2003-11-19 - 9:04 a.m.

So you can see I finally got the pictures transferred to our computer at home so I could edit them and put them up here.

They are pretty large, so here are the links:

I'm really happy about how great they turned out, even though Noelle was in a pretty bad mood by the time they were taking them as she was so hungry.

It's been a little rough at the house lately. Frank's just been majorly stresed and on edge and because he's an absolute BEAR when he doesn't sleep, and he went to bed late last night, this morning he was just in a mood. I think sometimes he's worse than the kids when he is tired. I guess he'll be enjoying this vacation and getting some sleep more than anything.

Nicolas was up around 4:30am this morning, which contributed to Frank's lack of sleep. He came to my side of the bed to tell me he couldn't find Pegasus (his stuffed flying horse he sleeps with sometimes). I told him to turn on his light and check his room, and he did go in and turn on his bedroom light, found it, and went to sleep. Sadly, he was back in our room within the hour. He asked to sleep with us, and when Frank told him no he started crying as he went back to his room. I couldn't stand it and called him back and let him in bed next to me. Of course, he didn't sleep but mostly talked for the next hour, asking questions, making noises, etc. and even though I was fine and still slept some more, Frank did not and he just ended up more irritated with him.

It seems like he spent the rest of the morning just yelling at Nicolas, for things that are just typical Nicolas (asking for food but then not eating, not sitting still, etc.) and it just started to get to me as I don't feel Nicolas needs to be yelled at so much. I know Frank feels bad about it too. That's just the way he is and we still love him no matter what. At one point Frank had walked out to the garage and Nicolas thought he left and he was upset because he didn't hug or kiss him goodbye. I didn't happen to mention that to Frank when he did come back inside. He did hug and kiss everyone goodbye as usual before he left for work.

I know my son is just 100% energy. It's impossible for him to sit still most of the time, but he is only 3 years old. I guess I have more patience with him most of the time than most people because I just know that's how he is and he's not doing it on purpose. Frank seems to be sure he does things just to irritate him. I can't seem to convince him otherwise though.

Anyway, that's my short story for the morning. I have some last minute work to finish up here before I leave for vacation. Tonight I'll be busy cleaning and packing and we're off early tomorrow, so you probably won't hear from me again until Tuesday!