Deck the Halls!!

1. A week or so ago we got our Christmas tree! I shelled out way too much for it but I do love my Christmas tree! I know people who can spend hours looking for the perfect tree, traveling to different lots and agonizing over the decision, hiking up the mountain to chop it down - not me. Takes me one lot and 15 minutes. I've never been disappointed! This tree looked a whole lot better when I first decorated it. The bottom half of the decorations have disappeared. I was hoping Jack would be able to restrain himself ... wishful thinking, I guess.

2. When Jack was taken from my stomach, I'm pretty sure the doctors also pulled the plugs on my tear ducts. I can cry at the drop of a dime! I'm not talking about getting my feelings hurt or something like that, I'm talking more of sensitive moments ... and some not so sensitive. Books, tv, music, news, Christmas ... urrgh! We attended our first church Christmas party earlier this month. Everyone was singing a festive round of Jingle Bells when Santa pops through the door. Something about the moment made me mist over and I had to thank my lucky stars I was standing in the back with Jack. Oh, the humiliation. I'm pretty sure this isn't normal and I'm pretty sure none of the other 300 people in the room had tears in their eyes.Jack was terrified and Ella said Santa smelled like a reindeer. Hmm.



3. Two fabulous friends found me my domestic goddess apron pattern! I'm thrilled! As soon as Christmas is over, I'm whipping one of these things up!

4. Speaking of projects, I've been looking for another knitting project to tackle and I came across a couple of things that I love! Check out these wrist warmers! I'm tempted to make them and give them to someone who could actually pull them off! I would never look normal wearing them.

I've never in my life worn a pair of leg warmers. A shame, I know. But once again, someone other than me could pull these off.

5. Gingerbread men. I love the sight of yummy gingerbread cookies, all lined up waiting to get some clothes one!6. And gingerbread houses. Ella helped me with this one.

7. Just wanted to give a shout-out to our fabulous Mayor Roundy. She has cut the budget for Kaysville snow plows this year so neighborhood streets don't get plowed. Lovely. Isn't this somehow a safety issue? I understand the fact that she didn't want to lay-off city workers but if she really wants to save some money, how about getting rid of those ridiculous newsletters of hers.

8. Biggest Loser Finale is tonight. Anyone watching? I've got my stash of treats ready! I hope Vicky somehow fell off the wagon and gained 30 pounds.

9. I am loving the snow! Luckily, I haven't had to drive much in it and I tend to have an anxiety attack every time Gator leaves in the morning, but still. It's beautiful and Christmasy and fun!
10. Nothing else to say. Hope all your shopping is done (mine's not). Hope you don't slide off the streets of Kaysville. Hope you have some fun family parties to go to. Merry Christmas!

Oh, yeah. 11. Jack pooped in the tub. I know lots of kids do this, Ella did this once, but this was horrifying. I'm still not ready to talk about it. Just wanted to let you know.

Weak Wednesday

1. For all you Netherlanders out there, Happy St. Nicholas Day! Ella has a preschool teacher that likes to talk about Christmas around the world. I absolutely love it when I get a note from the teacher explaining that we need to remember to put shoes out so St. Nicholas can fill them with candy and that the kids will be talking about their loot during preschool. While I actually do love this kind of stuff, this is the second year that I have forgotten and have had to run to the gas station late at night to buy crap to stuff in her filthy shoe! But Ella loves it, which makes it worth it, which is why I run to scary Maverick late at night to buy crap ... with a vengeance!

2. He sees you when you're sleeping ... Is it wrong to threaten your kids with Santa? I know most parents have used the Santa card when kids are being naughty but have you ever told your child that you know Santa's number and that you're calling him RIGHT NOW!!!? Oh, and have you ever actually picked up the phone and pretended that you're talking to Santa's assistant? Sad thing is, I'm pretty sure it didn't help the situation and now Ella thinks I'm best friends with Santa.

3. Speaking of Christmas, I'm trying to get my neighborhood gifts out ... which always takes 45 hours longer than I think it will. I love my neighbors and wish that I could give them sunshine and happiness, but really, do we have to give gifts? Can't a honk and a wave relay my affection? Urrgh, I know when that last ribbon is tied I will feel better. I start out really excited and full of Christmas spirit and then after the 5th mistake, I start to loose my cheeriness.

...great, now my neighbors are going to read this and think the gift I leave on their doorstep is filled with bah humbugs. They're not!! I love pirated music, crafty labels and colorful bows! I'm going to go and kiss every single one of them right now!!!

Oh, and if you are a neighbor that doesn't get one on your doorstep ... I got sick of working on them. I'll give you two honks next time I see you!

4. I took a trip down memory lane last night Have you ever had a Chick - o-stick? I love them. I haven't had one for a really long time but last night reminded me how much I do love them. There was a really short period in my life when I spent lot of time time in Orem ... and sometimes Provo ... hanging out with a certain someone. Most of you know I don't like to venture down there much but Provo and Orem? They are are two slightly different towns. How do I know? I can buy a coke in Orem, I can't in Provo. Nuff said. Anyway, I was spending a lot of weekends down south and would drive home in the wee hours of the morn. Before the trek home I would stop at this little gas station in Orem (the only one open) and buy a Chick-o-stick and a coke. Ahh, the next 45 minutes were pure bliss!! Chick-o-stick ... try one!

5. Thanksgiving was good. I have a lot to be thankful for.

6. I braved the crowds and participated in my first Black Friday. I was in line by 3:30 am, in the rain, with a bunch of crazy people. We are talking rush the doors, steal items out of people's carts, Red Bull crazy. I have to admit that I got caught up in all the excitement and ran when people ran and grabbed when people grabbed! I ended up with some good stuff and learned a few lessons. 1. Always go with a plan. I didn't have one. I had an idea of what I might like, but that doesn't work when people are going bonkers. 2. Take a friend. It's lonely when you have to wait 30+ minutes for the doors to open. Friends also help when you have a plan. 3. Wear layers.

7. It's the Christmas Season! I love Christmas! I'm a little slow in getting my decorations up but I'm pretty sure that's because Jack has his sticky mitts all over everything! Some of the decorations might have to stay in the box this year. However, this weekend I'm hoping to talk Gator into getting the tree. He always wants to wait forever. I can't figure that out. It can either sit on the lot or in our family room. Looks prettier in the family room!

8. I haven't worn a belt in I don't know how long. I don't tuck shirts in and I'm not fashionable enough to know what to do with them. I recently learned belts aren't just for fashion. Did you know they actually hold your pants up? Amazing!! A couple of weeks ago I unearthed a earthy canvas belt from my tree-hugging days and slipped it on. Absolutely changed my life! No more tugging for me!

9. I finally did it! I bought my shoes! I have wanted clogs FOREVER!!! I know they aren't the cutest shoes in the planet ... a lady at the shoe store kept reminding me how ugly they were... but they are honestly the greatest gift to my feet. For people with screwed up feet like mine, you can either shell out money for these ....

Or these. Take your pick.

10. Have you seen my cute kids before? I stole these picture off my neighbors web site (sorry, heather! is this illegal?) and couldn't help but share. My kids were crazy but she got some really great ones ... even some of Jack! Not sure what Ella is doing with her mouth but she's still cute! Thanks Heather for chasing my kids!

Well, I'm off to burn more cds and tie more ribbon! Wish me luck!