to start banking up vacation days that have been sucked up by sick kids earlier this year and just general mental health days (ugh). Although another visit here with just Tom and I is very, very tempting.
In other news, I think I have another kidney stone (double ugh). I've had really intense lower back pain for the last couple of weeks and Tom brought the kidney thing to my attention. I spent a day really focusing on the pain and it most certainly is. I've been drinking water like a madwoman, hoping to get rid of it, and so far I still have crazy intense pain in the morning that gets a little better as the day goes on. Just trying to get through the weekend without a trip to the emergency room :(
If I was smart, I'd lay off the espresso, since caffeine only contributes to the problem, but the withdrawal headaches that result are equally as painful to deal with. Plus, my 10 year service gift from my company was a cappuccino machine and Tom is determined to become my favorite barista. This morning's attempt wasn't bad at all, which was pretty exciting. Anyone have any tips for making cappuccino at home? I think we need to watch this video together tonight and try again :) That is, before this comes on - new episode tonight!
