Christmas 2008

Who needs new toys from Santa...

when you have mascara and gum to "play" with? I got out of the shower this morning to find Audrey with mascara all over her eye area and gum and gum wrappers all over the kitchen floor! She's got all these brand NEW toys to play with but what does she choose to "play" with- things she's not supposed to! Oh boy- the joys of being a mother of a toddler!

I hope it was Merry!

I hope each and every one of you had a Merry Christmas!

Remember the Reason

This is an amazing video!

Merry Christmas!!

http://www.youtube.com/v/Z_ypUnnqr8Y&autoplay=0

Sharpie and Snow

What a busy little morning here in SNOWY Sabetha!

Shortly after 8am Audrey got a Sharpie out and made a nice thick line above her left eyebrow. Who knows how long that will be there- we all know how well Sharpie's work.

My friend Mandy, or "Me" as Audrey calls her was out running errands and she picked up some milk for me and dropped it off- what service. Audrey was eating Mandy's snow off her shoes so Mandy went out with a bowl and got some good fresh (not yellow) snow and Audrey has been at the table eating it for about 15 minutes now. It's a cold, delightful treat!

I have about 8 dozen cookies baked and about 2 more to go.

All this has happened and it's only 10am- oh dear- this could be quite the sweet little day! Maybe Mike will come today - I don't think so though- he's not expected till Thursday when my scrapbooks are delivered!! Wahoo!

What can BROWN do for YOU?

I like Mike and I like Brown a lot too!

Mike is my UPS man who brings packages right to my door around 3pm. He doesn't ring my doorbell because he knows I have a sleeping child and I greet him ocassionally with his favorite drink: Coke or a baked good that I have made recently. He's always appreciative and so am I! I really don't like Fed- Ex, they don't have one specific person that comes and they always ding dong ditch-- how rude.

Mike brings diapers and wipes (from Amazon) that I have ordered along with many other things that I have ordered from the comforts of my bum. It's wonderful.

I did pretty much all my shopping for Christmas on line this year- mostly at Amazon- their amazing free shipping on many items is hard to beat and doesn't make a person stressed waiting in a long line, buying unneccessary items just because it looks too cute and then waiting in traffic with a child that would rather be at home playing.

UPS, Mike and Amazon- three things I love this Christmas!

Cheers!

PS- yes, that's Mike getting into his truck. He's pushing fifty, grey hair but probably has some guns becuase of all those diapers and wipes he carries up my driveway!

It's caramel time!

I'm not an expert by any means but last year I did happen to make some pretty mean caramels if I do say so myself. They did not even compare to the ladies in town that make caramels every year (and have for the past 30) but they weren't too bad at all.

So, last week I attempted the first pan. It wasn't a winner of a pan but they were "eatable". It does make for a messy kitchen and lots of wax paper but it's all worth it. Now, if I just can get the strength back in my arm to stir for 20 minutes straight again I'd make another batch.

We're having a boy, or so the string says!

We were over at some friends house the other evening for a post-thanksgiving get together after the traditional Window Opening on Main Street. You can picture it- a bunch of women sitting around the table, drinks and of course snacks were all around. After awhile the conversation led to the one and only pregnant lady at the table - that'd be ME, "Are you going to find out again what you are having?" "Do you have a feeling either way?" The answers are yes, we're finding out and no, I don't have a hunch- it will either be a boy or it will be a girl- I'm practical like that and truly don't have a feeling! The more "mature" ladies at the table went on to say that they used to do the Drano test, the so and so test and the STRING test. So... in a matter of minutes there was string, a ring and a bunch of women so excited they were going to find out right then and there who was growing inside my belly. Because you know- whatever the STRING says is the gospel truth- or at least that's what these ladies say.

So, I guess we're having a boy. Might as well buy the blue, paint Audrey's room from pink to blue and pick out a little man's name. I'll get on that AFTER our December 22nd sonogram appointment. No offense ladies but I have to see the parts of that baby to be sure.

A sweet little snow

Wednesday morning we got a nice little snow. Audrey thought it was so sweet that she wanted to share it with Snowman ("Mossa" as she says) and Santa. She lined them up by the front door and they all enjoyed the snow together.

First Day of Advent

MiMa gave us an Advent "calendar" for an early Christmas present. I'm so excited-- I have wanted to start this tradition with Audrey and now we can. This morning we opened the first box and boy was she pumped to find what MiMa had put inside for her.

I can't wait for tomorrow ~ I can see how the excitement will build each day as we approach Jesus' birthday!! I can just hear Audrey now "Happy to Jesus"!

This is how Audrey rolls

Audrey this morning "naated" but with her hat on! Oh the desires of a 20 month old.

A Man's Thursday

A couple Thursday's Chris and my Dad started and and completed a big project. Dad was done with harvest and so the timing was perfect.

We had some gross looking "bushes" or let's say sticks in a bundle that graced the front of our house and it was time for them to go. And, our sidewalk going up to our front door was cracked and uneven in a couple places. So, the project was: tear out the bush things and then pier up the sidewalk. They did both. Started around 8:30am, Dad had to leave around 2:30 and Chris then finished up around 4. They came in for a chicken taco salad at noon but otherwise were two working men all day. I got quite a lot done that day too because Audrey was glued to the window watching Daddy & Pops work.

What a great little Thursday!

It's that time of year!

Saturday morning I started bringing Christmas into our home. Chris hauled all the tubs up from the basement storage room and the process began! First Thanksgiving/fall decorations had to come down so the red and green could go up! Everything is up but the tree and that will go up this week.

I took pictures of my decorations last year and used them for a reminder where things go. I thought maybe this would take the creativity and "fun" out of it but it really didn't- it allowed me to just do and not think too much! At this stage of my life, with a toddler and a pregnancy (that's sucking all brain power away) this is a good thing!

Audrey enjoyed playing with her nativitiy set again this year- it's a new toy each year for her which is a great deal and great fun!

The bee at work and at play

The Making of Jack

It was our first pumpkin carving experience as a family. It went fairly well except for the fact that Audrey wanted NOTHING to do with the slimy seeds and ended up on the deck floor playing with those darn "lady bugs" or Asian beetles whatever they are. When "Jack" was complete she had fun holding him and pointing out his eyes, nose, mouth and teeth.

I think the highlight for Audrey was eating the seeds- she loved them and Chris and I said they were better than we remember as a child! Starting these traditions with Audrey is just pretty fun!

99 Balloons

This is beautiful.
I love the saying at the end of this video:
God Gives. God Takes. God's Name Be Ever Blessed. Job 1:21

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th6Njr-qkq0&feature=email

Pillar

What a B-E-A-utiful day!

Audrey, Daddy and I were outside and we happened across a caterpillar- you know the brown fuzzy ones. Audrey took a special liking to "him" so we brought him in for a "pet". I cleaned out a Kerr jar and wa la - a home for "Pillar" - as Audrey calls him.

I need to do some "research" on the internet on how to keep him alive - what do you feed those little guys? Or we might just throw him, I mean place him outside. We'll see how well Pillar sleeps tonight and determine his fate in the morning!

For now, this picture is just as sweet as they come!

Celebrating 30!

October 19th I celebrated 30 years! It started off with 3 girlfriends from Sabetha picking me up and taking me to Weston for a girls night, girls dinner and girls talk till 2am. It was just lovely!

Saturday morning Chris picked me up at 11 in Weston and he easily swayed me to go to our favorite pizza place in KC: Waldo Pizza in Waldo, MO. It didn't take much convincing- b/c when hunger strikes a pregnant lady she just needs food and my favorite pizza sounded great!

We walked in and Chris took my hand to the "party room" and I knew it- this would not be a table for 2. It was about 50 of my most favorite people in one room! They were all in a semi circle and all yelled out the SURPRISE! I cried and my hands and legs were shaking! It was perfect! I just wanted to have a BIG group hug, but instead I contained the tears and the shaking subsided and the party went on.

Next on the agenda would typically be a nap for the pregnant Momma- but we're in KC and I'm 30 and I'm not going to the hotel like a fuddy duddy and taking a snoozer. So, Chris and I went to Starbucks on the plaza and had a nice drink (and blueberry muffin for me and baby), then to the hotel- Hotel Phillips downtown and freshened up and on to the next partay! I tell you what- this husband made the plans!

After watching our Cats loose to the Buffs in a swank party room where our friend Marc lives downtown we ventured to the Power and Light District and got a feel for night life in KC. Let's just say I felt very mature and over-dressed or should I say very well clothed.

My sweet pregnant friend Edee bought me a fun drink (cranberry juice and 7-up) in a fun glass- I felt so up town!

Chris did awesome- he exceeded expectations and proved that he is a planner and he can throw a big gig when he wants to! Thanks hun!

And to all my friends and family who helped me celebrate these first 30 years of life- THANKS! I can't wait to live the next 30 with you!

As promised: fall fest pics

Well, life got in the way of posting fall fest pictures. In short, the fall fest was a great success. We had so many kids and each one had a great time and from what I heard it was a good night of sleep for each child in attendance- oh yes, and parent too! It was constant action from the start to the finish. Thanks to my parents for letting us have the bash at their house!


A good ole three legged race.
Got it!

This is a very determined apple bobber!

You can do it girls!

Now, that's cute!

A Halloween candy hunt!

How many kids can get on one trampoline in the dark?

It's smores by the fire.