Christmas Morning Pictures

Here's a fun picture of half the family in front of our Charlie Brown tree.

Here's the rest of us... I'm still laughing at A's facial expression. He looks like he had just a little too much Egg Nog.

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and that your New Year is fantastic!!

It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time

You ever have those moments in life where a decision that is easily made and without much thought comes back to haunt you? Last night I decided that I needed a night out (I'd been stuck inside my house since the 24th and was going a little nuts) so I took the kids to the new movie Marley and Me.

We were enjoying it until we realized that the dog is going to die and then within minutes all three of us are bawling like little babies. I felt horrible to see my children actually crying over a movie. It was like I had personally caused their pain.

As I reflect on the night, I tend to vascillate between laughter (come on, tell me you're not a little amused at the thought of me turning to look at my kids and having them look back at me like "WHY? Mom!? Why did you force us see this?" and heart-wrenching guilt for making them cry because I needed a 'night out.' Ahhh, memories...

The List

Things I've Done. To participate just copy and paste in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done. (I'd added a rule: If you want to add something that you've done that's not on the list - feel free!)

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen an eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma (not for want of trying!)
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Milked a cow

Getting our Christmas Groove On

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Christmas Portrait

I found this picture in our family pictures from last year. I guess I never really looked at it. This is our little 'angel' saying "ROCK ON!" for the camera. Nice portrait wouldn't you say?

Today's Comic

Mom: Ok, T go get your shoes on we're going to deliver our Christmas goodies.
T: Oh YAY! Do I get to deliver one myself?
M: Sure!
T: Oh Mom! I love you, you're the best. You're kinda mean, but that's ok!
M: (Unable to respond due to laughing so hard.)

Miracles & Funnies

WOW! It snowed last night!!! There is actually still snow on the ground this morning! The kids were so excited. They kept shouting, "It's snowing, It's snowing!!!" and jumping and and down. This morning, although still freezing, the snow has started to melt due to the sunshine.

T was quite distraught about this and instantly ordered me to:

T: Make the sun stop melting the snow, Mom!

And so I replied:

M: How do I do that?
T: Blow it away.
M: How do I blow it away? I am not that strong.
T: You turn into a Halloween Ghost and just blow it away! (Said like, "Man I have to explain EVERYTHING around here!")

Now, she's wandering around the house singing, "I'm getting nothing for Christmas cause I aint been nothing but bad."

LOVE IT!

Holiday-itis

Lately, I've been having a hard time feeling the Christmas 'spirit.' I have been Christmas shopping, I've listened to Christmas music, I've listened to Spiritual Christmas message after Spiritual Christmas message, I've decorated the inside and outside of my house and... nothing. At least not until today.

Today, I recalled the Christmases of my childhood. I remembered that every time a holiday was approaching, my mother was always in the kitchen. We each got to pick our favorite candy, cookie, etc and she would make them all... and then some! And so today, I've discovered that my holiday-self is encased in Chocolately Dipped Goodness, Sugar Cookies and Almond Rocha. Strange that it takes food to find myself... And strange how badly that works for my wasteline! But it is what it is, so why fight it? And so...

Today I am baking. MMMMM-MMM There's nothing like Christmas chocolates, cookies, and caramels to make you say, "It's a Jolly Holiday!" Or wait, was that Bert?? ... Anyway, I am transformed! I am so excited about Christmas and absolutely loving my time in the kitchen.

And now I say to you, if you are having a hard time getting in the Holiday Spirit, whip out those dishes and sacks of sugar and start baking. It'll make all those "Bah Humbugs" history.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I can't help it. I know that Thanksgiving is just 2 days away, and although I'm VERY excited to make and eat all the pie... I'm even more excited to put up Christmas decorations this weekend. I've been occasionally listening to Christmas music and have been loving hanging out in the stores that are all decked out for the Holiday. Half of my Christmas shopping is already done and by Friday, all of it (hopefully) will be finished. I love Black Friday. Its like all my primal instincts come out and shopping becomes fun again. Hmmm... Maybe its the lack of sleep and extra dose of sugar from the hot chocolate specifically bought to keep me warm while I stand in line outside store at 4am?!

Today I thought it would be appropriate (because I am making PIES today) that I take a moment out of my Festive Frenzy to wish everyone a Happy Turkey day. May your buttons burst and your stomach expand from all that wonderful food!! Loves to all my friends and family especially! You are my joy. I love you and miss you.

Funnies

T's got another case of the funnies:

Mom: No T, you may not have a cookie as you didn't eat your dinner.
T: That's alright Mom, I'm not sad. I'm thinking of Jesus.

And then, while Hubby is putting her to sleep:

Dad: Ok, T. Time for prayers.
T: "...Please bless Mom & Dad wont be so mean to us. ..."
Dad: How come you think we're so mean to you?
T: Because you never let us stay up and play games. You always make us go to bed at night time.
.....
Dad: *singing a bedtime song*
T: NO Dad! I'm going to sing it tonight.
Dad: OK, T. Go ahead.
T: I'm going to sing it in Spanish.
Dad: Oh? Ok.
T: Nasli ahhh. Budutana clah clinnaaaa.
Dad: Oh T. That was beautiful! I didn't know you knew Spanish.

A Taste

We just had our Christmas pictures taken this morning. Here's a taste of what the session was like. If you want to see a few more, visit www.hillaryhowlandphotography.blogspot.com And here's a shout-out to Hillary: You're a rockstar photographer, girl!

Quote of the Day

Mom: "Hey T, what do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?"
T: "Well, we need to fire him because he brings us the wrong presents!"

One More!

I just had to take a pause and give a little shout of joy. I've lost another pound! I've broken the stand-still! Hoo-hah!

Time to celebrate.... Hmmm, where's that Halloween candy. :D

I Know, I Need a New Pose

Just spreading a little Halloween Cheer through pictures...

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Hubby & I with our festive brood.

Peace, Man!

Me & my 'Love Child'

Going Green

I'll admit. I'm a jealous person. I always have been, and I probably always will be. Granted, I've mellowed a bit over the years. But every once in a while, the Green Monster crammed deep inside my subconscious will rear her ugly head. Right now I'm struggling with one jealousy-hued item in my life. I won't go into the nasty details, but suffice it to say, I'm wishing I was better at this human-existence-thing. The funny thing is, whenever I'm truly jealous, its always over things with meaning, like time spent, laughter shared, or the lady in the grocery store who's children sit quietly in the shopping cart while she leisurely strolls through the veggie section (ok, this isn't quite a jealousy item, more a wishful thinking item, but I digress), etc. Not so much the 90" screen TV or Hummer in the driveway... Although I've been known to silently curse skinny people that eat loads of chocolate and pasta and don't gain a pound. :)

So, my question, is how do you get over yourself? How do you get past those loaded with green moments? Or, are you one of those people that don't have those moments, because yes, I'm jealous of you too...

The Best Medicine

So, I've been a little stressed lately. Having extra kids at your house tends to do that. However, the parents are coming home today and so that will soon be a 'happy?' memory.

I've also been stressed about the upcoming election, but that has also been allieviated due to a bit of comic relief. On Friday night, a good friend dressed up as a Republican hoping to win the scariest costume award: complete with a sign that said "drill baby drill," a very Bush-esque quality about his entire ensemble & a few buttons on his lapel. My personal favorite was one with Sarah Palin's picture and "You Go Girl!" on it. Then, just this morning, I received the following comic. Whatever your political views, I hope you enjoy the humor of both. (Don't forget to vote!)So, with a little bit of Diet Dr. Pepper at my side (Thanks, Hillary!), and a chuckle on my lips, I bid adieu to my forgotten stresses. :)

Baby Train

As Hubby & I were waking up this morning, he rolled over to me and I asked him what he had on his schedule today. He jokingly replied, "Making babies." I think I surprised him by how quickly I shot that one down. :)

So, that brings me to my question I'm shooting off into oblivion. How do you know if you are really done having kids? Everyone always says, "Oh, you'll know." OK... Really. HOW!??!

There. Stew about that dark oblivion.

Incredible 'Feet'

A is FINALLY walking. He is 15 months and decided on Sunday, (after literally running behind his little push bike) that he wasn't going to fall and decided to try his hand at walking across the entire downstairs without so much as a hesitation. He is so proud of himself. Every time he starts out, he just starts giggling. Its like he's all, "Check me OUT!" It's pretty fun. So, yeah for me and not having to worry if he's going to have developmental issues. Now if I can just keep up with all three of them...

Flummoxed

OK, you gym gurus out there: Listen up. ;)

I am a little confused, perplexed, irritated, embarrassed, concerned, *insert appropriate word* about something that happened at the gym today. While I was working out, I got extremely dizzy to the point that I almost passed out. Yes, it was a more-intense exercise, but I've pushed myself this hard before and haven't had any problems. Why do you think that I had a problem? Anyway, if you can help me figure out so I don't embarrass myself in the middle of my class again *cringe*, that would be great. Thanks!

August & September in a Nutshell

I would like to preface this blog with "I'm lazy." I uploaded a heck of a lot of pictures for a nice visual update, but if they're not in the right order (which they won't be) I guess its just because I didn't want to spend any longer on the computer than I had to. :) Sorry! But enjoy the pics anyway.

A & I in front of "Journey to Atlantis" at SeaWorld. A absolutely LOVED watching the marine life.
A nice little photo opp. Isn't my husband cute!?

Our very dear friends evacuated to San Antonio with us.

B climbing trees while Hubby & I rode the "Screaming Eel."

T wishing she was up in the tree too. (You can see part of the ride in the background. SOOO fun!!)

A fun shot of the kids in front of the Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio.

J & I taking a great opportunity to pose like superstars. ;)

Gotta love ice cream when its in the 90s and 100% humidity!

I know the kids enjoyed it anyway.

Our evacuation destination. Thanks M & G!

The fast food we waiting 30 minutes for. (It seemed it was the only stop along the way that wasn't COMPLETELY crowded.)

Bumper to Bumper Evacuation Traffic

Remember The Alamo?

After the hurricane, we had a little roof work to do. Several sections of shingles blew off our home. My hero doing the dirty work so we didn't get any more water damage.

A Sunday afternoon stroll in San Antonio.

M saving the day (aka: playing Monopoly) while the parents took a break.

Our Home, prior to evacuating. We hadn't boarded the door yet obviously.

Pre-Hurricane Ike Galveston Beach during Labor Day weekend.

B's first day of 1st grade. He was SO excited.

T, my little supermodel.

Birthday Party #2 at Chuck-E-Cheese

Friends, Family, & Pizza - What a Party!

Playing in Denver at a park.

Climbing at the park. He was so proud of himself.

Here's A, cheering on Michael Phelps.

What a cutie boy! Give him food, and he's all smiles.

My crazy family eating B's b-day dinner. :)

"Put that camera away and give me some grub!"

Birthday Party #1 (Do you get twice the wishes as well as presents!?)

Loving those presents! Even T is excited.

A is STILL not walking. He must get his stubborness from Hubby. hehe (I can say that, he doesn't read this blog.)

My cute hubby & I, being lazy.

Hubby & the kids - what cheezies.

Playing in Galveston.

Waiting for the Dolphin 'cruise.' Sweating...

B & M waiting too! We had a blast.

Dolphins away.

Cousins enjoying the cruise too.

The Aftermath

Here are some links & Pictures of the area to give you an idea of what a Category 2 can do. (I-45 runs N&S to the west of our house by about 10 miles. Kemah-one of the click2houston slide shows is 5 miles from our home to the East.)

http://www.usatoday.com/news/gallery/2008/n080912_ike/flash.htm?gid=698

http://www.click2houston.com/slideshow/news/17468639/detail.html

Although we'll have to deal with much devastation in the area, our home was minimally hit. Several shingles need to be fixed on our roof, and our fence is down and will need to be replaced/repaired. We have no water damage and we have power. There is a curfew in the area as well, so we are only able to be out (not that we are trying to be out) from dawn until dusk. We are under a Boil Alert for our water, but we have several cases of drinking water. All in all, we were truly blessed. Other people in our area and even our ward were not nearly as lucky. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. The phones are still very busy and we are rarely able to call out. We have been able to receive phone calls, but if we miss you and you don't hear from us, just know that we are safe and well. We love you & will try to keep you updated as best as we can.

Hurricane Scare #2

Here's the latest, if you were watching the storm. We are going through evacuations and are heading to San Antonio. Too bad we won't have a canoe there. I guess they're expecting heavy rains & flooding. :) At least we've packed a swim suit!