We Are Out of Here!

We are off to El Paso, TX to celebrate Christmas with my wonderful in-laws!
Merry Christmas to all...and to all a good night.

No Peeing

Alex and I were talking about symbols on the way to school today. As I pointed out various symbols, he would tell me what they meant.

This one means, "No Peeing."

Too Many Christmas Stories

Cole is a little confused with all the Christmas stories this time of year.



Cole: Mom, I think I heard two really loud booms on the roof last night.
Me: Oh yea, what do you think they were? Reindeer?
Cole: I think there were two things; baby Jesus and his manger.

Wish List

A friend of mine made a wish-list for herself and posted it on her blog. What an idea...a wishlist for Mommy, not the kids or the Husband!?!?!
I really enjoyed reading her list, so, I figured "what the heck?"
Here is my, somewhat extravagant, list...

Cuisinart Citrus Juicer

Diamond Earrings

Brighton TEXAS Charm Bracelet
(Really, anything from this store makes me happy!)

Stereo with CD Player and Alarm Clock
(wall mounted for my bedroom)

Massage from Urban Retreat or Bergamos Spa
Non-Stick All-Clad Skillet

Frame for this Cross Stitch

Yummy Smelling Candles

Decorating for Christmas

Alex is complaining because our house isn't decorated for Christmas. The nativity is out, but that's about it. We are leaving next week for Grammys. So, I decided not to pull down all the lights and garland and tree stuff considering we will not be here for Christmas.
Well, Alex seems to have a great problem with this. He asked why we don't have a tree. I told him. He said he didn't like traveling for the Holidays because we don't get to have a decorated house.
I told him Grammy would have a tree for us...not good enough.
What is a Mom to do? I am seriously considering buying a little Charlie Brown Christmas tree and taking down all the boxes. I feel a little guilty for not providing a "festive" environment.

Poked

I wasn't stressed about this until the nurse called to talk to me again today. I wasn't home. I just got the message and needed to vent.
Alex poked himself at school with another kids blood sugar testing kit. The kit wasn't properly closed, and Alex started messing around with it...hence, the poke.
The nurse called and told me she had washed Alex's finger really well and the bleeding had stopped. She had also called the other kid's Mom and asked if there were any kind of issues that could be transmitted from her child. The Mom said "no" and that her child had been tested for all kinds of things because of his blood sugar issue. She also offered to get her child tested again and to copy all of his paper work for me.
What was I to do? My first response, "Well, it's done now." If there was something dangerous transmitted, there was nothing I could do about it. Kids screw around with stuff and get hurt...it's gunna happen.
Now that the nurse has called back and the shock has worn off, I am a little more concerned. Guess I will have to see what Nurse Petner says tomorrow. Sleep may not come easily tonight.

7 Things

Ok...I got tagged. Here are 7 things you didn't (and probably never cared to) know about me.

1. I am a great starter, but a terrible finisher.
2. I DO NOT like scary movies.
3. I can not tell a joke or a story to save my life!
4. I am not creative, but I am great at copping.
5. If I don't have sex for a week, I turn into a very grumpy person. (TMI, I know.)
6. I pick my zits.
7. I love to paint a room...physically do it myself.

Randi's Morning Prayer

We say prayer in the morning on the way to school everyday.

Randi's prayer is just so cute that I had to document it.
It sounds generally like this:

"Dear Hev Fodder, Tank you for Cole. Tank you for Brudder. Tank you Mommy. Tank you Daddy. Tank you cookies. Tank you juice. Tank you bodies. Jesus name, Amen."

Randi Says...

Randi says, "Hot Go's."


Randi says, "Pony Tail" movie.


Randi says, "Cole and Brother." She doesn't know Alex's name.

Randi says, "Straw Cupcake" movie.

Real Simple Questions

1. Name one thing you are sure of.

I am sure that love must be present in one's life to be happy.

2. What is the most unusual holiday gift you've ever received?

Hummm...I don't remember. I remember people and events more than gifts.

3. Describe one holiday tradition that you've started in your family.
Three gifts for each child...just like baby Jesus received.

4. What is the most useless invention?

A nose hair trimmer. Why not just buy a pair of very small scissors?

5. Complete the following list of Christmas favorites - song, film and treat. Alright, you can have two favorites in each category.

song - Baby, It's Cold Outside & Silent Night

film - It's A Wonderful Life

treat - Starbucks Peppermint hot chocolate

6. If the Christmas Genie were to grant you three wishes, what would you wish for? (stipulations: endless wishes and world peace are not options - and at least one of your three has to be something completely selfish - for you and only you.)

I am totally going tangible here...

a. A stocked wood working studio for Don.
b. A Disney World trip for the Kids.
c. A mortgage free and fabulously decorated home for me.

7. The big decision I'm currently wrestling with is...
Still, how to tell Don not to quit till he has another job!

The Girl in a Whirl

Look at me, look at me, look at me now!
You could do what I do if you only knew how.
I study the scriptures one hour each day;
I bake, I upholster, I scrub, and I pray.
I always keep all the commandments completely;
I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.
I help in their classrooms! I sew all they wear!
I drive them to practice! I cut all their hair!
I memorize names of the General Authorities;
I focus on things to be done by priorities.
I play the piano! I bless with my talents!
My toilets all sparkle! My checkbooks all balance!
Each week every child gets a one-on-one date;
I attend all my meetings (on time! never late!)
I'm taking a class on the teachings of Paul,
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,
I track my bad habits 'til each is abolished;
Our t-shirts are ironed! My toenails are polished!
Our family home evenings are always delightful;
The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.
I do genealogy faithfully, too.It's easy to do all the things that I do!
I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;
I know all the names of each youth in my stake!
I read to my children! I help all my neighbors!
I bless the community, too, with my labors.
I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;
My visiting teaching is done the first day!
(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.
It's the least I can do for my cherished ward sisters.)
I chart resolutions and check off each goal;
I seek each 'lost lamb' on my Primary roll.
I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,
I write in my journal! I sing in the choir!
Each day, I write 'thank you's' to those I admire.
My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!
My kids get straight A's! And their bedrooms are clean!
I have a home business to help make some money;
I always look beautifully groomed for my honey.
I go to the temple at least once a week;
I change the car's tires! I fix the sink's leak!
I grind my own wheat and I bake all our bread;
I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.
I make sure I rotate our two-years' supply;
My shopping for Christmas is done by July!
These things are not hard; 'tis good if you do them;
You can if you try! Just set goals and pursue them!
It's easy to do all the things that I do!
If you plan and work smart, you can do them all, too!

'It's easy!' she said and then she dropped dead.


by Vickie Gunther

Christmas Picture

Not so great, but FREE!

Alternate Christmas Party Dress

Brought the other one back...this one it is.

Cole

He is just so stinkin' cute!


I love him! I love him! I love him!

Don

Mountain Man (Sort of...)

Daddy Juice

Mac & Cheese

WHY is it that I must eat this stuff? I make it with every intention of feeding it only to my children. But then, I find myself eating it off the scraper out of the pot. WHY? WHY? WHY?

Jennifer

I love this lady. She has no idea how much. I think it is funny that she brought me a thank you note today for being a good friend...that is how good a friend she is! Go figure.
She is a great listener, she will always give you an honest opinion, she is very humble, and she is incredibly patient and kind. I aspire to be as quietly confident as she is. On top of all that, she is oober smart!


Jennifer is so much fun!

Christmas Party Dress

The Dress

The Jacket

What do you all think about this? Is it too boring?
I had a hard time shopping for a party dress. What used to look good on me now looks too childish, but I am pretty nervous I have swung too far in the other direction.

Top 10 things for which I am thankful...

1. I am thankful for a healthy family. No major illnesses or challenges.
2. I am thankful for my husband's job that more than provides for our family.
3. I am thankful for my husband who is all I ever wanted, plus so much more.
4. I am thankful for wonderful in-laws.
5. I am thankful for a great Mother and Father.
6. I am thankful for my brother and his family.
7. I am thankful for my Maw Maw Zoo.
8. I am thankful for my close friends...you know who you are.
9. I am thankful that Heavenly Father listens and talks with me.
10. I am thankful for brave Soldiers who risk their lives so we may be free.

"Count your many blessings, name them one by one..."

Thanksgiving in Blue Ridge, GA

Our little family.

My brother, Page, and his two boys, Andrew(L) and Daniel(R).

Our Cabin.

Mom, Pappa and Aunt "Crazy" Staci.

After our 5.7 mile mountain hike.
Don and I carried Cole and Randi almost the entire way.
Note: Don't try to take anyone under 5 hiking for more than a mile.
We bought Alex a Game Boy that night because he was such a great sport!

The boys use the hot tub as a swimming pool...what the heck, right?!?

The fire pit.
We spend every night gathered around it swapping stories and watching the lights.


This was such a fun trip. Thanks again, Mom and Pappa!

Matching Christmas Pajamas

I had no idea I was so behind in purchasing matching family Christmas jammies. It's not even December!!! I had to just take what I could get and pay $250 for them at that. I know it sounds crazy, but what is a late buying Mommy to do?
Here is a picture of the jammies I purchased. Please, tell me you love them so that I can feel better about the ridiculous price!

If any of you have ideas on how to do a better job at this next year, I would LOVE to hear it!

ABC of My Style

A: What accessories do you wear everyday? earrings and a wedding ring

B: What is your beauty routine? shower, shave, shampoo, dry, brush, style, lotion

C: What was the last item of clothing (for yourself) that you purchased? Huhhh...I don't remember.

D: Do you use a dresser, closet, or both? Closet

E: What type of earrings are in your ears right now? none...a bluetooth for work

F: What type of figure do you have? I'm shaped kind of like a hot dog or a pencil....not much of a waist

G: Do you wear glasses? yes

H: What type of handbag do you carry? Coach...big enough for diapers, wipes, a wallet and snacks

I: What is your ideal style? Jeans, t-shirts, heals and big jewelery

J: What jewelry are you wearing right now? wedding ring (I'm in gym clothes.)

K: Do you wear knee-hi stockings? thigh-highs, yes. knee-his, no.

L: Do you *have* to wear matching lingerie? no

M: Do you wear makeup? yes

N: Do you wear nightgowns? yes

O: What outerwear do you put on when going out on a typical winters day? a coat and scarf

P: What is your favorite perfume? Clinque Happy

Q: Is your motto "quality over quantity" when it comes to clothing and accessories? QUALITY!!!

R: Do you wear rain boots? No

S: Do you wear socks or slippers when your feet get cold? Socks

T: Do you have a set of travel luggage? yep

U: What is your daily uniform? gym clothes or jeans and fitted tee

V: If you are married, did you wear a veil with your wedding dress? eloped...no veil

W: Do you wear a watch? yes

X: What item of clothing always makes you feel extremely beautiful? "a well fitted dress"...just like Natalie

Y: What is your favorite type of yarn? a soft kind

Z: Do you prefer zippers or buttons? buttons

Texas Ren Fest

Don and I went to the Texas Renaissance Festival Saturday. It is always so much fun. For the first time, though, we had reservations at the "King's Feast." The King's Feast is an interactive theater show and dinner. Super fun. I couldn't believe the amount of food they brought out!!! I will totally do it again. Of course, it doesn't hurt when you get pulled up on stage several times and receive extra special attention for belly dancers and pirates...don't ask.
IF you want to check out some pictures, here is their web site:

http://www.thekingsfeast.com/thekingsphotos.htm

My favorite shop in the whole fair was filled with stuff like this... Check out his web site...www.bristlepine.com

Just Plain Grumpy

I am just plain grumpy.
I am sick of being a single mom. I am sick of not knowing where we are going to live. I am sick of waiting on Don to get a new job. I am sick of hearing my kids fight. I am sick of being chubby. I am sick of bad reports from Alex's school. I am sick of not being able to go to church. I am sick of my Nanny not showing up. I am sick of saying "no, stop, that's not Ok, leave him/her alone." I am sick of being tired. I am sick of being sick of it all!
Something has got to give...

Real Simple Questions

1. What is your favorite Thanksgiving food?
Pie

2. Finish the sentence: "I love how blogging _____".
let's me keep up with my friends.

3. What is your most reliable Thanksgiving shortcut?
Go to a relatives house and bring a side dish or two.

4. What are your really good at?
cooking

5. The best decision I ever made was...
to choose to be happy.

6. Describe the most nontraditional Thanksgiving you have celebrated.
they have all been traditional...I should branch out more.

7. The big decision I'm currently wrestling with is...
How to tell Don not to quit till he has a new job.

OCD?

My husband has this thing about folding the towls. They are so perfect when he is done. I feel like I am in a hotel everytime I open the cabinet door! It's so nice.
When I fold...yea, well...whatever. I just cram them in.

His hand is in the way because he thought I was going to make fun of him. Poor thing, I think I gave him issues.

3rd Child

Let it never be said that I didn't take pictures of my 3rd kid!


Pig Tails


Hours of Entertainment


First Mini-Skirt


The Problem with Mini-Skirts


First trip to the Dentist

Brazos Bend Park