As you can imagine, just about everything this month took a back seat to the new baby.  But, in other news …

• We purchased a new house.  The construction this month and last was in preparation for selling our current house, which will hopefully happen next month.  We anticipate moving in the summer.  And, since its new construction hopefully I’ll keep you updated on the goings on as the weeks go by.
• We finished up installing recessed lighting (see first bullet) and some other minor updates.
• The older three boys started their winter ski lessons.  They go for six weeks and, unlike last year, it seems like it will be the originally scheduled six weeks this time.  Thankfully, the warm winter hasn’t cancelled this activity.
• I got my haircut.  Perfect timing two days before baby.
• Our four year old is doing weekly skating lessons.  It takes a bit to get him there, but once there he seems to be enjoying them.
• The twins attended one birthday party.
• The older three plus Dad went on a ski weekend.
• As a start to the moving process I sold some items via an online yard sale – many to go.  I also did a fair bit of cleaning out when the older ones were out of town.

Ok, so this is a little late.  But, I’m trying to get back on track.  January’s accomplishments will be on Thursday.

• In the run-up to baby I had a boatload of doctor’s appointments, often more than one in a week.
• We attended the local train show.

• We got new counters in the kitchen.
• The boys collectively attended five birthday parties.
• I got everyone signed up for spring baseball.
• The older three boys attended a Bruins game with Dad.
• We made gingerbread cookies (we still haven’t put together the gingerbread train that I bought in lieu of gingerbread houses this year).
• Our four year-old made a gingerbread house at school, which was promptly eaten.

• We had a successful Christmas.

The contractors continue.  To some extent they’re wrapping up; in other was they’re just getting started.

• The current contractors were here almost every day this week.  I also met with two new contractors for other potential projects (see next bullet).  They’re not done, but I did manage to take the latest grocery picture showing the new mudroom floor and wall.  Here’s a before and after in the same spot.

• We are contemplating moving.  So, we had a couple of house visits, but nothing that seemed worth pursuing.  I was surprised anything new appeared on the market this time of year.
• I had a Dr appt.
• The older boys went for their ski fitting.  They’ll be taking lessons through the rec dept this winter.
• We attended three birthday parties.
• I got a significant amount of stuff cleaned out – both trash and recycling – of the garage.  I’m hoping to maintain momentum on the clean-out process.
• I finally parted with the pile I’d set aside in the basement to part with.  Specifically we sold the saw and drill press; I gave away the smaller stuff.

This past week was Thanksgiving and contractors.

• We had a nice vacation weekend, with little effort on my part.
• Our oldest went to a birthday party.
• I completed all the spring & winter soccer registrations.
• I had a Dr appt.
• The contractors finished everything on the 2nd floor and basement.  Note: While they’re not doing that much, they are touching a lot of places.  It is nice to have them down to just a few rooms so we can return some rooms to normal use.

We’ve had a lot going on with holidays and contractors.

• I went to the preschool parent/teacher conferences.  All is well.
• Our oldest had his soccer tournament, in which they won their division.
• I got my haircut.
• We attended the preschool potluck for our youngest.
• I went to a PTA meeting with our new school superintendent, which was quite informative.  We’ll have to see where the new vision takes us.
• We went to a 3y birthday party.

Here’s just one of the sort of things the contractors are taking care of for us – a mess of painting.  In theory I could paint myself, but windows are not my favorite and I have little time to do this with youngsters who won’t stay away from wet paint almost always around.

(Say hi to my reflection!)  No, these are not the same bathroom; the colored tiles are staying for now.  The wood is now white and the awful shade has gone in the trash.  It will be replaced eventually, but since we never actually close them it is not a priority.

Continuing on the late theme from yesterday …

I felt like I was getting a lot done in the past week, even with the Wednesday holiday.  But, that slowed down as the week progressed.  Initially I was home with the contractors and things were getting done.  But, then they somewhat took over everywhere so I spent my time more keeping the kids contained or away in whatever form we could to avoid them.

• We got a load of mulch delivered and 4 HS kids came to spread it around for us for their fundraiser.  They got through half the pile, though the most critical spots.  Now I have to finish it off before winter hits.
• My oldest had this last practice and game for his fall team.  I thought this would be the end, but his spring team asked him to join them for a tournament this weekend so we’ve had a few more practices and are awaiting a few more games.
• I made it to the preschool parent’s meeting, which was a nice night out.
• We went to the older preschool class’ class dinner.
• I went to the cheese festival at the farm stand; only the 4 year old wanted to join me.
• I got through a mess of errands – returns at two stores; birthday present at another store; determined Bed, Bath, & Beyond didn’t have any of the items I was looking for; Trader Joe’s for yogurt & cereal bars; and the hardware store to discuss new kitchen counters – all in one kid-free morning.
• The boys made it to math night.
• I’ve been managing three contractors for 5 days now.  I think they’re about halfway done.

Things are settling down here for the winter.

• One twin had his last soccer of the season.
• The oldest three went to the dentist, receiving clean bills of health.
• Our oldest had his last Thursday soccer practice.
• I brought in the Halloween decorations.  I discarded the pumpkins in the woods since one had rotted in on itself.  Usually the deer come eat them so we’ll see what happens this year.

• Our 4y spent most of the week home sick, so I got some putting away done.
• I made the last batch of banana bread from my bags of seconds bananas.

This is the second week where I had set out a few goals for myself.  Despite four people getting sick, I did get most of it done.

• Finished the bill paying.
• Finished dealing with the wedding present.
• Went to the dentist.
• Carved our pumpkins.  Since I do most of the carving, I decided four was enough for this year.  The boys drew the designs and I attempted to follow them.

• Went trick or treating.  We were supposed to have Bumblee (the transformer), but it got left at school after the party so going through our costume closet he chose a storm trooper instead.

• I finished gathering price info at BJs.  I still haven’t been to Wegman’s and probably won’t go until next week.  Since this is the store I most need info from, the price book update will take another few weeks.
• I got the reuseable Halloween decorations put away.

• I went to both the soccer game and baseball game for my oldest.  I don’t get to many of his games, so these were nice to see.  They won both.
• I did some crazy grocery shopping at Stop & Shop.
• I went to parent/teacher conferences for my older three.  All is well.

I’ve had a lot more than usual going on lately, but last week I checked a big item off my list.  The fall consignment sale is done!

I’m happy to say that I netted in the neighborhood of $600!  I was worried I’d have too much stuff to fit in the car, but there were two seats available.

(Any guesses as to what brand of diapers we usually use?)

Other things got done too:

• We hosted playgroup.
• I and the youngest two got flu shots.
• The boys attended their regular weekly sports classes, clinics, practices, and games (except one which was rained out).
• Speaking of rain, it rained for the first time in seemingly forever, and came down hard which caused so localized problems on a Monday morning.  But, the hurricane stayed away so all in all it could have been worse.