Happy New Year!

Ahhh the New Year. I just finished grocery shopping for our party tonight. I was excited because I remembered to buy some shrimp for Hunter. He likes it, and I don't so I don't always remember it. Only to have him remind me, that the last 2 times he has eaten it, he has had an allergic reaction. The first time, we thought it was the neighbor's cat, but the second time he had a reaction...there was no cat. Shrimp was a factor in both episodes, hmmmmm. What is everybody doing tonight? I filled a grocery cart full of snacks and junk. I saw a trainer from the gym at the store, and he asked if I worked out today?? Uh, no!! And please don't look in my cart :) hahaha.

Usually, I don't like the whole goal setting thing at the new year. If I want to set a goal, I just do it. I don't need the new year for a good excuse, but the other day I had a massage (thanks Holly-Christmas LAST year). AND I decided then a there, I need to do this WAY more often. So, I haven't decided if once a month, is just too much or not. :) I hope you guys all have a Happy New Year!

I really do have a good excuse...

I really am still alive. So, here is a recap of the stuff I'm been doing to keep me off blogging.

#1- we drove up to Dallas for 2 days. Left early Saturday morning and returned late Sunday. We had a great visit with Scott's family, his sister lives there, and his parents and brother met us there. We stayed at the Residence Inn, and the kids had a blast, in the hotel and with their cousins. Plus, it was nice not to work around the house for a few days.

#2- painting painting and more painting. Finally, the painting is over, done, completed. Only to be followed up by new carpet on the 2nd of Jan. Great fun. I'm telling you, I LOVE moving...can you hear the sarcasm.

#3-organizing. What sucks (yes sucks) is I feel like I 'm going to have to move 2x. Let me explain. There are 6 people living in this house, and we have lived here for 10 years...we have lots of stuff/crap. So, we have been busy busy busy de-cluttering, and organizing. Not everything is even close to being done either. AUGGGGGHHHH. We have almost filled up the storage unit with "stuff". Toys, books, pictures you name it, it's there. Why couldn't the movers have come this week, and then again when we are going to actually move???

#4- fixing this joint up and cleaning. I have cleaned my little fingers to the nubs. And I look around and this place still needs so much work. But dang it, this place has never looked better. I told Scott, every few years we are going to go through the new house like we are moving. You know replacing/fixing things that need it.

#5-we are having a party tonight! But first I need (aka would like, but probably won't happen) to go take a nap, I was up early this morning to take down the Christmas tree. Darn insomnia!

Top 100 recipes

I got an email from Food Network, the top 100 recipes of 2007. Now that is certainly blog worthy. Know this though, most do not look even remotely healthy, but hey how could mac and cheese be healthy??

Say it isn't so...

Oh, say it isn't so. Christmas is almost over for another year. I say almost, because I don't consider it over until New Year's Day. I spent a lovely Christmas day in my PJs. I did shower, only to put my PJ's right back on! ha. Yesterday, was a busier day, the painters were back at 8 am! We got lots of packing/de-cluttering done yesterday, too. Two big trucks loads to the storage unit. I got real sad Christmas night...too much change for me. But I got over it, and I'm feeling good today. Today, will be a more typical day after Christmas. Lots, of sitting around by the tree, and going to the movies. We are going to see National Treasure. Oh oh oh, I got my new Canon camera I have been lusting after! It is camera heaven. It's so fast and fancy, I love love love it. Bye for now. I have some lounging around to do. :)

Come on Mom...

Hayden: Come on Mom it's Christmas Eve, can't I just open one toy??

Hayden: Com on Mom, please can I open just one new toy?? I bored with my old toys and I need to open up one new one.

Hayden: Come on Mom, if you let me open up just one present, I'll call you "Nice Mom" forever.

Hayden: Come on Mom, if you let me open just one present, then when Hunter and Hannah make big messes I will always clean up after them??

He is cracking me up! He is coming up with all kinds of good excuses/reasons for him to open up a present. Oh don't you just remember that magic?? We have been watching that Christmas Story movie around here. I asked Hayden just a few minutes ago what was the one thing he wanted most from Santa. He said, "the gun just like Ralphie. The bb gun rifle with a compass and a stalk". Those are his words, I don't even know if that's what it really is...

Hannah is busy making books and other crafties. Hunter and Hayden set up the train track a little while ago. Hope was asleep, until Hannah "forgot" and went in to her room to get something she needed. :)

Merry Christmas

We have been having fun over here! I just wanted to sign on real quick and wish everybody a Merry Christmas. Scott just left to go do some "last minute" things. Hmmmmmmm. I don't know what that is all about, but I like it! :)

insomnia strikes again!

It's 7:30 and I've been up (doing stuff)for 2 1/2 hours. Insomnia again. I wake up at 4 am just about every morning now, and just lay there. Today I read for a little while, but then, just as I was falling back asleep, Scott had to get up to go run. That was it, I was up for the day. I started out, by going into the Christmas room (aka guest room) and got everything out (yet again) to make sure I'm not lop sided on anyone kid. Looking good. We are going to a neighborhood Christmas party (aka Texas BBQ) at Chase's today. The Reinke's, our old neighbor who moved to Austin, will be here. Maria, is making tamales with her family tomorrow, SO I will have a special treat come my way soon. Chase has gotten a bunch of fireworks, so the kids will all be happy. Especially Hayden. He and Chase are "bestest pals" when it comes to fireworks. EVERY afternoon/evening for days leading up to ANY holiday, Chase is out there with the fireworks, smoke bombs, sparklers...and so is Hayden.

My house is so torn apart right now. We are having the whole inside painted, and we are in the middle of that right now. In fact the painters should be here in about 10 minutes. I think they are painting over the wall paper in the kitchen today. New carpet comes the 2nd of January. At least I'll be able to enjoy all the renovations for a few weeks.

My timers should start going off soon. 3 pumpkin pies, and 2 loaves of corn bread. (one pie is for tonight, the others are for us!) Oh oh oh sugar cookie and thimble cookie dough was made too. The kids will have to be awake to help cook and decorate. That would be a SIN if I did that by myself!

call me crazy, but I think that I know who did this

I'm not 100% sure, but I have a pretty good idea that he was responsible for this...

Scott made the mistake of leaving the realtor's card out, on the desk. I came in and found that a creation had been made. So creative, I'm so proud. Do you think he might have issues about moving? That's okay, cause I do ;)

Four things I'm doing today...

I've got RELAXING on the brain. I have been just a tad bit stressed lately, what with Christmas, painting the house, re-carpeting the house, new schools, new house,selling this house...hmmm what else?? You get the picture. I was reading in my Body+Soul magazine, and found a few good articles. I did happen upon these photos and wanted to share, with you. Just in case you are sharing some of my pre-holiday stress. These are some of my all time favorite yoga moves. Especially, that plough move. Seriously. It's the best. Anyway, I did the 5 minutes of breathing thing today and it's amazing how refreshed you feel. Go ahead try it.

Why can't we live like this all of the time?

On Saturday, Scott got a storage unit. (all his idea too haha) So, we worked for a while on Saturday afternoon filling up some boxes and taking them over. I did some more work today and Scott took a couple over this afternoon. All I can say is, why can't my house be like this always? Do we NEED all those blankets and toys and CRAP that just take up so much space. It does feel like a breathe of fresh air around here. We are having another realtor come over today. We'll see what she has to say about this house, and what all we need to do to fix her up to sell. Buy for now, I'm off to make sure the kids don't undo all the hard work I did today.

A Christmas Story

When was the last time you watched this movie? I bought it this year for $5 at Target, and we watched it last night. Complete with a fire and popcorn. It was a lovely evening, and we all laughed out loud.

Update

12. Starbucks peppermint hot chocolate. It is so delicious. Go try some right away. My Mom turned me on to this little bit of heaven when she was here for Thanksgiving. Can't believe I forgot that!

My Favorite Things for 2007

I love Oprah's favorite thing show, so when Holly had the great idea of doing her own favorite things, I just knew I had to copy.

1. First and fore most...my new ring. I still love that bad boy and still find myself gazing down at it. Scott's comment " we should have done that a loooong time ago". Smart man.

2. My nice new LG fridge. That sucker is coming with me to Washington. If the people that buy this house want it...they can buy it. I'd get another one just like it. Even if that new house already HAS a fridge, that one would go in the garage, and my LG gets center stage in the kitchen.

3. My Dansco Maryjane clogs. How have I survived without them for so long???? I could wear them everyday with just about every (casual) outfit. Sometimes, when I wear a nasty uncomfortable pair of shoes (like to church) my feet just can't hardly wait to put these lovelies on.

4. My Gap boot cut jeans. My most favorite pair are the boot cut with the patch pocket. They fit perfectly and they are oh so comfy. Also, the regular boot cuts are good too. They are cut a little more generous and looser than the ones with the pocket. This Momma liked the price tag too. $49.50 for the flap jeans. These are the jeans I had to look high and low for when they first came out. I finally got them in Las Vegas with my sistas.

5. My new IPOD nano. I got the green one, and it makes me happy. I went running yesterday, and had that thingy cranked up and could have run forever...well maybe not forever, but it does add a little spice to my life. Much better having your own that sharing with your husband...ewww yuck, right? Funny thing was, Scott got me a fancy smancy one last year when Hope was born...but I took it back!!! What a crazy.

6. The Venus Breeze razor. Sounds kind of silly, but it has revolutionized the way I shave. The little shaver head has this little soapy thing on either side of the razor that moisturizes so you don't have to add soap or shaving cream. You just wet your let and shave!!! Love it. I find that I shave WAY more. You know, because the cream and the soap can be SUCH a pain ;)

7. Nedi Pot. Now, I don't recommend using one when your sister (Hayley) is standing right there making you laugh and choke. That was not so good, and the pot almost got cut off my list. But it's not the Nedi pots fault that my sister Hayley is a spaz. I would recommend doing the Nedi pot "cleanse" at night too. You might have some excess drainage (d0n't worry it's just water). Okay, now I have probably totally turned you off to it, but still, it's one of my favorite things. Gross things, yes, but still a fav.

8. My Willow Tree nativity. I know I just got it, but I do love it so. I'm just glad I finally got it! I remember the first time I saw it, we were at Scott's cousins house, and I saw it and fell in love.

9. My Cosmo Cricket paper that I got several months ago. I have only done a couple of scrapbook pages with it, but I love love love it.

10. On-line math facts. Oh my gosh how I love these! There are so many sites out there, but a favorite of mine, is this one. Just to make sure, you know these are for my kids not me. But it really is for me because now, I can be a good Mom and have them know their math facts like pro's but also a lazy good Mom cuz I don't have to do it!!

11. Okay so this next one is a package deal. There are several favorites all mixed together. First of all, I love the food network website. I love the recipe box thing on there. I discovered Giada De Laurentiss this year. So, that leads me to favorite recipes for this year. Amaretto Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches and Linguine with Chicken Ragu. I wouldn't say either recipe is hard, in fact both are easy, but they are time consuming. Just don't make them both on the same day like I have. Oh my gosh though, good stuff.

And who was is that said you can't buy happiness?

And who said you can't BUY happiness? I don't know, but my necklace came a day ago, and my Willow Tree stuff came today. I'm feeling pretty happy girls. When a girl is feeling a little blue about leaving her home and her buddies, a little shopping does help. The only thing is I'm now needing the angel stand. NEXT year. I don't want to be too "happy".

Are you just trying to drive me nuts??

I woke up this morning to rain. Lots of it. So, I found the nice bone in my body and offered to take Hunter to school. Poor kid would have been dripping wet today if I made him stand on the bus stop. But, by doing so, I had no time to warsh my hair. Because, it was my day to volunteer in Hayden's kindergarten classroom. I did find a moment to shower, don't fret. Then, Hayley and I ran back to the school to do lunch with Hannah and Hayden. Hunter's turn is tomorrow. Oh the good times keep rolling around here.

I am starting to get a little complex. (just kidding really about the complex, but still...) Over the weekend, a few people called Hope a boy. Come on people, she had cute little flair jeans and pink shoes. Okay, so maybe her shirt was navy, but it had stripes of pink and purple. I just thought, it's dark and people are dumb. Then a lady today started calling her a him. I even responded once, with a "SHE is 14 months". Still "he". Whatever people. I guess if I don't stick a big old bow in her hair, she will be a he, for now. Oh and did I mention she always has a little bracelet on!!???

As far as moving goes, I have asked myself "why??" a time or two. What a pain in the butt, no? I have told Scott all along, that we need to rent a storage unit and start to de-clutter. Well, he kept saying let's just wait and put the house on the market after we leave...okay, so I was finally won over. Sounds like a plan to me. Today, he instant messages me..."let's get a storage unit so we can start to de-clutter before the move". Oh my gosh, are you just trying to drive me nuts?? Sometimes, I feel like I just talk out of my butt.

Confessions of a Redhead

Okay, so I'm coming clean. We are moving. We are moving to the Portland, OR/ Vancouver, WA area. More specifically, Camas, WA. That is where Scott and I visited this last weekend, and then also several weekends ago. It was a hard decision to make. I LOVE my home here. Not just the home, yes I do love it, but we really have out grown it a bit. But, I love my friends, the kids schools, kids friends, church/ward, neighbors. I love going to Target and seeing people that I know. Not to mention Sharon the checker, that knew me when I was pregnant with Hayden AND Hope. I like walking into the school and chatting it up with all kinds of people I know. People I have raised a family along side. I brought 3 babies home here. I know the nail pops in my ceiling. And I know just about every ding in the wall and how it got there. UHHHHGG. It was hard, but it will be a really good and exciting move for us. When I'm not crying that is. I went to talk to administration in the Camas school district, and I started to cry...right in the middle of talking to her. Oh boy. It's just the realization REALLY started sinking in. Moving is hard. We are digging up our roots here. Not fun. BUT, to have winter again without the bitter cold of Chicago. It was cold this weekend, but very manageable. It even snowed. It was too warm to stick, but still people -snow. Loved that. My mind has been so consumed lately, I haven't been able to blog much. It's hard not to talk about something, when that's all you think about. So, there you have it, my confession. More later. Momma tired, Scott is a fan of the red eye. :( He did let me have the first class seat though. He is "first class" all the way. Oh yeah.

You guys do know about these candies, right? Just making sure. BECAUSE they are gooooood. White chocolate, with little flecks of candy cane, yummy. I discovered them last year, and have been counting down the days...just kidding, but they are really good. I needed a good treat especially since the M&M people went and messed with the Mint M&M. They should have left them alone. Don't get me wrong, we still "managed" to snarf down a couple pounds over here, but.......

"Did somebody send corporate in here to do the decorating?"

Last night for family night, the kids and I (Scott is out of town, but it still would have been..the kids and I) made our annual gingerbread house. I really did let them help a lot this year. Sometimes...I may or may not be a little anal, but last night I said "let the good times roll". Hunter came downstairs this morning quoting the movie Elf. A fav around here. Anyway, he saw the gingerbread house sitting on the table and said, "did somebody send corporate in here to do the decorating?" haha. I love that kid's sense of humor, most of the time.

Speaking of Hunter, he was one of 6 boys(from his Patriot team) that went to the pro-bowl this year. They won! Way to go Hunter.

Blog worthy

Last Sunday morning the kids all worked on a play. Hannah wrote the play and recruited all her siblings. Hope practiced, but had stage fright, hence the doll. The play was called "The Happy Ending" Hunter was The Bad Guy, Hannah was Princess Laya, Hayden was King Charming. Let's just say, it involved some dialogue, but a lot of screaming and sword fighting. Definitely blog worthy :)

Hannah and I got to go see A Christmas Carol at the Alley Street Theater in Houston on Saturday night with her Faith in God Girls group. It turned HOT that day, hence my summer attire and no nylons. We had a great time, and hung out at 59 Diner after ward for way too long. They do have a great wedge salad though.




Okay, this hair. I "help" Hunter dry his hair with a blow dryer most mornings. Since it is kind of longish, I have fun combing it all kinds of crazy just about every day. I comb it really bad and pronounce that he is "ready to go". Well, on Sunday he came down having showered and towel dried his hair. Not even a comb had been run through that boys hair. I saw that and said "I'm taking a picture of that mess, that's blog worthy it's so bad".

Christmas Tag

This is just about the last thing in the world I should be doing right now, but I have been wanting to do it for a few days, and well...forget the housework, I'm spreading a little Christmas cheer.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper all the way for Christmas. The temptation is too great for the kid-o's to sneak a peak inside a bag.
2. Real or artificial? Fake. Never have had a real one. I get a "real" wreath and hang it on my back door to get that great evergreen smell.
3. When do you put up the tree? The Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving.
4. When do you take the tree down? Usually New Years Day, by then I'm ready for the Christmas clutter to be gone. Although, once it's gone I miss it.
5. Do you like eggnog? LOVE it. Yep, I do. I buy it starting at Thanksgiving and pretty much have it around until Christmas. My favorite is Schepps Low Fat Egg Nog. It's good stuff and it isn't quite as thick and heavy as the fully loaded stuff. Although I love that too.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Baby Beth. I loved that doll. I can still smell her. I have always enjoyed the baby dolls. In fact, I think I buy Hannah American Girl Dolls...as much for her as for me. I came so close to getting my own last year. I kid you not. But I decided to take a deep breathe and chill. I can't wait to buy Hope a Bitty Baby. All the new accessories are calling to me.
7. Do you have a Nativity scene? Sure do. I have a couple, isn't that what this whole season is all about ?? :)
8. Hardest person to buy for? Scott's family. I never feel like they like my presents.
9. Easiest person to buy for? My kids, but more specifically, Hayden. You can't really go wrong for that boy. Imaginex has come out with a new pirate ship. He already has 2 pirate ships, but that is at the top of his list. You know what, he plays with both of them and I know he would (will ;) play with a third one.
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I'd have to go with these food pins I got one year as a kid. Yes you read that right. My aunt once gave me these little pins you were supposed to wear. I remember a plate of spaghetti and a pizza pin. I'm sure there were more, but can't remember them. Hmmmm.
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
12. Favorite Christmas movie? I love Elf, we just recently watched that, and I love It's a Wonderful Life and Polar Express. I also love the old classics too. We have them on DVD and have already watched one or two. Rudolph is probably my fav there.
13. When do you start shopping? Usually, the big chunk is done on Black Friday and a few weeks right after.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? That sounds like something I MIGHT do, although I would take it back before I re-gifted if I could.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? That would have to be cookies (sugar and thimble equally) and these little peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate we call Buck Eyes.
16. Clear or colored lights? Clear. Scott likes colored, and I let him have his way for a couple years, but not anymore. Clear clear clear all the way.
17. Favorite Christmas Song? All time favorite?? Silent Night.
18. Travel or stay home at Christmas? Stay home. No questions asked. I don't even want to change from my PJ, please. It's a day to sit by the fire, in the family room and play and visit and eat. That's it. I even cook the big meal on Christmas Eve so I'm not even working on Christmas. It's against my religion.
19. Yes I can name all of Santa's reindeer.
20. Angel or star on top of the tree. Star. Although, I have had an angel too. But I love my star up there now.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Only 1 "special" present can be opened on Christmas Eve. It's one that I have marked Christmas Eve present...they are new PJs!!
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? All the Home Owners Fee that come due! Plus, just plain paying for everything. Jeez!
23. Favorite Christmas tradition? As a kid, I loved sleeping with all my sisters in one room. My kids now all sleep together too. I love going Christmas caroling. That is so Christmasy to me. Not very many people like to go anymore, but when I get a chance to go, I go and love it. I'm a nerd that way.
24. Up early or sleep in? Come on...up early. Why would you want to sleep the day away???????????????? We don't get up at a crazy hour like 4 (like we did as kids) I'm talking 5:30 or 6. That's just right.
25. Who hands out the gifts? The kids. We take turns from youngest to oldest opening them. One present at a time. That is, the presents under the tree. The stuff Santa has left gets opened first and it's a free for all there.
26. Does Santa wrap your gifts? Sure Santa wraps. Santa is all kinds of crazy for wrapping, but he does. Usually, Santa will leave out one big thing unwrapped. Just to be "crazy".
27. Do you tell the Christmas story? Sure do. We have a routine that takes like 4 hours to get through on Christmas Eve night. We read all accounts of Jesus' birth from the bible, then we read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (my Dad used to read that one, we have it pretty much memorized) then we read Polar Express. That's is Scott's favorite Christmas story.
28. Yes we leave cookies and a note for Santa. Santa always writes back too.

I love the Christmas magic that's in the air. I typically, get so excited that the whole month of December I kind of have a little trouble sleeping. Oh boy.

For our little girls...

Before you read anymore, watch this Dove-Evolution commercial. I had just finished my work out this morning and was walking through the locker room. The Today Show was on the T.V. and something caught my eye. So, I stopped and watched. Today was talking to the Dove people. You've got to love those Dove people. I have to admit, the first time I saw that Dove add with the freckle face red headed woman without a stitch of makeup , I said Ewww. Then I about slapped myself because hello, that's me, you nut!! But, it's all those things I don't like about myself staring straight at me. I used to run in sunglasses...not so much for the sun, but for the disguise. Hmmmmm. Not so much anymore. Some days, I'll even go out to the bus stop without mascara. Just because I want to. Full on make-up never was a necessity, but simple mascara was. I just felt I looked so different without a little color on my lashes. Let's face it, when I don't have any on, I get people asking me if I'm sick. "No, I reply, just no makeup" haha How could I...and maybe you too...not get a little mixed up. Look at this other Dove commercial called Onslaught. Now that little red headed girl, I like, and think she is absolutely beautiful. So, I have grown as a person. ;)

Hannah has a little friend that may or may not be (Hayley ;) a little bit chubby. She looks fine though, cute little girl. I heard her talking to Hannah a couple of months ago, about how she needs to go on a diet, because she can make a donut on her tummy. She smooshed her tummy up and had a little "excess". She said her brother told her she was fat. I butted my way in and had a little chat right then and there with both of the girls. I hate hate hate that. That big old jerk of a big brother. Do remember about a month or a little less I was in charge of the Brownie meeting. At that meeting I got to talk about eating healthy. Boy did I get up on my soap box. But the most important thing, I think, I said/stressed was that we eat healthy NOT so we can be skinny, but so we can be healthy. I talked about eating healthy is really just eating a balanced diet, and that balanced diet DOES include some treats. So, the other day, this same little girl was over and they were playing. I heard Hannah in there telling this little girl, (the little girl must have been talking about her donut again) that all she needs to do is eat more healthy food. I heard Hannah tell the little girl that she really does eat a lot of junk food at lunch. And that "Captain Crunch and Cheetos are not an okay lunch, she should try some wheat bread sandwiches". Oh boy. That's my girl.

Another related thing...I was walking in the church hall on Sunday and saw somebody I see every once in a while from another ward. He stopped me and said a few nice things...he should have stopped there because I was feeling quite good about myself. Then he says, "you really are aging well"...Ohhhhh. But who cares right? Darn it, I am aging well.

Check yourself!

Who is this Dr. Worrel and where has he been my whole life?? Okay, let me back up...Hope has been especially fussy the last day and a half. In fact, she was so fussing she woke herself up this morning at 4 AM and didn't go back to sleep, really not good. Then, she was falling asleep in the car seat at 10 AM, go figure, on the way back from the gym. I didn't even work out for too long, because I knew she would be tired. So, I rushed, and got her in her bed. Only to hear 40 small minutes later, little Hopey crying. Uhhhggg. I said so not worth it. That's it I say, I'm thinking her ear infection hasn't cleared up. I call the doctor for today or tomorrow and they have something today, with Dr. Worrel. By 12:30 I have loaded Hope up on Tylenol and put her back in bed. She then proceeds to sleep until 2:35 (my appointment is at 2:40, but I want her to sleep for every possible second). I wake her up and we go. This Dr. Worrel is not who we usually see. We get there right on the dot, I live very close. I don't wait for more than 2 minutes. I'm liking this Dr. Worrel already. Then he comes in. Ohhh, he is even cute. Really cute, actually. I got a little nervous. haha And wouldn't you know it, Hope is totally fine. No ear infection, throat infection, and the lungs even sound clear. I feel kind of dumb, but who knew??? Oh bother, it was probably just her teeth. I was in and out of that Dr.'s office in 20 minutes. Plus, did I mention Dr. Worrel is a cutie?? I want to change my kid's doctor. No, just kidding, I'd have to be constantly "checking myself" (as Kristi would say- check yourself)

Mary, Joseph and the pirates.

I got this little stable scene last year at Costco. It's very kid friendly, and I told the kids they could "touch it". Hayden has already broken a hand off one of the wise men this year. Well. The next thing I know, he has his pirate ship(s) downstairs, and he has Baby Jesus and Mary floating on the boat with his pirates. After the breaking of the hand incident, I told him he could play, but all the stuff needs to stay on the table. So, he just brought it all over, to the table, and the two worlds collided. That kid.

I was kind of feeling tired/lazy on Friday night when the kids started asking about putting up the Christmas tree. I even had thoughts of...I don't feel like it...I know gasp! BUT I am very glad I did, as I love the house decorated for Christmas. I even had my Mom, master Christmas tree light person ;) to help. What's REALLY nice, is now Hunter is big enough to help Scott get everything down out of the attic. He has been for a while now, but I sure was thankful for the help this weekend. I was a princess and didn't do any of the grunt work. haha

I love that I have been married long enough that my tree has history. Some history from when I was little. Like the little Baby Jesus ornament I made as a little kid out of a small white jewelry box and some paper and cotton. And some history from my own children. I don't put EVERYTHING up that they have ever made, but I put up some. They might not be in the prime locations on the tree, so okay they are in the back and on the bottom mostly, but they are still on. I know where they are, and I like to look at them.

Oh Oh, Hope has been taking steps for about a week...like over a couple steps. But in the last few days, she has gone to walking between people. Crawling is still her #1 mode of transportation, but the walking is coming. My girl is getting big. She has been surprisingly good with the tree too. Surprise surprise.

Black Friday???

Brief break from my church duties to blog. I'm the Primary Secretary at church and it's a busy time. I have been sitting here for too long making charts and more charts. I have had fun consolidating. Why do we need two things that basically say the same thing??? We don't. I'm shaking it up a bit ;)

We had a great Thanksgiving around here. My parents were here, and now they are going home. Literally, in like a 1/2 hour we need to leave to go to the airport. I'm going to the gym tonight. I feel pretty gross. NEED TO LIFT WEIGHTS! I have been running, but I'm needing to "feel the burn".

I was a little disappointed in the Black Friday sales. My Mom and I even slept in until 7:30 yesterday! Now that is unheard of. We are some of the crazy people that will get up and at it, by 5:30 am or so. But not yesterday. Kohl's was the best place we hit. Lines to the back of the store-oh yeah! What happened to Target? There just wasn't much there. I think they kind of blew it. There wasn't even a line at Target, so I wasn't the only one that thought so. Oh well, I still got a big chunk of shopping done yesterday.

a momentary lapse of judgement

I don't cook with shortening ever...except when I make pies. But I was going through my recipes and I happened upon this recipe. I was actually considering making it, until I talked to my friend Jennifer. She said not only no but h*** no. No messing with a classic. Especially, on Thanksgiving. What was I thinking, trying to make a whole wheat pie crust. I had a momentary lapse of judgement.

Call me crazy, but 3 1/2 hours of sleep is just not enough!

What a week. My Dad came to my house on Friday ( started the Thanksgiving celebrations a few days earlier than planned originally) night to watch the kids, so Scott and I (Hope too) could fly up to Portland, OR for some fun. Talk about one capable man!! I was not worried about them being taken care of for one second. I came home to a cleaner house than I left, seriously. My Dad is one good guy. I think everybody had some good times.

It was a busy couple of days. We came back last night on the red eye. You can tell a man booked the flights :) Scott said that is just the way you do it, more bang for the buck. Hope was a little angel on the flight home, though I do have to admit. I nursed her, put her in the car seat and she was out the whole trip home. Not to mention all the naps she has taken today. It's 9:15 and I'm tired, but I did want to check in on the blog. Just so you know, I didn't die.

The new HEB Vintage Market opened up last week and I don't care if I EVER step foot into another grocery store again. Period. Loved it. They have everything I ever wanted, or ever thought I wanted. I went 3 days in a row last week. One of those day (the one in the middle) I had to go to fill a prescription. Hope's ear infection had not cleared up, and I knew I was getting on the airplane. My sinus had pretty much cleared up, thanks to the Neti pot. Seriously, what an ugly- gross thing to do, but it does help. Just so you know.

I have been so busy this last week, I haven't finished my book club book. AND book club is tomorrow. AND I don't plan on finishing it. Doesn't that suck of me?? Yes, it does, but that is just life today. Oh well.

The double edged Hayden

The other night, I was in my bathroom and the kids were getting ready for bed. Hayden was supposed to be taking a bath. All of a sudden I hear Hayden laughing hysterically, and Hannah yelling "MOM"! Oh boy I think. They come in. Hayden is naked and has a comb wedged into his little butt crack. You know pitching the comb between his cheeks. He is laughing uncontrollably. Goodness. Don't worry I washed the comb.

The next morning (yesterday) a neighbor says, "Oh I have been meaning to tell you something I heard Hayden say the other day while they were playing..." Oh dear. That can't be good. I guess I kind of shutter, because she says "no it's cute, it's a good thing". Okay...She says Hayden and a couple of the neighbor kids were playing in the game room and out of nowhere, Hayden says, " So do you all know about Jesus Christ?" Just like that, he wanted to have a gospel discussion. My neighbor then tells me that her little girl said later that night, "Hayden knows all about Jesus Mommy." My neighbor is Catholic and her husband is Jewish, so she was happy to get a little extra "teaching" in.

I know this looks gross, but it feels surprisingly refreshing!!! Come on try it, you know you want to.

The last couple of days I could feel something a brew'in. In my sinuses that is. NOT nasal congestion, that bad ugly congestion below your eye. You know the kind that makes your teeth hurt. And your head. And your ears. Anyway, I have been thinking of getting one of those Neti pots. I even went to Walgreen's months ago, only to be told by Mr. I'm a Clueless Salesman that Walgreen's doesn't carry them. WHAT!! They have been on Oprah, man. Walgreen's better carry them. My friend Jennifer assured me to try again, she HAS made such a purchase at the above mentioned Walgreen's. So, this morning Hope and I took a little detour on our way to the gym. This time I didn't monkey around with Mr. I'm a Clueless Salesman, I went straight back to the woman in charge...the pharmacist. And they did have them, in a basket literally RIGHT in front of me. I was so happy a did a little dance, I'm sure I "made" that pharmacists day...like crazy lady on isle 10!! I just finished used this Neti pot and it is quite an experience. There certainly was instant relief of the sinus pressure. Dr. Oz says you wash your pits, you wash your "area", why wouldn't you clean your sinus?? Hey I'm up for it. If it allows we to breathe yet again freely...I'm all over it. I do need to perfect the breathing thing while I'm "cleansing", I did have a little Neti pot solution dripping down my throat/gagging episode, but I'll be doing it again in about an hour...the box says I can do it every 2 hours if I'd like. For compulsive people like me, that's a good thing. More often=better. If interested check this out and this.

What I'm thankful for today...

You know what I'm thankful for today? I thankful that all the good Halloween candy is gone. Yes, gone. We still have a big old bag of CANDY, but all the good stuff has been picked through. If I get desperate, there is still a Hersey bar or two. We pretty much just had a pig fest over here until it was gone. That's my way. Now nobody even bothers the candy anymore. (Only because all the good stuff is gone :) My favorites this year... #1 Milky Way, #2 Snickers. Somebody else enjoyed the Reese's (too much) this year, so I don't feel I got my fair share! Oh well, life will go on, I'm sure of it.

Another thing I'm thankful for, is that Lifetime child care is open again. It actually opened up on Friday (and I went, but it's back to normal now) They were re-surfacing all wood floors last week at the gym, so the child care was closed. Bummer, since LAST week there was still lots of good candy around. haha. I did lots of running, so it didn't catch up to me too bad. But it did feel good to lift some good old weights today. Girls, if you aren't lifting weights you are missing out. You need to. It's the secret!! Well, I'm off to go shower, but more importantly and first, eat lunch, I'm starving!

Oh, side note, copier neighbor either doesn't own a flat iron or doesn't know how to use it, so I think I'm good :) Am I evil or what???? And please know, it's not just the hair, it's 9 + years of the same old stuff. But, I'm over it!!! After all, I have a flat iron and I'm not afraid to use it.

The rain dance.

Today was a much better day. Hope did in deed sleep very well last night, as did I. Scott comes back today, so all is well in the universe. Mine at least. I'm getting ready to go out and wash my car. (Hence the rain dance, just about whenever I wash my car, it rains!) It's dirty, and it really needs some washing. A few days ago, I left my car out on the drive way for a little while (probably making multiple kid runs) and all of a sudden I heard the hose go on. Oh boy. Hayden had the hose out and was "washing" my car. It was dirty then. So now it's got little dried rain drops on it-in the dirt. It's nice. To tell you the truth I have been a little bit embarrassed. After all, I am the daughter of Michael Jones.

Where oh where did MY baby go?

Would someone please find the real Hope and bring her back? I'm not even sure who this little baby is, she looks like Hope, but she isn't acting like her. It's been a long day. I'm sure she'll sleep well tonight. I know I will.

You Staying Young!

Can I just say I love Dr. Oz. Love him. I bought that book You the Owner's Manuel when it first came out and pretty much read it cover to cover. Scott and I (I encouraged Scott to watch with me and he actually listened ;)just finished the Dr. Oz specials on Oprah. I was GOING to wait and let somebody get the new Dr. Oz book for my Christmas, but I don't think I'm going to wait. I'm going to even start taking supplements. Usually, I take vitamins when I'm pregnant, and then stop them, but I'm going to start back up. Are you getting enough Vitamin A,B,C, D3, E and calcium? Go check out all the Dr. Oz stuff on Oprah.com, I know, those of you that don't like Oprah, it might be painful. BUT, there is really some good stuff out there. New goal, serving fish up to the family 2x's per week. Speaking of fish, have you tried that tortilla crusted tilapia at Costco? That is very good. I really did LOVE it. And the marinated WILD salmon steaks at Costco are great too. I'm even going to get the stuff to make that green drink. I'll let you know how it tastes. How terrible is cod liver oil? I don't know if I'm that crazy.

I took baby Soap to the doctor, for her "well baby" check. It turns out, she isn't so well after all. Double ear infection, darn it. Have I told you how I HATE daily light savings? I hate the spring worse than the fall, but it messes me up. Well, not me, and if it was just me, it wouldn't be a problem. But it messed up Hope. Now that I think of it, maybe I shouldn't blame day light savings on Hope's "tiredness"...maybe she was just plain sick. Duh.

Here are here stats:

Ht. 29 1/2 inches (50-75%)

WT 20# 11.3 oz (25-50%)

Head 46 1/2 inches (75-90%) She gets the big head from me, just for the record, my head is bigger than Scott's. Pinhead.

Little Miss Getting It Done Today

Can I just say it's so nice not having soccer, football or volleyball to fit it on the weekend?! No games this last Saturday was pure heaven. Unfortunately, it won't last long. Hunter starts basketball on Wednesday. But I DID enjoy the one week that I had. And to tell you the truth, we can't practice on Wednesday (boy scouts is that night) and if we can't switch to another team...I think I'm pulling the plug on the whole season. Hopefully, they will refund our money. We'll see.

I'm home this morning. The weather is nice, it might get a little warm later, but right now the windows are open and there is a nice breeze. I have done some cleaning up/picking up/ Fly Lady stuff around here. I have a "few" kids that are little mess makers. You have the obvious one, Hope, who is like a little tornado wherever she goes. Then there is Hannah, Little Miss Arts and Crafts. Everywhere she goes there is a game (made up with all the pieces!), a poster, a "school" (play school with Hayden and neighborhood kids) project around. Hunter...who likes to leave hats and socks all over the place. And Hayden...I find Tinker Toys and Lego's everywhere! Oh joy. Pretty soon everybody will be all grown up and I won't have any of that...and I will wish I did.

I'm off now to plan the rest of the Brownie activity my friend Lori and I are in charge of today after school. (We don't have ONE leader, so we all take turns doing the meetings) Lori and I are working on the Eat Right, Stay Healthy try it today. Now come on, were you surprised?

One of THOSE people

I have turned into one of those people that sings along with her ipod while exercising. It is great fun. I sat my butt down on a spinning bike yesterday and did my own thing, and had such a good time. A few times I embarrassed myself with singing that I had to turn my head to the window. Now, let me clarify, no voice is coming out, but the lips are moving, honey. This morning I went out for a long slow run. It was so fun. I had Fergie and JT cranked up. I was so relaxed (running slow does that) and having such a great time, I about ran into my friend Jennifer. Literally. Well, I wasn't as bad as her though :). We were running in opposite directions, and I saw her, and waved. I thought she saw me behind her big shades, because she moved her arm. (later I learned she must have been doing a little dance move, she was listening to JT too haha) Finally, I was almost right on top of her, and started talking. She did a startled "OH". She was running with her eyes closed! We started laughing because, how safe are we??? NOT. Talk about being in your own little world. I thought I was bad before running with my ipod, just off in la la land. But now I'm in la la land AND can't hear a darn thing!

How dare HE?

Well, I guess I'm looking for someone new to cut my hair. Josh has decided to quit cutting hair to "do" his product. How dare he ;) That's his wife btw in the add. I hate to admit it, but I do like the product too. I have Glazz and Fixation. The names are a little cheesy, but...whatever!

Happy Halloween!

Where to start?

Where to start? First of all, have you ever been on a flight that was actually 45 minutes early. That's right people, last night my Continental flight actually left 5 minutes early, and then...arrived 45 minutes ahead of schedule. I don't know how it happened, but it did. I wasn't scheduled to arrive until 7:13, but we actually got there at 6:35. Holy cow. Unfortunately, Scott was busy and couldn't come get us until 7:30. That stunk. Nothing worse than being stuck at the airport waiting with a tired/teething 1 year old. Oh well, it was worth it.

After all, we ate a Cafe Rio twice ;). Hope and I had a great trip to St. George. I got to meet Will and see Connor again. Connor called Hope "baby Soap" and I loved it. Not to mention my sisters (Holly and Hayley) and parents-good times. Nothing like hanging out with your people. People you can laugh with, people who laugh at you and you can tell them to shove it, people you can hang out with and just be yourself. I love how we all naturally gravitate to the very same things. We aren't all exactly alike, nope, but we sure have alot in common. Sure makes shopping fun. Vegas sure was a trip, literally. Especially, when we got all three babies crying at one time. Luckily, that didn't happen more than a couple times. Actually, the babies were quite good on our food fest and shopping extravaganza! Check out Hayley's blog about the interesting people you meet there ;) Talk about self control, when you ride up an elevator with THAT and two of your sisters! And NO busting up right then and there. I think we were all too shocked and amazed! Hayley and I even squeezed lunch in at Heidi's house on Tuesday afternoon.

Oh and did I mention we like good food? Highlights Cafe Rio (not once but twice, we even got to meet up with Tara one time!), the Belagio buffet, and lemon sour cream pies (yes that is plural). Connor saved us a few calories by feeding the rest of one of the pies to the doggies. Yummy.

Anyway, it's Halloween and the kids start coming home in a few. I"m pretty much all unpacked, and the "first layer" of junk has been sifted and put away. The kids all had a great time with Scott. He is one capable man, but they did make me feel missed. Scott even washed the sheets for me, he knows me all too well :).

Utah here I come!

Well, I'm off. In about 6 hours that is. Of course I have all my packing still to do, but it's just Hope and I, it should be heaven/cake! It sure is nice not to have to pack for 4 kids and myself. Plus, I certainly don't feel the need to leave the house clean. Are you weird like that too.? I HATE to go out of town with the house all messy. You know, garbages dumped, all laundry done. Wow, there is just no pressure there. Yippee.

Hope and I are headed to Utah for Baby Will's (sister Holly's baby that lives in St. George) blessing. I can't wait, he was born in August and I haven't "met" him yet. I think I will see all sisters and my parents this weekend, so it should be fun. Of course we are already planning where we will eat and shop. I'm on the hunt for some jeans. I should have just bought them online last week. I would have already HAD them by now. Oh well. I think we might be squeezing in a trip to Vegas, you know to eat at the Bellagio and to shop some great outlets. Shopping/eating/girl time! What else could a girl want :)

Everybody here will have a great time I'm sure. I've heard talk of pizza tonight and Arby's tomorrow. Hannah told me the other day that I couldn't leave, because if I was gone all they would have to eat is junk food. The fridge is packed with "good" stuff too, but you know what will be eaten. haha

Well it's time to get serious. Packing wise that is.

Let them eat cake!!

But save enough for me. haha I picked my cake up yesterday, just in time for book club. I even shared. Although, I did cut the pieces smallish. :)

I don't know about you, but I don't keep every picture that my children color or make. I do try and throw things away very discreetly, or so I thought. Don't worry, I do save the "important pieces". Hayden brought home a cute picture he colored of a tree with lots of different fall colored leaves falling down. I set it aside yesterday while cleaning for book club. I didn't throw it away. This morning Hayden asked if I had seen it yet, and then he said..."you didn't throw it away already did you Mom?" Ahhh, poor kid knows my secrets.

after all it is almost the end of October!

Yesterday the cool weather blew in. Literally. It was like 75* when I was out at the bus stop, by the time I was going to the gym at around 9, it had dropped, a lot. It was 55* on the way to the gym this morning!! I know that's nothing for you cold weather folks, but for a Chicago girl...here in Houston... that means a lot. I love it. My window is slightly open, and I"m loving the cool breeze/gust. It does get a little breezy here. It's not supposed to last long though. Low 70's for the rest of the week I think. Hope's new coat thanks to my Momma.

Side note, I got a wind chime from a friend for my birthday, and I am so loving it. It's a big one, and it's been going crazy with all the wind. Hopefully, I'm not annoying the neighbor. But the neighbor had ducks that quacked for 2 years, so I'm not real concerned :)

Guess what I ordered today? Cake. From RJ Goodies. I don't even feel bad/dumb/piggish. Because, I "let" Scott take some of the other cake to a youth fireside last night. Smart thinking, right? Uh huh. Book club is tomorrow night and I may or may not share.

Not the best pictures of my lover-ly ring, but it's the best I've got. (cllick on the pictures)If I get any closer, they are all blurry. Notice the bridge work on the side. And you can't see it but it's got a lot of pretty details. Love-it. Good one Scottie. It's over a week old and I'm still staring at it. :)

weekend review

Happy Birthday Hope. She got a glow worm, which she loves, and a cute new Fisher Price Amazing Animal Farm. I could only find a picture of the train, but you'll get the idea. She loves it anyway.

Hope's new id bracelet from James Avery.
By the end of the day, you'd say "Happy Birthday Hope" and she would laugh and clap her hands! She had a good day.

This is the next night...by then she had pink eye and a throat infection. Poor girl.


We all have the birthday cone hats on, I do too, but MY DAD cut off my head :)








What a fun filled weekend. My parents came on Friday night and left Sunday evening. We had lots of birthday celebrations. We even ate at Buca di Beppos for dinner. If you haven't eaten there yet, and you LOVE Italian food, you need to try it out ASAP. I love it and they have the best chocolate cake, garlic bread, salad, and all kinds of yummy pastas.

Saturday morning at the primary activity, my Dad said, "I've had to wipe goop out of Hope's eye several times." Uh oh. By the end of the activity I was calling the doctor. She ended up with bacterial conjunctivitis and a throat infection. That girl made it one year without antibiotics. That's a first for my kids. She is looking good now, but she had a rough couple of days.

I had a great birthday, Scott and the kids got me a new Nano ipod in green. A ring and an ipod! Go Scottie! Last year, he bought me a big video ipod, but we took it back, I was sick of sharing Scott's ipod by this year....so it's not going back. :) I loved having my parents here, and we all had the greatest weekend. Thanks everybody, it was the best!

One year ago today...

this is what I was doing.

Why do you love Hope?

Hayden: Because she is so cute!

Hannah: She is my herzy girl!

Hunter: Because she is cute and she is my little sistser.

Scott: I like her laugh, I like her personality, I like her scrunchy face

Heather: She is my baby and I am her favorite person in the world. At least for now. I like how she looks at me with love in her eyes...like in the car while I'm driving, and I look back and she has her head cranked around just looking at me. I feel the same way. Favorite time of day...when she is naked and getting ready for a tubby, we round the corner to my bathroom and she gets so excited to see herself in the mirror. Oh oh, I love how she sucks her thumb and tugs at my ear. Love it.

Oh those pictures! It's not that I'm baby hungry for ANY baby, just that one and 3 other really cutes ones. :) I wish those pictures were scratch and sniff, too. Happy Birthday Hopey!