Easy Christmas Shopping

We were out doing errands today and decided to stop at Toys-R-Us to look around. The kids have never been there before.

We found out quickly that there had been a sale over the weekend, so a lot of the shelves were empty, or had various toys mixed together and haphazard. My darling child says, "Oh, cool, this store is just like Goodwill."

Forget Toys-R-Us, the Mall, or even Wally-World... boy am I going to have an easy time shopping this year!

We love to dance

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Sweet Babies

There are a few things that are hard about babies. But let me tell you why they are so wonderful...

*they don't talk back

*they don't play with the microwave

*they don't whine. If they cry, it is usually for a real reason

*it is ok if they go to the bathroom in their pants

*they eat all of their dinner

*they don't break a glass and plate at the same sitting

*they don't turn on the TV without permission and watch A Birthing Story while you are cleaning the bathroom

*they don't worry about anyone but themselves.

*they don't tattle

*they don't steal all of the covers

*it isn't rude when they pass gas

*it isn't a huge mess when they throw up

*they don't run across the street without looking

*they don't get out of their seatbelt in the car

*they don't push the car alarm on your keys

*they get you out of any soliciting phone calls, door-to-door salesmen, or church classes that you don't want to go to. (Did I just say that out loud?)

*they are so darn cute

I'm awake, I'm awake

Fire alarms. Smoking microwave. Burning smell for 8 hours. ...

Sometimes I guess it isn't worth sleeping in while the kids make their own breakfast.

(by the way, kids, I meant make cereal, NOT oatmeal!!!! And its "time" "30" "start". NOT "time" "3000" "start")

front of bowl. YUM! back hole in bowl

Christmas Tag II

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Mother Nature in me says "Neither" Recycled trash bags or coloring pictures from the kids...although the real deal sure does look nice

2. Real tree or Artificial? Once again, I don't want to kill a poor tree every year, (or pay $60 each year) But I agree that the smell sure is nice.
3. When do you put up the tree? Rhet won't let me until the day after Thanksgiving. I tried getting it down from the attic once. Won't happen again- the kids almost lost their mother. Maybe one day I'll talk him into the day after Halloween, like all the stores do.

4. When do you take the tree down? Oh, I thought it was like the Dixie Chicks song about the Christmas lights outside and you just leave it up.
5. Do you like eggnog? SICK. YUCK. GIVE ME A CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE TO TAKE AWAY THE THOUGHT.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Trampoline, baby. Didn't know you could jump off the balcony onto the tramp and not break anything, did ya?

7. Hardest person to buy for? Grandparents and parents. They have everything-yet you want it to be the best to show them how much they mean to you.
8. Easiest person to buy for? My two month old. Here is some new pacifiers, Colby. Merry Christmas
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes--three. Trying to cram the idea that Jesus is the Reason for the season. Although, I have yet to inspire Daisy NOT to play with the two breakable ones.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? This is my first year mailing. I thought it would be harder than it is. Oops, should of realized that EIGHT years ago, before I lost touch of a lot of friends contact info. Still don't have photos for the cards. I figure if I wait for that, it will be eight more years. Love getting either.

11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? One year I asked for "Umbros". Everyone else wore them, but they were expensive. I got 4 or 5 pair and that was basically my Christmas. Then I went to school and all the "cool" boys made fun of me for wearing them cause I didn't play soccer. I never wore that "Christmas" again. Another was the year I said I wanted "pig" stuff to start a little collection. I got pig children's books, figurines, stuffed animal pigs, pig earrings, pig Christmas ornaments, etc, etc, etc. I WAS FOURTEEN. I thought I was so jipped. Now I think it was hilarious and still have all my pig stuff. (Although, now I am careful to say anything that I want for fear that it will become a yearly tradition and chuckle. Although I do like snow globes. Should I have said that?)

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story is a tradition, but I don't really like it. Elf is pertty funny. That Nightmare Before Christmas sure did freak me out. Just plain weird. Also like Polar Express.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I can never wait. I have to wait to make myself buy the gifts, or I will give them to the person early. It is so hard to wait with the five presents I have for the kids already. They will get presents from family while we are there. They could play with it now. Why bring it in the car to Florida. I could come up with reasons all day. Luckily, Grandma is doing 12 days of Christmas so we get to open one a day.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Heck ya. Those cookies in a jar are so cute- they make the perfect gift for neighbors. Was I supposed to be the one that made it? Just kidding, neighbors- I really did make them. Just ask my husband who came home with dinner and no where to put it.

15.Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? sausage balls, pigs in a blanket (little wieners in biscuits with jelly) chocolate covered coconut, hot chocolate, apple cider, smell of cinnamon sticks. A whole lot- where Rhet starts coughing and wheezing cause it is so strong.

16. Lights on the tree? Um, yes. Perfectly put on where there are no holes and you don't see a lot of wires. Err. You fail, Rhet. You could never make it past my mom's inspection.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night (as long as high notes are on key), Messiah

18.Travel at Christmas or stay home? Never stayed home without extended family. Considering we are a family of 6, it will have to happen sooner or later- but will it even feel like Christmas waking up to...just us?
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Can I eat an entire plate of Christmas goodies meant for the family?

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One Christmas Eve, rest in morning, if you could consider it morning when the sun isn't up yet. Yes, dad- it has been 30 years, we will be opening a present on Christmas Eve- get over it already!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Bells collector people outside of stores. If it was going to homeless or shelters or something, I wouldn't care- but Goodwill? I get clothes and stuff from there. I don't get it. A shirt still costs $5. Am I missing something? Other annoying things- 5 extra pounds. (OK, 10)

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I love my homemade ones from growing up. Rhet has one for each year of his life. Those are great. We are doing the same for our kids.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Apple pie. Why not have Thanksgiving dinner all over again. The New Year is the perfect time to start that healthy lifestyle living.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A magic button not to have to drive more than an hour to see all of our family. Unlimited sky miles to visit- if the button thing doesn't work out. To be out of dental school debt. A cruise-without kids. Rhet to have a month off. Oh, maybe I should stop now.

26. Who is most likely to respond to this? Not Rhet, but maybe he'll read it to get some Christmas gift ideas:) JUST KIDDING. Don't you dare get some crazy, expensive present and act like it was OK cause I put it in mass email, being facetious. (Oh, sorry for the rest of you that got to witness that argument and flaw in our marriage. Rhet, the one that wants to get the most outlandish present for the "shock effect." So not worth it when the credit card bill comes.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Tag I

This was an email tag. It took a while to respond to the answers- so why not post...

1. Do you like blue cheese? I can't stand that it is in my fridge. (AND Rhet likes Eggnog. Where is this guy from?) Thousand Island all the way! Made for hamburgers, tacos, chicken, and oh, yeah...salad

2. Have you ever had "smoked" salmon?Accidentally ordered it once. Got my fishes confused. (The plural is fish if you are talking about the same type of fish and fishes if it is a different species. Thank you 1st grade grammar) And I will never mistake salmon with trigger again!

3. Do you own a gun? No, but we have discussed it. Want the kind with the fingerprint security case- but it is a little pricey.

4. What flavor Kool Aid was your favorite? strawberry kiwi. What do you mean, "was" my favorite. Yumm.

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Nah. Too many kids for that- I don't even blink at GYN appts. Come on in, interns. I was embarrassed, though- when I was crying at an appt like a loony-toons from baby blues. The lady just asked, "How I was doing". She just wanted a "Fine" and to take my blood pressure, not the REAL answer. (so, if you ask me how I am doing... you better mean it!)

6. What do you think of hot dogs? I don't think about hot dogs. I just load on the chilli, cheese, mustard, and onions and make sure it is a foot long.

7. Favorite Christmas movie? Anything new. I don't like watching movies more than once.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? I normally am out the door late, so I try to grab a glass of OJ as breakfast to make me think I am kind of getting some nutrition.

9. Can you do push ups? Yeah. Girly style.

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? don't have one. Don't really wear it. I have tried to for church, but Ben and Daisy have broken necklace latches off my neck, a bracelet rolled under a pew and got lost and my wedding ring lost a diamond. It is just safer to stick with my titanium band and call it good.

11. Favorite hobby? Reading. Writing things that I think are cute on my blog, and then reading them the next day after I am well rested, and wondering what I was thinking. Used to be exercising before Colby. Love those endorphins!

12. Do you have A.D.D.? No. But I'm not sure I would answer "yes"' and send it off to a bunch of people to know in a chain email... so don't ask me about any other "special needs" so I can stay honest.

13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? selfishness

14. Middle name? Jean

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. How does Rhet fall asleep in front of the TV, I wish I could do that. I need to turn in the library books before 10, so I don't get charged another late day for 30 checked out books. I need to go to bed, but first I need to throw out the leftover brownies before I do-so that Ben doesn't eat them for breakfast while I am getting my extra half hour of sleep. (ok, hour, but don't tell Rhet)

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Orange juice and water... I regularly crave root beer, but don't keep it in the house. It is hard to tell the kids no to it, when they see me drinking cans in the middle of the night like a junkie.

17. Current worry? Car trip to Florida with Colby who hates his car seat and the kids who can't sit next to each other, but all want to see the DVD.

18. Current hate right now? weeds, hearing "mom" said like a curse word, the year going by too fast, standing in line at the post office at this time of year, the steep incline up to my house.

19. Favorite place to be? Six flags, no lines, overcast, weekday-with adults

20. How did you bring in the New Year for 2008? Flying home from Michigan.

21. Where would you like to go? Cruise anywhere. Pyramids in Egypt, Nicaragua, Italy, kids to Disney World

22. Name three people who will complete this? Not Rhet, Brett, or Dad

23. Do you own slippers? of course, leopard print.

24. What shirt are you wearing right now? Boring brown shirt with boring green skirt. Sad, but it is the same outfit I wore to the "dress up like a pioneer Christmas party". I need to buy myself some clothes post Christmas sales- no more fooling myself with "I'll wait till I lose the baby pounds and wear my old clothes".

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I would prefer not to have sheets. So much easier to make in the mornings. Just got egyptian cotton ones, though. I guess if you whine enough- eventually you will win. Just, Rhet, don't tell the kids that.

26. Can you whistle? No. thanks for bringing it up.

27. Favorite color: Lime green. Pink and Brown. Silver.

28. Would you be a pirate? As in, would I be a pirate in a play- or would I steal someone's things because I want them? Amber, do I need to bring a locked suitcase to your house?

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Don't sing. It might bring attention to myself and the kids would realize I was in the shower and come bug me. What am i talking about- I don't shower. Thanks to Mama- I can just excuse that last comment on the "excema"

30. Favorite girl's name? This is like picking a favorite dipping sauce.

31. Favorite boy's name? This is like picking my "most embarrassing moment" "best memory" or "happiest day of my life" Can't I get a question like, "What is your dream car?" Nevermind, I wouldn't know the make or model for that, either. Just the title, "The pretty green one that is cute."

32. What's in your pocket right now? No pockets. But I normally have a spare pacifier, keys, cell phone, debit card. I don't like to carry a purse. That one side always looks a little weird, though.

33. Last thing that made you laugh? Helping Daisy read and there were a couple of sight words in a row that she didn't know, so I basically said the word and she repeated, said the next word, she repeated. Then there was a word she could read, but I said "vowel team" to give her the hint to make the first vowel long and the second silent (Ex. lean. When a vowel team goes a walking, the first one does the talking:) And she repeated "Vowel team" like that is what the book said. For some reason it cracked both of us up, cause she is always trying to guess the words using the pictures, without trying. We laughed for about 10 minutes. Writing it out sounds dumb, though.

34. Best bed sheets as a child? I think the Strawberry shortcake sheets were mine. HEY! Were they a hand-me-down???? Why does this questionaire have two questions about sheets?

35. Worst injury you've ever had? Does childbirth count? Colby's shoulder was broke because of it, so it should count.

36. Do you love where you live? Sure. I love being closer to my side of the family, but I miss Philly. So much culture and chance to really help other adults. Here there isn't much to do except a plate of cookies or a meal to someone sick. I like the weather, but Christmas is weird in a T-shirt

37. Who is your loudest friend?None. I feel like I am the loudest.

38. How old are you? 30 and I love it. Now when people in Walmart ask me if all my kids are mine or give me that "you are white trash look with your 4 kids being 18 years old" I can say, "I AM THIRTY!"

39. How many dogs do you have? None. Thought about it, but all we have to do is babysit one or see someone else's yard and then we snap out of it. Of course, other people say the same thing about babies. (Not the part about seeing someone else's yard, though.) What is my problem? Why can't I just answer the questions with one word answers like normal people???

40. Does someone have a crush on you? my refrigerator (oh, that is my crush), Ben (literally, as in crush me by running into me), and Colby (literally, as in crushed to my chest in a pouch), and Rhet...nope, he is straight up "in love with my smokin' self" as he says:)

41. What is your favorite book? I love to read, but I basically forget the book after I read it. Don't ask me titles, authors, or character names. I can give great summaries, though. (Uh, that one guy got the other's girl and then they moved to that cold place)

42. What is your favorite candy? I prefer chocolate chip cookies/pumpkin chocolate chip cookies/mint chocolate chip cookies/m+m chocoalte chip cookies/or chocolate chip chocolate cookies.

43. Favorite Sports Team? I guess I'll say the team in red. Their uniforms are more stylish. (Did you think my lack for details just counted for car types, book titles, and characters? Oh, no- it extends to TV., movies, famous people, political figures, world leaders, and sports team names)

44. What songs do you want played at your funeral? I'd prefer not to have a funeral. The world is pretty nuts- second coming can't be all that far away... but if it must happen, then please don't let Ben pick the songs for me. We went caroling yesterday and found ourselves belting out "ABCD" with a plate of cookies.

Put the Christ in Christmas Part III

I am always looking for thoughtful ideas for family presents to let them know we are really thinking of them. Is this as impossible to do for you as it is for me?

Please comment if you have any ideas that I could possibly use for next year.

One thing we did for grandparents this year was a personalized photo frame. The kids wrote on the mat around the picture. I'm posting cause Rhet didn't get to see the finished product. Hopefully, they will enjoy it, cause getting them to practice writing neat and the correct spelling before they could put it in ink on the mat was, well- let's just say it sounded like a good idea before I started. I think they turned out cute, though.

If you can't read Ben's response under the picture of Colby crying, it says, "I want to tell that lady I want a toy." Purely angelic.

Put the Christ in Christmas Part II

Warning: Spoiler alert. We wanted to open the presents before we traveled so if you are a sibling and don't want to know your gifts, then skip this post!
"Grandma" and "Grandpa" did the 12 days of Christmas for usthis year . They have a family motto- so each day pertained to a part of the motto. Although it was hard for the kids to take turns opening the presents and wait for the next day to come.. it was a nice way to feel close to the family and enjoy past memories.
(the presents might be out of order, but I'll be doing good to remember all 12)
Day 1: apple cider that we always drink with a story about a boy remembering to be kind to his sister and make room for her, unlike many of the innkeepers at Bethlehem.
Day 2: homemade fruit leather (a favorite of Rhet's) with memories of summer and their visit here for the fourth of July celebration.
Day 3: Some money to buy ingredients to make treats for our neighbors
Day 4: All the homemade gingerbread pieces to assemble a house with candy to decorate. Favorite tradition of mine (although my version includes graham crackers and milk cartons and isn't as cute!)
Day 5: Gift card for the family to share with a reminder that we follow the prophet and have a budget and spend wisely.
Day 6: Story about hiding a baby Jesus and playing the "warmer/colder" game to find the Jesus. How when we get closer to the Lord by obeying him, we feel warm inside. Came with a little baby Jesus so that we could play the game, too.
Day 7: Coated candy/caramel pretzel sticks with a note that the rest of the family made them for us at Thanksgiving while thinking of us.
Day 8: Board Books for the family that we will be able to use at church, and one for Rhet and I. A reminder to learn and grow and read good books.
Day 9: Laminated puppet figures to act out the story of Jesus' birth.
Day 10: Caramal popcorn, another family tradition.
Day 11: Christmas bingo with smartees to use as the markers. Super fun, and then you get to eat them (or use them as potty treats as the case may be)
Day 12: A personalized shutterfly photo book for each of the kids that has memories of past vacations and Christmas' together. It is so cute that I keep stealing it from them to look at. Darling!! (Why can't I ever take photos of them that look that great?) Alexis said, "This is so awesome. I bet that is why they saved it for the last present."

and Grandma!

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa. We loved it!

Put the Christ in Christmas Part I

Wanted to share an idea for helping the kids do service during the holidays (courtesy of "Grandma"). They do an advent calendar with a different service each day. After their activity, they get to eat a piece of candy from the candy chain. (Made with saran wrap in a long strip with candy throughout, separated by bows. Looks like a snake). The kids get really excited to wake up and see what we are going to do that day. Too bad they can read this year and I can't fake what it says if it is a hard day like I could last year..."Um, it says "Make Moms bed"- not bake cookies and bring them to the neighbors:)
Sorry Dantzel and Tiff- I was supposed to send you some chains. I made them and everything- but didn't get to the post office till yesterday. Seemed kind of pointless, so I put them (with the calendar) in the missionary care packages to go to elders from our ward. There are going to be some confused missionaries with a candy chain at the end of the month with a calendar that says things like, "Call your cousins and tell them you love them" and "Tell your mom why we have Christmas."

Some other ideas that we do:
*Wrapped present addressed to Jesus- with a cut out on the top. Talk about what you can do for Jesus this year and put in present. Leave under the tree throughout the season.
*Act out natitivity scene while dad reads scripture in slow, monotone voice. (Don't worry, he doesn't read "blogs")
*Teach children the "Saviour" related Christmas songs to belt out in the car.
Ex. Angels We Have Heard On High. Otherwise known as the "Glor-or-or-or-ia-ia-ia-or-ia" song. Silent Night. Joy to the World. (Let every heart repair him broom)
*Have kids pick out a present and wrap for a child at the store to give to toys for tots, or ring and run.
*We make Santa Claus a fun game that we do (yes, I said that right. They "know" about Santa/Easter Bunny/Tooth Fairy. It is fun to pretend and act out these things- but Jesus coming down out of the sky, angels coming to talk to certain Biblical prophets, Jonah and the whale, Moses' sea parting, etc are REAL, but these other things are pretend and just fairy tales that we have a good time with.
*We don't make Christmas lists, or ask for things we "want" (unless somone asks:), but try to talk more about what will make someone else feel special to get.
*Let the kids take turns each year being "Santa's helper". They see how good it can make you feel to get things ready for someone else's excitement.
Alexis LOVED helping with Easter this year and making "bunny" prints with flour on the floor and hiding everyone's baskets. It may sound "bah humbug"- but they aren't confused. Don't worry- they have been HIGHLY trained not to spoil others' imaginations.
*Have a nativity set that they can play with and manipulate.
Let us know any things your family does that helps make the season more meaningful.

Messiah

Wanted to let Rhet know I was SO proud of him. (Of course, I will now have to tell him to read the blog). We sang in a concert of Messiah on Tuesday night. He was very nervous, especially because the dress was "black out" and he only had a dark green shirt. I gave him a water bottle and a pencil as he walked onto the stage- I told him that was the trick to make everyone think he was a professional. He felt out of place and doesn't know how well he can sing (makes me fall in love all over again to hear him belt it out). I admit, Handel's Messiah is not exactly the best place to start for sight-reading. But it was nice to make music and really neat to be right behind the orchestra and see up close the interaction of the instruments. What a great date! (Our first time leaving Colby, by the way- that was the hardest part for Rhet. Not so much for me.)

Winter 2008 Concert: Handel's MESSIAH

Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 7:30 PM West Acres Baptist Church
The MESSIAH featureing the Columbia County Civic Orchestra and a MASS CHOIR from across the CSRA, conducted by Rob Nordan. Choral singers should come and bring a choral score of Handel's MESSIAH. Meet in the choir loft behind the full orchestra.

Holiday "Vacation"

Pre-Vacation Week

I keep putting sticky notes all over for what I need to accomplish this week- But I have two on the floor and some accidentally made it into the trash (I have a chronic habit of throwing things away that I need. I think it is a blessing. Rhet doesn't agree. So much for that Christmas list of what I've bought for who and what is left to get that I have now re-written FOUR times- THANKS MOM!) Anyway, I thought I could kill two birds with one stone {what a horrible saying} and complain (or brag, as the case may be) and write out my week here...

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Monday:

(with 4 kids)

Go to store for stamps.

Make treats.

Pick up pictures from Walgreens.

Go to post office.

2:00 Ben's doc appt. on base

Make an original, creative, and wonderful looking ornament???

7:00 Work party (and exchange said ornament)

Oh, yeah, school: Math (add 3 digits carry-over), Language Arts (practice recitation for Christmas), Reading, Science (dissect fish?)

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Tuesday:

(with 4 kids)

Walmart, then Target, then the bookstore for five more presents

Back to post office

Make treat for ballet party

Ballet 11:00

Watch friends children 9:30 until 4. (This will actually help, cause Ben will have a playmate)

5:00-9:30 Messiah sing-a-long (check to see if Rhet found babysitter)

Oh, yeah, school: Math (subtract 3 digits, borrow), Language Arts (adj./ adverbs), Reading, History (World Religions: Christianity and Islam)

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Wednesday:

(with 4 kids)

Watch friends children 9:30-4. (This will actually help, cause Daisy will have a playmate)

Take Alexis to class 10:30

Make 17 Cookies-in-a-jar

Pick up Alexis 2:30

Rhet H.T. and basketball-AKA he is gone at night

Oh, yeah, school: Math (add/subtract 3 digit carry-over review), Language Arts (composition about Christmas activities), Reading, Science (animal adaptations review), Art (Christmas project)

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Thursday:

(with 4 kids)

Make 11 T-shirts for Rhet's work

Make 7 goodie plates for Rhet's work

Deliver gifts to Rhet's work

Mrs. Kringle story time 5:00?

Basketball practice 5-6

Visiting Teaching 5:30-8 (figure out how to be at basketball and VT)

Oh, yeah, school: Math (Unit test), Language Arts (Spelling Test, composition revision and final draft), Reading, History (Review world religions: Jews and Polytheistic)

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Friday:

Make 8 treats

Make 15 goodie plates for friends

Go caroling and drop off plates

Watch Numbers and Eli Stone

Oh, yeah, school: Math (Computer skills, Study Island), Language Arts (Pick your own), Reading, Music (Which instrument belongs to which family- review Joy to the World/Silent Night/Angels We Have Heard on High), Health (Polite/thankful behavior when recieving gifts-act out. Review telephone manners and safety. Practice with Jaime and Dad.)

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Saturday:

Finish Christmas shopping

Pack for 4 kids and myself for a week and a half worth of hud.

Get car checked out.

Finish with goodie plates.

Practice bottle with Colby for tomorrow.

Deep clean house.

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Sunday:

Be at church at 8:30. Hah hah hah

Choir Sacrament program. Find someone to sit with kids.

Head off to Florida and listen to Colby scream for 7 hours (he hates driving as much as I do)

Break rule of not watching movies on Sunday to put in DVD's for car trip there without any beatings.

Oh, and throughout the week, consistently watch Ben for signs of needing to use the bathroom- since I picked this nice, quiet, uneventful time to toilet train. Its been 4 days (feels like 40- reference to previous post on days that seem to last forreevvveeerrrrr) He is doing good if I ask him when he starts to hold himself-but if I get preoccupied and don't ask. Dun dun dun dun.

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Plans from Monday the 22 to Monday the 29:

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(Lots of blank space)

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I think I might become bored out of my mind.... NAH!

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Future blog: What has to be done POST vacation.

Day at the Zoo

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Halloween Pictures

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Christmas details

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Mother Nature in me says "Neither". Recycled trash bags or coloring pictures from the kids...although the real deal sure does look nice.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Once again, I don't want to kill a poor tree every year, (or pay $60 each year) But I agree that the smell sure is nice.

3. When do you put up the tree? Rhet won't let me until the day after Thanksgiving. I tried getting it down from the attic once. Won't happen again- the kids almost lost their mother. Maybe one day I'll talk him into the day after Halloween, like all the stores do.

4. When do you take the tree down? Oh, I thought it was like the Dixie Chicks song about the Christmas lights outside and you just leave it up all year long.

5. Do you like eggnog? SICK. YUCK. GIVE ME A CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE TO TAKE AWAY THE THOUGHT.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Trampoline, baby. Didn't know you could jump off the balcony onto the tramp and not break anything, did ya?

7. Hardest person to buy for? Grandparents and parents. They have everything-yet you want it to be the best to show them how much they mean to you.

8. Easiest person to buy for? My two month old. Here is some new pacifiers, Colby. Merry Christmas!

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes--three. Trying to cram the idea that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Although, I have yet to inspire Daisy NOT to play with the two breakable ones.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? This is my first year mailing. I thought it would be harder than it is. Oops, should of realized that EIGHT years ago, before I lost touch of a lot of friends contact info. Still don't have photos for the cards. I figure if I wait for that, it will be eight more years. Love getting either.

11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? One year I asked for "Umbros". Everyone else wore them, but they were expensive. I got 4 or 5 pair and that was basically my Christmas. Then I went to school and all the "cool" boys made fun of me for wearing them cause I didn't play soccer. I never wore that "Christmas" again. Another was the year I said I wanted "pig" stuff to start a little collection. I got pig children's books, figurines, stuffed animal pigs, pig earrings, pig Christmas ornaments, etc, etc, etc. I WAS FOURTEEN. I thought I was so jipped. Now I think it was hilarious and still have all my pig stuff. (Although, now I am careful to say anything that I want for fear that it will become a yearly tradition and chuckle. Although I do like snow globes. Should I have said that?)

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story is a tradition, but I don't really like it. Elf is pertty funny. That Nightmare Before Christmas sure did freak me out. Just plain weird. I also like Polar Express.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I can never wait. But I have to make myself wait to buy the gifts, or I will give them to the person early. It is so hard to wait with the few presents I have for the kids already. Thought bubble: They will get presents from family while we are there. They could play with it now. Why bring it in the car to Florida? I could come up with reasons all day. Luckily, Grandma is doing 12 days of Christmas so we get to open one a day.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Heck ya. Those cookies in a jar are so cute- they make the perfect gift for neighbors. Was I supposed to be the one that made it?

15.Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? sausage balls, pigs in a blanket (little wieners in biscuits with jelly) chocolate covered coconut, hot chocolate, apple cider, smell of cinnamon sticks. A whole lot- where the family starts coughing and hacking cause it is so strong.

16. Lights on the tree? Um, yes. Perfectly put on where there are no holes and you don't see a lot of wires. Err. You fail, Rhet. You could never make it past my mom's inspection.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night (as long as the high notes are on key- so probably not myself singing it), The Messiah

18.Travel at Christmas or stay home? Never stayed home without extended family. Considering we are a family of 6, it will have to happen sooner or later- but will it even feel like Christmas waking up to...just us?

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Can I eat an entire plate of Christmas goodies meant for the family?

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One Christmas Eve, rest in morning, if you could consider it morning when the sun isn't up yet. Yes, dad- it has been 30years, we will be opening a present on Christmas Eve- get over it already!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Bells collector people outside of stores. If it was going to homeless or shelters or something, I wouldn't care- but Goodwill? I get clothes and stuff from there. I don't get it. A shirt still costs $5. Am I missing something? Other annoying things- 5 extra holiday pounds. (OK, 10)

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I love my homemade ones from growing up. Rhet has one for each year of his life. Those are great. We are doing the same for our kids.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Apple pie. Why not have Thanksgiving dinner all over again? The New Year is the perfect time to start that healthy lifestyle living.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A magic button not to have to drive more than an hour to see all of our family. Unlimited sky miles to visit- if the button thing doesn't work out. To be out of dental school debt. A cruise-without kids. Rhet to have a month off. Oh, maybe I should stop now.

26. Who is most likely to respond to this? Not Rhet, but maybe he'll read it to get some Christmas gift ideas:) JUST KIDDING. Don't you dare get some crazy, expensive present and act like it was OK cause I put it in mass email, being facetious. (Oh, sorry for the rest of you that got to witness that argument and flaw in our marriage. Rhet, the one that so wants to get the most outlandish present for the "shock effect" So not worth it when the credit card bill comes!)

Merry Christmas!

Pics of Colby

Make a Smilebox photobook

Tips on controlling time?

If anyone has any tips on manipulating time, I am ready:

-how to slow down overall weeks, months, years. (How did I get to be 30, have four kids, have children that are 6, 5, and 3 that I remember how they used to look in there 0-3 month clothes).
-how to speed up individual, rough days. (A day last week took so long. Fighting, whining, snatching, talking back, not wanting to do school work. It seemed like four days in one.)
-how to get back missed time. (Last blog was pre-baby, beginning of October. How is it December? How is it that I have a two month old that I haven't written about, posted pictures of, or introduced to the world? How is it that I have yet to check my friends' blogs and catch up on their lives that I love to read about? Where did that time go?)
-when did time change. (When I was ten, the summer seemed to go on forever and there was never anything to do. Now the summer flies and I have too much to do)
-when did time become impossible to keep? (I never noticed before that my mom got us to church, school, and parties on time. Now, I can't do it for the life of me. My kids don't understand the concept of "late", because "late" is normal and does not get any reaction of moving faster)
-when did time become important. (Babies don't care what time it is when they are hungry. You are driving? So. Need to go to the bathroom? Big deal. Time to make dinner for the other kids? Babies don't care if it is 5:00pm or am. There is no such thing as certain times for certain things. However, suddenly at 3 years old, if you don't get that dinner at 5:00, all hades has broken loose.
-When did time stop coming in chunks of breaks? Before there was summer break time, Christmas vacation time, spring break. Now, all the "break" times seem the busiest and more to do. Pack for vacation, find the most perfect, yet inexpensive Christmas gifts, find things for the kids to do in the summer, clean the house from top to bottom because someone is coming to visit and give you a break.
-And lastly, when will I learn to prioritize my time? I say I need a break from holding Colby, or can't coo at him just yet cause we need to finish our school project. Hello, Jessica? Can't coo at the baby? You know that one will not last much longer. Look at Alexis and Daisy- they are reading for goodness sakes. Ben went pee on the toilet today without any cajoling or threatening. When did all that happen? Who cares that there are 6 loads of laundry waiting to be folded? Who cares that we haven't had a real home cooked meal in a week? Who cares that the check off board of work is still all unchecked? These are rhetorical questions. If you really DO care, I don't want to know about it- So, make those cookies with frosting that make a big flour mess, play that board game that never ends, call that grandma that talks for an hour
(this is an example- I'm not talking about any one specifically:), drive that half hour to visit your husband for lunch, and stay up till 3:40am to write about nothing in particular. Because it wasn't on a list to do, it wasn't something that needed to be done, and it surely isn't something educational, helpful, or remotely important. But that is the beauty of it. That time will be the best of all- ok, maybe time spent serving others would be a little better- but we'll save that for another blog.