Enough junk!

Have you ever eaten so much junk that it actually begins to lose its appeal? That is where I am. I want big leafy green salads with grilled chicken. I want water-lots and lots of water. I also want to want to get my carcass out of bed and run. I want to run.

Okay---I want to be thin and have ten million dollars also!

Anyone with me on jumping back on the healthy lifestyle wagon?

December Daily-December 25, 2008

December Daily-December 25, 2008

The big day has come and almost gone.

Merry Christmas!

December Daily-December 24 Christmas Eve(day)

December Daily--December 24th Christmas Eve(day) 2008



Images from around our house

AND!! A real look at my counter! No Norman Rockwell painting here!

December Daily-December 23, 2008

December Daily-December 23,2008

I feel like Christmas jumped ahead of me this year! In early November I felt so prepared. I had a plan and a few things taken care of. Then came black Friday shopping, more things marked off the list. Then---it is days before Christmas and I feel like I need another month.

I think that that reason I need another month is because NOW, I am ready to actually just sit and soak in the beauty of the season. Perhaps another year I will remember this, get the chores done early-all the wrapping done, house cleaned(still waiting on this one) etc. Do all these things way ahead of time. Oh, wait---I am not in a dream world! I am the one that has to actually do all those things. Along with homework, preschool, laundry----all these things have to be done OVER AND OVER AND OVER!

Oh, well! Here we are--the day before Christmas Eve. I believe that we are as ready as we are going to be. We have some special treats in the house, there is some wrapping going on. There are a few presents showing up under the tree(not too many--too many nosy bodies!)A Hallmark movie is playing. The house is pretty much a wreck and I have decided that I am not going to stress out about it.

Just a head's up-don't wait until the day before Christmas Eve to mail packages. It can be done but not recommended!

December Daily-December 22, 2008

December Daily--December 22, 2008

Today was my day to find all the things that I have been putting off. I spent six hours in town today. One hour was waiting in the Doctor's office(grrh) to have him look at Little man's arm and say that it isn't healed yet. Five hours shopping. What does one shop for five hours for? Gloves, socks, undies-etc. etc. etc. However, I do believe that we are ready for the big day.

The highlight of the day was not the shopping or the slopping around in the wet muck. It was going to see the Christmas lights at Temple Square. We live about an hour away from Salt Lake City so we went with Mr. Sweetness' singles ward and made a trip to see the beautiful display of lights. The lights on Temple Square are fabulous.

It was also the only picture that I have been able to get of my family!

December Daily--December 21, 2008

December Daily--December 21, 2008

Today was a lovely day of church services. I went to two sacrament meetings(LDS) where there was a Christmas program done by the choir. They were both just wonderful. The Spirit was so strong with that sacred Christmas music. Christmas music is one of my favorite things of the season.

I came home and started watching yet another Hallmark Christmas movie. I am such a softie. I was bawling my eyes out and it wasn't even sad.

Later I wondered why I was bawling. A touch of PMS is in order but more than that I am homesick. Homesick? I have been married for 18+ years, how do I get homesick? I have lived in this home for 7+ years. I have been a mother for 15+ years. Yet---I am homesick.

I remember getting out of school for Christmas break. There would be tons of snow, we would watch way to much t.v., friends would come by with tons of treats, family would come by with even more treats. We would go to my grandparents house about an hour away. Almost always coming or going in a storm. We would put some bows on Grandma's tree, eat some chili, watch Lawrence Welk and just feel excitement. On our way home my oldest brother Royce would point out little points of light to me. He was certain that that was Santa's sleigh. "Did you see that red light?" "That was Rudolph." We get home and then get to choose one present to open. It wasn't necessarily p.j.'s--it could be about anything. Then we would sit by the fire and try to not go to sleep. I was always the earliest one up. My sister got to where she threatened me if I got up before 8:00a.m.

We would finally rush down to the tree. We would look in our stockings first, they would be hanging on the stair banister. There would always be socks, undies, a toothbrush, and a trinket or two-maybe earrings, makeup or a little toy. Also, for years there would be a piece of gold wrapped Almond Rocca.

After we went through our stockings we would attack the presents. There were four children in our family so there were always lots of presents. I remember getting dolls, buggies, barbies, roller skates, a walkman tape player and many other things. I always remember feeling such joy and elation.

I am now the Mom of four children and well, I feel homesick.

December Daily-December 20, 2008

December Daily-December 20, 2008

I slept in until 9:00am! That is really a long time. It felt wonderful! The dark dreary winter has been kicking my rear this week.

Mr. Sweetness worked outside for hours today. Plowing,shoveling-just basically digging out from our snowstorm accumulations.

While he worked outside I worked inside. ( I am not adding details to this because today was one of those days that I am not feeling the joy in my motherhood!)

Tonight we went to a salesman party. It was at a nice restaurant in Salt Lake City. We dressed up in our festive wear.

Mr. Man went boarding. He said that it was -16 degrees at the top of the ski hill. That is cold.

December Daily--December 19, 2008

December Daily--December 19, 2008

"Oh the weather outside is frightful"

We are having blowing wintery weather! It is blowing, cold, dark, wet.

Winter has come to stay!

December Daily--December 18, 2008

December Daily-December 18, 2008

I am constantly reminded that as a preschool teacher I am working with little people that are basically not capable of doing much for themselves. They still want me to wipe their bums---I refuse. They must do that, I am not their mother.

Today I had a darling little ornament project for them. I had printed out the pictures I took of them in a Santa hat. I had one of those little foamy packs. It had trees, and all the little things to decorate them. The kit also came with letters to spell out their names. Well, I knew that glue doesn't really work well on the foam. So, I would just use eyelets to attach the picture. It would be fast with my Crop a dile eyelet setter.
WRONG! It took much too long and I could feel the tension increasing by the second. I got the pictures attached and then started having the children put their names on--this was too hard. I ended up putting the names on 16 out of 18 ornaments! By the second session I had learned a few things.
I didn't let them choose the color of tree, I just gave it to them.
I didn't use eyelets. I used a big brad.
I didn't even try to have the afternoon class help with their names, I just did it myself.
After the pictures and names were on I let them go to town with the other little ornaments, bows etc. They were able to do that and they turned out darling. However, this is one project that will be totally altered if I ever do it again--at least with 3-5 year olds!

December Daily -December 17, 2008

December Daily--December 17, 2008

I am a lover of books. If I had lots of disposable time and income I could easily spend hours in a lovely bookstore.

One day I am going to do a post about our Christmas book tradition. I might even take some pictures.

Today I want to share with you one book that you should go out and buy tomorrow.

The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck

Mr. Sweetness bought this book a few weeks ago. I knew nothing about it. After he finished it he told me I would like it. He discovered that it is a huge phenomenon this season. It has been on the #1 and #2 spots for weeks. None of the talk shows will have the author on their shows to talk about the book. He doesn't care! The book is striking a cord with a huge crowd. Mr. Sweetness then found out that the author was having a showing of his live presentation of the book. So, he booked tickets for us. He and I and #1 and #2.

It was absolutely worth the money spent. This was a powerful experience. I am very serious when I say GO AND BUY IT! If you have someone to buy a gift for ---this is a good choice.

December Daily-December 16, 2008

December Daily--December 16

The Biggest Loser Finale. I was hooked. I watched the entire season. I think that this makes me a total loser. I also got many in my family hooked.

We were happy with the outcomes---like it matters in the scheme of my life!

December Daily-December 15, 2008

December Daily--December 15, 2008

I love a good party. Especially when I don't have to clean to get ready!
Tonight was Mr. Sweetness' singles ward Christmas party. It was lots of fun, until I realized that I was sitting at a large round table for eight by myself while Mr. Sweetness went and sat somewhere else. Excuse me? Am I not the center of the universe? Shouldn't he realize that I was sitting there for 20 minutes while he mingled around --before I had to take Little Man to the potty and he didn't know where I was sitting?

I looked cute though!

Shallow Christmas wish

What I want for Christmas----A Maid.

The end.

December Daily--December 14, 2008

December Daily-December 14,2008
I was pleasantly surprised when I received a little award the other day. It is called the Spirit of Christmas award. It is supposed to be awarded to people who really believe in all that is Christmas. Jennifer Lavendar awarded it to me.


This is how you play along:

You must be a true Christmas lover to accept this award.
The person to whom you give the award must also be in love with Christmas.
You must link back to the person who gave you the award.
You must list 5 things that you love about Christmas. If you can’t limit it to 5 things, then keep going until you run out of space!
Pass the award along to as many people as you like. That can be 1 or 45; it’s up to you. You must pass it on to at least one person in order to keep the Christmas cheer going.
Let your recipients know that you have tagged them by leaving them a comment on their blog.

So here goes.

First and Foremost: I love that we celebrate the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Because our Heavenly Father sent Him we can all return to live with them again. Rejoice and Remember--He is the Reason for the season.

Next:
#1 I love Christmas music. I could listen to most Christmas music all year long-although I do get funny looks when I sing Silent Night in July!

#2 I love all the Christmas displays in all the stores. All the glittery bright decorations. I am hoping that someday I can have at least one display in my house that looks as festive and beautiful.

#3 I love totally holiday clothes. I would love to have a red velvet dress with white fur around the cuffs. I would also like a wrap to go with it that had a beautiful hood and a hand muff.

#4 I love simple traditions like decorating the tree with old ornaments. Ornaments that have been around for years. I like discovering new traditions as well.

#5 I LOVE receiving Christmas cards with pictures.

I am supposed to tag a few others with this award.

Christa

Tina

December Daily--December 13, 2008

December Daily--December 13, 2008

We left Boise early in the morning so that we would be back in plenty of time to pick up Mr. Man(#2) from the ski hill.

We ended up having to drive quite slowly in places due to icy roads. To take my mind off of the roads and let Mr. Sweetness drive without me panicking, I read out loud a new book we picked up. It is called The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren.

This is a non-denominational Christian book. It was definitely worth the read. I would recommend it to anyone. It isn't a light and fluffy Christmas book, however, it could be quite life altering if one took the things and really incorporated them into one's life. If you are a studying Christian at all these purposes are not new. We already know them, however, Mr. Warren has put them together in a way that really is wonderful.

Four hours later we were still running behind. We headed up a windy narrow canyon to get to the ski hill. The storm had been raging for quite a few hours so the roads were treacherous(as my Mom likes to say!) We actually lost control once on a corner and almost had a disastrous crash. Luckily, Mr. Sweetness is a great driver and was able to maneuver the suburban during the spin. We only ended up with a tiny scratch on the side of the car. The rest of the drive to and from the ski hill was horrible as well. Mr.Sweetness was a wreck when we finally got home. However, we had to rush into the house, change clothes and go to the annual Christmas piano recital.

Both Mr. Man and MissE were performing. We literally arrived at our house at 1:45 p.m., changed and arrived at the church at 1:55 p.m. That is cutting it close!

Both the kids played their memorized pieces well. I believe that this is the year that Man is going to really excel in his piano. He doesn't' realize it but I do. His teacher and I feel that he can really be pushed now.

My how I love a man that can play the piano!

December Daily--December 12, 2008

December Daily--December 12, 2008

Today consisted of driving 350 miles so Mr. Sweetness could take one of his largest clients and staff to a lovely Christmas dinner. It is a long drive but it is always nice to have an excuse to be completely alone with my love for awhile.

It is also a really fun reason to put on fancy Christmas party clothes!

December Daily--December 11, 2008

December Daily--December 11, 2008

Happiness! I finally got my Christmas dishes out and into my cupboard. They just make me smile every time that I pick one of them up. I am still so glad that I splurged and bought them last year.

December Daily--December 10, 2008

I feel that sometimes we get a little hung up on the Norman Rockwell portrait of what December is supposed to look like. Everything is beautiful. Everyone is beautiful. There is peace and happiness and there is a constant angelic glow surrounding everyone and everything.

This is my life.--- Sometimes it is messy. It is always loud. Today brought new satelitte dishes(Mr. Sweetness' business not mine) , making pumpkin rolls for a party, picking up old couches from my sister-just in case another sibling needs them. Dropping boys off to scouts, picking up girls from dance, taking more girls to dance. Making mounds of salt dough clay for preschool , bath time, homework checking, reading, etc.

My life doesn't look like a Norman Rockwell painting---it looks more like the Griswald Family Christmas!

December Daily---December 9, 2008

December Daily-December 9, 2008

Occasionally in a hectic life something comes up that causes one to halt. Since Little Man's accident last night today was our halt day. Preschool was cancelled, Cub scouts as well. There was no shopping, no going. Only staying in.

Staying in can be such a welcome relief! The Little Man and I just stayed in today! He was actually much better than I thought he would be. I was worried about how he would feel today. Well, he did great! He had to go and show Grandma and Poppa his cast(soft cast until Monday) and the pictures of his fixed bones(I really wanted one of them before they set it). He stayed and had "ronnies" for lunch.

My laundry needed me to stay home today. I have MANY MANY loads that have been washed, folded and put away. There are still many to do. The task that I dislike more than most?---sorting socks. I also really dislike digging in the sock basket to find socks. One would think that this dislike would prompt me to sort socks more often. Sadly, this is not the case!

This is what my pile of socks looked like as I started watching The Biggest Loser. Not a pretty site. I worked on that pile for TWO HOURS. I made great progress, however, there is still 1/2 a basket of unmatched-no mate socks. Where do the socks go?

The funniest random pictures show up on my camera!

December Daily---December 8, 2008

December daily --December 8, 2008

Today's focus changed suddenly--Little Man was horsing around while we were preparing for the single ward to come to our home for a special Christmas family home evening. He was climbing on the couch and came off of the back. The cry was different, then the whimper was as well. I looked over and knew that his arm was broken. Such timing! Ten minutes before 40 people are going to be arriving, rolls in the oven, chocolate to warm for the fountain, bananas and pumpkin roll to cut.

I head to the emergency room with the Little Man's arm on his Thomas pillow with Mr. Man and MissE there ---why were they there again? Luckily for us they take him right in. The ex-rays show both bones broken completely through, bent at about a 45 degree angle. They knock him out with what they call a conscious sedation. He wasn't thrilled about the i.v. and he jerked when the needle poked him so they had to do it again.

He has a temporary soft splint until the swelling goes down and then he will have a hard cast for about six weeks.

I guess that the party went well. There wasn't much food left. There were two slices of pumpkin roll-my first attempt ever! They turned out really good and were not hard at all!

December Daily-- December 7, 2008

December Daily-December 7, 2008

I just want to stay home and bake things! Now if you know me at all this is not normal behavior. I am the one that enjoys everyone else's baked goods. I don't make my own. Well, something has changed.

On Black Friday I was shopping with my cousin as is tradition. I asked her how she liked her Kitchen Aid Mixer she got last Christmas. She loves it. She asked me if I had gotten one yet. I told her no. She then says to Mr. Sweetness "Why haven't you gotten her a mixer yet?" Mr. Sweetness replies, "she's never said that she wanted one." Sydni says, "We have been shopping on Black Friday for years and we look at them EVERY YEAR, I think that she is trying to tell you something!"

So, Mr. Sweetness bought me a heavy duty, will pulverize boulders Kitchen Aid mixer. I am so excited! I have been looking at recipes, talking about bread with friends, learning about vital wheat gluten and purchasing large quantities of cream cheese.

Who knew that a bright shiny mixer would make me want to bake things! I want to master cinnamon rolls, wheat bread, rolls, pumpkin rolls, cookies and anything else that can be mixed in my beautiful new mixer.

I was even excited to show Mr. Man how to use it to make cookies today! He asked if he could make cookies and I said " SURE--use the mixer!!!"


I think that I am going to name her Ruby.

I am a Lucky Girl!

I am really a pretty lucky girl. I have Mr. Sweetness. He takes pretty good care of me. Today, for example we were preparing for our neighborhood party. However, I had some Christmas shopping that I needed to do before a gift certificate and coupon expired. Usually I shop alone(or with #4). Mr. Sweetness doesn't enjoy shopping. He thinks that most things that we purchase are a colossal waste of time and money.

Today he went with me! I know, a miracle! We went to the big bad Kohl's store. As we entered we found that there was a special early bird sale going on, therefore there was a horrendous line. We found the things that we needed and went to stand in line. Being the lucky girl that I am, Mr. Sweetness stood in the line while I finished shopping. HE STOOD IN THE LINE!

After we finally made our way out of Kohl's we headed for Costco. On the way there he pulls into a specialty sporting goods store. "Why are we here?" I ask. "To buy you some shoes" He says. He knew that I needed a really good pair of water/sand type shoes(my bad feet) to take on our upcoming cruise. He also knew that I would look at the catalog and never get myself to the store to try them on. So, he took me there himself!

I told you that I was lucky.

December Daily-December 6, 2008

Daily December--December 6, 2008

Our Annual Neighborhood Christmas Party! We started this tradition thirteen years ago. We invite all the neighbors(adults) to a potluck Christmas party. We all stand around, eat and visit. It has been one of our favorite traditions for these past thirteen years. We started this tradition when #1 girl was only two years old. We were living in Mr. Sweetness' parent's home. We had the party at their house even during the four years we moved away. When we built this home seven years ago we started hosting it in our home. We have had neighbors that thank us for giving them the chance to visit. We all live within a block of each other. Most of us attend the same church. However, sometimes we just don't take the time to really visit with each other. We are rushing to the next class at church, getting gas at the store, waving as we drive by. Having this party gives us an opportunity to slow down for a few hours and just be the friends that we truly are.

December Daily-December 5, 2008

December Daily-December 5, 2008

A few years ago my daughter's started dancing. Ten years ago actually. They are cloggers. They are really good. Well, tonight was the annual performance at the Festival of Trees. Both girls danced a few of their routines. This is the first performance of a new season. The fun Christmas music gets the holiday mood off to a good start.

Festival of Trees is a charity to raise money for Primary Children's Hospital, where no child will be turned away because of inability to pay.

During the time that my daughter's have been dancing, my sweet cousin Ronette had a little baby, Tanner. He was born with a heart condition and required a lot of care. He was given that care at Primary Children's Hospital. When Tanner was two months old he was rushed again to Primary Children's Hospital, this time he didn't get to come home with Ronette.

Since Baby Tanner's death Ronette and her family have donated a wreath to the Festival of Tree's in honor of Baby Tanner. Every year when my girls are getting ready to dance we go and find Baby Tanner's wreath. As we walk around looking at all the donated wreaths, Christmas trees and gingerbread houses we notice the pictures. Pictures of people that I don't know. Pictures of people that have most often not survived their illness. Pictures of babies, grandma's, grandpa's, aunts, uncles, sons and daughters, moms and dads. Pictures of real people. Pictures of people that other people love, pictures of people that they miss everyday in their lives. As we walk around I can feel the spirits of these people. For me, the Festival of Trees is rather difficult. I try to look at the beautiful trees and wreaths. However, I keep looking at the pictures. Pictures of real people that have struggled with illness. Many of whom have passed on. It makes me sad. Then I look again at the beautiful creations that are donated by these families--In Honor of their loved ones. They do this because they want to celebrate their loved ones lives. So as I walk away from Baby Tanner's wreath I hope that the person that hangs it on their door will know that he was loved and he is still loved today and his parent's, siblings and family celebrate his short little life by donating to a hospital that tried desperately to keep him with his family.

December Daily-December 4, 2008

December Daily- December 4, 2008

Christmas movies! I LOVE Christmas movies! My Mom is once again responsible for this. During the holiday season she would look in the t.v. guide and write down when all the holiday specials would be on. We would watch them all. I remember watching Charlie Brown's Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, White Christmas and more Hallmark Hall of Fame specials than I can remember. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is coming to Town, The Little Drummer Boy--these are all imbeded in my mind.

Times have changed a bit. I don't ever read the newspaper to find out what is on t.v. We have DVD's now so we can watch movies whenever we want. There are also a few new movies that have become all time favorites. The Santa Claus movies, Small One and our very favorite-- The Polar Express. Tonight was the night that we watched this wonderful movie.

Do you BELIEVE?

Decmember Daily- December 3, 2008

December Daily --December 3, 2008

My Mr. Sweetness and I went to a Holiday Concert by Jim Brickman---it was wonderful! It definitely made me want to pull out the Christmas music and wait for the snow! It was fun to spend time with my Sweetie and my best friend Tina and her husband. If you have never listened to Jim Brickman hurry--his music just makes me all warm and cozy and glad that I have Mr. Sweetness in my life!

December Daily -December 2, 2008

December Daily-December 2, 2008

Today was the day of the tree! Decorating that is! As soon as the preschool kiddies left I started hefting the boxes. MissE and the Little Man were so excited. Me-not so much. I got to do light duty. Now I have been working on trees for many years(remember what birthday I just celebrated?) I know that you always check the lights BEFORE you put them on the tree. I did that, with every single strand. Then I proceeded to wrap the tree. What I didn't realize was that when I would get to the end I would have nothing to plug in, one of the plugs had both on one end so it messed my system up. So, off the tree the lights came. I re wrapped the lights and then went to plug them in. NOTHING! Not one of them worked. I took the strands off one by one, plugged them into two different outlets-nothing. They all died in the process of me putting them on the tree. By this point, I am a bit cranky. I find two more strands, check them, have Mr. Man check them. They work. We wrap them on the tree, then when I go to hook the two together, they won't hook! One is an inside light and the other is outside. At this point I am about beside myself. I decide that we will just have to plug BOTH of them into the outlet.

I remember on occasion my Dad helping with the tree. It was a painful experience. We always got the biggest trees-10 feet tall ones. They had to be put in a huge tin tub and then tied to the staircase. After that he was pretty much done. I do remember a few rare times that he put on the lights. He always had my kind of luck. Now I know why people buy pre-lit fake trees!

Once the lights were on, then came the beads. The beads are my Mother's fault. Our trees have always had beads, never, ever garland. So, on with the beads. This year I decided to put ribbon on. All of this has to be done before any ornaments can be hung. MissE and Little Man were ever so patient. Three hours later I left the decorating for awhile to MissE.

This was her year! She was totally enamoured by every single ornament. She took great pride in how they were hung. She asked about the ornaments, where they came from, who's they were.

She worked on and off for the next two hours while I watched The Biggest Loser(I know, I am weird). When I told her it was time for bed she was so sad. "Can't I please just finish the ornaments?"

Our little tree lot tree turned out rather beautiful. Now to tackle the mess that was created to get the tree that way!

Fired!

Our Tooth Fairy needs to be fired! The last two times that MissE has lost a tooth the Tooth Fairy has been late. Then we have to search and search hoping that she just hid the treasured coins in a not so easy to find place.

If your Tooth Fairy is for hire please contact us.

December Daily-December 1- Getting the tree!

December 1, 2008

For the past six years we have cut down our Christmas tree. We have gone to a little tree farm in our county. It has been owned by an elderly man. We have so enjoyed this tradition. Tonight was our tree night. We planned to leave as soon as the kiddies all got home. We loaded up the suburban with the family, hooked on the trailer and headed out on our way. Today was different than most years. There is no snow. It wasn't even very cold. As we drove up the dirt lane to the tree farm we were greeted by---a closed gate. What? We love to go and traipse the mountain to find the right tree and then watch the big boy cut it and drag it out. The nice elderly man then measures the tree and we give him a little extra and tell him we are so glad that he is still there. Today we were met by a locked gate! We were so dissapointed. We hope that our elderly friend is still alright, maybe just too tired to man the tree farm. Now what to do? It is difficult to change tradition. But we needed a tree-a fresh tree!

We decide to head to our little town where a new Mom and Pop shop has opened. They have a little tree lot. We go out to the tiny lot and almost instantly Mr. Man finds(#2) the perfect tree. It wasn't quite the same as traipsing the mountain but the result was the same. We found our perfect real tree!

When we arrived home we were greeted with "Can we decorate the tree?" " Can we get the boxes out?" If you understand me at all you will know that the chaos that ensues makes me a little nuts. So, I wasn't about to let the kids add to my own personal chaos. We have this strange hall/closet that we use for Christmas storage. It is in our furnace/laundry room. It is a very awkward space. I am really the only one that can get the boxes out and have them remain in any semblance of order. Normally, I would have already had the boxes out and ready--at least the boxes with the lights. However, I have been a bit under the weather. So, the tree will have to be naked until tomorrow. How will we survive? As Mr. Sweetness set the tree up he found a surprise-a bird's nest!

Another tradition that we have is a fun box from my Mom. We were lucky to get to bring it home with us after Thanksgiving. I decided to let the kids open this box. It has become such a tradition that we almost always know what is going to be in the box. Angels for the girls and Santa ornaments for the boys. White fudge covered oreos--with one box for Dad only! For many years Grandma included mugs for each child plus hot chocolate and money for a movie. This year Grandma shook it up a bit! She included trail mix for Dad, a Christmas book(always a favorite of mine), chocolate kisses and some darling Christmas towels. Grandma's box has become a favorite tradition for our children. When they are grown and look at their collection of angels and santas they will have a special warm feeling remembering all the years that their Grandma sent them their special Christmas box!

Often the most simple things become tradition. The way that the lights are hung. The tree topper, getting a tree, the apron that my Mom gave me.

Tradition. I am grateful for it.

Where is she?

I have been sick since black Friday shopping. I am hoping that the cleaning fairy will realize that I am ill and also realize that she hasn't been to my house recently.

Hopefully, later today I will be able to start documenting our December. I want to document with pictures and words the goings on of this holiday. Wish me luck!

Happy Thanksgiving 2008

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope to find lots and lots of things to be thankful for---besides that I don't have to do the cooking for a few days!

Messy Messy

There are a few things that I fall short on. I know shocker--only a few!

Having my children keep their rooms clean is one of them. They just don't care and I haven't mastered staying on top of them daily.

Last Saturday was either a really good day or a really bad day. I decided to clean #1's pigpen!

Here is a picture.

I spent three hours going through all the clothing mess in her room. I finally got her to go through all her clothes and we got rid of three huge garbage sacks.

Will this disease ever go away?