December 23rd & 24th - Hanging at Grandma's

Friday morning we woke up ready to play. Lucy and Max had slept in Grandma and Papa's room. They specifically went out and bought a new King Sized bed, just so grandkids could sleep with them. So that's what they did. Papa was tired, so he went to bed with the kids. When Grandma went to go to bed, there was no room in the king-sized bed for her. So she bunked with Janeen in her room, and Logan in his crib. The next night, we set up an air-mattress on the floor for Lucy and Max to sleep on, so Grandma could have her bed back.

Kari and Barrett had arrived late in the night and were excited to come up to the big house (they were staying with Sarah and Tyson in the Trailer) to see everyone. So there were more hugs and hellos and the traditional pancake breakfast that always accompanies the first day at Grandma's. Pancakes with of special shapes too.

Lucy and Max were both missing school to be at Grandma's and they were supposed to have a pyjama day at school, eat treats, do a Christmas craft and watch "The Polar Express", so we promised Lucy that she would get to do all those things at Grandma's. Therefore, the kids stayed in their jammies ALL day.


Except for a few minutes to try on the new suits that Grandma bought for each of her grandsons. Lucy and Baby Sarah got matching dresses, but somehow we didn't get a picture of those.


Papa and Grandma had also bought a Christmas train to go around the tree, which never did get set up around the tree, because there were too many presents. But they set it up in the music room and it was a hit for the entire trip.


The day was also spent putting a puzzle together. We ended up doing about 6 different puzzles over the course of our time there. It's a Christmas tradition.

Lucy got some fun crafts from Grandma and decided to start making a family tree. She was making each person's face. Unfortunately, her table space got over-taken and the project was never finished. But it was a nice idea.

Christmas Eve was supposed to be spent at Bourne's, but unfortunately, Logan was up through the night, upset, and ended up puking on Christmas Eve morning. He still had a major appetite, so we hoped it would be short lived, but it turned out that it ended up hitting a lot of people on both sides of the family, hard and fast. Tammy and her girls, my parents, Logan, Grandma Janielee, and finally Max, late into the evening. Bathrooms at both houses were well occupied most of the day.

Before Max got sick tonight, Papa and Tyler decided to set up the quad and take the boys out for a pull on the tube. They had a great time, and it was good for Logan to get some fresh-air. Soon after coming inside is when Max started to get sick. Poor boy. He was so chipper and pleasant through it all.

Logan ended up puking on me about 7 times within 45 minutes that evening. I felt like I was in the worst fashion show ever. Parading a different outfit every 3 minutes, only to have it puked on. I'm so grateful that my older two children are old enough to make it to the bathroom before puking. Logan, I will be happy when that day comes for you too.

Through all my hefting of pukey children, I ended up throwing my back out and was laid up on the floor, in the worst pain I have experience in a long time. Barrett and Papa administered priesthood blessings to me, Logan, Max and Tyler (who was starting to feel queazy). Janeen ran to town to get some ginger ale for all, some robaxacet for me, and juice. Thanks Janeen! Scott also gave me half a percocet to ease the pain in my back. I was shivering on the floor with pain when Logan came and cuddled up to me and fell asleep, face-down on the hardwood floor. Poor guy.

Max passed out on the arm chair.

After we got kids settled into bed (Lucy went with Janeen down to Sarah and Tyson's to sleep in their bed as they were at Merrill's, so they could avoid the sick people), we all started wrapping Christmas presents. The meds I was on helped a great deal. Then it was off to dream land with a prayer, hoping Christmas day would be better.

Logan slept all night. (HALLELUJAH!) and I was so dopey from drugs I don't think i could have been much help if it was different. In face, Max was up in the night 3 times. I heard him once but wasn't able to bring myself out of the drug-fog to do anything about it. Good thing for Grandmas! And an even 'good-thing' for the Priesthood. It saved me that day. It's hard to be a mom of sick kids, away from home, with a hurt back who can't do anything to help her kids who need her. It was especially hard that Lucy was well and excited for Santa and Christmas, and I had had all these plans to make the evening magical, and it just wasn't coming together. Again, thank goodness for Grandma and Janeen who created the magic for her. Cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.


Here's hoping for a better Christmas Day!