Andrea Dekker

39 Comments

A Peek Into Our Week

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure here.

I’ve wanted to write another Peek Into Our Week post for about 3 weeks now — but our family had it’s very first encounter with the stomach flu a couple of weeks ago, and I feel like life is just finally getting back to “normal” after ALLLLLLLLL that laundry!

Truthfully, I know how lucky we are to have such healthy children — it really caught us off guard when they started puking in the middle of the night! Nora got it first, then Simon 2 days later, followed by James 2 days after that… and Dave finally gave in and spent the day on the couch 2 days later.

Clara had a stuffy nose, but I think she steered clear of the rest of the negative side effects… and aside from feeling cold and achey for one afternoon, I didn’t get hit very hard either.

After all, Moms can’t get sick… right!

Our fridge also stopped working in the middle of the flu epidemic… which was a big pain, but actually turned out to be good timing since no one felt like eating anything anyway. It was also a good opportunity to thoroughly clean inside (and behind) the fridge!

Plus, it was so cold out that we could simply bring the food outside to keep it cold 🙂

Speaking of cold weather — we’ve been enjoying lots of pretty white snow around here!

Due to Clara’s unpredictable napping schedule, the boys and I mainly enjoy the snow from inside, but Nora has been able to be outside a lot on the days she goes to school.

We went through the kids’ winter gear several weeks ago and, after stocking up on almost everything we needed via our local thrift store, we still needed new warm mittens for everyone and some type of hat/face mask for the boys.

I splurged and purchased these mittens for all 3 kids and this 2-pack of face masks for the boys. We are very happy with everything so far and Nora says the gloves are “super easy to get on at school” and they seem to be quite water-resistant!

Aside from a 2 gift cards we still need to pick up, I’m totally finished with all my Christmas shopping! Yay!

Since I had everything purchased and wrapped ahead of time, Dave and I surprised the kids by having all their gifts under the tree when they woke up this past Saturday morning! And yes, we let them open everything too!

We figured this would give them a little extra time to enjoy their gifts from us before getting more gifts from my family on Christmas Day, and then even more gifts from Dave’s family over New Year’s weekend.

Plus, I was just too excited to give them their gifts and I didn’t want to wait any longer! 🙂

I had to laugh when I noticed that one of the strands of lights on our tree went out the other day. There’s no way I’m taking everything off to replace or fix it right now. So our already-crazy-looking tree just looks a little crazier!

.

Nora…

She got Barbie roller skates as her “big” present this Christmas ($2 from the thrift store). She also got earrings, art and craft supplies, a wallet, a flashlight, hair accessories, gloves, candy, and a Koosh Ball!

She still loves school and recently asked me to put notes in her lunch bag because some of the other kids’ moms write notes 🙂

Her new favorite activity is reading to the boys before bed… it’s very sweet.

.

Simon…

He wanted “sports stuff” and “bad guy stuff” for Christmas. So he got a Spiderman lunch box as his big gift (he thinks Spiderman is a bad guy and it was $0.25 from our thrift store).

He also got a flashlight, art and craft items, gloves, a wallet, candy, a calculator, and a Koosh Ball.

James…

He didn’t really ask for any gifts — even when we suggested different options. So James got a magnetic tow truck as his big gift — along with the flashlight, gloves, arts and crafts, wallet, calculator, candy, and Koosh ball (are you sensing a theme here!?!)

Simon and James are such a fun duo… in fact, it’s difficult for me to get individual pictures of them because they are almost always together. I love that they love each other!

I can tell they miss being able to run around and ride their bikes outside. Thankfully, we have lots of space and activities inside to occupy them (at least for now). I broke out the Kinetic Sand this past week and they were so excited and didn’t even make too big of a mess 🙂

We also found them a few new items for church at a local thrift store — James is THRILLED to have a tie!

Don’t they look handsome!

.

Clara…

I might be a “mean mom” but I don’t really do gifts for kids under 15 months because they don’t understand anyway!

So… the only gift Clara got was a little set of twin dolls I bought a couple years ago from a garage sale with the intent of giving them to Nora. However, Nora received other dolls as gifts, so I just kept these dolls stored away in a closet until this Christmas.

As you can tell, Clara is thrilled 🙂

In other Clara news… I cut almost 2 inches off the back of her hair because I just couldn’t stand the straggly mullet look anymore!

She seems happy with it — and overall, she’s a much happier baby that she was the first several weeks of her life!

She’s still a little fussy in the evenings, but then she sleeps ALL NIGHT LONG — such a huge blessing for me!

.

ME…

Aside from doing LOTS of extra laundry, cleaning out our fridge, and wrapping a bunch of Christmas gifts, I haven’t done a whole lot of “extra” stuff the past few weeks.

I did go through my winter coats, gloves, hats, boots, etc. and purged most of what I had. So much of it was second-hand items or things given to me from others many years ago. It was all OK, but I didn’t really LOVE any of it — and I realized I hadn’t gotten a new coat or boots since I was in college (at least 12 years ago)!

So, I did a little online shopping (a.k.a buying my own Christmas gift) and I THINK I found the perfect coat for my needs.

I was looking for something I could wear with almost anything — for church, running errands, or just hanging out with the kids outside. I wanted the coat to be rain-resistant (with a hood) but I wanted the hood to be removable so I could have a dressier look if needed. I wanted a mid-length coat with full-zipper pockets. I also wanted it to work for spring, winter, and fall in Michigan.

I finally decided on this coat from Eddie Bauer.

It’s waterproof with a removable hood and full zipper pockets. It’s a great length for me and seems like it will work with almost all my clothing and for almost all the activities I do (I also have a ski jacket for playing in the snow).

It’s somewhat tailored, but also fits comfortably over a bulky sweater, and it has a removable quilted liner that should allow this coat to work for most Michigan weather!!

I used a coupon code and got 60% off plus free shipping — and, I shopped through ebates to get cash back. I figure, if I wear this coat daily for the next 12 years, it’s definitley worth the money!

Now I’m on the lookout for quality (and cute) winter boots that will work for playing with the kids, running errands, and everything in between. I have my eye on these Sorel Boots, but I haven’t made the purchase just yet. I’m not sure if I want tie boots — or if I should go for something more like Bogs. I’m open to suggestions if you have any great boots that will hold up to our long, cold West Michigan winters!

.

I’m anxiously waiting for my 2018 Personal Planner to arrive — I was a little late on ordering it this year (I must have been preoccupied with something or someone) but it’s on its way now!

I’ll share more pictures, a discount code, AND a giveaway right after the New Year! 

.

I also FINALLY started reading the ebook I downloaded to my phone the day before Clara was born 🙂

I had grand hopes of doing lots of reading as I snuggled her every night — but since she was so fussy, I had to pace, bounce, and shush her from 7-11pm. So instead of reading, I plowed through my Netflix list in record speed!

I watched EVERY single episode of Gilmore Girls (a huge undertaking!) — including the new “Year In Review” episodes. The first few seasons were definitely better than the last few, but I still enjoyed re-watching one of my favorite high school shows.

I finished the first season of Anne With an E (so cute), the newest season of Fuller House, and the newest season of When Calls The Heart.

Dave and I are also excited to watch the new season of The Crown over Christmas break — and I’m sure I’ll watch a few of the cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies!

Our Weekly Menu:

SUNDAY:

MONDAY: 

TUESDAY:

WEDNESDAY:

THURSDAY:

FRIDAY:

SATURDAY:

  • Culvers (we were supposed to go a couple weeks ago for Dave’s birthday, but then everyone got sick.)

I think I’ve finally depleted my pre-baby freezer stash — seriously, I can’t even begin to explain how glorious it was to have SO many meals ready to go. We did end up eating a lot of the same things over the past 10 weeks, but thankfully, my family isn’t picky!

I have a feeling I’ll probably put a few meals in the freezer over Christmas break, but for the most part, I’ll stick with my previous system of keeping our freezer stocked with pre-cooked, pre-portioned ingredients instead of full meals.

.

I think that’s all for now!

I’ll be blogging through the rest of this week and then taking a little break between Christmas and New Years — so this will officially be your last “peek into our week” for 2017! 

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

subscribe without commenting

Comments

  1. Jenny says

    I was pleasantly surprised to see four of your children’s photo when I clicked on your blog. I haven’t been on blog land for a while and I did not know it has been that since I last visited! I remember you had your second child and everything was simplified (love it!). Looks like I know what I will be doing tonight! Lol! Beautiful children you have there!

    Reply

  2. Leanne says

    I love my personal-planner and can’t wait for it to arrive in the mail!
    Little boys in ties are just the cutest thing…
    and one warning for when you start to watch the Crown Season 2… Episode 7 “Matrimonium” is EXTREMELY racy for about the first 30 minutes, so you might want to scroll right and go to the middle 😉
    Have a Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

  3. Karen Sunstein says

    I love these peek into the week posts. I gain meal ideas from them as well. Merry Christmas! !

    Reply

  4. Pixie508 says

    I recognize those gloves! I picked my kids up the same ones from Costco! I have the adult version, and I’ve been really happy with them 🙂

    We too have several weeks of gifts. My youngest had his birthday on Thanksgiving, then my family is Jewish, so we celebrated Hanukkah this pas weekend. We’ll celebrate Christmas with our kids and my husband’s family this weekend, then my oldest’s birthday is the following week, followed by Christmas with my mom’s family. Thankfully, with my mom’s family, we do a gift exchange, so it’s just one gift plus a gift from my grandparents (hey, they’ve reached the age that we let them do what they want!), and my parents got my kids an overnight stay at a indoor waterpark about an hour and a half away, so at least their gift involves no clutter and they’re doing experiences for their birthdays (youngest got swimming lessons, I have no idea their plan for my oldest yet), so I’m thankful that they’re not adding material things to our 6wk gift frenzy!

    Reply

  5. Becky says

    I love your cover on your 2018 planner! I couldn’t find it on the planner site though. Did you upload it as a picture?

    Reply

    • Andrea says

      That’s a picture of my planner from a couple years ago — although I thought they still had that design. I guess I’m not positive now thought.

      Reply

      • Andrea says

        Hi Becky,
        I’m just realizing that my original comment to you (about my planner design) was wrong! The planner in this post IS the planner I ordered this year (2018). They had the dot design as one of the pre-loaded designs I could select. Sorry for the confusion!

        Reply

  6. Debbie says

    Cute pictures of the kids! Costco has great winter boots, gloves, pants, etc. for adults and kids alike.

    Reply

  7. Debra Martin says

    I am not familiar with the other boots that were mentioned, but I got the Sorrel’s that are very similar to the ones shown, but in gray. I just got them December 10th, for my birthday and I love them. I live in Washington State, an hour north of Seattle. (I was surprised when I realized Dave was originally from here!) So my area isn’t as cold as your area, but I hear they are very good for very cold weather, too. Expensive, but worth it!

    Reply

      • Pixie508 says

        I got a pair of Merrell boots last year for Christmas and they’ve been great. We live along Lake Erie, so much like you, lake effect snow can be a big issue (we’re in the snow belt, and can get insane amounts of snow). I’ve been super happy so far! Just in case you want to look at a 2nd brand 🙂

        Reply

        • Andrea says

          Thanks! I actually have Merrell boots right now (about 15 years old) but they aren’t super easy to slip on or off and my feet often get sore after walking in them for a while. Maybe they are just too old now. Obviously, they are good quality as they held up for so long! I’ll have to look into that brand again too!

          Reply

  8. Andrea Moralez says

    I live in Kalamazoo so I know how important it is to have great boots. I am on my 2nd pair of bogs and absolutely love them! They are incredibly warm and super easy to take on and off. Believe it or not, I find them very comfortable too. BEst part is that they make great rain boots too! I had ankle high ones a few years ago and know have ones that go just below my knee, both are great so it will be up to your personal preference what you want. If you are out in the slow with the kids, the higher ones might work better so the snow doesn’t get in your boots. I wear them all the time and very rarely will pull out my Sorel’s which are lace up and not as comfortable as my Bogs. My Bogs have lasted for 3+ years so you will get your money’s worth! Love your blog and the way you keep it real. Merry Christmas! – Andrea 🙂

    Reply

    • Andrea says

      Thanks Andrea… I’ve been interested in BOGS for a while now but just can’t pull the trigger based on the price. I know they are most likely worth it… your review was very helpful!

      Reply

  10. Rachel says

    So, did your two bed sheet system work through the flu bug??
    I just got done reading that post last night & thought “wow, how lucky she hasn’t had to change sheets in the middle of the night with so many littles!”
    Flu bugs are no fun with kiddos– so glad you & Clara stayed pretty healthy!
    Have a merry (& healthy) Christmas!

    Reply

    • Andrea says

      yes… BUT fortunately, our kids were very good at aiming into their buckets! We also put smaller rugs out next to their beds and told them to just lean over the side of their bed and throw up on the rug versus in their bed — that saved me A LOT of laundry right there!

      Reply

  11. ShellyL says

    Count me in as one who loves these “Week in Review” posts. I love to see how your kids are growing. Nora looks so long in that pj picture. The boys are so handsome in their church clothes. I definitely love my occasional look at your sweet kiddos. Merry Christmas to you and yours and enjoy your break!!

    Reply

  12. Lynn says

    Love seeing the snow! My Aunt who is in Lansing (I am a native Michigander!) said they had record temps the other day and was staying in to hide from all the snow! Thanks for sharing and I love how you are so productive with four children!

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Andrea! May God bless you and your family!

    Lynn

    Reply

  13. Sarah Walker says

    I love the peeks into your week! I’m so glad everyone is feeling better, it’s so awful when everyone gets sick like that.

    I’m making note of that coat for next year, the zippers are acting up on my current coat and it costs almost the same to get the zipper replaced as to get a new coat!

    Reply

  14. Chris says

    I really enjoy your weekly review posts.
    Aww, I’m sorry the kids were sick but glad they’re better.
    I love the picture of Clara in her seat while the kids are opening their gifts.
    I also love the picture of James playing with his trucks and his grin on the picture with Simon.
    I love the way you do your gifts, buying from the thrift store and that the kids are just thrilled with them.
    I also love how you decided to let them open their presents a week ahead of time! What a great idea!
    I just realized I have a big smile on my face while typing these comments. LOL (I enjoy reading about your children 🙂 )
    I hope you and your family have a great Christmas! God bless you all!

    Reply

    • Andrea says

      Thanks Chris! I’m not sure how many more years Nora will let us get away with thrift store gifts — she mentioned something about her skates being a little dirty, but it didn’t seem to bother her too much 🙂
      Hope you have a great Christmas too!

      Reply

  15. Mary Ann says

    A strand of lights went out on our tree too. Funny thing is when we first put it up, the strand in the middle was out. We replaced it, decorated the tree and a few days later the top strand was out. Oh well, I think we’ll just leave it!

    Reply

  16. Caroline says

    I bought a similar coat from Eddie Bauer several years ago, for the same reasons. I just wish it still fit!

    My guy also had a baby mullet in the early months. I thought I may need to cut it but, as it turns out, his head grew at a faster rate than the hair so it all worked out.

    Reply

    • Andrea says

      haha — hopefully my coat fits for a while! And I literally laughed out loud when I read that your baby’s head grew faster than his hair 🙂

      Reply

    • Andrea says

      Those are the EXACT boots I have on my Amazon list — I just wish they weren’t so expensive. However, I know I’ll wear them for years, so it’s probably not that bad.

      Reply

  18. Carrie says

    BOGS!!!! Go on Marketplace on FB, there are tons in your area!!! They are super easy to slide on and are rated up to -30!!!

    Reply

Footer

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.