End of an Era

 We finally got a new hot glue gun. I think my mom got this as a wedding present? Noah brought it over on the ship?  No one knows how old this is, but this is the one I always used as a kid, and yes the basket is just as old. At some point I 'stole it' from mom or it was given to me when I was married. No matter how I got it, this thing is old.  You can see there is a chunk missing, it is broken off into the basket. That basket is FULL of hardened glue. You had to let the gun warm up before taking the gun off or it was stuck to the basket. The temperature  was cold or the deepest depts of hell hot. It served us well, but today we got a new one. This has caused many of heat blisters but had also aided in many projects too. Sad to see her go, but it was time. 

Photo Dump

Cam got glasses. Not having these did not aid in his wreck. Which for an update, he is doing well. Still doesn't like being in a car, little anxiety with that, but each day, his headaches get a little better and happen less. He has check up #2 soon.  Looking good and can actually see now. 

There was a random winter dance at Emery's school. Her friend group decided to wear dresses last minute. She had a lot of fun and they all looked amazing. 

They traditionally go to IHop afterwards, even though she actually hates IHop, but tradition. 

This past weekend I went to a party with my friend from work that was call "Favorites night". You brought something that you love or is your favorite thing. You bring three of them and leave the night with three different things that others loved. It was lots of food and talking. It was my first time and so I didn't know what to bring but no one just brought one thing, it was favorite few small things.  

This is what I brought...

What I took home. While I have a small big group limit, it was a lot of fun. It was a cool concept and just fun to try new products. I am very glad I did two items since no one just did one. I was told by my friend that I have to go next year, so I know better what to bring. 

A Call You Never Want

 

Last Wednesday about 3pm Cam called me. For one, other than Sunday's, he doesn't call, he will text. Two, it was mid day and usually he's in class so I was a little worried right off. Three, when the first thing your child says is 'I'm okay but...' you really worry; especially when they are four hours away. He told me he was in an accident and T-boned and wanted to know what to do. He did call the police and they were on the scene but he just didn't want to forget anything. Asked if he was okay then talked him through what to do and make sure he gets. He said he felt fine but I told him he needs to make sure a paramedic checks him out before leaving so something is on file incase it changes the next day. 

Thankfully it wasn't a very high speed hit, but the other car tired to go across all lanes of traffic and did not look and did not see Camden. It hit hard enough the air bags went off. He said he blacked out for a little bit and when he realized what happened he quickly got out the passenger side door. He did the EMT classes and I think some of that knowledge helped him in this situation. The police and EMTs were surprised he wasn't hurt more due to how and where he was hit. When he called and said he was hit but fine, I assumed it was the passenger side. It was a shock and scary an hour later when he sent us pictures to realize it was on the drivers side of the car. He had a lot of adrenalin going through him all that day and it wasn't until the next day he started to feel little things. His wrist hurt and Cailey was worried that he had a concussion. Cam did set up an appointment at the ISU health center and Cailey was right. He has a minor concussion and sprained wrist. They gave him some instructions and a follow up. He spent the weekend with on and off headaches, but his wrist started to feel better quickly. 

He did have to go to the tow yard to get a few things out of the car. I'm guessing the other drivers bumper was kind of hooked onto the car and the hole happened when they split the cars up. Were guessing it's a total loss but insurance has found her 100% liable. 

It sucks all around, especially right now he doesn't have a car, but thankfully Cailey does. Cars don't matter though, were just so grateful he walked away from this like he has; it really easily could have been much worse. The worst part is being four hours away and not being able to just do a quick drive to hug him and help him. Yes he's a very capable adult, but he's still my baby and I worry. He's okay and that's what matters the most. 

Smash Room

 

Mom and I needed a mother daughter weekend and so we did that a few weekends ago. There was something I wanted to do with mom was a smash room. It can be kind of weird if you haven't done them before, but it is so cathartic and helpful. A few swings were iffy, but there was a moment it clicked and she loved it. It helped a little with things she's going through. It was such a fun weekend of shopping, snack, smashing and just talking. 

Picture Dump

It's been a bit but not much has happened, but I have a few pictures on my phone. 

Luna likes to sleep like a human sometimes. Pretty cute when she does. 

Emery finished her Lego, took her a few days but it looks really cool hung up on the wall. 

Emery and her friends get together each year and pick a name, go to Build-a-Bear and they make one for their secret person. Then they show what they created. Its a cute way to do gifts for each other. They went to Scentsy afterwards for pictures.  She also went downtown on New Years to watch the potato drop. 

Cailey was in London for a few weeks visiting her family. She brought home so candy (love a Curly Wurly) and a cool skyscape. Cam was very excited when she got home. 

Christmas Day

 Before lunch we watched a few movies, then just had snack foods for lunch. After lunch all the kids crashed and took a nap. Cam Emery and Jacks tried to stay up all night. They didn't make it but were up late and tired. Beck was tired from waking up early. I guess that's what they get when they wake up at 6:30 in the morning. 

We finished the night off with homemade pizza and watching the next instalment of Stranger Things. It was pretty good, now only one episode left. 

Emery worked on her Lego on and off all day and got a little over half done. It's looking good however her fingers hurt a little. 

Christmas Day Morning

 The 'joy' of being woken up at 6:30 am, is by 9:30 am I'm ready to write the morning down and a few things are cleaned up. 

They always send Jackson in to wake up us, as if we don't know they will come in early. 

It's always fun when we get things they didn't expect or wanted but didn't think they would get. 

Emery's favorite was the Batman Lego. She had high hopes she would get it but didn't think it would happen. Thanks to a good sale, it happened. Now she'll be busy the rest of the day. 

Beck's favorite was the Monster squad poster. He got 4 big ones and is now moving his room around to make all of them fit. 

Jacks' favorite was a new keyboard. It lights up and makes a cool noise when he types. I think it has quicker rection time too... maybe? He also got a lot of figures that he's been putting together.

Cam's favorite was a book about Dinosaurs or the kitchen things. He got a wok, nice knife and Soda Stream. Cailey is in London for Christmas with her family, so they have been texting all morning too. 

Brad's favorite was a dart board. We've been married 20 years and I did not now until this year that he liked to play darts. He mentioned it in passing in April and I've had it saved since then. Thankfully he was telling the truth and liked it. 

I love a necklace Beck got me, A view finder that has pictures of the kids and some Tula skin care. Laffy Taffy used to have seeds on the watermelon and sparkles on the cherry. They don't anymore, but Brad found someone who makes it. They taste pretty close to the real ones. 

Now we have 'Maze Runner' on and will possibly fall asleep before the movie is over. More to come later-if we stay awake. 

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

 

We had a good Christmas Eve this year. We started with breakfast at The Griddle. It wasn't bad, but I think Black Bear still wins. 

Came home and did our PJ's and gift exchange. As the kids get older they put more thought into what they get. It's fun to see what they decide to get for who they have. 

The we played some games and watched "Home Alone".

We got our family picture early and with only having cell phones, we have turned to doing selfies. Cute family we have!

This years PJ's are all from "Elf".

Beck slept in his room and the other three stayed up in Cam's room. 

Each year we hide their wrapping paper in new places. This year we put it in their shoes, however Beck didn't have any shoes, so he got his on a weight (he uses them a lot).

Stockings are still my favorite thing to shop for and open. 

There were a few things this year that took up a lot of space. It's all set out just waiting for the kids to wake us up super early like they do every year.