2007 is almost over....

I'm posting this at work, so I don't have my camera to upload pictures of the scrapping I did this weekend, so hopefully I'll post pictures later when I get home, or when I wake up tomorrow at noon. Yeah right!

So anyhoo, I need to catch up from my last post.

Last Thursday I had to go back to work. I really didn't want to do this, since it's a holiday week, I knew it would be majorly boring. And it was! Yuck! Friday was just as boring, but I knew I had something to look forward to!

I went to Dennyse's house on Friday night to check out her Christmas present. Her sister bought her a Cricut machine and we were up til Midnight checking it out. Very cool. I'll post the layouts I did using stuff she cut out. It was really neat.

Saturday I hung out in bed and watched movies, straightened up the house (which we had to do 5 more times that weekend, I should just leave it dirty!) and played with the kids. Dennyse called me that evening and we went to Michael's to drool over the expensive cartridges her machine takes. I picked up a cross stitch kit to do for Tammy's new little guy (although he may be and adult before I finish it *sigh*) and some ink and then headed home. I finished a book I had been reading about Histories Craziest King and Queens. It was pretty interesting. Perhaps I'll pick on a week and tell you about them. Everyone needs a little history in their lives! After that, James and I stayed up with Joey and watched movies until we crashed.

Sunday I was feeling yucky and accidentally fell asleep before it was time to go to church and by the time James woke me up (everyone was sleepy) it was too late. I'm a horrible ditcher! But, I did have this horrible sinus headache and it was nice to just relax. Don't worry, I am feeling extremely guilty.. I did do a layout that night when the kids were taking their 50th bath of the weekend. Every time I turned around they were filthy. We watched the Sound of Music and then went to bed.

And now....I'm at work. We have some family parties to go to tonight. All on my hubbie's side, except my cuz is having a house warming party but it looks like that one might me to crazy for my blood! Mostly because I'll have the kids. I really don't mind though. I enjoy spending time with them, and I'll have a date on Tuesday for my birthday! Yeah! I get to go the movies with James, just the two of us. I haven't picked the movie yet, but he doesn't want to see Sweeney Todd, because it's a musical. Hello Mr. Watch the Sound of Music last night! Oh well, I'll find something else and see that one with my brother.

Well, TTFN, I'll try to post the pictures soon!

It's all over...

I can't believe Christmas is over already. It's so strange that we stress and go crazy for one day. Oh, well! Christmas Eve was crazy. We went over to my grandma's house, Memere's house. My cousin Wanda was there with her family. We haven't seen each other in a while, so it was really nice. My grandma made Abby some pajamas, got Joey a metal detector and Sophie a couple of outfits. We got some sheets, James got some ties and I got a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble with an adorable frog (thanks, Rob and Nora!). I got some great candy and my yearly fix of Nora's Christmas cookies. Yum!

When we got home, the kids got into bed. Abby and Sophie hit the hay, but Joey tossed and turned, moved out under the tree. You name it. It was 2:30am before Santa could deliver the gifts. Frustrating! But, under threat, Joey finally went to sleep. Until, Abby woke everyone up at 7:30am for presents.
Later that day it was time to go to Martina's house. She got the kids outfits, me a great shirt, and James some shirts. Then it was time to go to my mother's house.
Where we got wonderful things from my family, including: >
And movie tickets and lot's of other wonderful things! The kids were totally psyched, they got so many great things. It was a wonderful day. We went home, crashed and then woke up for my day off on Wednesday. So, I made these:

Christmas Eve

Well, here we are, it's Christmas Eve. I believe I am now ready for Christmas. Well, exept the wrapping. But, I'm always leaving the wrapping until the last minute. And I haven't blogged in awhile, so here's a little catch up...



Last Wednesday we had Scouts. We went Christmas caroling with the youth. It was really a blast. We followed the youth (they were riding on a trailer, ala hayride style) in our cars. The kids loved the fast stop, the run, the singing and the running back to the car to go to the next stop. When we were all done, we went back to the church for cookies and cocoa. Yum!



Thursday night we hosted the missionaries for dinner. James made some great carne and tortillas. Boy can those guys eat! Their appointments for that night were cancelled, so they ended up playing games with the kids until they had to leave. That night I went out and grabbed some Christmas presents for the ladies at work, since Friday was going to be our Christmas Lunch.



Friday morning was hectic. James forgot to set the alarm, so I woke up at 7:00 and had to run. Luckily he was able to take the girl's to Amie's house before heading off to work. I got to work on time and had a crazy day, but a nice lunch. It was really hard to work. I did some Christmas shopping on the way home that night. The kids are now done! Then I got home and James said we had to go out to buy my Christmas present.



I know many of you are shocked, but this is the norm in my house. If he bought it that year on his own, I get it before Christmas. He just can't wait. I'm used to it by now. It's okay though because I need to use my gift before then. He got me this:

So, now I can put videos on my blog too. Yeah!

Saturday was a sad day. We took James' 17 year old cat to the Humane Society to be put to sleep. It was hard to do, but it needed to be done. She really couldn't control her urine, feces or puke. Seriously, it was getting gross. That cat was very jealous of me and used to jump on my head in the middle of the night because I was in "her spot." So, Bon voyage, Stella.

Church was fantastic yesterday. Our choir performance was great. We have a small choir, but I was told it sounded like a hundred people. My aunt came to church with my folks to hear my solo. I sang "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." James said that he won't tell me that I did a good job because my head is too big already. I did get alot of wonderful compliments, so thank you everyone, again! After that I got to teach the Christmas lesson to two classes, not a problem they were all such great kids. But, perhaps it was the cookies...Anyhoo. After that the Primary presidency had planned a really special program. First, the Flemings did a miny Nativity with the kids participating while Bro. Fleming read from the bible. The children were so quiet. You could just feel the spirit in the room. After that the kids were divided into 4 groups and each group had several battery operated candles. They all then went into the Cultural Hall, where the lights were out except for in each corner of the room, except for one, soft lights were glowing. The other corner had a Christmas Light star and lights. Each group went to a corner, then the rotated. One corner had Mary, one Joseph, one the Three Wiseman, and the last shepherds. When they rotated, the pianist played. At each stop they got something for their bags, like a star, a magnet and such. The children were wonderful. I know they felt the spirit. They were so good and so quiet. When they were done they all sang "Picture a Christmas" and then went outside where Bro. Housari burnt Frankenscense for them. They all got Cracker Jacks and then it was time to go. It was really a special day.

Tonight is a Christmas party with my mom's side of the family. I'll take some video.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

An easy way to blog...

Okay, I've been lazy. It's all this stuff I gotta do at this thing called work and these little creatures that follow me around and demand attention, which I am more than willing to give. I really need to get better at this!

So, here's my easy blog...

A Christmas Quiz!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper

2. Real tree or Artificial? fake, but I love it!

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the day after Thanksgiving, but we were at Disneyland, so this year the week after.

4. When do you take the tree down? After 3 King's Day (look it up guys, it exists!)

5. Do you like egg nog? Gross!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? my new flute

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, all year long. I need to get you one, Mom.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Memere

9. Easiest person to buy for? Sophie

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? some of each

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? a coffee cup warmer that was broken so I couldn't even re-gift!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Nightmare Before Christmas

3. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Today, just kidding, last week of November.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Nora's Christmas cookies!! Whoo-Hoo!

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? The colored one's permanently on the tree :)

17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Family

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixon. Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, but do you recall..the most famous reindeer of all..Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. I totally had to sing that one!

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

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? crowds

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? all the one's my babies made me :)

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Tamales (ditto, Mom!)

25. What do you want most for Christmas this year? Everyone safe and healthy

Tag, I'm it!

Tagged by confusion, Tee-hee, but here it is....

A- Attached or single: Attached, forever baby!

B- Best Friends: James, Mom, Cheryl, Dennyse, Tammy

C- Cake or Pie: Are they chocolate? If not, Cake without frosting (I should be put away, I know)

D- Day of choice: Sunday, I have a whole day with James and when I cry, no one wants to know what's the matter. It's just the Spirit :)

E- Essential Item: ipod (I have the scriptures on my ipod, so I'm covered)

F- Favorite Color: purple!

G- Gummi Bears or Worms: Bears, you can bite of their heads or make them dance. Good times for all.

H- Hometown: Hard one, I've lived in several places, but I'll say Peoria that's where I lived when I got married.

I- Indulgence(s): Frappacinos (they make a double chocolate chip one!)

J- January or July: January! My birthday is the 1st, so of course!

K- Kids: Joseph Paul 9, Abigail Renee 5, Sophie Christine 1 ( I wasn't smart enought to do the months, Amie-except Sophie, that's 14)

L- Life is Incomplete Without: church, family, books

M- Marriage Date: 9/2/00

N- Number of Siblings: 1 brother (you beat me Amie!) Which is probably why my mom is shocked I want a big family.

O- Oranges or Apples: Are they chocolate? Apples, oranges have a weird texture (I'm strange, I know)

P- Phobias or Fears: something happening to my kids (I had a dream last night that a huge lizard was after us-please don't put me away until after my birthday-at least I was dreaming!)

Q- Quotes: "Cuz you so fancy and crap" (I really couldn't think of another one, and that one made me laugh!)

R- Reason To Smile: Sophie doing a dance when I walk in the door because she's so happy to see me, Joey's latest drawing, Abby's hugs.

S- Season: Season 2 of The Office, oh, a time of year? Tee-hee I don't have one

T- Tag Three: Mom, Dennyse, Tammy (you can email me since you don't blog-copy and paste!)

U- Unknown Fact About Me: I broke the window of a store with a shopping cart when I was little

W- Worst Habit: cussing. That's right! I said it! Notice though, without cussing!

X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Ultrasounds. I've only had those for good reasons!

Y- Your Favorite Food: How can I pick one? Food is such a good friend of mine, it would be disappointed if I picked only one part of it :)

Z- Zodiac: Capricorn. I'm a goat!

I got to go on a date!

On Friday night, thanks to the Clarks (woo-hoo! Thanks Tammy, Heather, and Callie!) I got to go on a date with my hubbie. It was so nice to spend time with him, just the two of us. I can't even think of the last time we got to do that. It might be before Sophie was born. My Mom could probably tell me, since she usually watches my kiddos. Thanks Mom! Anyhoo, we went to Maui Grill. A little pricey, but like I was telling Amie, I felt fancy (said like a hillbilly). After dinner, he took me to Kohl's to purchase ornaments like Tammy and Heather brought to Enrichment night. One is a pretty snowman, the bulb has little styrofoam balls that look light snow. The other a cow in a tu-tu. Too cute! He also bought me two sweaters. Very nice! Then we picked the kids up. They didn't want to leave. They had so much fun that they all had baths. But, then my children are a bit unusual and being covered in mud or cat water usually would constitute a bath :) Tee-hee. Anytime the Clarks want my kids for a couple of hours, they are welcome to them. My kids wouldn't need any persuasion.

Saturday was a really busy day for us. We didn't have an errands to run. It was time for Spring Cleaning. As I've said before, I'm lazy, so our Spring cleaning was about 9 months late. Hey! At least it got done! We cleaned, we moved, we threw away. I know how Dennyse feels, even Joey said it, it felt like we were moving into a new house! In the end (probably 7 1/2 hours later) we were done. I will never have a house like Tammy or Amie or Sis. Stover, but I've come to realize I love my house and it's weirdness. I finally got my Families are forever sign up. In the Family room/Playroom/computer room, James moved a hutch in for, and I quote "for your scrapbooking stuff." That was just so sweet. Then my brother called to see if James was ordering the fight (boxing). Good thing we cleaned :) So, he and his wife and son came over for pizza and boxing.

Sunday was nice. I wasn't in Primary (though I will be next week) and James watched Sophie during 3rd hour so I got to go to Relief Society. It was a really nice lesson. That evening wrapped up with choir practice. Interesting, to say the least. Erin Hooley is such a saint for being our director. I do get to do a solo for the Christmas Program, so I'm excited. But, I think I got pumped up from singing really high notes, so I had trouble going to sleep last night. I think it was a 12:30 or 1:00 night. I tried not to look. Eventually I went to sleep, and unfortunately had to wake up early to go to work. At least Sophie went to bed way before that, but she probably conked out early as usual, that lucky girl :)

Well, I suppose I should get back to work now. TTFN!

Last night

Last night was Enrichment Night for my ward. We went to the beautiful home of Sis. Stover (wow, I only wish I could have a home like her's). We had dinner (ham, potatoes, salad, great desserts) then did the old "White Elephant" gift exchange stealing game. I really do hate that game. Only because I don't like to steal or be stolen from :) But, I did have a good time. I was nice, choose from the pile of gifts and got pretty votive candle holders. They were called The Night Before Christmas and had a little pattern with a house and Santa and the reindeer on them. There was alot of really cute stuff. We were laughing that it was truely a Mormon party because they were fighting over the Testaments movie and baking stuff. Funny!

When I got home I read Abby a book that I got her called "Who will guide my sleigh tonight." Santa can't figure out what to use to pull his sleigh, uses all kinds of animals and eventually settles on reindeer. Who knew? She loved it, and it was really cute. Joey was excited because he cleaned his room and found money. He says he's going to clean more often. It was from his birthday, he put it away for safe keeping, then forgot about it!

Oh, on a final note about the gift exchange. We all were laughing and remembering that Office episode when Michael bought the Ipod. Boy, I love that show!

Well, that's all for now..

Your Elf Name Is...

Twinkles Mince Meat

What's Your Elf Name?

Thanks Christine for the cute elf name generator.

I've finally returned from the dead. I went home sick on Tuesday and was out sick on Wednesday. I so love Amie for being there for me so when I am sick, I can actually rest without the kiddos. Amie, if there is a time I can do that for you, you just let me know!

I am pleased to say that a major chunk of my Christmas shopping is done. I always take care of the kids first, just in case of cash flow problems, I want to make sure my babies have a delivery from Santa.

Which generates my question for you...Do your children still believe in Santa, when did they stop, did they ever? Or if you don't have kids, when did you stop believing? Come on out there, I need some comments. I guess I'll have to consider some blog candy...hmmm...So, give me a shout out and tell me about your Santa belief, if any.

Just another Monday....

Wow, was that rain nice! Friday we got together with my folks since we hadn't had much time because we were out of town. James made chili and corn bread and we just hung out. Watched Singles Ward. It was nice. I was kicking myself that I missed the crop though. *Sigh* I did two layouts this weekend and made up for it.

I got an entire Saturday with my hubbie! Woo-hoo! We cleaned up the house and then got the tree up. Then I kicked myself for not taking any pictures. Oh, well. I'll take pictures of them taking it down, then put them in reverse. Hee-hee. We went to the Golden Corral on Saturday night and stuffed ourselves silly.

Sunday I taught the Valiant 10 class since Dennyse isn't in our ward anymore (Pause for weeping, tissue). Then all of the ladies got to go to Relief Society for the 3rd hour for a special Christmas Program. I sang "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." My throat was starting to bother me on Sunday, but I knew I would be fine for my solo. I told Bethany H. that I think Heavenly Father always gives me a pass when I have to sing at church. No matter how I feel, when it comes time to sing, my voice sounds fine. Last night we spend a little time with my MIL watching her put up Christmas lights with her "friend." Then watched what I could of the Christmas Devotional on BYU. At bed time I couldn't sleep, so I listened to the Ipod until I finally fell asleep.

This morning I sound terrible! I've been sneezing, non-stop. My throat is scratchy, I feel light headed. My shoulders and neck hurt. Yuck! I will never understand how a human can produce this much snot! Okay, sorry that was a little too much, but it's true!

And, to top it all off, I haven't got any Christmas shopping done! Everyone I know is done, or practically done! Dennyse will probably give everyone PartyLite just from her garage (hee-hee!). I have to get going, but I'm not looking forward to the bill at the end :) Well, TTFN!