Christmas!

Christmas sort of went by fast- and I'm a little sad about it. It was, however, full of amazing food, great company, and lots of naps :) 

I went up to Lindsay's house a few days before Christmas to stay with the boys (who were both sick) while Chris worked and Lindsay finished some Christmas shopping. They were super cuddly, and I was okay with it! 

Sunday before Christmas we celebrated the Pedersen family Christmas. Here's the annual 'sibling' photo:

I worked during the day of Christmas Eve. Thankfully, Mike and Julie came in (and stayed to drink) and let me leave so I could make it to church. The choir sang a few songs before Mass started. I sang O Holy Night (at the front of church-scary!) with the choir joining on the refrain. 

After Mass, Ma and Pa had the bowling gang over for prime rib. I stopped over to Kristen's grandparents for a little while (because they're my second family-I have to see them on Christmas!). I came home and enjoyed the prime rib and great company :) 

Pa dressed up as Santa for Mass (per Father Brian's request) to give the message that even Santa has time to attend Mass. 

I saw Mommy kissing Santa Clause....

Christmas day we were all up and at 'em early to start cooking. Pa and I worked hard making cheeseballs and pickle wraps. The troops arrived around noon and the chaos continued throughout the day. We had 21 people total in our house for lunch. We had so much good food and we all ate ourselves into a food coma. After lunch we opened presents and then had pie. The extended family left and the immediate fam opened presents. Needless to say, our living room was pretty much a war zone. All were pleased with the gifts they received, aside from the cookie jar being located in a set of luggage given to Lindsay. She and I managed to sneak it into Shelby's luggage, but JD found it before they left. I am currently not aware of the location, and I'm worried. 

Shelby bought Kaden a marshmallow shooter and, in the words of Lindsay, "This is what Christmas is about:wearing your fuzzy fat pants and shooting marshmallows at people." 

Connor got a new Hawkeye chair

A few of my favorite people! 

So that's the wrap-up of my Christmas. Now I'm just enjoying break, visiting friends, napping quite a bit, and doing basically whatever I want. and I love it. :) 

Day 29-Pedersens

The Pedersen family is literally my second family. Some summers I spent more time in their house than I did my own. They even get upset if I'm home for the weekend and don't stop to see them... I'm not sure what I would do without them!

May 21

This whole "having the day off" thing is weird. and I don't like it. I would much rather be making money, because when I'm home, I'm worthless. Tonight I went on a short bike ride with Pedersen's and then we went to get ice cream. They got a new puppy since Blue died. Her name is Gidget and she's so cute!!

May 9

Another day of work-wahoo! I'm working as many 8-2 shifts as possible before swim team starts. It's awesome because I'm the only one there, which equals monnnnneeeeyyyy :) I hung out with the Pedersen family for a bit, and their new dog, Gidget!

March 9

FRIDAY. Yes. I woke up at 6-not by choice (obviously). I couldn't fall back asleep so I decided to be productive. I got up, showered, and packed. I ate breakfast with Katlyne around 8:15 and then left to get my pedicure around 9. It was very relaxing. After my pedi I went to HyVee to turn in my pop cans. I'm donating my pop can money to Relay. It was only 50 cents but hey, it's a start! I then went to Scratch to get cupcakes to take home to the fam. No coconut love, though :( I came back to campus and had lunch with Jen, Katlyne, and Danielle. I went to my 12:00 class and then was OFF. On my way home. Finally. My low fuel light came on but I was brave enough to try and make it to the Grundy County gas station. I made it, and then used my whole paycheck to put gas in my car.How depressing. I grabbed a Dr. Pepper and some almonds and was on my way. It was boring-like usual. I got home around 2:45, unloaded my stuff from my car, and was on the road again-to Lytton. But first I stopped at Pedersen's to deliver their cupcakes. I stopped in Lytton to deliver a cupcake to Zac. and then I went to see Aunt Sharon. :)  We talked for a while and then I headed back home. And there they were, waiting for me. My boys (well, Lindsay's actually). Kaden gave me seriously the BEST hug in the entire world. He said: "Whitmee! Guess what I brought with me!" I said, "what?!" and he promptly replied, "CONNOR!" Hahaha. We played some Wii games and Tate came over to visit. Grandma came back from the store and we made some mac n' cheese for supper. Then I headed, with both boys, to Lake City to the SCC Dance show. It was not bad. They boys were VERY good throughout the whole thing. Kaden even helped the janitor clean up the programs afterwards while I talked to some friends. Scott was a big help with entertaining Kaden. I got to chat with some friends because Tori stole Connor for about 20 minutes(at least). She loves him (I think it's because he's so squishy.) We headed home, with Scott (because Michelle had to work). We got back in the house, ate some pudding, and headed to bed...but it was not soon enough...

Connor was very content just hanging out on the floor during the show. 

February 26

I was hoping to be productive today, but we all know how that goes. I got home from Cedar Rapids around noon and then ate lunch with Danielle and some of her friends. I showered and left around 3 for the Rock. I went to spend the day at home. I stopped to see Pedersen's for about a half hour and then went to Zac's house for a bit. When my parents got home around 8, Zac and I went over there to make our supper and spend some time with my parents. We watched the Oscars and then I left around 9:30.

My photo of the day was actually taken by my friend Danielle, but it explains exactly how I feel. We miss Katlyne :(