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.